The Wicked Garden

Opened in late October to offer a hip, gothic dining option like one may expect to find in L.A. Low lighting sets the mood in the darkly artsy restaurant. Patrons can settle in to grandiose booths aptly referred to as "suites," or sit in throne-like armchairs at heavy, dark wood tables.

The menu is described as "Euro-fornia," offering prime meats, like Wagyu beef from Kobe, Japan, and exotic fish and spices. The outside lounge features a velvety couch with silky throw pillows, intimate coffee tables and strong drinks. For a special evening, request the red room, a sultry nook off the dining room. Co-owner Tim Roush and his wife, Kelly, the sommelier, were inspired to create a gothic restaurant after getting married in Europe, and for seven years collected the antiques and artifacts showcased in the restaurant. The chef is John Loxterman, formerly of The Studio at The Montage Resort & Spa. (Cynthia Rupe, SqueezeOC)