by Mar Yvette - 482 Reviews - 150 List
With the holiday season in full swing, chances are that many of us will find ourselves (however grudgingly) joining the herds at the nearest mall. But just because you're stuck in retail hell doesn't mean you can't feast on food that goes way beyond the food court experience. Here are five of our favorite mall dining spots in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Updated: December 15, 2009
Westside Pavilion's best dining bet might call itself a tavern, but its seasonally-driven menu is way beyond typical bar fare. Options range from soups, salads and sandwiches(try the grilled three-cheese) to entrees like pan-roasted halibut and steak. There are plenty of beers on tap and the cocktails (priced at $10) are top-notch with fresh fruits and veggies. Located on the ground level of the mall below the Landmark Theaters, it's the ideal spot for a bite or drink either before or after a movie.
This uber-chic bistro isn't just located in the most luxe mall in SoCal (yeah, we're talking about South Coast Plaza), it's perched on the penthouse. So it's no wonder that folks with a penchant for glamour and a hankering for French food flock here for classics like moules frites, oysters du jour, Alsatian tarte flambee and artisan cheese/charcuterie plates. Oh, and the outdoor patio is perfect for a touch of romance. Ooh la la.
Yet another South Coast Plaza dining destination, Charlie Palmer's eponymous outpost at Bloomingdale's is just what you'd expect: high-end, progressive American cooking served in a swishy setting with a price tag to match. The social lounge area is perfect for lingering over a martini (or two) and small plates like the blue cheese-stuffed dates, while the main dining room is where you can really spend time indulging in dishes like Sonoma chicken with truffle mac and cheese.
Westfield Century City's over-the-top eatery of exaggerated Eastern imagery (think giant Buddha statues, gold columns and ornately carved teak panels) is where to escape the retail hassle for some Southeast Asian dazzle. While it might seem kitschy, the food is actually quite tasty. Try the chicken-and-mushroom lettuce wraps (served with romaine, not iceberg), vegetarian-friendly green curry soup, traditional pad thai and Vietnamese-style shortribs.
When shoppers at the Americana at Brand are on the prowl for more than just a sale at Banana Republic, they head to this much larger (and livelier) sister location of the Beverly Hills original. Whether inside the colorful space or outside on the sidewalk patio, you can enjoy gourmet twists on Mexican favorites like roasted pork tacos, shrimp and avocado ceviche, seared tuna salad with citrus-tequila vinaigrette, chicken mole verde and filet mignon with Mexican truffle-chile sauce.
