"AOC is a classic, and even if it’s not as exciting as it was 10 years ago, it’s still a great spot to grab a glass of wine with a client or spark some romance with your spouse of 15 years. With a roaring fireplace and Juliet balconies circling the courtyard, this California/French spot still has one of the best patios in the city. You might be across the street from the biggest hospital in California, but here, you feel like you’ve been transported to a farm estate deep in Provence. Order the Spanish chicken, a bunch of charcuterie, and one of our favorite paellas in the city." - brant cox