A.O.C.

"We love the patio at A.O.C., but we might love their upstairs wine room even more. It feels like an old-school gentlemen’s club, but one where you drink lots of wine instead of scotch. Because we all know wine is the only way you’re going to get through tonight. Capacity: 40 people in the wine room. 160 seated, 200 standing for a full buyout." - brant cox, nikko duren

"AOC is an excellent option in this area to impress your client over some charcuterie and focaccia on the insanely charming patio. At night, the candlelit patio is pretty romantic, but come daytime, it’s power-lunch heaven and your spot to get the deal done and eat some solid small plates along the way. The Spanish fried chicken is a classic." - brant cox

"Our preferred Valentine’s Day is spent on AOC’s incredible patio, but this year, we’ll happily just do takeout instead. Their $150 prix-fixe menu for two comes with lobster, crab, shrimp louis, citrus salad, scallops, Wagyu tenderloin, and more. Available for takeout and delivery." - brant cox

"A.O.C, which has a second location in Brentwood, has been a trusted LA classic for the past two decades and change. And while some small plates at this Spanish-French-Italian wine bar can seem like holdovers from another era (bacon-wrapped dates, anyone?) other dishes get our full attention, like their arroz negro. This Spanish-style squid ink paella tastes lemony and bright, topped with a pile of tangled baby squids and a blob of saffron aioli in the middle. Like a good creme brulee, this paella has two distinct textures. It develops a nice crust in the oven but stays soft and fluffy inside. " - sylvio martins

"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