Sona

In Short
Arguably L.A.'s most acclaimed restaurant, Sona is a bit of an anomaly. After all, in a city where it's more about style than substance, this disarmingly simple space tantalizes the eye with not much more than a bubbling stone fountain and a candlelit bar. The chilly dining room with unadorned, brushed concrete walls and minimalist decor, feels more like a stark sushi bar than a luxurious L.A. hideaway. Indeed, the focus here is squarely on the food. Classically trained chef David Myers' superlative menu meshes fresh seasonal ingredients with culinary creativity. First courses blend textures and flavors in unexpected ways, such as creamy macaroni with crispy, succulent sweetbreads and foie gras terrine with apple butter and pine nut vinaigrette that's simultaneously savory and buttery. Second courses are flawlessly executed, especially Kobe steak paired with a bundle of smoky, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, and a sweet, meaty duck breast draped over mildly grilled eggplant and a tangy brown mustard sauce. To finish, the chocolate brioche pudding topped with caramelized bananas and macadamia malted ice cream is divine. Service is polite and doting--it's nice to be spoiled.