5 Best dineL.A. Bets in the Valley for Winter 2019 Event

More than a dozen local restaurants are participating in dineL.A., a biannual culinary event that offers prix fixe menus across the city. The winter 2019 event runs January 11–25. Learn why five top local picks are worth a visit.

The Bellwether

The Bellwether always delivers serious value in Studio City, and their latest dineL.A. offerings are no exception. The $39 dinner offers a chance to order any three dishes from a focused eight-dish pool. The Bellwether stands out for their commitment to craft and ingredients, particularly their house-made cavatelli pasta with fierce wild boar ragù, a deceptively complex cheeseburger and curry with house-baked naan. (see full dineL.A. menu)

13251 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818-285-8184

Boneyard Bistro

Boneyard Bistro is well-known for hearty meats that come from a hickory smoker. Some of those items are available on their $39 dinner menu, but dineL.A. is an opportunity to remind diners about the eatery’s range and creativity. Frito pie “spring rolls” are one of the restaurant’s many inventive mash-ups—slathered with chili, cheese and salsa. Pan-seared rainbow trout qualifies as counter-programming, dressed with tangy caper chimichurri sauce. Dessert delivers another twist in the form of pumpkin cookies ‘n’ cream cheesecake. (see full dineL.A. menu)

13539 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-906-7427

Mister O’s

Mister O’s has been a breakout hit with midcentury modern style in Studio City. They’ve put together two enticing dineL.A. menus. Lunch is the better value: $20 for two courses. Indian woman beans may go by a strange name, but these heirloom beans create a beautiful hummus and it’s a great way to start a meal. Their spicy crispy chicken sandwich is more straightforward but no less delicious, thanks to toppings of house-made hot sauce and smoked cheddar cheese. (see full dineL.A. menu)

13539 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-906-7427

Santuari

Santuari, which recently opened adjacent to the Toluca Lake Tennis Club, is a great escape. The dining room resembles an airy Mediterranean villa, and the drama is matched by a menu that relies heavily on the sea and seasonal ingredients. Their three-course, $39 dineL.A. dinner menu begins with a delicate sea bass ceviche, moves on to heritage pork and finishes strong with a potent Turkish coffee dessert. (see full dineL.A. menu)

6711 Forest Lawn Dr., Toluca Lake, 323-902-9700

Woodley Proper

The normally casual, bar crowd favorite Woodley Proper dials up their ambition for dineL.A., serving a three-course $29 dinner available until 2 a.m. Caesar salad is trending in L.A., and Woodley Proper does this classic starter justice—featuring classic elements like romaine, anchovy, Parmesan and croutons, plus hearty kale. Last year Los Angeles magazine gave an award to Woodley Proper’s cheeseburger; you decide whether they deserve the accolade. For dessert, who would argue with a house-made donut? (see full dineL.A. menu)

16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818-906-9775