Joe's Restaurant

This is one of L.A.'s best dining bargains. Chef/owner Joe Miller gutted and completely remodeled a tiny, quirky storefront, adding a far more spacious dining room and display wine room (though the best tables are still tucked away on the trellised outdoor patio complete with a gurgling waterfall). But don't let the upscale additions dissuade your budgeted appetite -- Joe's remains a hidden treasure for those with a champagne palate but a seltzer pocketbook. For lunch, the three-course menu is only $18 -- things like California sand dabs with cherry tomato, arugula, and Maine sweet shrimp, with a fresh mixed green salad or one of Miller's exquisite soups. Seasonal dinner entrees are equally sophisticated: beet risotto with grilled asparagus, fallow deer wrapped in bacon (served in a black currant sauce with a side of roasted root vegetables), monkfish in a saffron broth, or wild striped bass with curried cauliflower coulis. Tip: Brunch is among the best in town.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.