Best Special Occasions Restaurants in Palms Cheviot Hills (90034)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
#1
n/naka
9.3
Chef Niki Nakayama’s modern kaiseki is the defining special-occasion meal on the Westside, balancing deep Japanese technique with California seasonality. Courses move from feather-light dashi and pristine sashimi to warm, comforting clay-pot and grill moments, all paced with quiet precision. Reservations are tough, but the experience feels intimate and personal from first bite to final dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting menu, Abalone spaghetti with mentaiko and black truffle, Miyazaki wagyu course when offered
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred, contemporary kaiseki tasting led by Chef Niki Nakayama.
9.1
A discreet, reservation-only Edo-style omakase counter where each piece is shaped and seasoned to be eaten immediately. The experience is quiet, ultra-focused, and built around top-tier fish flown in frequently, with pacing that rewards attention. Come here when you want chef-driven classic nigiri at a destination level in a strip-mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Zuke toro, Uni with warm rice
What makes it special: Pure omakase-only Edo nigiri with meticulous rice-and-fish balance.
Notable Picks
A Westside Cuban institution where big flavors and lively service make celebrations easy. The garlic-forward roasts, strong coffee, and bustling dining room suit group birthdays and family gatherings without feeling formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famoso Pollo Versailles (garlic chicken), Ropa vieja, Cuban sandwich with plantains
What makes it special: High-energy Cuban classics that feel festive every night.
An iconic gastropub by chef Sang Yoon that helped redefine the modern American burger-and-beer bar in LA. The Office Burger sets the tone—rich, balanced, and built to pair with a deep craft-beer list. It’s a high-energy Helms District staple with enduring local pull and Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Office Burger, Sweet potato fries with aioli, Craft beer flight
What makes it special: The legendary Office Burger and one of LA’s most influential gastropub programs.
#5
Phorage
8.4
A modern Vietnamese spot in Palms known for clean, deeply simmered broths and high-quality meats. The menu stays focused on pho, bánh mì, and rice plates, with consistent execution that keeps locals coming back for weeknight comfort and takeout alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Pho, Wagyu Beef Pho, Claypot Chicken
What makes it special: Upmarket pho and grilled meats built on carefully sourced ingredients.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A casual seafood-boil-and-bar vibe where you celebrate by getting messy. The Cajun-spiced pots and cold drinks make it a fun, energetic pick for birthdays that want flavor and volume over formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Warm lobster roll, Old Bay cheese fries, Coconut shrimp
What makes it special: Lobster-focused American comfort food in a casual Palms setting.
7.6
A long-running neighborhood Szechwan spot that leans into bold chile heat, numbing peppercorns, and comfort-classic stir fries. The dining room is low-key, but the kitchen’s best dishes carry real depth and crave-factor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy wontons in chili oil, Chengdu-style dry-fried chicken, Mapo tofu
What makes it special: Classic Szechwan heat done with real spice balance.