This ritzy spot in Malibu has often been a celebration mainstay for Westsiders and well-heeled Malibu denizens. The fare isn't particularly focused (or affordable), but with top-notch service and great views, it's hard to complain.

Forget sweeping ocean views or Downtown high-rises; Saddle Peak Lodge in Malibu Canyon is a real getaway. Nestled into a leafy corner of the Santa Monica Mountains, this longtime lodge works all manner of game onto the plate, while weekend brunchers get to enjoy the shady patio and wide expanse of greenery beyond.

Nobu Malibu caters to the rich and famous in everything from its contemporary design to its panoramic ocean views. The ultra sleek restaurant sits right on top of gently lapping waves that are illuminated in the evening, adding to the stunning ambiance that stands up well to its gorgeous clientele.

The Penthouse sits on top of the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, and treats its guests to chic, beachy decor that effortlessly lends itself to sweeping ocean views. The beautiful surroundings matches well with the venue's moneyed patrons, and makes for quite an idyllic night out.

Elsewhere in Santa Monica is Elephante, the hip new rooftop surprise that has become a go-to spot for the Westside cool kid set. With plenty of cocktails and lounge chairs with sighlines on the water, this is certainly one of the hotter places to be this summer.

There’s something for everyone at Odyssey in Granada Hills. The elevated lunch, brunch, and dinner spot keeps a casual new American menu handy for nights when a caesar salad and filet mignon are all that’s needed, or when a languishing Saturday afternoon calls for cocktails and sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley below.

It might seem out of place to think of sprawling views in Culver City, but that’s exactly what is on tap at the new Margot at the Platform project. With the elevated light rail line rolling past and tons of construction just beyond in the bustling city, this is the place for sunshine, drinks, and a view of the Westside’s future.

With a rooftop perch in West Hollywood, plus bar bites from chef Louis Tikaram, the "L.P." portion of this restaurant is a great place to hang out, have a few drinks, and party the night away. Enjoy views from the Hollywood Hills down into the heart of Los Angeles.

Few restaurants offer such direct sight lines of the iconic Hollywood sign as Mama Shelter, the hotel rooftop that is a local meeting spot for after-work libations and snacks that linger late into the night.

After a $10 million revamp, the Valley’s Castaway is back in Burbank in a major way. The gorgeous space boasts sweeping vistas of the basin and hillside beyond. Consider this a love letter to the SFV, with plenty of New American fare playing a supporting role.

This classy dining room with Chinese-inspired fare from Wolfgang Puck has been one of the premier Downtown restaurants that offer a great view. Highlights from the menu might include a tasting of dim sum, whole fried sea bass, roasted duckling "Peking style." Of course, if it’s too hard to choose, there are also a few tasting menu options.

It’s officially pool time in Los Angeles, and there are few better places to celebrate the occasion than at Broken Shaker, where cocktails and bar snacks reign supreme. Save room for the downstairs restaurant’s primo burger, too.

Downtown’s most notorious luxury restaurant may well be 71Above, the 71st-floor eatery inside the US Bank Tower building. Not only is the entire building iconic, but the restaurant itself is turning out some of the area’s best refined tasting menu meals.

It’s easy to understand why this waterfront brewery and restaurant has become a Long Beach go-to. With craft brews and extensive seaside views, the weekend crowds arrive in droves.

Where else can one enjoy a simple egg and bacon breakfast within eyesight of the highest peak in LA county? And where else is lunch served in the summertime only after a ski lift ride? Available only on weekends, Top of the Notch is nothing short of literally breathtaking, as its situated thousands of feet above sea level. It’s a perfect stop-off for serious hikers and day-trippers alike, and offers the sort of comfort fare that fuels a day on the mountain.