LA Restaurant Suggestions for a NY'er visiting the In-Laws

Yep, La Scala and Dan Tana's are definitely 2 of their spots. And Madeo's was the place I was confusing with La Scala. That's the place that poured the great scotch, and had a really good vibe.

I think Providence is one of the places I've read about and been intrigued by. Looking fwd to scoping out all these recommendations when I can get to my real computer...

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Dan Tana's Restaurant
9071 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Madeo Restaurant
8897 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

La Scala
1100 S San Pedro St Ste A0, Los Angeles, CA 90015

freethefrug in Los Angeles Area

LA Restaurant Suggestions for a NY'er visiting the In-Laws

Wow, fantastic suggestions, thanks all. Looking forward to checking them all out further.

Coffiebrownies - some that they frequent are the Boa steakhouses (they have a "connection"), The Griill. There's an old style, way overpriced (but pours a GREAT scotch) Italian place in Beverly Hills. I've been to the Ivy w/ them a couple times. Generally a lot of Beverly Hills (they live up the hill from there), and/or sceney LA restaurants. Really appreciate the feedback!

freethefrug in Los Angeles Area

LA Restaurant Suggestions for a NY'er visiting the In-Laws

Need help!

I'm a lifelong New Yorker and foodie. My wife's from LA, and we visit her parents often.

I've become frustrated by meals there. My in-laws love to go out to dinner, which is great. But we re-visit their favorites over and over, which are generally over-priced, over-flashy, and unexceptional foodwise.

As an NYC snob, I've always loved the endless restaurant options in the city, particularly the gems in virtually all neighborhoods with delicious food, regardless of scene, popularity, etc. From the authentic to the inventive, so many great options which my wife and I love to share in.

In LA, my experiences have (generally) been style over substance. (Exceptions are great breakfast spots, Mexican food, and of all things Jewish Deli's, which barely exist in NYC anymore).

But I've been reading for the past couple of years that the food scene has really improved in recent years, and that there are truly interesting and delicious new restaurants all over town.

So I'm looking for suggestions which the in-laws will find different from their usual scene; and my wife and I will find delicious and unique.

The big caveat is that my in-laws are - no better way to say this - REALLY "L.A.-ey" My mother in-law never orders anything as it's presented on the menu. She's like a Get Shorty caricature ... "I'll have the branzino, but simply grilled with no seasoning, and a leaf of steamed spinach." The father in-law is a sophisticated guy, but not with food. Rarely met an ingredient or menu item he's heard of. And worst of all, both of them - while not Kosher - don't really dig on the swine.

Anyway, lenghty description but hope it paints the picture. They're taking us out next week, and for once I'm allowed to suggest the place. Price not a big issue (just not looking for tasting menu kind of prices), nor location (hey, it's LA, we'll be in the car!!).

Thanks in advance...

freethefrug in Los Angeles Area