Morocco by the Beach

Known as one of the best al fresco dining spots in Los Angeles – and most romantic – The Little Door opened a second location in Santa Monica last month. The famed West Hollywood restaurant founded by Nicolas and Frederic Meschin, as well as Marc-Antoine Rambud has been a hidden paradise for almost 18 years where the colorful crowd matches the bold Moroccan-ish interior. The dimly lighted dining rooms and terraces capture the spirit of the South of France and the rustic Mediterranean/Moroccan/French cuisine makes The Little Door a perfect venue for a lamb and couscous kind of date-night.

Now a major new player on the Westside, these dwellers – myself included – are overjoyed by not having to deal with crosstown traffic just to experience some mid city coolness, as well as the delicious food from chef T. Nicolas Peter, who prepares a range of bites – large bites, as the portions are very generous – from couscous royale and prime tenderloin carpaccio to chocolate pot de creme for dessert. Located in a charming historic building in Brentwood, two simple wooden doors open to quite a buzz on this side of town. Like its West Hollywood sibling, the restaurant is decorated in bright blues and yellows, rustic wooden furniture and a fireplace that still retains the country charm feel of its predecessor Villetta. This side of town is now all about French chic, and the beautiful crowd inside those little doors. www.thelittledoor.com