Getting an eyeful

Blue Velvet

The music is groovy. The main dining room, overlooking a pool and downtown L.A., is sexy and bopping. And the food is surprisingly serious for such a hipster destination. Not to be missed? Chef Kris Morningstar’s crispy yogurt starter: light and crunchy golden rolls of pastry enrobing mild yogurt, cut in half and set on spinach almond puree.

* Crispy yogurt, $11. 750 Garland St., L.A., (213) 239-0061.

The Terrace

It doesn’t get much more L.A. than this casual poolside spot in the Sunset Tower Hotel, that Deco beauty on the strip. Chef Dakota Weiss’ menu features big salads, such as a lobster Cobb, as well as steak frites. And you can’t beat the view. That alone is worth the price of admission.

* Lobster Cobb, $26. 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 654-7100.

Minx

This sprawling restaurant, lounge and nightclub has an expansive patio with views of Glendale, Burbank and more. There you can sample from chef Joseph Antonishek’s global menu, including filet mignon robata lettuce cups and halibut roasted in banana leaves with sticky coconut rice. Fun and yummy cocktails too.

* Halibut, $23. 300 Harvey Drive, Glendale, (818) 242-9191.

Gladstone’s

The party is especially lively in the bar area when happy hour is in effect, from 5:30 to 6:30 weeknights, and the entire menu -- from the lobster roll to the pescatore pasta -- can be had at 30% off. Don’t want to eat so early? You won’t get the killer ocean view. But if you request “the worst table in the house,” and it’s available, you’ll get the same discount, no matter the time.

* Lobster roll, $11.95 (regular price). 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, (310) 454-3474.

Blue on Blue

The dining revolves around a peanut-shaped pool at this very un-hotel hotel restaurant. Chef Gabriel Gabreski, who came on board a little less than a year ago, has put together a short but appealing menu. Crispy Muscovy duck breast, for instance, is served with chestnut spaetzle and braised red cabbage. Just need a little nosh? Check out the bar menu.

* Duck, $29. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 277-5221.

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-- Leslee Komaiko