Best of Los Angeles Food & Drink: R

Best Rooftop: Margot

There are rooftops upon rooftops in Los Angeles, crowned by restaurants and bars with sweeping views from the mountains to the sea. We love Margot in Culver City, not just because it has one of the most exciting menus in step with the current Mediterranean trend across L.A., but also because of its proximity to the metro line stop within walking distance that makes it easily accessible. You can do this carless from just about anywhere.

The classic indoor/outdoor aesthetic that has been a signature California design is welcoming, whimsical and friendly. There’s live music at sunset while trains quietly come and go from the station, giving it a unique urban vibe that’s exciting and in constant motion.

Located in the Platform complex in Culver City, which encourages food traffic, Italian cuisine gets a California twist with many plant-based dishes, pasta and proteins.  The bar with a view of the Hollywood Hills and downtown is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and features specialty cocktails like Jane’s Addiction — dandelion-infused vodka with orange, Manzanilla sherry and lemon.

Small plates include an incredible eggplant caponata toast with house focaccia, herbs and feta and killer piquillo peppers stuffed with idiazabel cheese and salsa verde. The market lettuces with a buttermilk herb dressing and serrano ham cracklings are a must.  There’s a generous crudo bar and fish like  seared wild scallops with braised chickpeas and preserved lemon or American wagyu zabuton for carnivores. —Michele Stueven

8820 Washington Blvd. #301, Culver City; (310) 643-5853, margot.la.