Beverly Hills
Barney Greengrass Restaurant. The top-floor location of the deli-style dining room in upscale Barneys New York has beautiful vistas of residential Beverly Hills. Excellent smoked fish and authentic, chewy bagels. $$. 9570 Wilshire Blvd., fifth floor; 310/777-5877.
Manhattan Beach
Uncle Bill's Pancake House. Neighborhood folks line up to chow down on 11 varieties of homemade pancakes, including buttermilk studded with macadamia nuts. The patio looks down three idyllic pedestrian blocks to the sandy shore. $. 1305 Highland Ave.; 310/545-5177.
Pacific Palisades
Gladstone's 4 Fish. Grab a picture window booth for 180۩ views of Santa Monica Bay and the crashing waves while you enjoy the standout Fisherman's Breakfast (two eggs any style with fresh trout or swordfish). $$. 17300 W. Pacific Coast Hwy.; 310/454-3474.
Venice
Figtree's Cafe. Counterculture-inspired food since 1978, including tofu scrambles and cornmeal pancakes with apple butter. Watch the passing throng of surfers, performers, and bikini-clad skaters on the endlessly fascinating Venice Boardwalk. $. 429 Ocean Front Walk; 310/392-4937.
West Hollywood
Le Clafoutis. At this bakery and cafe, front tables look out over the Sunset Strip, while the balcony out back has a downhill panorama sweeping from Century City to the Beverly Center. Try the hot potato gratin. $. 8630 Sunset Blvd.; 310/659-5233.
