"You’ve sat through a million terrible work dinners where you have to nod while Helen brings up her kid’s archery championship for the fifth time. But when you’re actually excited about going to dinner with clients you actually like, Rustic Canyon is a great choice. This Santa Monica staple is loud without being unbearable, the service is good but not overbearing, and the food is just plain great. The wine list is also one of the best on the Westside, so it’s safe to bring that one person with the intimidating, climate-controlled home cellar." - jess basser sanders, amy clark, brant cox