Chez Melange – You can decide what to have at some special occasion restaurants before you leave the house – the menu never changes, so you’ll have the same steak that you had at the last anniversary, and the one before that. This is not the case at Chez Melange, which offers an ever-changing selection of the most eclectic, interesting food in the South Bay. There are a few constant stars in the firmament, some dishes that will satisfy the unadventurous, but adventure beckons from the specials menu. Even if your event isn’t exciting, the food will be.Chez Melange: 1611 S. Catalina, RB (310) 540-1222. www.chezmelange.com
Runner-up: Zane’s, 1150 Hermosa Ave., HB. (310) 374-7488.
