It’s unusual for a chain restaurant to win in a competitive poll in an area so supportive of small, local businesses. Fleming’s is the expert on steaks, offering both wet-aged and dry-aged beef – and if you’ve never tried both to savor the difference, it’s an interesting experiment in flavor. Great steaks are hard to produce on a standard grill, and Fleming’s has both the high-temperature equipment and the expertise to use it effectively. Try a piece of quality meat adorned by nothing more than salt and pepper, or go for a more stylish version rubbed with porcini mushrooms or peppercorns – with or without gorgonzola or homemade steak sauce. It’s a memorable meal. — RF
2301 Rosecrans Ave., El Segundo. (310) 643-6911
Runner-up: Fonz’s. 1017 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. (310) 376-1536
