Many Los Angeles restaurants claim a celebrity clientele, but Michael’s in Santa Monica, arguably the birthplace of California cuisine, is the real deal. Under the direction of Michael McCarty, Michael’s keeps a database of its famous clients, right down to what they do for a living, how many times they’ve been in and what they’ve ordered. (Mel Brooks is among the many regulars.) Indeed, the 20-year-old Michael’s has seating arrangements down to a science; they’re tweaked multiple times a day (to accommodate dueling agents, of course). Like many loyal (and not necessarily famous) Michael’s patrons, however, we prefer to dine in the lovely garden with a retractable ceiling; it’s just the place to seal a deal while enjoying a juicy Michael’s burger with applewood-smoked bacon.

Michael's Information:

• Californian menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Sunday. Bar. Reservations recommended.