Though this restaurant's name implies it's dangling off a Silver Lake hillside with a panoramic view of the city below, Cliff's Edge is just a backwards play on the nearest cross street (Edgecliffe Drive). But there is a pastoral atmosphere on the expansive patio.

The two-tiered patio, shaded by a giant ficus tree and set in a walled garden, feels completely remote from the gritty strip outside (and 99 Only Store next door). Complete with dimly lit dining room and spacious bar inside, it's a perfect hideaway. The Italian-American menu offers simple dishes done well, like lamb chops, sea trout, linguini vongole, and a perfectly dressed apple, endive and walnut salad. For dessert, the chocolate pot de creme is decadent but not too decadent; the poached pear is a good option for those who like less-sweet sweets. Service is friendly, if slow. The restaurant isn't open for lunch, but the weekend brunch menu selections include poached eggs on sourdough toast and basil crepes filled with smoked salmon. —Lesley Balla