Behind the Melrose-facing dining room and bar, a cabana-kissed patio beckons.

Near the comedy clubs on the Melrose strip, this hipster haven's Lawrence of Arabia theme is reflected in the candle-lined dining room and the patio's curtained cabanas. Completing the vibe: Mediterranean-inspired fare like Moroccan "cigars" (spicy ground beef wrapped in phyllo), chicken satay with peanut sauce, and lobster tail served with coconut-curry asparagus. It's romantic enough for a low-key date, but also fun for chatty groups, especially during the "pajama party brunch" on the weekends. —Lesley Balla