LIGHT SUPPERS FOR NIGHT OWLS

Standing in the lobby after seeing a movie with friends, you look at your watch: 10:30 p.m. Where can you go to get a late bite? Everyone looks at each other blankly.

Although Los Angeles is not known for its late hours, we do have restaurants that cater to night owls.

LE CAFE, 14633 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 986-2662. If you happen to wind up in the Valley, you can get a modern-style selection of pastas, burgers and salads. The restaurant is rather nondescript, but the food is quite good. Late-supper menu of sandwiches, pastas and the like, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. every night. All major credit cards accepted. Menu prices, $6-$11; regular dinner menu also available; jazz upstairs.

CHAYA BRASSERIE, 8741 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, (213) 859-8833. Designed to be light, open, calm-but-happening: This describes the restaurant as well as the food, with the late-supper menu and clientele tending toward the highly fashionable nouveaux. “Appetizers” available 10:30 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 to midnight Friday and Saturday; AE, MC, V. Menu prices, $4-$12.

THE GRILL, 9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, (213) 276-0615. A refined, old-fashioned grill decor provides the background of this hangout for entertainment heavies; burgers, salads and the like served late. “Supper specials” of sandwiches, salads, 10 p.m. to midnight except Sunday. All major credit cards accepted. Menu prices, $8-$18.

THE GINGER MAN, 369 N. Bedford, Beverly Hills, (213) 273-7585. Full of action, a busy place to stop by late for an omelet, a salad, a hamburger. “Supper” menu of light entrees 10:30 p.m. to midnight (or after) Tuesday through Saturday; AE, MC, V. Menu prices $9-$18.

HARRY’S BAR AND AMERICAN GRILL, 2020 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, (213) 277-2333. An after-theater, after-movie place, also catering to the after-screening regulars, with Northern Italian and American food. Late-night menu of salads, omelets and more, from about 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. Menu prices, $6-$15 (regular menu also available).

NUCLEUS NUANCE, 7267 Melrose Ave., L.A., (213) 939-8666. A long, zigzag corridor finally opens out into a collection of dining areas with an elegant, deco bar where food is also served (if it’s not too busy); the atmosphere most resembles a tasteful New York supper club. Ranging from traditional Italian to nouvelle, late-supper appetizers are available 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. every night. All major credit cards. Menu prices, around $6. Regular menu till midnight; entertainment in club room.

PACIFIC DINING CAR, 1310 West 6th St., L.A., (213) 483-6000. The original railroad car has been extended in several directions over the last 65 years, and photographs on the walls reflect this establishment’s link with L.A. history. Late-supper menu features all types of egg dishes and also includes salads, steak sandwich, hamburger: the traditional lighter favorites, served 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. every night. MC, V. Menu prices, $5-$9, (regular dinner menu also available).

PINAFINI, 8612 Beverly Blvd., L.A., (213) 854-3039. A bright, happening place crowded with the tireless young who are eager for the late menu of appetizers, salads, pastas and pizzas. 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every night. AE, MC, V. Menu prices under $10.

TRUMP’S, 8764 Melrose Ave., L.A., (213) 855-1480. Contemporary art exhibited among the architecturally appointed fixtures. “Add on” menu of nouvelle chili, omelets, designer French toast and other light dishes. 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; till 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. AE, MC, V. Menu prices, $11-$14 (regular dinner items also available).

WEST BEACH CAFE, 60 N. Venice Blvd., Venice, (213) 823-5396. Plenty of art-consciousness here among the customers, reflected by changing exhibitions of contemporary art and photography. Specialty pizzas 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. every night. All major credit cards. Menu prices, $10-$12.