View masters

In the world of Southern California restaurants, a knockout view usually means sand and sea. But not always, as the following attest.

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Garden Grill

Thousand Cranes is the better known of the rooftop restaurants at the New Otani Hotel in downtown L.A. But this teppan-style spot -- a more civilized Benihana, if you will -- is equally good and enjoys the same picturesque garden views. Diners can choose from three prix fixe dinners, including one starring lobster, scallops and shrimp, or order a la carte.

* Seafood prix fixe dinner, $85.95 per person. 120 S. Los Angeles St., L.A., (213) 253-9255.

Typhoon

This lively pan-Asian eatery overlooking Runway 21 at the Santa Monica Airport might be best known as the place where they offer cricket, worm and ant dishes. But the menu goes well beyond bugs. The Mongolian lamb with sesame buns is a favorite, and there are lots of fruity cocktails. And gratis play sunglasses for the kids, all the better to watch those private jets taking off and landing.

* Lamb, $16.50. 3221 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, (310) 390-6565.

Kantina

The name might suggest a Corona and taco joint. And yes, you can have those things. But the tacos at this Newport Beach newcomer are filet mignon or tuna tartare. The bi-level dining room and lounge are oh so chic, the crowd tanned and beautiful, and the marina view as good as it gets.

* Filet mignon tacos, $15; tuna tacos, $12. 2406 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, (949) 673-1400.

Yamashiro

For much of its life, this hilltop Japanese pagoda was best known for drinks and dynamite city views. It’s still that. But now there’s some tasty food as well, including wacky specialty sushi rolls such as the Darth Vader, a spicy tuna roll made with black rice and black tobiko, and for meat eaters, an American Kobe New York steak with a plum wine reduction.

* Darth Vader, $13; steak, $65. 1999 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, (323) 466-5125.

L.A. Prime

First things first: Unlike the BonaVista Lounge one floor below, this steakhouse atop downtown L.A.’s Westin Bonaventure Hotel does not spin. Nonetheless, the view is a knockout. And there are lots of curtained semi-private booths to up the romance factor. To eat? Why, beef, of course, all prime, with a selection of sauces.

* Steaks, $38.25 to $43.50. 404 S. Figueroa St., L.A., (213) 612-4743.

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-- Leslee Komaiko