Right at home

The Cottage

Built as a residence in 1917, this O.C. institution is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year. It’s especially popular at breakfast, when the kitchen turns out golden, cinnamon-

scented French toast as well as six variations of eggs Benedict, including one with filet mignon.

* French toast, $6.25. 308 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-3023.

The Raymond

This lovingly restored early 1900s Craftsman, once the caretaker’s cottage for the Raymond Hotel, oozes charm. This, along with dishes such as sauteed John Dory over celery root puree at dinner, and curry with chicken, lamb or shrimp served during weekend brunch service, has earned the restaurant a loyal following.

* John Dory, $27; curry, $14 to $18. 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, (626) 441-3136.

The Sundried Tomato Cafe

A little more than a block from the mission, this adobe, circa the late 1800s, now features a sleek interior, all the better to show off the tasty, contemporary California fare. At lunch, it’s all about the salads. Can’t decide which to order? The sampler includes the signature chopped salad with beets, dried cranberries and pine nuts, the Asian chicken salad and the gorgonzola and apple salad.

* Salad sampler, $13. 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 661-1167.

La Cachette

Located on the edge of a pretty Westside neighborhood, Jean-Francois Meteigner’s cheery but sophisticated dining room is the perfect place for a celebration or grown-up dinner out. Don’t be put off by the French label -- Meteigner’s food isn’t all cream and butter. Consider the warm Maine lobster salad with a fabulous white truffle oil dressing (also available bottled to go).

* Lobster salad, $25. 10506 Little Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, (310) 470-4992.

Memphis

Since Reign closed several years back, L.A. has been without a trendy, upscale Southern restaurant. Enter this spot, housed in a charming 1903 two-story set back off the boulevard. Downstairs is a super-sexy, boudoir-inspired lounge. Upstairs, in the dining room, young lovelies dig into bowls of seafood gumbo while their dates have baby back ribs.

* Gumbo, $12; ribs, $28. 6541 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 465-8600.

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-- Leslee Komaiko