Made in the shade

Cliff's Edge

A shaded, two-tiered patio flush with greenery -- including a decades-old ficus tree -- and benches covered with fluffy pillows make this hidden Silver Lake spot a cozy retreat. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends only. The crab hash (hash browns and mixed greens with crab, eggs and two kinds of salsa) is as decadent as the surroundings.

* Crab hash, $16. 3626 Sunset Blvd., L.A., (323) 666-6116.

Chateau Restaurant

at the Chateau Marmont

Nestled just off the hotel's lobby, it features a chic terrace with low-cut hedges and elegantly set tables shaded by umbrellas. The vibe is so low-key, it's easy to forget that the Sunset Strip madness is yards away. The chopped salad (pretty much a Cobb salad) will keep you coming back for more. Take note: reservations required.

* Chopped salad, $16. 8221 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 656-1010.

El Portal

The decorations at this Pasadena fave are charmingly mismatched, and the hectic brick patio, with tables seemingly set up according to the whim of that day's servers, extends the homegrown vibe. The specialty is Yucatan fare, and cochinita pibil (shredded pork marinated in achiote and baked in banana leaves) is a highlight.

* Cochinita pibil, $10. 695 E. Green St., Pasadena, (626) 795-8553.

The Terrace at the Hotel Bel-Air

Sporting pastoral views, the Terrace offers the kind of alfresco experience usually reserved for European shipping magnates on holiday. Warm your heart by the lake bustling with swans, then sink your teeth into a scrumptious Stone Canyon ham and Gruyère sandwich. Make your reservation for early Sunday brunch, when the bougainvillea is still dewy.

* Sunday brunch, $65 per person. 701 Stone Canyon Road, L.A., (310) 472-5234.

Fraîche

After perusing Culver City's gallery scene, continue your European daydream at Thierry Perez's country-style French-Italian venture. The salad with red endives, Parmesan and farmers market mushrooms and the cooling "sangria" (actually vodka with strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier and lime essence) are a fine excuse to nosh away an afternoon on the patio.

* Mushroom salad, $11. 9411 Culver Blvd., Culver City, (310) 839-6800.

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