Message: | First of all, congratulations!
Now, first I must say, coming from experience: propose in the hotel room, THEN go out to dinner. Anyway, no one ever listens to that idea...
The Inn of the Seventh Ray suggestion is a marvelous one, but untenable without a car. They are definitely more than a little hippy-dippy there, but I suspect they'd work closely with you to help make the evening a success. When I've been there - even on a Monday - it seems like everyone in the restaurant is having a special occasion.
Of the restaurants you mentioned, I only have personal experience with One Pico. It is good - but that's really all. The less-formal sister restaurant downstairs (Pedals, I believe) has a better view.
Tell us a little bit more about what "atmosphere" means to you. If it means the traditional thing - beautiful flora, rushing creek, clear mountain air, etc. - then there's really only one place in LA you should even momentarily consider for a marriage proposal: The Hotel Bel Air.
Seriously, don't even screw around with any place else. This is one of the finest hotels in the world, with absolutely impeccable service. The setting is extraordinary - make sure you sit outside, and it is like you in a far off land. There's a creek/lake on the property with swans, the dining terrace is covered with ferns and bouganvilla, and the air...ah, the air...is like being in the high sierras. The food is, well, secondary; very good, very expensive, very predictable. (Although I am open to further input from chowhound insiders...)
Really, as great as Inn of the Seventh Ray is, if you are going to futz around with a marriage proposal outside of your hotel room, just go to the Hotel Bel Air. |