At the end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, find a windy road that meanders through the plush grounds of the Terranea Resort. Beautiful herb gardens are planted along the sidewalk leading you to Mar’sel’s main entrance. Inside, breathtaking ocean views and a roaring fireplace in the dining room take the chill off the evening breeze. A sense of opulence pervades everything here, including the superb service.

Meals commence with a warm homemade English muffin that may have its own cult following. Every dish looks beautiful and well made, especially those cubes of supremely tender Wagyu beef short ribs, with celery prepared four different ways. For dessert, caramel pot de crème is the house specialty, with ganache, cocoa nibs and flecks of sea salt.