Communal tables

Ole Tapas Bar

Brand new in the San Fernando Valley, this tapas bar takes over the old Tournesol space. It’s done up in hues of saffron and paprika, and at the end of the bar, there’s a handsome communal table that seats eight. What to order? Fried goat cheese drizzled in honey and paella tricked out with sausage, chicken and seafood.

* Tapas, $6 to $12; entrees $16 to $23; 13251 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 986-3190.

Seabar

A great alternative to some of those Sunset Strip sushi joints, this Asia de Cuba sister restaurant (just off the Mondrian lobby) features a single, room- length, beautifully lit communal table designed by Philippe Starck and a menu of specialty rolls along with sushi bar classics like salmon skin salad and albacore sashimi.

* Salads and starters, $5 to $20; specialty rolls, $14 to $24; 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 848-6000.

Nook

This neighborhood bistro, tucked in the corner of an L-shaped mini mall, features a rectangular communal table in the center of the dining room that seats eight. The menu features a number of satisfying salads as well as soulful dishes like ginger brew pot roast.

* Small plates, $6 to $10; big plates, $10 to $18; 11628 Santa Monica Blvd. No. 9, West L.A. (310) 207-5160.

Le Pain Quotidien

Rustic breads and European pastries are the star at this chain of popular bakeries. We’re partial to the West Hollywood location with its large, farmhouse-style communal table and expansive outdoor seating area. Pick up a jar of Brunette, a Nutella-like praline spread, to go. Or sit down to one of over a dozen gourmet sandwiches.

* Pastries, $1.95 to $5; sandwiches, $6.50 to $12.50; 8607 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, (310) 854-3700.

Jer-ne

Fashioned from caramel-hued Mexican onyx, the underlit, 15-seat communal table in this handsome dining room (with views of the marina) is a fun place to sample chef Troy Thompson’s creative New World fare. Try the bento box, an ever evolving sampling of five appetizers, or one of the grills that allow you to cook your own chicken skewers or pork sausages.

* Starters, $15 to $45; entrees, $24 to $45; 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, (310) 574-4333.

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-- Leslee Komaiko