4 minute read
Pasadena’s premier steak and seafood dining destination
500 Mateo St., downtown, 213.232.4966 Map J17
BESTIA > Italian $$$
“Beast”-focused dishes such as roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti—at multiregional Italian in the Arts District. Reservations are highly recommended. D (nightly). 2121 E. 7th Place, downtown, 213.514.5724 Map east of J17
BOTTEGA LOUIE > Italian $$
This palatial Italian restaurant, decked out in white marble, is a hip, noisy hall where young professionals convene over brickoven-cooked pizzas. There’s a gourmet market and patisserie, too. B, L (M-F); D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 700 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.802.1470
Map I16
BRERA RISTORANTE > Italian $$$
From the team behind the Factory Kitchen, this stylish trattoria (formerly Officine Brera) serves a daily changing, Northern Italy-inspired menu. The rice dishes, spit-roasted meats and handmade pastas are superb. D
(nightly). 1331 E. 6th St., downtown, 213.553.8006 Map J17
CHA CHA CHÁ > Mexican $$
Sibling to Terraza Cha Cha
Chá in Mexico City launches lush rooftop perch in the Arts District with design elements of Mexican villa and Palm Springs. D (Tu-Su). 812 E. 3rd St., downtown, chachacha.la
Map I17
DAMIAN > Cal-Baja $$$
Chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol in Mexico City—considered North America’s best restaurant— opens sophisticated producedriven spot in the Arts District. Dungeness crab gordita; pescado a la brasa. D (W-Su). 2132 E. 7th Place, downtown, damiandtla.com Map I11
DRAGO CENTRO > Italian $$$
Well-executed Italian fare and extensive wine list are presented in a 9,500 square-foot contemporary space in the Financial District. D (M-Sa). 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.228.8998 Map H16
GIRL & THE GOAT
> California $$$
Farm-to-table restaurant in the Arts District led by acclaimed chef Stephanie Izard. The seasonal menu is a nod to California produce featuring small, shareable plates and craft cocktails in a beautiful, airy space. B (Su), D (daily). 555-3 Mateo St., L.A. 213.799.4628 Map J17
GUERRILLA TACOS > Mexican/Latin $$
Chef Wes Avila’s lauded taco truck recently put it in park to open a brick-and-mortar space in the Arts District, complete with a bar and patio. B (M-F), L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 2000 E. 7th St., downtown, 213.375.3300 Map J17
L.A. PRIME > Steak $$$$
City views, wet-aged steaks and winning wine list, on the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites’ 35th floor. D (Th-Su). The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.612.4743
Map I16
ORSA & WINSTON
> Fusion $$$$
Acclaimed chef-owner Josef Centeno draws on Japanese and Italian traditions for a daily changing five-course tasting menu. D (Tu-Sa). 122 W. 4th St., downtown, 213.687.0300 Map I16
OTIUM > California $$$
French Laundry alum Timothy Hollingsworth helms this modern restaurant adjacent to the Broad museum, preparing rustic, market-driven cuisine such as hamachi with nori and avocado, and a signature black-cod dish.
L (Tu-F), D (nightly), Br (SaSu). 222 S. Hope St., downtown, 213.935.8500 Map H16
PHILIPPE THE ORIGINAL
> Quick Bites $
Purported birthplace of the French dip sandwich, this downhome cafeteria is an L.A. institution, established in 1908. Try the legendary 45 cent coffee. B, L, D (daily). 1001 N. Alameda St., downtown, 213.628.3781 Map G17
Q SUSHI > Japanese $$$$
The omakase-only Michelinrecognized experience at this intimate sushi bar showcases the strictly traditional artistry of chef Hiroyuki Naruke. L, D (TuSa). 521 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.225.6285 Map I16
REDBIRD > American $$$
Contemporary cuisine and retro cocktails amid Spanish Baroque decor in former Cathedral of St. Vibiana rectory. Weekday happy hour menu. D (W-Su), Br (Sa-Su ) 114 E. 2nd St., downtown, 213.788.1191
Map H17
SAVOCA > Cal-Ital $$$
California trattoria at The Ritz-Carlton L.A. Live unveils the Cottages at Savoca, outdoor dining cottages with electric candles, cozy decor and skyline views. Housemade pastas, pizzas, and more. D (Th-Sa), B (F-Su), Br (Su). Cottages: D (Th-Sa). 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.8630
Map I15
STRADA > American $$$
Casual, tapas-style restaurant featuring international cuisine. Popular dishes include ceviche, bacon sandwich, and beet salad. Close walk to GRAMMY Museum. L, D (Tu-Su). 825 James M. Wood Blvd., downtown, 213.822.4558
Map I15
WURSTKÜCHE
> Quick Bites $$
Don’t even try to pronounce it—”the sausage place” will do. Bar/restaurant offers thick-cut Belgian fries and a repertory of exotic franks: rattlesnake and rabbit, buffalo with Luxardo cherries and mint. Open late. L, D (daily). 800 E. 3rd St., downtown, 213.687.4444 Map I17
YANG CHOW > Chinese $$
The Yun family has been offering Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine at elegant Chinatown mainstay since 1977. The Slippery Shrimp is renowned. L, D (daily). 819 N. Broadway, downtown, 213.625.0811
Map G17
HOLLYWOOD / EASTSIDE
THE BARISH
> Italian Steakhouse $$$
Chef/author/James Beard award winner Nancy Silverton launches first new restaurant in eight years and first at a hotel. Wood-fire-grilled beef dry-aged in house, wood-fire-baked pastas. D (W-Su). Hollywood
Roosevelt 7000 Hollywood Blvd., 323.769.8888 Map H13
BAR LIS > French-Med $$$
Ultra chic indoor and outdoor rooftop bar and lounge at Thompson Hollywood. Menu features shareable bites and extensive wine list inspired by the French Riviera. Live jazz music every Tuesday night, and DJ on the weekends. D (Tu-Su). 1541 Wilcox Ave., L.A., 323.410.6210 Map H13
THE BOURBON ROOM
> American $$$
Step into the world of Rock of Ages at this restaurant and bar. The immersive theatrical and dining experience features dinner and bar service before, during and after performances. Nightly entertainment. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, bourbonroomhollywood.com Map H14
Grandmaster Recorders
> Italian-Australian $$$
A former legendary recording studio has been converted into a restaurant and rooftop bar in the Vinyl District. Views of the Hollywood sign can be seen from the rooftop. D (W-Su). 1518 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.963.7800 Map H14
GWEN > American $$$$
Maude chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke offer meatcentric tasting menus in an art deco dining room; plus European-style butcher shop. Pretheatre menu available. L, D (daily). 6600 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323.946.7513 Map H14
HARD ROCK CAFE
> American $$
Leo Messi and Hard Rock Cafe teamed up to create a winning combo. Smashed burgers with savory Spanish-style chorizo and signature sauce, available for a limited time. L, D (daily). 6801 Hollywood Blvd., #105, Hollywood, 323.464.7625 Map H14
MUSSO & FRANK GRILL
> Steak $$$
Storied restaurant, Hollywood’s oldest, recently marked its centennial. Enjoy flannel cakes, lobster Thermidor, and Welsh rabbit. Start with the martini; the drink was purportedly invented here. D (Tu-Su). 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7788 Map H13
LA BREA / MID-CITY
JON & VINNY’S > Italian $$
Stylish modern diner offers pizza, creative vegetable dishes, pasta and meat entrees and pastries. Locations also in Beverly Hills, West L.A., and Brentwood. Res-