HOME TO THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES, THIS SMALL-TOWN CHARM BLOOMS ALL YEAR LONG.

Pasadena’s charming small town vibe, historic buildings, and plethora of museums make it an attractive neighborhood for visitors. Walk around Old Pasadena, or as locals call it, “Old Pas” spanning across 22 blocks filled with shops and lively restaurants. For arts and entertainment lovers, there are plenty of options including an outdoor stadium where concerts and a monthly flea market are held, museums, gardens, and performing arts centers.

Old Pasadena

A tribute to foresighted urban planning is the 22-square-block shopping district known as Old Pasadena, roughly bounded by Walnut and Green streets, Arroyo Parkway and Pasadena Avenue.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a collection of restored buildings filled with trendy boutiques, bistros and nightclubs. Merchants range from Tesla Motors to Zara, and eateries include Union, a top-rated Italian restaurant. Pedestrian-only alleys meander through the One Colorado project in the heart of Old Pasadena, where restaurants offer alfresco dining overlooking a sculpture-strewn square. Boutiques such as Nike,

Patagonia, and Sephora draw shoppers, while iPic Theaters reimagines the moviegoing experience with state-of-theart technology, plush seats and a bar/café.

Nearby is the Norton Simon Museum, home to one of the finest art collections in the West. The galleries are filled with works dating from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and the museum’s repertoire of impressionist masters is formidable. To the north, you’ll find Rose Bowl Stadium (home to the UCLA Bruins, concerts and a popular monthly flea market) and, nearby, the interactive Kidspace Children’s Museum.

East of Old Pasadena is The Paseo, a shopping center with a Regal cinemas movie theater, restaurants and shops lining garden promenades.

Its open-air design frames views of Pasadena City Hall, a majestic landmark restored to its original beaux-arts grandeur.

PLAYHOUSE DISTRICT + SOUTH LAKE AVENUE

Anchored by the Mission-style Pasadena Playhouse, this district offers art house cinema, antique shops and bookstores, as well as the famed Ice House Comedy Club, whose stage has hosted George Carlin and Jerry Seinfeld. Other cultural attractions include the Boston Court Performing Arts Center and the USC Pacific Asia Museum.

East of the Playhouse District, South Lake Avenue provides a vibrant shopping environment. Inviting boutiques are set around Europeanstyle courtyards at the Commons and Burlington

Arcade. A drive south on Lake Avenue through one of the city’s most opulent residential neighborhood leads to the Langham Huntington. Consider this grand, historic hotel for high tea, Japanese Kobe beef at its Royce steakhouse or pampering at its award-winning Chuan Spa.

SAN MARINO + SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

South of the Langham is San Marino and its primary attraction, The Huntington, whose library, art collections, botanical gardens and education and visitor center occupy one of the most remarkable pieces of real estate in Southern California. Here, the Italianate mansion of railroad magnate Henry Huntington houses an extraordinary collection of 18th- and 19th-century art. A library with nearly 9 million rare books, photographs and manuscripts occupies another structure. Throughout the 200-acre property are more than a dozen distinct botanical environments, the Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden and a formal rose garden boasting more than 1,200 rose varieties.

Passport to Barcelona

If you think you have to fly to Spain to enjoy a big skillet of paella, think again. The family-owned Telefèric Barcelona originally from Spain, opens in Brentwood with a menu that celebrates the Iberian Peninsula. Sip on their signature sangria while noshing on tapas such as ham croquetas, pan con tomate (bread with tomato), and Iberian oysters. Request to dine on the “secret” back patio. 11930 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

BEVERLY BLVD. / 3RD ST. / MELROSE AVE.

A.O.C. > Mediterranean $$$

Eatery from James Beard Awardwinning Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne pioneered two culinary trends: the small-plates format and wine bar. Also in Brentwood. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859 Map I12

AYA > Mediterranean /Israeli $$$

New. Lively lounge and restaurant with entertainment including a D.J., body painters, fire dancers and more. Reservations required. D (Fr-Sa). Sofitel Los Angeles, 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 424.722.9406 Map I12

BAO DIM SUM > Chinese $$

Enjoy delicious, authentic dim sum in a relaxing, lantern-lit atmosphere. Favorites include juicy pork dumplings and shrimp shumai, followed by bao milk buns for dessert. L, D (daily). 8256 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6556 Map I12

(V) CROSSROADS KITCHEN

> Mediterranean $$$

Chef-partner Tal Ronnen creates refined plant-based dishes, many inspired by nonvegan comfort classics. Popular dishes include the artichoke “oysters,” Impossible Cigars, plus pizzas and pastas. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.9245

Map H12

DRAKE’S HOLLYWOOD

> Italian/American $$

New. Classic old Hollywoodinspired restaurant from Dal- las makes its L.A. debut. Red leather booths and central bar seating. D (nightly). 8747 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.334.6789 Map I12

(V) GRACIAS MADRE

> Mexican/Latin $$

Creative plant-based Mexican fare and winning patio will please vegans and omnivores. L, D (daily). 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.978.2170

Map I12

JOAN’S ON THIRD

> American $$

Busy cafe on West 3rd Street offers omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups, sweets, picnic baskets, and gourmet items. The Chinese Chicken Salad is a popular menu item. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285 Map I12

Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map

THE LITTLE DOOR

> French $$$

For a candlelit dinner in a romantic setting, this is the reservation ne plus ultra. Dine on rustic French-Mediterranean dishes under the stars. D (nightly). 8164 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.1210 Map I12

OSTERIA MOZZA

> Italian $$$

L.A. breadmaker Nancy Silverton partners in Mozza’s contemporary Italian spots including this sophisticated dining room. D (W-Su). 6602 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.0100 Map H13

PIZZERIA MOZZA

> Italian $$

Osteria Mozza’s relaxed sibling offers pizzas, salumi and rustic specials. Delivery/takeout from Mozza2Go. D (W-Su). Pizzeria Mozza: 641 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.297.0101. Mozza2Go: 6610 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.297.1130 Map H13

PROVIDENCE > Seafood $$$$ James Beard Award winner and Michelin-recognized chefowner Michael Cimarusti pre- sents refined seafood dishes. D (Tu-Sa). 5955 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.460.4170 Map I14

ROSALINÉ

> Mexican/Latin $$$

Acclaimed chef Ricardo Zarate’s restaurant—named after his mother—introduces modern Peruvian dining (kampachi ceviche, chicharrón de paiche). D (nightly). 8479 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.297.9500 Map I12

SOULMATE

> Spanish/Mediterranean $$$

Trendy restaurant featuring a retractable roof and hanging lush greenery. Spanish dishes with a modern twist and extensive craft cocktail and mocktail menu. D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 631 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.734.7764 Map I12

TERRONI > Italian $$

Reliable Southern Italian cooking, including excellent thin-crust pizza and pastas. Try the delicious capunti al ragù d’agnello. L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). 7605 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.954.0300 Map J13

THEÍA > Greek $$$

Lively indoor-outdoor spot offers taramasalata and 24-karat-goldleaf-accented steak tartare, moussaka, lamb burgers, and other Mediterranean dishes. D (nightly), Br (Sa) 8048 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.591.0059 Map I12

Beverly Hills

THE BELVEDERE > Mediterranean $$$$

The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ restaurant has a lovely terrace and menu from executive chef Ralf Schlegel. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.788.2306 Map J11

THEBLVD PRIVÉ

> California $$$

Extension of THEBlvd Restaurant on topiary-filled private cobblestone boulevard; food pairings with Champagne and fanciful cocktails. B, L (M-F); D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.275.5200 Map J11

CRUSTACEAN

> Pan-Asian $$$

Walk-on-water aquarium meanders through this gorgeous landmark serving chef Tony Nguyen’s modern Vietnamese dishes and others from Madame An’s “Secret Kitchen.” The garlic noodles are famous. L, D (TuSu). 468 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.205.8990 Map I11

CULINA > Italian $$$

The ristorante inside the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills offers a coastally inflected modern Rome-inspired menu, sleek crudo bar, and extensive wine list. Also a fire-lit patio. B, L, D (daily). Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 300 S. Doheny Drive, L.A., 310.860.4000 Map J12

CUT > Steak $$$$

Getty Center architect Richard Meier and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s collaboration is the place to savor Wagyu and dry-aged Nebraska steaks. D (M-Sa). Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.276.8500 Map J11

ELLA > Cal-Med $$$

California-Mediterranean restaurant at the Sixty Beverly Hills hotel. Inventive craft cocktails and seasonal menu are offered in a retro-inspired dining room with leather booths and lush greenery. B (daily), D (Tu-Sa). 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.388.6860 Map J11

FUNKE > Italian $$$$

New. Chef Evan Funke opens his namesake restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills. Signature handmade pasta dishes and Sicilian-inspired dishes grace the menu. Reservations are required but rooftop seating is available for walk-ins. D (M-Sa). 9388 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 424.279.9796 Map J11

HONOR BAR > California $$

Popular upscale eatery adjacent to South Beverly Grill, both owned by Hillstone Restaurant Group. Known for the fried chicken sandwich. Dress code enforced. Walk-ins only. L,D (nightly). 122 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.0292 Map J11

MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE > Steak $$$$

Swanky steakhouse starring bone-in filet reigns; warm butter cake melts in your mouth. Penthouse at Mastro’s is an upstairs lounge. D (nightly). 246 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782 Map J11

MATSUHISA > Japanese $$$$

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s relatively modest original flagship incorporates luxurious Western ingredients alongside Latin American spices. L, D (daily). 129 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.659.9639 Map I12

MATU > Steak $$$

A modern steak restaurant focusing on 100 percent grass-fed Wagyu beef with a special tasting menu that rotates nightly. D (daily). 239 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 424.317.5031 Map I11

MR CHOW > Chinese $$$$

The L.A. County edition of scene-y restaurants in New York, London, Miami, and Las Vegas offers Imperial Beijing cuisine. L (M-F), D (nightly). 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.9911 Map I11

NATALEE THAI > Thai $$

Traditional Thai dishes such as Nutty Chicken and sole filet in red curry sauce served amid edgy decor. Veggie lovers favor the spicy maha jumlong curry. Also in Venice. L, D (daily). 998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.855.9380 Map J12

RIVIERA 31 > California $$

Elevated comfort food with dishes like fried oysters, Wagyu burger, pizza, and fried chicken sandwich. Live entertainment nightly including jazz and salsa night. D (M-Sa), Br (Su). 8555. Beverly Blvd. L.A., 310.278.5444 Map I12

THE ROOFTOP BY JG

> California $$$$

Casual open-air restaurant has sweeping city views and a retractable rooftop for open-air dining. . Rooftop: L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). Waldorf Astoria, 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.860.6666 Map J11

SANT’OLINA > Cal-Med $$$

Pop-up on expansive rooftop at the Beverly Hilton presents flavor-packed Mediterranean recipes and 360-degree city views in a space that cheers by day and shimmers at night. D (Tu-Sa), L (Sa-Su). 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.285.1260 Map J11

SPAGO > California $$$

Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant, an L.A. institution, is a contemporary spot with a diverse daily-changing menu, from spicy tuna tartare to Wiener schnitzel. D (Tu-Su). 176 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.385.0880 Map I11

TATEL > Spanish $$$$

A hot spot in the heart of Beverly Hills serving traditional Spanish Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist and rotating live entertainment offered nightly. B (Sa-Su), L,D (nightly). 453 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 424.380.7902 Map I11

Brentwood

BALTAIRE > Steak $$$$

Chef Travis Strickland’s sophisticated restaurant offers prime steaks, old-school charm, and sun-or-stars dining on its massive terrace. Large bar and lounge area seating. L (M-F), D (nightly). 11647 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 424.273.1660 Map J12

JEMMA DI MARE > Italian American $$$

Inspired by the Mediterranean coast, this restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to Italian seafood. Don’t miss the lobster fettuccine or the squid ink scialatielli. L (daily), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, 424.955.2410 Map J12

JON & VINNY’S > Italian $$

Stylish yet family-friendly diner from chef-owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo has it all— pastries, pizza, house-made pasta, and meat entrees. Also on Fairfax Avenue. B, L, D (daily). 11938 San Vicente Blvd., L.A., 310.442.2733 Map J12

Century City

CRAFT > American $$$

New York chef Tom Colicchio of Bravo’s Top Chef brings his concept to L.A., a contemporary a la carte menu featuring fun shareable dishes. D (TuSa). 10100 Constellation Blvd., L.A., 310.279.4180 Map K11

DIN TAI FUNG > Chinese $$

Foodies and families line up for renowned soups, noodles, and dumplings filled with pork or crab or both—and a host of habit-forming sides. Also has a location in Torrance. L, D (daily). Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 424.382.1118 Map J10

LUMIÈRE > French $$$

Modern American-French brasserie inside the iconic Fairmont Century Plaza hotel serving traditional French dishes such as chicken liver mousse, French onion soup, and steak frites. B, D (nightly). 2025 Avenue of the Stars, L.A., 310.424.3031 Map K11

Culver City

ETTA > Cal-Med $$$

Chef Danny Grant puts the spotlight on wood-fired dishes and house-made pastas, which can be complemented by choice of playfully-named cocktail list. 8801 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 424.570.4444 Map L11

NATALEE THAI > Thai $$

Traditional dishes, edgy decor. Nutty Chicken; sole filet in red curry sauce; vegetarian maha jumlong curry. Also in Beverly Hills. L, D (daily). 10101 Venice Blvd., L.A., 310.202.7003 Map L11

VESPERTINE

> Eclectic/Fusion $$$$

Chef Jordan Kahn’s pricey gastronomical spot topped late L.A. Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold’s 2017 list of the city’s 101 best restaurants. Expect a spaceage meal of 18-plus courses. Reservations required. D (Tu-

Sa). 3599 Hayden Ave., Culver City, 323.320.4023, Map L12

Downtown

71ABOVE > American $$$$

Chef Javier Lopez’s swanky restaurant on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower. Spectacular skyline views of L.A. and elevated contemporary dishes. A la carte at the bar, prix fixe in the dining room. D (nightly). 633 W. 5th St., 71st Floor, downtown, 213.712.2683

Map H16

BAAR BAAR > Indian $$

New. Modern Indian American restaurant hailing from N.Y. featuring a fresh twist on classic dishes. Small, shared plates with lots of vegetarian options. D (TuSu). 705 W. 9th St., downtown, 213.266.8989 Map I15

BAVEL > Mediterranean $$$

Bestia chef Ori Menashe and wife-pastry chef Genevieve Gergis make Middle Eastern cuisine mainstream at their lively Arts District spot. Wide range of meze; herb-stuffed dorade with red chermoula. D (nightly).