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 with outdoor seating available. B (Su), D (daily). 555-3 Mateo St., L.A. 213.799.4628 Map J17

Cookie Craze

The New York–based cookie brand with a cult following brings its sweet treats to California. Levain Bakery opens its first West Coast bakery on quaint Larchmont Boulevard across from Go Get Em Tiger coffee shop. Cookie fans are notorious for waiting in line to get their hands on one of the gooey 6-ounce chocolate chip cookies. 227 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, 323.576.5895, levainbakery.com

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

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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

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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