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West Hollywood

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THE SCENE INCLUDES THE SUNSET STRIP, 3RD STREET, MELROSE AND FAIRFAX AVENUES

For a municipality measuring less than 2 square miles, WeHo wields enormous influence over the L.A. lifestyle. Numerous world-class art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, and theaters make it a frequent destination for locals and visitors alike. In the Fairfax and mid-Wilshire districts, dining and shopping opportunities abound at The Grove and the Original Farmers Market; for art and culture experiences head for Museum Row.

Sunset Strip

After dark, the iconic strip of Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Boulevard becomes one of the hottest stretches of asphalt in L.A. County. The club scene rocks with legendary establishments such as the Roxy, the Whisky a Go Go, and the Viper Room, all of which have a long history of hosting performances by rock ‘n’ roll royalty. Newer nightclubs include the disco-themed Sunset at EDITION. The Comedy Store continues to showcase leading names and emerging stars in standup, and restaurants such as Tesse and Merois offer upscale fare. During the day, boutiques and shops, such as the beloved indie bookstore Book Soup, draw traffic.

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is synonymous with trendiness; new expressions in fashion, art and food continue to percolate up and down this street. East of Fairfax Avenue are indie boutiques, cafés, tattoo parlors, and vintage shops. To the west, Melrose becomes très sophistiqué, appealing to upscale tastes at Reformation, Kelly Wearstler, and Vivienne Westwood. Just off the avenue is the fashionable three-block Melrose Place, where luxury vehicles line up at chic boutiques such as IRO and Zimmermann.

BEVERLY BOULEVARD + 3RD STREET

Beverly Boulevard and West 3rd Street, major east-west streets running through the city, are filled with restaurants such as the new Theía and design showrooms and boutiques from some of the hottest up-and-coming clothing and accessories designers. The two streets bracket the landmark eight-level Beverly Center. Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton boutiques, and restaurants including refined seafood destination Angler, are among more than 160 draws.

FAIRFAX AVENUE + MID-WILSHIRE

L.A.’s Fairfax District and neighboring Mid-Wilshire are among the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the Mid-City/ West Hollywood area. At Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a renowned institution with more than 100,000 works dating from the ancient period to the present.

Adjacent to LACMA is the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, which traces the remnants of Ice Age history. Additional Museum Row venues include the renovated Petersen Automotive Museum and Craft Contemporary

To the museums’ east is the burgeoning District La Brea, a walkable stretch filled with dining spots including French bistro République and boutiques such as American Rag Cie. One of the Fairfax District’s anchors is the Original Farmers Market, established in 1934, with more than 100 produce stalls, shops, and eateries.

Adjacent, and connected by a vintage trolley, is The Grove—an outdoor shopping center with the character of an old-fashioned village square, with stained-glass street lamps and a central fountain. Retailers, a movie theater, and scores of restaurants offer a variety of experiences.

Hollywood

STAR CULTURE: WALK OF FAME, GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, SUMMER’S HOLLYWOOD BOWL

With its new boutiques, hotels, and restaurants, Hollywood has reemerged as a bona-fide visitor destination. In the heart of Hollywood, check out classic theaters and eclectic museums; see the stars embedded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; or tour the site of the Academy Awards show. For a different kind of starry scene, head to Griffith Park for stargazing at the Griffith Observatory or the thousands of acres used for horseback riding and hiking.

HOLLYWOOD + HIGHLAND

The entertainment and shopping complex of

Ovation Hollywood was a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Dolby Theatre is the current home of the Academy Awards show, and its central Babylon Court frames views of the iconic Hollywood sign. Erected in 1923 to advertise a housing development, the sign’s 45-foot-high letters originally read “Hollywoodland.” Other draws include the Japan House gallery, the new Anvio VR virtual reality experience, and dining spots such as Cho Oishi for sushi and shabu-shabu. Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s

Chinese Theatre), famed for the celebrity hand- and footprints embedded in concrete out front (see below). Nearby restaurants include The Barish, new at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.

Showtime

Just opposite Hollywood & Highland is the ornate, lavishly illuminated El Capitan Theatre. Restored by Disney, it offers special presentations of the studio’s releases. The 1922 Egyptian Theatre screens eclectic artsy and classic fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre stages megahit musicals such as Hamilton The Hollywood Bowl is the largest, and best, outdoor amphitheater in the U.S. The Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence in the summer; picnicking there under the stars is among the city’s most memorable experiences.

Walk Of Fame

The sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (La Brea Avenue to Gower Street) and three blocks of Vine Street (Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard) are inlaid with the legendary brass-and-terrazzo stars honoring celebrities from the entertainment industry. More than 2,400 stars are enshrined beneath visitors’ feet. Marilyn Monroe’s star is steps from Hollywood & Highland. John Lennon’s is in front of the Capitol Records Building, an architectural landmark designed to resemble a stack of records.

MUSEUMS, HOLLYWOOD-STYLE

Hollywood has its share of museums, but you

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; TCL Chinese Theatre; Pantages Theatre

OPPOSITE: Griffith Observatory won’t encounter Picassos or Monets. Next to the TCL Chinese Theatre is Madame Tussauds Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures. You can ponder zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Records Museum; the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers bizarre exhibits. The Hollywood Museum showcases 10,000 artifacts representing 100 years of showbiz history.

Griffith Park

Among the largest urban parks in America, Griffith Park is an ideal place to hike, take a train ride, or golf. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at Griffith Observatory, one of the world’s great planetariums and a frequent film location. The hike up Mount Hollywood (3 miles round trip) provides spectacular views of L.A. skyscrapers and the Hollywood sign; the Greek Theatre is a legendary outdoor music venue. Also here: the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens and the Autry Museum of the American West, founded by the late singingcowboy Gene Autry.

Santa Monica

THE COASTAL CITY THAT NEIGHBORS MALIBU, VENICE, PACIFIC PALISADES, AND BRENTWOOD

In the 1800s, orator Tom Fitch called Santa Monica “the Zenith City by the Sunset Sea.” The 21st-century version of Santa Monica fulfills its early promise with a bustling downtown and beach that attract millions of visitors each year. Pacific Coast Highway connects SaMo with elite coastal draws Malibu and Pacific Palisades. Venice and its main drag Abbot Kinney Boulevard attracts an eclectic crowd; upscale Brentwood is home to the Getty Center and numerous A-listers.

Santa Monica

Third Street Promenade, three pedestrian-only blocks on 3rd Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, teems with visitors browsing dozens of shops, including H&M and Anthropologie, and gawking at the myriad street artists.

The Promenade is lined with all manner of eateries, as do the surrounding streets, with versatile dining experiences such as cozy pub Ye Olde King’s Head as well as Michelin-starred siblings Rustic Canyon for small plates and Cassia for Asian fusion.

Anchoring the Promenade at Broadway is Santa Monica Place, an open-air shopping center with Nordstrom, 80 boutiques, and a top-level Dining Deck. Steps away is the western terminus of the Metro Expo Line, which connects Santa Monica by light rail to downtown Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is at the end of Colorado Avenue and features Pacific Park, a mini amusement park with food stands and rides. Take a ride on the Pacific Wheel, a solar-powered and LED-lit Ferris wheel.

Malibu

A few miles north of Santa Monica along Pacific Coast Highway is Malibu. Many of the city’s best destinations are visible from PCH, including renowned restaurants with ocean views, notably the casual Malibu Seafood and the upscale Nobu

Malibu. Celebrity-frequented Malibu Country Mart serves as the area’s town square; its Lucky’s steakhouse is new. Adjacent Malibu Village and Malibu Lumber Yard offer plenty more shops and restaurants.

Pacific Palisades

There’s more than what initially meets the eye in seemingly sleepy Pacific Palisades. Palisades Village—from the developer of The Grove and the Americana at Brand—has more than 40 boutiques. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine on Sunset Boulevard is a 10-acre oasis with a koiand swan-filled lake. The area’s crown jewel is the Getty Villa, inspired by a Julius Caesar–era villa and dedicated to the study of the art and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome.

Venice

In the early 1900s, Abbot Kinney developed Venice as an American version of the Italian city; the canals in his version are now lined with multimillion-dollar residences. His namesake Abbot Kinney Boulevard is Venice’s coolest street, with restaurants such as Gjelina and distinctive boutiques that make for an altogether entertaining stroll. Ocean Front Walk is often populated by street performers, vendors, and Muscle Beach bodybuilders.

Brentwood

Marilyn Monroe once called this affluent enclave northeast of Santa Monica home; it remains a favorite celebrity stomping ground. San Vicente Boulevard functions as the neighborhood’s main street, with independent shops, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants. The Brentwood Country Mart, an open-air shopping center, offers upscale retail. The architecturally stunning Getty Center is a hilltop museum worth a visit.

Downtown Los Angeles has undergone an eye-popping renaissance. Historic art deco structures share the streetscape with glass-clad towers, and celebrities have snapped up lofts in century-old buildings. The arts thrive along Grand Avenue as well as in the hip Arts District. L.A. Live is sports central; Chinatown and Olvera Street are fun cultural excursions; to the southwest, Exposition Park offers a trio of major museums.

Grand Avenue

The heart of L.A.’s performing arts scene and the site of its most dramatic architecture, Grand Avenue lives up to its name. Four venues on Bunker Hill make up the Music Center. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to LA Opera, the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum host theatrical productions and architect Frank Gehry’s spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall is the home of the LA Philharmonic. Opposite is the 12-acre Grand Park.

Bunker Hill

Not far from the Ahmanson Theatre is the postmodern Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. A short walk south on Grand is The Broad museum, a stunning edifice funded by and housing the contemporary art collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Angels Flight is a vintage funicular that climbs to California Plaza from Hill Street. The Bunker Hill Steps rise five stories at the U.S. Bank Tower. Across the street is the art deco-style Central Library.

Olvera Street

The city’s origins date back to 1781 and the building of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, a historic monument that comprises 27 buildings along the festive pedestrian concourse Olvera Street. The city’s oldest building, Avila Adobe is here, along with Mexican restaurants, mariachi bands, and merchants selling arts, crafts, and food. Across the street is

Union Station, the largest railroad passenger terminal in the western United States; a few blocks away is L.A.’s oldest restaurant, built in 1908, Philippe the Original.

Chinatown

Chinatown is the destination for dim sum—and dining at foodie meccas such as Howlin’ Ray’s for Nashville hot chicken—or browsing for clothing and home goods. Cultural highlights include the ornate Thien Hau Temple. Dodger Stadium is a short drive away, as is San Antonio Winery, which offers tours and tastings.

Arts District

To the east of emerging hipster ‘hood Little Tokyo is the Arts District, with its myriad murals, shops, and markets, the Hauser & Wirth gallery, a bevy

Beef-cheek tagine at Bavel; dancers at Olvera Street; Union Station OPPOSITE: The Broad museum of breweries, and lauded restaurants such as Bavel, Bestia, and Brera—not to mention the new Damian from world-renowned Mexico City chef Enrique Olvera.

L.A. LIVE

The L.A. Live entertainment complex includes the Microsoft Theater, several night spots, and a dozen restaurants, including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Katsuya, Savoca, and Patxi’s Pizza, all facing a massive plaza lined with LED screens. It adjoins the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Lakers, Clippers, Sparks, and Kings and host to top pop acts. The Grammy Museum honors musicians with videos, artifacts, and exhibits.

Exposition Park

South of downtown is Exposition Park, site of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—home of USC Trojans football and twice host of the Summer Olympics—as well as the California African American Museum, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and California Science Center, which has a 3D IMAX theater and the NASA space shuttle Endeavour.

Pasadena

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 toprated 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 Vince and Cop. Copine draw shoppers, while iPic Theaters reimagines the moviegoing experience with state-of-the-art 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 flea market) and, nearby, the interactive Kidspace Children’s Museum.

East of Old Pasadena is The Paseo, a shopping center with an ArcLight 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 European-style courtyards at the Com- mons 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

Guidelines

Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps in the back of this issue. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

Slice, Slice, Baby

Rick Rosenfield, the co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen, opened his latest concept restaurant ROCA Pizza, honing in on Roman-style pizza al taglio, a nod to the rectangular slice. After a successful pop-up at the Americana at Brand, ROCA opened an airy 1,000-square-foot space with a menu featuring dishes such as turkey meatballs, supplì (rice balls), and crunchy pizza with a variety of toppings. Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades, 310.310.2827

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 has a location in Brentwood. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 8700 W. 3rd St., L.A., 310.859.9859 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

> 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

ISSIMA > Mediterranean $$$

Hip restaurant at Kimpton La Peer Hotel featuring seasonal Cal-Med fare and a DJ spinning nightly. D (Tu-Sa). 623 N. La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, 310.405.0779 Map I12

JOAN’S ON THIRD

> American $$

Cafe on busy West 3rd Street offers omelets, sandwiches, salads, soups, sweets, picnic baskets, and gourmet items. B, L, D (daily). 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.655.2285 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 presents 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 in the heart of West Hollywood 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

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

About Last Knife

Reflecting the incredible energy, style, and distinctive vibe of the City of Angels, ALK brings a fresh and inventive approach to a gastropub in Hollywood. New American and classic staples meet a lively cocktail bar in this inviting challenger of the traditional. About Last Knife is a spot to unwind, a stage to tell your best stories, and above all a place where you know you will have a good time.

Beverly Hills

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. Intimate prix fixe experience Da Lat Rose is upstairs. L, D (Tu-Su). 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

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

JEAN-GEORGES BEVERLY

HILLS > California $$$$

Michelin-spangled Jean-Georges

Vongerichten’s opulent dining room presents eight-course menus on the terrace. The Rooftop by JG, its casual openair counterpart, has sweeping city views and a retractable rooftop for open-air dining. Popular for weekend brunch. D (Th-Su). Rooftop: B, L, D (daily). Waldorf Astoria, 9850 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.860.6666 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, Las Vegas, and Mexico City 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

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

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. 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 (TuSa). 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

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). 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

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 handsome contemporary space. 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 Cali- fornia produce featuring small plates and craft cocktails in a beautiful, airy space. B (Su), D (daily). 555-3 Mateo St., L.A. 213.799.4628 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

PHILIPPE THE ORIGINAL

> Quick Bites $

Purported birthplace of the French dip sandwich, this down-home cafeteria is an L.A. institution, established in 1908. Consider the 50-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

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 $$$

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

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

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