Los Angeles has a lot to offer. The City of Angels is always on the go and seemingly fueled by glitz and glamour. And if you’re willing to fight traffic, you’ll find some of the world’s best dining, shopping and attractions, from studio tours to museums, from beaches to piers.
LA is the epitome of big, bold, and beautiful, and most hobbies in this city revolve around “the scene.” So if you’ve had your share of the beach, head inland for star-studded Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue, and keep your eyes peeled! Since restaurants and bars fuel the social hustle and bustle, you’d better allow yourself that afternoon nap if you want to keep up with the cool kids.
Remember: the stars come out at night; after all, this is Los Angeles. This city seems to glow after sunset…you can party on the Sunset Strip or party in Hollywood. So if you like cool bars, dry martinis and delicious restaurants, make sure you have your wallet, your appetite and your energy for your Hollywood-style night on the town.
Here’s our insider’s guide to some of the best dining and nightlife options. You should know this: fights broke out among our editorial staff when someone foolishly suggested that we limit our Pod Picks trip in Los Angeles to just 10 restaurants and 10 bars. We had so much fun breaking it down in Tinseltown that we had to go with 15 picks in each category. Of course, another fight ensued when we tried to assign numbers to all these hot spots, so cooler heads prevailed and we’ve since scrapped the ratings.
Rest assured of one thing… all 30 of these places are ridiculously fantastic and require their own A-game. Maybe even after a night on the town, you too understand why even people in the business think “Entourage “It seems so real…
Restaurants
1. Koi: (West Hollywood) If your goal is to find Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, make reservations at Los Angeles’ hottest Asian fusion restaurant, where you’ll see and be seen. Although the service can be rushed at times, who really cares? The food is too good. A welcome relief from the hectic Melrose scene, Koi is a haven of feng-shui elements (candles, water, and open patios). Here’s a tip: Request one of the horseshoe booths in the backyard. Located at 730 N. La Cienega Blvd (between Melrose Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd.).
2. Morton’s The Steakhouse: (West Hollywood) Legendary for its Oscar night parties, star-gazed celebrity-goers can often catch a glimpse of their favorite actors on a culinary break at this elite Tinseltown eatery. No, we repeat, do not confuse this with Arnie Morton’s of Chicago steakhouse chain. And, if you have room enough after eating the hearty dry-cured steak you came here for, order the banana walnut fritters with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce or the melt-in-your-mouth warm chocolate. espresso cake. Morton’s can be found at 8764 Melrose Ave. (and Robertson Blvd.).
3. The Ivy: (West Hollywood) Businessmen and dream-makers dine at this white picket fence cabin (this is where most celebs go when they really want to be photographed by the ever-on-the-luck paparazzi). While shabby-chic furniture (think vintage French furniture in need of paint) may not be as inspiring, traditional American comfort food is. Just be sure to try the Caesar salad (the most perfect we’ve ever eaten) before you indulge in the decadent desserts. Look closely for the sign (he’s hidden in the ivy) as you walk to 113 N. Robertson Blvd. and Alden Dr.
4. Dolce Enoteca: (West Hollywood) Talk about the quintessential celebrity hot spot (Ashton Kutcher, and about half the cast of “That 70’s Show,” own it). Hollywood heavyweights lounge in grand booths and bask in sexy black leather and marble decor. It bites Italian-style tapas, perfect for sharing. Be sure to try the main course of gorgonzola risotto and leave plenty of room for the sumptuously rich ricotta flan for dessert. Located at 8184 Melrose Ave. and Sweetzer Ave..
5. Dan Tana’s: (West Hollywood) Who says LA doesn’t have great Italian food? Walking into this restaurant is like stepping into a time warp to 1950s New York City. The old Hollywood vibe is matched only by the food (simply delicious and loaded with garlic). Hollywood moguls, actors, screenwriters (and hopefuls in all three of the aforementioned categories) flock to Spaghetti Carbonara and Shrimp Diavolo. Since a reservation here remains one of the hardest to come by in the city, be flexible with your hours (psste…eating late here is better anyway). Located at 9071 Santa Monica Blvd. on Doheny Dr.
6. Asia de Cuba: (West Hollywood) Fancy rubbing shoulders with the Hollywood elite? Then head to the place that has been doing fusion since before “fusion” was even its own kind of food category. Asia de Cuba is the Sunset Strip gateway to Asian-Latin fusion, menu options range from large (to larger) budget portions served family style (try the savory calamari salad and delicious coconut layer cake) . You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors, but note that the outdoor patio offers spectacular views and is one of the best in Los Angeles. At night, Asia de Cuba transforms into a luxuriously sexy soirée. Located inside the Mondrian at 8440 Sunset Blvd.
7. Mr. Chows: Another place to rub elbows in Tinseltown. In Beverly Hills, hot spots cool down quickly, but this place has remained a see-and-be-seen spot for what seems like forever (Mr. Chows opened in 1973). Their Chinese food is “grown-up” and fancy here: Chows offers great dishes that will leave you wanting more (you must order the green shrimp marinated in a spinach dressing and the grilled filet mignon). Psst… the best nights to see famous stars are Wednesdays and Thursdays. And you’ll always know the caliber of celebrities by the number of paparazzi reading their fortune cookies on the sidewalk. Mr. Chows is located at 344 N. Camden Dr. (and Wilshire Boulevard).
8. The Little Door: (La Brea/Miracle Mile) Looking for a romantic hideaway amid the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles? The Little Door (house turned restaurant) is your answer, just make sure you find the place. With indoor and outdoor seating, this little place doesn’t advertise or allow advertising, yes it’s that good! Past the two simple wooden doors, you’ll find a romantic patio with canopied seating, a garden, twinkling candles, and an impeccable menu. The Little Door can be found at 8164 W. Third St. (Crescent Heights Blvd.).
9. Sushi Nozawa: (Studio City) Yes, it’s in a mall (located at 11288 Ventura Blvd.). And yes, the lights are brighter than the mid-afternoon sun. But believe us, the decoration is not what matters, the sushi is what matters. And what a bit of abuse when you order (the word on the street was that someone once got kicked out for ordering California rolls!), as long as you can eat the best sushi this side of Tokyo!
10. Angelini Osteria: (La Brea/Miracle Mile) Mama mia – now that’s amore! From the paper-thin pizza to the garlic-infused lasagna, everything here is delicious, though you might not guess it at first, as you make your way to the unassuming, often stuffy dining room at one of the Italian restaurants. most famous in Los Angeles. Not only will you be welcomed like family, but you’ll also be treated to a menu full of serious selections; Don’t forget to pay special attention to desserts. You may even be aware of Justin Timberlake and his girl Cameron dining here (since this place tops their list). Located at 7313 Beverly Blvd. and Nochebuena Avenue.
11. Sushi Roku: (West Hollywood) The beautiful interior is as remarkable as the people who flock here: plenty of Hollywood offerings occur with the innovative and succulent sushi dishes. The “touch of Cali” is evident in every dish, and the sake/beer options are limitless. Don’t ever leave without trying the scallop dynamite, the espresso profiteroles and the “Roppongi” (a delicious mix of vodka and sake served with a ginger stick). And don’t bother showing up without a reservation. Located at 8445 W. 3rd St. (between N. La Cienaga Blvd. and S. Croft Ave.).
12. Matsuhisa: (Beverly Hills) If you love sushi and don’t mind adventure, don’t walk, run to this place. With groundbreaking cuisine, Matsuhisa offers more than 100 dishes. If you’ll let us place your order, we’ll go with the unforgettable omakase tasting menu that begins with chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature cold dishes and ends with a procession of cooked dishes like Kobe beef and black cod in miso. Although the setting is modest, don’t be fooled! The sushi here is as good as it gets. Matsuhisa is located at 129 N. La Cienaga Blvd. (and Wilshire Blvd.).
13. La Terza: (Beverly Hills) Sophisticated – Italian – Simplicity. Attached to the Orlando Hotel (formerly the Beverly Plaza), this multi-level, multi-faceted restaurant is impeccable, in its menu selections and design. Tuesdays are “Tavola Italiana” night, when chef Nancy Silverton sets up a table of antipasto options in the middle of the restaurant. No reservations here, so it’s first-come, first-served (and definitely worth showing up!) La Terza is located at 8384 W. Third St. (in Orlando).
14. Massimo Ristorante and Bar: (Beverly Hills) Fancy a taste of Tuscany? Located just off Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills (9513 S. Santa Monica Blvd.), Massimo is graced with celebrities and entertainers who are long-standing fans of Chef Massimo Ormani’s authentic food. Try the famous bolognese beef dish. FYI: Massimo has recently been on NBC’s “Recipe TV” with the world’s best chefs.
15. AOC: (La Brea/Miracle Mile) Maybe not the first tapas restaurant in town, but definitely the most popular! If herding is an art form for you, AOC is the place to be…sleek, hip and chic, the gang here is pure Hollywood glamour. Almost everyone here looks and plays like a rock star regardless, and everyone comes for the extensive wine list and Mediterranean-influenced small plates. The menu changes daily, but rest assured that each dish is to everyone’s liking. AOC is located at 8022 W. 3rd St. (and Crescent Heights).
