Ago
847 Melrose Avenue
agorestaurant.com
Owned by Robert DeNiro, stars always flock to this Tuscan Italian mainstay in West Hollywood for comforting pastas, delectable meatballs and fresh salads. Check out their beautiful patio for a romantic dinner al fresco.
Bar Ama
118 West 4 Street
bar-ama.com
For his sophomore effort, Bäco Mercat’s Josef Centeno turned to his San Antonio roots and family recipes like spicy menudo. The Tex-Mex restaurant also features innovative takes on classic standbys (enchiladas, fajitas) and a generous selection of tequilas.
Beach Nation
Beach Nation
8289 Santa Monica Boulevard
beachnation.com
Why hit the beach when you could visit West Hollywood’s Beach Nation? Designed by Thomas Schoos, this adult playground has earned a loyal fan base with its sand pit, chaise lounges and freshly baked goods from L.A.’s own Röckenwagner bakery.
Bestia
2121 7 Place
bestiala.com
A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District, Chef Ori Menashe provides house-cured meats with over 60 different forms of charcuterie as well as fresh pastas and a delicious selection of desserts.
Faith and Flower
Faith and Flower
705 West 9 Street
faithandflowerla.com
Downtown has no shortage of noteworthy restaurants, but this newcomer has a cocktail program as inventive as its fare. Mixologist Michael Lay (who helped open Vegas’ sceney Rose.Rabbit.Lie) is shaking things up with 1920s-style drinks, a potent milk punch and a digestif-for-dessert tableside Amaro cart.
Giorgio Baldi
114 West Channel Road
giorgiobaldi.us
Italian food at its finest at this Los Angeles staple that has been serving savory dishes for almost two decades. Classics like Stracetti al basilico and Agnolotti with white truffle sauce will make you an instant fan.
Herringbone
8440 Sunset Boulevard
herringboneeats.com
Brian Malarkey’s seafood eatery at the Mondrian Hotel features a Thomas Schoos-designed space and dishes like clam and bone marrow pizza and whole fish ceviche, ideal for al fresco dining by the pool.
Hinoki & the Bird
10 Century Drive
davidmyersgroup.com
Inspired by chef David Myers’ travels, the restaurant is a thoughtful approach to Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine—as interpreted through his use of market-driven ingredients and bright flavors. Situated in Related’s new Art Deco luxury condo building the Century, the elegant space promises to draw both power lunchers and foodies.
Ink
8360 Melrose Avenue
mvink.com
Chef Michael Voltaggio revolutionizes the fine-dining experience with specialties like wagyu beef cheek, egg yolk gnocchi and salt and charcoal potatoes. Be sure to also check out the extensive cocktail menu and local beer selection.
Maude
Maude
212 South Beverly Drive
mauderestaurant.com
Since he opened the jewel-box restaurant, celebrity chef Curtis Stone’s new eatery has been packed to the gills. The 25-seat space dishes up a seasonally inspired prix-fixe menu that rotates monthly and keeps die-hard fans of the fine-dining spot coming back for more—if they can snag a reservation, that is.
Mr. Chow
3835 Cross Creek Road
mrchow.com
The Malibu outpost of the famed franchise was designed by Michael Chow himself, and exudes high-gloss glamour with its white-on-white décor and a glass-topped bar. From the open kitchen, diners can watch chefs preparing classic Mr. Chow dishes, including green prawns, chicken satay and Ma Mignon.
Salt Air
1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd
saltairvenice.com
The airy Venice eatery features a wide seafood selection but don’t miss its brunch menu, with classics like blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and twists like a lobster omelet.
Son of a Gun
8370 West 3 Street
sonofagunrestaurant.com
Chef/owners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s seafood-focused restaurant offers a wide range of options, ranging from pub-style delicacies (try the shrimp sandwich and the hush puppies) to more refined dishes like yellowfin tuna tataki and oysters on the half shell.
Spice Table
114 South Central Avenue
thespicetable.com
Chef Bryant Ng honed his skills at Pizzeria Mozza before opening this Vietnamese-Singaporean restaurant. Menu standouts include Curry Fried Chicken Wings and Beef Rendang.
Sugar Fish
Multiple locations
sugarfishsushi.com
Chef Kazunori Nozawa’s passion for food and for the great tradition of sushi is evident in his menu. Using only the highest quality ingredients for his sushi and sashimi, Nozawa even makes his own soy sauce and ponzu.
Tasting Kitchen
1633 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
thetastingkitchen.com
An ingredient-driven locavore haven led by chef Casey Lane that has been catering to Los Angeles foodies since 2009. Be sure to try out the extensive cocktail menu.
Tower Bar
Tower Bar
8358 Sunset Boulevard
sunsettowerhotel.com
Inspired by Old Hollywood, the 80-seat room is housed in Bugsy Siegel’s old apartment on the ground floor of the hotel. Sip on a Sunrise Gimlet or Moscow Mule while listening to famed jazz musicians play the night away.
Trois Mec
716 N Highland Avenue
troismec.com
A nightly tasting menu from a trio of celebrity chefs—Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo—has turned this 26-seat, reservation-only spot into the hottest meal ticket in town.
