Los Angeles-Ca Food-Restaurants

Los Angeles-Ca Food-Restaurants information

Celebrity Dining

The Palm *** 9001 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood Tel: +1 (1)310-550-8811 This classic celebrity hangout adorned with caricatures of movie stars covering the walls is one of the best places for seeing the rich and famous in person. But most people come here because the food is so good. Lobster (expertly cracked and shelled for you by the waiters), steaks, fish, salads, everything is top-notch in this bustling Hollywood eatery where meals are expensive but the experience is unforgettable. Upscale casual. Must reserve. Hotel Bel-Air *** 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Bel Air Tel: +1 (1)310-472-1211 From the moment you cross the garden bridge and see swans gliding through this secluded romantic hideaway in the canyon, it becomes obvious why this place is so popular among stars. The setting is perfect, the is elegant, service is impeccable, and the "Nouvelle California French" cuisine always earns top ratings. Dress up and reserve ahead. The Ivy *** 133 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood Tel: +1 (1)310-274-8303 Celebrities and onlookers eat amidst upscale countryin the Ivy, one of the movie industry's most exclusive hangouts. If you're not famous or spectacularly good looking expect to get the thinnest of false smiles from the staff, but the food and the opportunity to see the living who's who of Hollywood over brunch makes up for it.

Californian

Philippe, the Original * 1001 N Alameda St Chinatown Tel: +1 (1)213-628-3781 This is the leader of the pack for value and vintage charm. Philippe's accepts no credit cards and patrons stand in line to order and get their food. The French Dip sandwiches with roast beef, roast pork, turkey, ham or leg of lamb are simply irresistible, especially with Philippe's special hot mustard. Tuna salad on a roll, pickled eggs, fresh lemonade, beer, premium wines by the glass, and the ultimate bargain, a 10-cent cup of coffee - it's all here. Farmers Market * 6444 West 3rd Street Tel: +1 (1)323-933-9211 This 1934 landmark is the place where farmers used to bring fresh produce and sell goods right out of their trucks. It has since evolved into a popular open-air collection of international food stalls, cafés and boutiques where you can stroll, shop, eat, and still enjoy a one-on-one interaction with merchants of all nationalities. Informal patio dining allows you to select your entrée from one place, a side dish from another, and dessert from somewhere else, to assemble your own cultural feast. Cheesecake Factory ** 4142 Via Marina Marina del Rey Tel: +1 (1)310-306-3344 This classy but casual place is an ideal choice if you're not sure what you want. Their gigantic menu offers an extensive variety of traditional and unusual entrées (Cajun Jambalaya Pasta), speciality cocktails (Flying Gorilla), and interesting hors d'oeuvres (Avocado Eggrolls with Tamarind-Cashew Dipping sauce). Portions are huge, but try to save room for dessert - there are more than 30 outstanding cheesecakes to choose from. Other locations across the city. Casual, no reservations required. California Pizza Kitchen ** 1001 Broxton Ave Westwood Tel: +1 (1)310-209-9197 Two California attorneys with a passion for pizza gave up a lucrative law practice to establish this popular chain of restaurants called CPK. The menu includes creative pastas and hearth-baked pizzas with traditional toppings, but if you really want to know what made them famous, try the pizzas with names like Tandoori Chicken, Caramelised Pear and Gorgonzola, and Philly Cheesecake. Casual, family-friendly, no reservations required. Souplantation * 201 S Lake Ave Pasadena Tel: +1 (1)626-577-4797 This soup and salad restaurant chain is a favourite among those who want fresh healthy food at a reasonable price. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes build-your-own salads, a selection of soups (possibly the best chicken noodle soup in town), several kinds of pasta, pizza slices, baked potatoes, fresh baked breads, brownies, fruit, and frozen yoghurt. Other locations are in Brentwood, the Beverly Connection, Marina del Rey and Torrance. Very casual, no reservations required. Inn of the Seventh Ray ** 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd Topanga Tel: +1 (1)310-455-1311 Vegetarians, vegans and nature-loving meat eaters who want to escape from urban stress come to Topanga where the scenery looks the same as it did when Chumash Indians lived here 5000 years ago. The Inn offers tasty organic vegetarian selections as well as "spiritually correct" meat, chicken and fish specialities. Very casual, reservations recommended.

Seafood

The Lobster ** 1602 Ocean Ave Santa Monica Tel: +1 (1)310-458-9294 One of Santa Monica's most famous restaurants, the Lobster serves up American style fish dishes to the beautiful people who crowd along the pier and boardwalk. The ocean views alone make a visit worthwhile, but the fresh lobster makes it a must-do. Gladstone's 4 Fish ** 17300 Pacific Coast Highway Pacific Palisades Tel: +1 (1)310-454-3474 Sweeping ocean views, salty sea air, and the gentle rhythm of waves breaking nearby all produce a euphoric effect that is hard to find anywhere else except on the outdoor terrace at Gladstone's. There are ocean views inside too, vintage photos of Santa Monica, and barrels of free peanuts (just throw the shells on the floor). Meals can be pricey but portions are enormous. No reservations.

Mexican

El Cholo ** 1121 S Western Ave Tel: +1 (1)323-734-2773 The oldest and most famous Mexican restaurant in California began here in the 1920s when this street was the westernmost boundary of Los Angeles. El Cholo's green corn tamales, crab enchiladas and powerful Margaritas made with premium Cuervo tequila have attracted a continuous stream of patrons from Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, and Loretta Young to Jack Nicholson, Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Hanks and Madonna.

Italian

Valentino's *** 3115 Pico Blvd Tel: +1 (1)310-829-4313 Having earned the accolade of best Italian restaurant in the whole US, Valentino's transports you back to Europe with its brilliantly cooked menu of Italian dishes. A pasta dish won't break the bank, but you'll want to splash out a bit on the excellent anti-pasta, innovative entrees and impressive wine list. Classic ambience, classy restaurant. Guido's ** 11980 Santa Monica Blvd Tel: +1 (1)310-820-6649 Guido's serves fine Northern Italian food in an intimate setting. While the quality isn't quite what you get at Valentino's the tab isn't comparable either.

Japanese

Matsuhisa *** 129 North La Cienega Blvd Tel: +1 (1)310-659-9639 Serving very expensive Japanese food that always earns top ratings Matsuhisa is a favourite among the discerning international diners of LA. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is said to have been "discovered" by Robert de Niro and stars are regular diners here. Aki ** 11513 Santa Monica Blvd Tel: +1 (1)310-479-8406 Aki serves up very good Japanese food in pretty run of the mill surroundings. It's some of the best value sushi in LA though and a good choice if you don't want to ovespend.

Chinese

Mr Chow's *** 344 N Camden Drive Tel: +1 (1)310-278-9911 Mr Chow's serves up some of the most expensive Chinese dishes in LA, thankfully they're also some of the most innovative and lovingly prepared.

Thai

Chan Dara ** 310 N Larchmont Blvd Tel: +1 (1)323-467-1052 This isn't the place for traditional Thai cuisine, but then there are plenty of LA restaurants that cater for those seeking authentic Thai food. Chan Dara serves up an innovative mix of Thai influenced food in a trendy atmosphere filled with cool diners.

Best of the rest

Typhoon ** : Asian and Indonesian food overlooking the runway at Santa Monica. Tel: +1 (1)310-390-6565. Asia de Cuba ***: Expensive Asian-Cuban food on Sunset Strip, it's a scene. Tel: +1 (1)323-848-6000. Taverna Tony **: Good Greek food in Malibu with live music and dancing. Tel: +1 (1)310-317-9667. La Cachette ***: Fabulous French food on Santa Monica Boulevard, nice decor. Expensive but worth it. Tel: +1 (1)310-470-4992. Roscoe's *: Cinnamon waffles, crispy fried chicken, Southern US soul food in the Hollywood area. Tel: +1 (1)323-934-4405. Café 50s *: 1950s throwback diner atmosphere, jukebox, burgers, fries, salads, hot dinners on Santa Monica Blvd. Tel: +1 (1)310-479-1955.

Bars

So many bars so little time. Los Angeles bars emulate the entire social strata of the city on a macro scale. There are designer wine bars where the well dressed quaff expensive cocktails, and there are traditional American drinking halls where the blue collar workers sink budweisers or bottles of corona into the small hours. There is also a surprising number of traditional "English" style pubs, and a less surprising plethora of themed Irish and Mexican bars. In a city of this vast size it is impossible to count the number of bars on offer, but you'll never be far from some kind of drinks establishment. The larger hotels often comprise several bars, usually of good quality and plenty of diners serve beers and mixed drinks. If you fancy heading somewhere specific the best hunting ground is in Santa Monica, where there are plenty of places to slake your thirst. Here are a few of our personal favourites - but in no way an exhaustive list, and you should definitely explore the bar scene in your part of the city for yourself. Check out the Entertainment section for some further suggestions on club bars you might want to check out as well. Ye Olde King's Head 116 Santa Monica Blvd Tel: +1 (1)310-451-1402 English pub and food. Beers on tap, darts and festooned with English football scarves and fake beams this is as close to the real deal as it gets. Hennessey's Tavern 313 Manhattan Beach Blvd Tel: +1 (1)310-546-4813 Tall beer hall that looks decidedly rum from the outside. The clientele tends to be rich kids pretending they're slumming it but it's a friendly enough place and serves a good beer. Bonaventure Brewing Co 404 S. Figueroa St Tel: +1 (1)213- 236-0802 A micro-brewery in Downtown the Bonaventure Brewing Co in the hotel complex is well worth checking out. Evenings in the week are lively with the business crowd getting merry after a day working in the surrounding skyscrapers. Brittania Pub 318 Santa Monica Blvd Tel: +1 (1)310-458-5350 British style pub if not a particularly British style building. Right on the promenade and popular with the expat community it's a good place to recharge the batteries and get away from the Santa Monica set. FOX Sports Sky Box at The Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St Tel: +1 (1)213-742-7345 The Staples Center's complex also comprises this, touted as the most up-to-date sports bar possible. If the Lakers or the Clippers are playing it's packed with people going to the game. Grab some chairs if you can, order some finger foods and cold beers and take in the brash, blaring big-screen sports entertainment. Not the place for an intimate tete a tete. Goldfinger's 6423 Yucca St. Hollywood Tel: +1 (1)323-962-2913 You have to head away from Hollywood Boulevard to find this neighbourhood haunt. As you might tell from the name, there's a James Bond theme but it's not as cheesy as you'd expect and the bar even enjoys a certain cache of fame. There's often a live act on, but mainly you come here for the funky ambience. You have to ring the bell to get in, but it's a friendly enough place - promise.