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Eating Out
Guide to Drinking and Dining in Los Angeles
LA's "typical" cuisine is a
cultural smorgasbord of American and international specialities that
can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Movie makers often "do
lunch" at trendy upscale restaurants on the Westside where LA's
world-class chefs have a reputation for consistently producing great
food while creating their newest culinary masterpieces (usually
expensive but worth it).
The older vintage restaurants of Los Angeles are mostly downtown,
midtown, or in Hollywood, and these places are often more
fascinating for their historical charm than for the food they serve.
Outdoor dining is popular all year in LA's mild climate, especially
among those who want to escape from the big city to enjoy the rustic
canyons of the mountains or the panoramic ocean views of the coastal
communities.
Most menus offer a variety of selections from the "All American"
hamburger to typical entrees of fresh seafood, steak, chicken,
pasta, and salads. In addition to these traditional favourites, LA
has plenty of ethnic restaurants with excellent sushi, mu shu,
quesadillas, pad thai, and various Asian, Mexican, Italian, Cuban,
Greek, and other international specialities.
The city is famous for eclectic food creations, like Thai Chicken
Pizza, and for a growing abundance of New Age health-conscious and
vegetarian menu items that promote spiritual and physical well
being.
Note that smoking is prohibited inside restaurants and bars but is
usually permitted in designated outdoor dining areas - you really
should ask before lighting up. Sales Tax of 8.25% is included on the
bill. The gratuity is not included except for parties of eight or
more. Tips are usually 15-20% and can be added to the credit card
receipt.
In terms of what you can expect to pay, restaurants vary greatly
from the cheapest of the cheap to vastly expensive celebrity
hangouts where being seen is more important than getting fed.
PRICE GUIDE: (average cost of a main course):
= less than USD10,
= USD10-USD20,
= USD20+
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.
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