Bottega Louie brings European panache to the streets of LA with a delicious contemporary Italian menu. Opt for the Farmers Market Breakfast at their weekend brunch, a platter of poached eggs, vegetables and parmesan, or relish small plates of raspberry beignets or portobello fries. Complement your meal with something from their extensive beverage list; flavored soda, beer, juices, lattes or heady cocktails to name a few. The sprawling high-beamed space is decorated with crisp white walls and marble counter tops for a classy, East Coast feel, and exudes an understated elegance. Head to the deli for food to go, as well as inspiration to experiment in your own kitchen.
Still commonly known as the "Rainbow Room," this fabled Sunset Strip institution continues to deliver a good time with live rock shows, fun finger food and late-night dining. The roomy interiors consist of a dining room, several bars, upstairs dance floor and patio decorated with kitschy rock 'n' roll memorabilia, Christmas lights, burgundy leather booths and even a vintage arcade game. The food offered is an Italian-American fusion of popular munchies such as pizza, sandwiches, steaks and a diverse vegetarian selection. Keep in mind that it is possible to reserve special seating above the stage.
Locals trek to Coral Cafe day and night for the wide selection of inexpensive food. Open 24 hours, it is the perfect for lunch or stopping by after a night at the bars or clubs. The simple layout and sparse decorations may not add to the ambiance, but it creates a mom-and-pop feel. Make sure to order the tortilla soup, topped with a mound of cheese, it's simply one of the best soups in the city. Coral Cafe also has a great breakfast menu.
Open since 1919, this classic restaurant was long the bastion of Hollywood industry power dining. With the look and feel of a private Men's club, Musso & Frank Grill rose to fame in the Golden Years of Hollywood, when Irving Thalberg, Clark Gable and the Marx Brothers were among its most celebrated clients. Nowadays, it is still considered the home of the finest dry martini in town. The Filet Mignon is hard to beat and the service is perfect, with just a touch of attitude. If you are not in the mood for beef, try the succulent lobster and the rich, heavy desserts.
This celebrity hangout has been visited by beautiful people for years and shows no signs of slowing down. If you don't have a reservation or a studio deal, however, don't even try it. The decor is simple and focuses your attention on the crowd and the menu, which are both out of this world. The crab cakes are a favorite, and the fried chicken is also excellent. If you can afford it, The Ivy is a great place to hobnob with the movers and shakers. If not, you can always order a drink at the bar. Be sure to make a reservation.
Since 1928, this L.A. standby has been offering 24-hour casual dining in the heart of the Fairfax district. You'll find the food here authentic and the people-watching amazing. Everyone from The Wallflowers to K.D. Lang and Madonna has stopped in to eat here. Favorites include the in-house pickled corned beef pastrami, the hot corned beef, the tender beef brisket and the many offerings from the in-house bakery. Next door is the Kibitz Room, where there's live music most nights. A full bar and decent wines work well with the food.
The Escondite in Downtown Los Angeles is most popular for its burgers and its generous Happy Hour offerings. Cocktails, wines, and beers, as well as, appetizers are available at an average of USD4 on weekdays from 5p to 8p. Among their cheeseburgers, the Boss Hog and Slim Pickens are crowd pleasers, while the Escondite Beef Sandwich and fries are also delicious. An added feature of this bar is its showcase of local musical talent through concerts that start every night at 10p. Offering pretty views of the city, Escondite is here to stay.
Kendall's Brasserie and Bar offers classic brasserie cuisine as well as dishes that are contemporary. Savor the ocean specialties in the dynamic central bar. Try the Manila clams Provencal for starters and the Steak au Poivre for your main course. Guests attending music shows at the Disney Concert Hall can make reservations for dinner at least two hours in advance of the performance time. The sidewalk dining and semi-private spaces give the place its cool attitude. This is the best dining option for late night supper and special events.
Perched atop the imposing Pershing Square Building, Perch is a gem of a French bistro. The splendid alfresco setup accentuated by a fireplaces and fire pits sets you up for what's in store in the kitchen. The restaurant serves delicious classic French cuisine in LA's scintillating atmosphere. Featuring separate menus for brunch, dinner, and late nights, it offers an unforgettable culinary journey. The regular delicacies like Ahi Tuna Tartare and Caesar Salad are dished out with flair, and so are the traditional dishes like Bouillabaisse and Duck Confit. In the end, a glass of Armagnac or Calvados from its bar is enough to round off a fine dining experience.
Guisados DTLA has spread it wings and branched from a one man show to a multi-functioning restaurant with three locations within the city. The place has gathered so much praise for their last joint itself that the owners decided to start another branch and what an overwhelming response it has been! This taco house wins hands down in serving delicious and filled homemade tortilla chips. Combine that with some sangrias and you are set for an evening of fun.
Lovingly restored to its original glory and reopened after decades of inactivity, Cole's is one of the most popular downtown food destinations. Drop by during happy hour to enjoy a signature cocktail and survey a slice of motley downtown demographics: mellow professionals draped over their after-work aperitifs, keen-eyed tourists, seasoned winos, local artists escaping their lofts for an evening break. The menu is short, perhaps the shortest in LA, but what's on it is finger-licking good. Vegetarians, beware: you would have to tough it out with a bowl of tomato soup and fries, the only non-meat choices on the menu.
For a quiet romantic evening, Bonavista is just the right place to be. Sip cocktails from the interestingly shaped mugs, and enjoy the light fare that is served here while you hold those quiet conversations. The interiors may not be rather hip or happening, but the drinks and the view make up for it. It's location in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites gives stunning views of the downtown while it rotates 360 degrees in an hour!