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.
Located inside the Beverly Hills Hotel, this long-time favorite of the 90210 crowd (the city, not the show) is a great place to people watch. Celebrities and other well-heeled people hang out here and enjoy its rich atmosphere. The room inside is lovely and tasteful, and the outside patio is tree lined and great for smokers who can't do without their fix. Not for the T-shirt set - gentlemen are required to wear jackets.
Located next to the ocean, the Strand House offers breathtaking views along with its outstanding cuisine. The sleek modern decor creates an elegant dining space, though you should make sure you reserve a table by the window so you can enjoy the beach view. The menu features contemporary American dishes created using fresh local ingredients. Complement your meal with a glass of wine from their impressive California wine selection. The weekend brunch is especially scrumptious.
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.
In an underground location on South San Pedro Street, Fu-Ga Izakaya & Bar is a treat for the foodies with a tapas menu consisting of Japanese fusion dishes. It is great for relishing some good varieties of sake and beer while gorging on Kushi Katsu, Seaweed Salad, Yakitori, Sauteed Shishito Peppers and Unagi and Chirimen Jyako Fried Rice. There is a separate happy hour menu that helps to quell the raging appetites. The Bento Boxes offer delightful combinations of salad, tempura, stew and oysters that can be packed and relished at leisure. The venue is dimly lit and perfect for a romantic dinner date. The staff and service are also appealing.
Everyone talks about this place. Good food, good crowd and good service is what completes Daikokuya. This authentic Japanese food joint's specialty is the Daikoku Raumen soup, pork and egg combination dish. You might just get confused as to what to order from the extensive variety of Ramens on offer. They kind of have an open-air kitchen where you can actually watch the chefs make your meal. There is a long waiting list at most times out here. But the wait is worth!
Ever jones for that late-night, after-bar bowl of soup, the steaming flavorful goodness to warm your innards and neutralize the effects of the night's vagaries? This is it! Koraku is a busy spot that teems with patrons slurping up delicious noodle soup every night till 3a, located at the eastern end of Little Tokyo along the main drag. The selection is vast and will satisfy most cravings, also making it a feat to get through the entire menu. The service is unsentimental and fast, and the portions are substantial, to say the least. So there is a good chance you will get a great lunch out of for the next day, all for a very modest price. Cash only. - Kate Sobol
Black and white accents, trendy orb-shaped light fixtures and dark wood furniture lend Baldoria a sleek look. This casual diner where the emphasis is on creative shared plates and craft cocktails is a welcome addition to Little Tokyo's dining scene. Meat lovers and vegetarians alike will find their tasty bite options and pizzas very tempting. Savor their dishes like Fried Shortrib Ravioli and Smashed Fingerlings. Or dig into their delicious pizzas such as Wild Funghi Conserva and Mrs. Croque. Enjoy their happy hours over cocktails like Bay of Pigs and Nessie’s Bath Water. Their bar also stocks a curated list of fine spirits, wine, bottled beer and draft beer.
Located across 2nd Street, this dining outlet serves excellent Japanese cuisine. Right from the starters like Octopus Wasabi, Sashimi Salad to the mains, patrons love the authentic flavors and exquisite dressing for every dish. And, along with your lovely meal, you can also choose from drinks like beer and shochu that perfectly complement the tasty dishes. Check website for details.
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.