Since 1918, this place has been serving some of the best French dip sandwiches in the world. That seems logical because it was Philippe, The Original who claims to have invented the juicy concoction over 100 years ago. Besides the tender and succulent meat, the prices haven't changed much since either; a roast beef, pork, turkey, ham or leg of lamb sandwich will satiate your palate and leave your pocket without a dent! Want a cup of coffee? Head here for a steaming cup that will leave you feeling energized for the day.
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.
While the charming and hipster-chic decor of Sqirl is sure to catch your eye, the serpentine line of enthusiastic patrons spilling through the door, and on to the side-walk, is simply impossible to miss. The cafe is best known for its delectable organic jams, prepared using fresh fruits sourced from small, local farms. While waiting in line may be frustrating, especially when you can smell the delicious aromas wafting from inside, the wait is certainly worth it and gives you a chance to examine the chalkboard menu. The brown rice bowl, quiche and brioche sandwiches are especially popular, however a meal here is simply incomplete without a pastry and some of their amazing jam.
Sitting pretty in an artsy neighborhood, Square One Dining provides gourmet breakfasts and lunches in a bright, cheery ambiance. Soft, yellow interiors are dotted with art works, while low strains of folk-rock stray into the breezy patio. Patrons feast on hearty breakfasts of oatmeal, pancakes, fruit, eggs Benedict, omelets and smoked meats on whole grain toast. The health kick goes on into lunch, where one will find the likes of club sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads and Cobbs. The wait staff is good with kids, and each table comes equipped with crayons to keep the little ones busy till the food arrives, which is quite soon anyway.
Meats are the focus of this restaurant in the heart of the city. Locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table philosophy dictate the menu at Salt's Cure. Don't miss the charcuterie plate, nor the much raved about weekend brunch with a menu that has a healthy dose of meat and pastries. Chalkboard menus announce the regularly changing specials. This restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe.
This specialty deli serves up traditional Mexican fare and pays homage to the Latin American discovery of chocolate. CaCao Mexicatessen draws inspiration from the Baja California region, serving traditional dishes most often found in the Tijuana, Ensenada, and Valle de Guadalupe regions. Find the usual suspects like tacos, tortas, sopes, burritos, and more. However, CaCao Mexicatessen is most famous for its filling breakfast options, that of course, feature a bounty of egg dishes.
Opening in 2006 and quickly becoming a Los Angeles favorite, Blu Jam Cafe is a quintessential Melrose Avenue experience. Serving gourmet breakfast and brunch fare at reasonable prices, this little eatery is where native Angelenos go to spend their weekend mornings. Classic home-style standbys like eggs Benedict, omelettes and French toast equalize the menu with more eclectic world fare such as the brunch carbonnara with arborio rice, bacon, peas, parsley, and two poached eggs, spicy Tex-Mex tofu hash, and wraps. They even offer plenty of gluten-free and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.
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.
Located on West Sunset Boulevard, Eveleigh is a flamboyantly rustic yet comfortable eatery that features sumptuous American and European dishes. Eveleigh gets its name from a suburb in Sydney, where Eveleigh was first started. Feel laid back with their wooden furniture and enjoy the amazing Old European style dishes and American delicacies and pair them with a wine from their extensive list, which will take you through the evening.
Located in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel of Beverly Hills, Culina attracts foodies, hotel guests and sundry diners with its beautiful spacious patio with lounge-style seating and hushed leisurely vibe and of course its delectable cuisine. The preparation here largely leans on the authentic Mediterranean philosophy of using only the finest, freshest ingredients and flash-cooking them with the kind of briskness that preserves the original flavors and nutrients. Whether it's beef, poultry or seafood, you will be able to relish the native succulence, unhindered by heavy sauces and prolonged cooking. A selection of market-fresh salads is there to cleanse and prep your palate whereas the sophisticated desserts round off this fine gourmet venture.
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.
26 Beach offers a variety of different cuisines for lunch and dinner as well as an enormous breakfast menu. For starters, 26 Beach serves exceptional Nu'Awlins Chicken Gumbo and Coctel de Ceviche. There is an entire menu page dedicated to "Marvelous Main Course Salads," ranging from an Oriental noodle salad to a garlic shrimp Caesar. For dinner, enjoy a N.Y. Strip Steak or Mary's Rack of lamb. 26 Beach is also known for its huge selection of "giant" hamburgers served on freshly baked buns; wheat or brioche. Sit outside on the patio to bask in the California sun and mingle with the locals.