LA insider Alison Greenspan gives us the luscious low-down…
Whist at Viceroy Hotel, Santa Monica
Contemporary American food is given a sexy twist at this Santa Monica hot spot. Head Chef Warren Schwartz teams seasonal local ingredients with classic French flavors and techniques. Lunch at a poolside table or private cabana; head to the stylish,elegant dining room by night. Don’t miss the delectable dayboat scallops with zucchini macadamia nut mousse or the roasted elk tenderloin with parmesan polenta.
1819 Ocean Avenue Santa Monica, 90401 | www.viceroysantamonica.com | +1 310 260 7500
Mozza, La Brea & Miracle Mile
Nancy Silverton & Mario Battali’s latest eaterie certainly lives up to the hype. This is pizza for epicureans- forget pizza hut, Mozza’s offerings are light, crispy and creative just like you get in Italy; wash ‘em down with a gorgeous Italian red …simply delicious!
641 North Highland Avenue, 90038 | www.mozza-la.com | +1 323 297 0101
Simon, Hollywood
Celebrity chef Kerry Simon serves up “inventive refits of American comfort classics” (Zagat). Great food, great atmosphere, gorgeous aqua and chocolate brown interiors. Fab leafy patio for al fresco dining when the weather heats up.
8555 Beverly Blvd, 90048 | www.sofitella.com | +1 310 358-3979
Magnolia, Hollywood
Upbeat buzzy spot open til 3am on weekends and 2am on weekdays…perfect for a post-theatre/ pre-club dinner/drink/coffee/dessert- the folks aren’t uptight at Magnolia… Go for the tasty macaroni cheese, refreshingly fresh n’ flavosome cobb salad and momentous ice-cream sandwich. Fabulous for a midnight feast.
6266 1/2 Sunset Blvd, 90028 | www.magnoliahollywood.com | +1 323 467 0660
BLD, La Brea & Miracle Mile
A hip joint that offers what its moniker represents: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hearty classics with an upscale and gourmet twist. Just so yummy… but not one for calorie counters!
7450 Beverly Blvd, 90036 | +1 323 930 9744
Hamasaku, West LA
Tucked in a mini-mall on Sepulveda and Santa Monica Boulevard, this Ovitz-owned sushi joint has to be the best in LA. The menu is dizzying with its long list of creative rolls — a few named after celebs who are regulars. The baked crab roll is divine…
11043 Santa Monica Blvd, 90025 | www.hamasakula.com | +1 310 479-7636
Father’s Office, Santa Monica
The most delicious hamburgers served up on french roll, slathered with blue cheese and sauteed onions and arrugula. The many beers on tap range from well known favorites to obscure microbrews. Bear in mind: you have to be strategic to nab a table at this popular spot, and for some peculiar reason, they have a no ketchup policy.
1018 Montana Avenue, 90403 | www.fathersoffice.com | +1 310 393 2337
Cut, Beverly Hills
There’s steakhouses and then there’s Cut… Wolfgang Puck’s latest eaterie, designed by Frank Gehry. The quality of the beef and the presentation match the delicious décor. If you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for the kobe steak, then at least try the kobe burger slider appetizer.
9500 Wilshire Blvd, 90212 | +1 310 275 5200
A.O.C, La Brea & Miracle Mile
The ladies behind well-known LA restaurant ‘Lucques’, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, cash in on the wine-and-tapas trend with this sophisticated wine bar. Tapas-style portions of some of the great classics and newer fusion yummies make it easy to try many dishes. Extensive and impressive wine list. Popular, so book ahead.
8022 W. 3rd Street, 90048 | www.aocwinebar.com | +1 323 653 6359