Los Angeles, California

Eat

L.A. Chapter

Rooted in locally sourced vegetables and seafood, the flavors they contradict sensationally. Located in the Ace Hotel (see our hotel recommendations), this place also serves a tantalizing all-day breakfast.

Quick tip: Book ahead. This place gets busy, quick. Their cocktails are just as inventive as their food.

927 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Love & Salt

It doesn’t get more SoCal than a city beach restaurant with its own garden. If you’re after California-inspired Italian fare that invokes local flavor in a distinctly rustic European way, Love & Salt is it.

317 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Birch

Calmly sitting amidst a stretch of Hollywood dive bars you’ll find this charming diamond in the rough. British chef Brendan Collins’ pays poetic homage to amusing plates. You can expect delights such as rabbit baklava, monkfish tikka masala, and bourbon glazed beignets. Wowza.

Quick tip: You’ll need reservations. If you’re not hungry, go just for the bar. It’s a restaurant for creative concoctions unto itself.

1634 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Eggslut

Head over to Grand Central Market, a self-declared “downtown landmark since 1917” where 100 vendors sell everything from bulk chiles and dried beans to egg sandwiches. Ask for the signature “slut” sandwich: coddled egg atop a scoop of seasoned potato puree, in a glass jar with grey salt and chives. Top it off with manchego and a side of creamy Cali avocado.

Quick tip: If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for trying local LA flavors, Grand Central Market is the place to go. Enjoy a full day of eating right in one place.

Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Gracias Madre

LA has it all including this delightful little vegan Mexican food eatery. Yup, you heard it right. Vegan. Mexican food. The food is actually quite scrumptious, even for you meat-eaters out there. The decor is tasteful; a cross between Mexican chic and Palm Springs casual.

Quick tip: They have an excellent mezcal bar.

8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Guisados

“Guisado” is Spanish for stew. With their handmade, made to-order tortillas that are stuffed with the house signature braised meats, we can understand why some claim these are the best tacos in town. There’s outdoor seating, and indoors, you can sit and watch the kitchen in action as you dig into the mouthwatering tacos ($2.75 each). For those seeking to try as much as possible, we recommend the six-taco sampler. They have two locations now: Boyle Heights and Echo Park.

Quick tip: Try their agua frescas (a type of freshly made light non-alcoholic Mexican beverage). Also, most of their tacos are gluten-free (no flavor is sacrificed).

1261 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Animal

This place captures the quirkiness that is LA. From pig ears to chicken liver and veal tongue, this rammed and rowdy snout-to-tailer is sure to entertain the soul and the tastebuds. A place that serves three types of foie gras ought never be overlooked.

Quick tip: There’s a special ramen menu from 6–8pm Mondays and Tuesdays. Must try.

435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Drink

No Vacancy

Victorian house turned 20s speakeasy circus with burlesque, tightrope walkers, and Prohibition-era pours. It oozes Old Hollywood glamor.

Quick tip: Arrive early. It gets crowded.

1727 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

No Name

No name, and no sign either. This by-invite-only, celebrity centric alcove is the insiders’ after-dark haunt du jour. A good concierge will get you in.

Quick tip: Here’s the address: The Secret Club, 432 N Fairfax Los Angeles, CA

Estrella Sunset

Named after the circus girl in Joni Mitchell’s ‘Ladies of the Canyon’, chef Dakota Weiss’ resto-bar is gloriously decorated with fecund foliage, fairy lights, eucalyptus and fir reminiscent of deep undergrowth. There’s a cherry piano, wood burning fire, and a mod American menu. The food is great, but we recommend coming here in the evening for a cocktail and a Californian sunset.

8800 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

See

The Broad

It’s rare when a place lives up to its hype. With its cheese-grater exterior, worm tube escalator shaft, the collection of 2,000 works by 200 contemporary and postwar artists (including household names, like Warhol and Koons, and less familiar figures), it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss, especially when all of this wonder could be yours for the price of $0.

Quick tip: Since admission is free, we recommend you reserve online ahead of time. Before you leave the museum, take the stairs and look through the ‘spy holes’.

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Griffith Park

This expansive urban park is still surprisingly untamed, with miles of hiking trails under the warm Southern California sun. The planetarium is perfect for astro-nerds and there are jaw-dropping vistas from the Observatory. This is also a perfect place for dates.

Quick tip: Wolfgang Puck caters a cafe located at the the end of the Observatory, so no need to lug snacks with you.

Do

Blue Whale Bar

Jazz echos through the ribs of this minimalist jazz club. The brainchild of jazz vocalist Joon Lee, Blue Whale has become the go-to venue for the emerging as well as established artists to showcase their latest projects. It’s done a lot to boost the city’s jazz profile. They serve up an impressive menu of small bites as well.

Grand Central Market

Venture deep into the belly of the this historic, grotty market to discover mod and edgy gourmet finds including DLTA Cheese and Eggslut. Their 30,000 square-foot arcade encompasses a food emporium and retail marketplace promises an entire day of fun.

Quick tip: Try a small stall serving up freshly made tacos called Ana Maria.

Learn to Surf

Take a lesson on the waves- you’ll be up on the first day. Make sure you book ahead. Most places provide all the equipment.

Quick tip: For seasoned surfers, Huntington Beach has the best waves.

Shop

Sunbeam Vintage

All that lifestyle and Pinterest envy you’ve been saving up is well spent here at this modern furniture and housewares emporium.

106 S Avenue 58, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Alchemy Works

Downtown treasure trove of men’s and women’s local lifestyle labels, mod jewellery, and house collaborations, complete with an on-site Warby Parker showroom. There’s a small-batch roaster Blacktop next door. Can we get a “hipster” eye roll?

Quick tip: Come on Thursday or Friday where you’ll find Guerilla Tacos food truck parked right outside. They have amazing tacos and burritos.

826 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Bar Keeper

Delightful little specialist’s shop, with everything bar-related, from bitters to spirits to vintage to glassware. Collector’s items and hard-to-find cocktail paraphernalia make this place a goldmine for mixologists.

3910 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Coffee Break

The Paramount Coffee Project

This bright coffee shop serves up tasty sandwiches alongside their Australian brews. The communal space with industrial design is a nice place to catch your breath.

456 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Fountain Coffee Room

Beloved and historic banana leaf wallpapered [posh] watering hole where stars sit next to nobodies on counter stools. It’s the closest thing to socialism you’ll see in L.A.

Quick tip: Their self-proclaimed “informal brunch” is worth a try. They’re only open till 7pm each day.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Stay

Mama Shelter

Funky, hip boutique hotel that’s an 8-minute walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and other major attractions. Their rooftop bar offers a spectacular view of the city sans smog. For you lovebirds out there, check out the “Mama Los Angeles Love Offer” room rate that includes late checkout and a bottle of champagne with strawberries.

Quick tip: If you’re a light sleeper or go to bed early, ask for a room away from the bars. It can get a little noisy at night (in room) because the two bars and a restaurant bring in a lively crowd.

Average stay per night: $219

Casa Del Mar

Not including this hotel in our handpicked recommendations for Los Angles would be a mistake as it is fondly adored by by so many travelers. This 1926 Renaissance Revival hotel near the beach is a 7-minute drive from Montana Avenue’s elegant eateries and shops. The serene rooms epitomize the romance of the ocean.

Quick tip: The oceanfront restaurant offers both indoor and poolside dining, and the funky bar offers light bites.

Average stay per night: $700

Ace Hotel

Located in in the downtown area and housed in the 1927 United Artists building, this hip yet sophisticated hotel has a glamorous theatre and diva-grade dining. Trendy, minimalist rooms come with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi; some even surprise guests with acoustic guitars. The rooftop bar is the talk of the town. Their restaurant serves grade-A all-day breakfast.

Quick tip: Be sure to go to the theatre at least once while you’re there. They entertain everything from Game of Thrones to up-and-coming local artists.

Average stay per night: $440

Mr. C (Beverly Hills)

Every bit as comfortable as it is effortless, Mr. C dials up style and hospitality accordingly. A modern version of old-world simplicity and stylish European glamour, the rooms ooze with elegance. The restaurant serves refreshingly down-to-earth traditional Italian fare. The pool and the spa give guests reason to stay an extra day or two.

Quick tip: You must try the Mr. C mandarin-based cocktail.

Average stay per night: $523

Chateau Marmont

An oldie but a goodie. This legendary Sunset Boulevard hotel evokes the vibe of a French chateau. Splurge for the fine linens and cashmere throws, lunch on the garden terrace, and sip at the Bar Marmont which is a destination unto itself.

Average stay per night: $685

The Obvious

The Los Angeles Music Center

Located downtown, The Music Center is home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Quick tip: Whether you’re attending the opera or just going to marvel at the building, The Music Center is surrounded by lovely restaurants.

Hollywood Bowl

There may not be any bowling pins at this astounding amphitheatre, but there are rockin’ acoustics and rollin’ gardens for picnics and Instagram snaps. Check the schedule to see who’s playing when.

Quick tip: Book box seats with full meal delivery service if you’d prefer a white glove experience.

The Getty Center

The Instagram-worthy architecture alone is worth the schlep. Great place for culture fiends.

Quick tip: Avoid this place like the plague on weekends, assuming you prefer to avoid tourist mobs.