AGO

This elegant Italian hotspot exudes a mix of old and rustic décor with modern finishes. Have a seat in the twinkle-lit patio surrounded by 30-foot Italian cypress and olive trees (to keep the paparazzi away), and get transported on a culinary journey through Tuscany, Liguria and Emilio Romano.

Savour the fresh, authentic Italian fare, such as the creamiest Burrata, Calamari Carpaccio, Veal Ravioli with mushroom sauce, Spaghetti allo Scoglio,and the House speciality, Fritto Misto Mare (mixed fried fish). Wood-burning oven Pizzas are perfectly thin with a crispy crust. Impressive international wine list.

The trattoria is backed by entertainment moguls, including De Niro, the Weinsteins and Ridley Scott, so don’t be surprised to be rubbing shoulders with stars, VIP’s and business execs sealing their next film deal. The romantic al fresco setting makes it the perfect place to take a date, where you can dream of idyllic Italian starry nights as you sip some of the best Chianti in town.

8478 Melrose Avenue       (323) 655-6333

ANGELINI OSTERIA

It is a long-standing argument which restaurant in LA serves the best Italian. Whenever and wherever that dialogue takes place, Angelini is always at the top of everyone’s list.

Hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, Gino Angelini has carved an immovable place for himself in the culinary landscape of LA. After creating Vincenti in Brentwood to critical acclaim in the 90’s, Angelini opened the Osteria in West Hollywood in 2001-- a cozy and celebrated restaurant that is both decadent and amicable.

Traditional and inventive dishes make up the menu: Branzino with aromatic herbs, Lasagna with Beef and Veal Ragu, and Anchovies served with Beets will make the palate swoon. Perfectly thin crust wood oven Pizzas, and the specials of the day ranging from Oxtail to Veal Shank roasted in the same wood oven. Don’t miss the handmade Pastas that are unrivaled.

A competent group of witty and gorgeous Italian waiters enhance the enjoyable dining experience.

The wine list is stunning. A wide selection of Prosecco and sparkling wines leads the way to over 100 bottles from various regions of Italy, along with dependable and delicious California wines by the glass.

7313 Beverly Blvd.      (323) 297-0070

ANIMAL

Leaving the adornment and pretension of the “LA scene” outside the door, the exceptionally executed food is the definitive focus at Animal, one of the city’s most highly acclaimed restaurants. Chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo are the masterminds behind this small, low key American eatery.

A crowd of serious foodies, passionate chefs, and curious restaurant critics indulge in the excessive flavours of the pig-happy treats such as Marrow bone served with chimichurri and caramelized onions, Pig ear with chili, lime and fried egg, the Barbeque Pork Belly sandwich, or Quail fry Grits with chard, slab bacon and maple jus. Foie gras fans will be smiling with joy after one taste of the Foie Gras Loco Moco with quail egg, spam and hamburger. If you haven’t guessed, it’s probably best to leave your vegetarian friends at home. Do come with a group, since you will want to share one of every creative concoction on the menu. Don’t even attempt to leave without proudly devouring their decadent Bacon Chocolate Crunch Bar.

There is a small, bustling bar with space for only lucky seven on a first-come basis. Equally bold list of wines offered by the glass. Advance reservations are advised to avoid any gastronomical life changing disappointment.

435 North Fairfax Avenue       (323) 782-9225

CRAFT

Constellation Blvd is known for it’s large corporate offices, investment banks and bigwig talent agencies. Now a gastronomic haven is making its mark in Century City, offering something you can really sink your teeth into. Acclaimed NY chef Tom Colicchio’s Craft has landed in the sunny City of Angels, bringing along all of his deliciously decadent mastery.

The dining room is a spectacle of modern chic. A seasonal menu focuses on fresh local ingredients cooked to perfection, resulting in masterpieces of contemporary American cuisine. Diners undergo the highest form of indulgence by savoring such dishes as sublime Veal & Ricotta Meatballs, Crispy Pork Belly with blueberries, and a decadent platter of 35 day Dry-aged Sirloin. A Tasting menu boasts unique daily dishes, offering desserts such as a Blueberry Cornbread Pudding with sweet corn ice cream.

The wine list presents a formidable choice of international selections. Beer lovers are not neglected with several Belgians and Californian IPAs. Or maybe the ‘Bees Knees” cocktail will do-- a perfect melange of moonshine white whiskey, chamomile infused Luxardo, honey and lemon.

Craft can also be experienced in true LA style on the beautiful outdoor patio, surrounded by luxury high rises filled with “show me the money” agents looking down in food envy.

10100 Constellation Blvd       (310) 279-4180

EVA

What makes a great dining experience? Besides the exquisite food, comfortable ambience and perfect wine, it's also the friendly smiles received throughout the meal, and the intricate attention to details that makes one feel well taken care of. Named after Chef Mark Gold’s grandmother, Eva is this perfect combination of fresh and delicious California cooking in a relaxed and comfortable family-friendly setting.

Top quality ingredients from California and around the world are used to create the small, but highly skilled menu. Dishes to savour include Kampachi (coconut tea smoked plum), Foie Gras with melon, and Jidori Chicken served with gnocchi, bacon and artichokes.

A most amiable staff attends to your every need. The wine list is small but adequate, with a nice collection of French and California bottles. For dessert, Bread Pudding with bananas, chocolate and caramel is a divine. Go, and live happily Eva after...

7458 Beverly Blvd      (323) 634-0700

JAR

It is no accident that Suzanne Tracht has been recognized as one of the top female chefs in the Unites States. She has been a revolutionary force in the Los Angeles restaurant scene for over a decade, working with such culinary masters as Chefs Mark Peel from Campanile and Siegbert Wendler. But it's what she has successfully achieved on her own terms that makes Tracht a stand out.

Upon entering into the elegant warm dining room that is Jar, it seems as if you are stepping into another era— one of old-fashioned grace with a perfectly poured martini. The sleek modern design and attention to detail are achieved with effortless brilliance.

Tracht specializes in standard American fare with a graceful, contemporary twist. Grilled and braised meats, seafood, and seasonal farm fresh vegetables adorn the menu. The signature Pot Roast is a must; succulent and homey, served with sweet caramelized onions.

Definitely try one of their signature cocktails, mixed with an expert hand. The outstanding wine list features classics and obscure gems from domestic and international producers.

8225 Beverly Blvd      (323) 655-6566

LOU

Hidden within an unsightly strip mall lie a secret treasure for the venturing gastronome, Lou the Hollywood restaurant and Wine Bar. Charmed with a soulful ambience throughout its rustic, rectangular candlelit room, Lou is the perfect romantic surprise guaranteed to excite the senses.

The seasonal menu is displayed on a large blackboard and chalk drawn map of the artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, and their origins. A popular choice is the Cheese Plank with well-aged Wisconsin Cheddar, herbed Cowgirl Creamery cheese, a Triple Cream, Goat’s cheese, Sheep’s milk cheese and a Blue cheese such as Rogue Creamery Smoky Blue. Their produce is fresh from local farmers markets, meats are hormone free, and the fish is wild, not farmed.

A trip to culinary heaven continues with sample tapas-style dishes, such as the House made country-style Pate with pistachios, fresh figs, speck, arugula and toasted almonds, or a larger plate of mouthwatering Maine Scallops, corn puddin’, and tomato-avocado relish. Try pairing it perfectly with some Bundaberg ginger beer.

An extensive wine list offers over thirty wines by the glass that changes 3 or 4 times a week, ranging from $6- $16. Look for special Monday suppers, wine tastings and food pairing events occurring weekly. Be aware that there is a no-reservation policy on Friday and Saturday or for groups of 6 or less.

724 Vine Street      (323) 962-6369

M CAFÉ DE CHAYA

M Café de Chaya changes what is normally thought of as macrobiotic cuisine. Corporate executive chef, Shigefumi Tachibe has created a mouth-watering menu that Angelenos have been dreaming about, representing their healthy California lifestyle.

Relax in the European setting, and enjoy a balanced, nutritious, and creative cuisine prepared fresh daily. The dishes exclude any traces of refined sugars, eggs, dairy, meat or poultry. Lunch is the time to see and be seen, where young, beautiful and health conscious locals chow down favorites such as the popular Kale with spicy peanut dressing, Seafood Sushi platters, and The Big Macro Burger— a wholegrain brown rice & vegetable burger, with soy mozzarella. The wraps and salads are nothing short of heavenly.

Babycakes, non-gluten cupcakes, complete the guilt-free gastronomical power lunch with a smile.

7119 Melrose Avenue     (323) 525-0588

NOBU            Japanese

You can’t blink twice in LA without passing another sushi bar. From local strip mall joints to outlandishly expensive Omakase menus, LA has something to satisfy every raw fish fanatic craving. (They didn’t name it California Roll for nothing.) To experience Japanese cuisine on a whole other level, Nobu is on the top of the LA sushi-lists. The David Rockwell designed space on La Cienega’s Restaurant Row is elegant, sexy, and Asian chic, filled to the brim with a mixed crowd of entertainment execs, show biz agents, celebrities, serious foodies and die hard Nobu-fantatics who refuse to get their Uni fix from anywhere else.

Head chef of the West Hollywood hotspot, Alex Becker has worked in various Nobu locations, including Hawaii and New York. Using the freshest fish from Tokyo, his team creates their signature dishes to perfection. No dinner can proceed without an order of the Rock Shrimp Tempura with creamy spicy sauce. The Miso-glazed Black Cod melts in your mouth like butter, and the Yellowtail Sashimi with jalapeno is as if tasting an ocean jewel. The most exciting dishes are the ones found exclusively on the LA menu which caters to the Angeleno tastes, such as Wagyu or Lobster Sashimi Tacos. Nobu’s Peruvian influences are evident in the fusion specialties such as the fresh and citrusy Lobster Ceviche, and the tasty Ocean Trout Anticucho with wasabi pepper sauce.

The elegant bar/lounge is buzzing with LA locals partaking in the exquisite list of wines and signature cocktails. Nobu is also a top dessert destination in LA. One glance at the dessert menu, and you will understand why. Will it be the Apple Butterscotch Miso with caramelized apples, Sable Breton, sour cream ice cream, or a PB & J Satandagi with warm peanut butter, chocolate satandagi, peanut butter ice cream, and plum wine gelee?

903 North La Cienega Boulevard       (310) 657-5711

OSTERIA MOZZA

The best bar in LA is not a cocktail bar, nor a wine bar. The king of all is the Mozzarella Bar in the highly appraised Italian eatery, Osteria Mozza. Leave it to super chefs, Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton, the brains and creative hands behind this delectable dining experience.

Behold the beautifully elegant, yet modern dining room. Get comfortable on one of the grand leather banquettes, or perch at the bar to experience a culinary journey through Italy, igniting all the sights, aromas and flavors that the country has to offer. Savour the creamiest, melt in your mouth Burratas outside of Italy with a Mozarella tasting— and sample the likes of Burrata with bacon, marinated escarole and caramelized shallots. Or the exceedingly popular Burrata with spiced walnuts, artichokes, currants and mint pesto.

The descriptive menu overflows with the freshest pastas, seafood, meats, and veggie creations. Squid Ink Chitatta Fredi with dungenous crab, sea urchin and jalapeno, or the Rabbit con salsiccia, roasted garlic, lemon and rosemary, will leave you utterly speechless. The tantalizing wine list features a comprehensive selection from top Italian producers.

6602 Melrose Avenue      (323) 297-0100