All About Los Angeles

L.A. has a lot to offer. The City of Angels is always on-the-go and seemingly driven by glitz and glamour. And if you're willing to fight the traffic, you'll find some of the world's best restaurants, shopping and attractions - from studio tours to museums, from beaches to piers.

L.A. is the epitome of big, bold and beautiful - and most of the hobbies in this town hover around "the scene". So, if you've had your share of the beach, head inland to tour the star-studded Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue - and keep your eyes out! Since the restaurants and bars drive the social hustle n' bustle, you'd better allow yourself that afternoon power-nap if you want to keep up with the cool kids.

Remember: the stars come out at night - this is LA after all. This town seems to shimmer after sundown... you can rock it out on the Sunset Strip or club it up in Hollywood. So, if you like your bars cool, your martinis dry, and your restaurants scrumptious, make sure you've got your wallet, your appetite and your energy for your night on the town Hollywood style.

Here's our insiders guide to some of the best restaurants and nightlife options. Know this: fights broke out between our editorial staff when somebody foolishly suggested we limit our journeyPod Picks in L.A. to only 10 Restaurants and 10 Bars. We had so much fun tearing it up in Tinseltown that we had to go with 15 selections in each category. Of course, another fight ensued when we tried to assign numbers to all of these hotspots -- so cooler heads prevailed and we have since removed the rankings.

Be assured of one thing... all 30 of these places are ridiculously fantabulous and require your own A-game. Maybe even after a night on the town, you too will understand why even people in the biz think "Entourage" seems so real...


Restaurants

Koi: (West Hollywood) If your goal is to spot Hollywood's A-list of celebrities, make reservations at L.A.'s hottest Asian-fusion restaurant where you go to see and be seen. Though service might be rushed sometimes, who really cares? The food is just too damn good. A welcome relief from the hectic Melrose scene, Koi is a haven of feng-shui elements (candles, water and open patios). Here's a tip: request one of the horseshoe booths on the back patio. Located at 730 N. La Cienega Blvd (between Melrose Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd.)..

Morton's The Steakhouse: (West Hollywood) Legendary for its Oscar-night parties, star-struck celebrity watchers can often see their favorite actors in culinary repose at this Tinseltown power-elite restaurant. Do not, we repeat - do not confuse this with the Arnie Morton's of Chicago steakhouse chain. And, if you have enough room after you've chow'd down the hearty dry-aged steak you came here for, order the banana-walnut beignets with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce or the warm melt-in-your-mouth chocolate espresso cake. Morton's can be found at 8764 Melrose Ave. (and Robertson Blvd.).

The Ivy: (West Hollywood) Dealmakers and dream-makers dine at this cottage with white picket fence (this is where most celebrities go when they actually want to get photographed by the always-lurking paparazzi). While the shabby-chic furnishings (think antique French furniture that needs painting) may not be all that inspiring, the traditional American comfort-food is. Just make sure you taste the Caesar salad (the-most-perfect one we've ever eaten) before you let yourself be seduced by the decadent desserts. Look closely for the sign (it's hidden in the ivy) as you stroll up to 113 N. Robertson Blvd. and Alden

Katana: (West Hollywood)Katana specializes in open-flame charcoal grill cooking serving Japanese comfort food. Located in the historic Plaza del Sol building, Katana is distinguished by design and offers accents such as protruding railroad spikes that line the walls of the lounge and polished redwood bar tops made from a mammoth 400-year old fallen redwood tree. The 6,000-square foot restaurant has many distinct spaces, including the bar and lounge areas, the main dining room with Sushi Bar and Robata Grill, the Tea Room, Sunset Room, private dining room and the outdoor heated patio overlooking the bustling Sunset Strip. Make sure you check out the specialty of the house: robata – traditional Japanese skewers. Oh, and check out our interview with Executive General Manager Christian Corben. Katana is located at 8439 W. Sunset Blvd.

Blanca: Located in the heart of the OC, in Newport Beach, you'll find fine dining on the water at Blanca. Blanca opened in May 2008 as part of the MOR Project. The food is Mediterranean, and the staff is very accommodating (ask for Brandon). Be sure to make a reservation as this tiny gem only holds 40. Known for their "crudo", let Chef Nick Weber tantalize your taste buds with big eye tuna with grapefruit gelee and coriander olive oil, albacore with gazpacho viniagrette and espelette, or Japanese Sea Bass on a block on Himalayan salt--yep--you read me right! For the entree, try the Muscovy Duck or the 14oz New York Steak. Both are cooked via "sous vide" style (or cryovac cooking). Wash it all down with a nice bottle of Marques de Riscal Rioja, 2000. For dessert try the olive oil cake with Moscato wine ice cream. Yum! Located at: 3420 Via Oporto, Newport Beach, 949.673.0414.

Bin8945: (West Hollywood) A hip modern European bistro designed around the pairing of wine and food is what you’ll find at Bin8945. Boasting a 600 name wine list with over 70 great wines by the glass, Bin also offers a tasting menu, especially since Chef Michael Bryant's a-la minute tastings are 100% customized for you and your guests. Bin8945 provides a contemporary setting for Daring Pairings, which excite the palate and make it a joy to dine out. Offering a one-of-a-kind experience in LA, this place offers a globe-trotting wine list and cuisine that is tantalizing, different and sophisticated - generously spiced with ingredients from Madagascar and Indonesia to Cuba. Check out our interview with General Manager, David Haskell. The restaurant is located (just as its name suggests) 8945 Santa Monica Blvd.

Luna Park : A casual, hip restaurant located in the heart of the Miracle Mile, Luna Park is also an excellent stop in between all those museum visits. In fact, they have a promotion going in conjunction with LACMA... so bring in your ticket for a special $16 lunch! When you arrive, ask Chef Todd to prepare the Pizza Margherita - one of the best we've tasted! If you like pasta (and you like it spicy), go for the Penne Arrabiata. The shrimp cocktail is classic - big, hearty shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce on the side. The sangria punch bowl - literally served in a punch bowl - is also a hit! Here's a tip: get to Luna Park early - especially if you want to snag one of those cozy, semi-private booths. The restaurant is located at 672 S Brea Avenue.

Dolce Enoteca: (West Hollywood) Talk about the quintessential celeb-hot spot (Ashton Kutcher - and about half the cast of "That 70's Show" - owns it)! Hollywood heavy-hitters lounge in big booths and enjoy the sexy decor of black leather and marble. Nibble on Italian-style tapas -perfect for sharing. Make sure you try the Risotto entree with Gorgonzola, and save enough room for the sumptuously rich ricotta cheese custard for dessert. Listen in on our interview with Lonnie Moore, partner of the Dolce Group. Located at 8184 Melrose Ave. and Sweetzer Ave..

Dan Tana's: (West Hollywood) Their Italian food is so good it made Paris and Nicole Ritchie friendly again.  Walking into this restaurant is like entering a time warp back to 1950's NYC. The old Hollywood atmosphere is matched only by the food (simply delicious and loaded with garlic). Hollywood moguls, actors, screenwriters (and wannabes in all three aforementioned categories) flock for Spaghetti Carbonara and Shrimp Diavolo. Since a reservation here is still one ofthe hardest to get in town, be flexible on timing (psst...eating late here is better anyway). Located at 9071 Santa Monica Blvd. at Doheny Dr..

Asia de Cuba: (West Hollywood) Feel like rubbing elbows with Hollywood's elite? Then head over to the place that has been doing Fusion since before "fusion" was even its own type of food category. Asia de Cuba is Sunset Strip's entry for Asian-Latino fusion, the menu choices range from big (to bigger) budget portions served family-style (try the savory calamari salad and finger-lickin' good coconut layer cake). You can choose to sit indoors or out - but keep in mind that the outdoor patio offers spectacular views and is one of the best in L.A. At night, Asia de Cuba is transformed into a luxuriously sexy soiree. Located inside the Mondrian at 8440 Sunset Blvd.

Mr. Chows: Another place for elbow-rubbing in Tinseltown. In Beverly Hills, the hotspots cool off fast, but this place has held its see and be-seen for what-seems-like eternity (Mr. Chows opened in 1973). Your Chinese food is "all grown up" and fancy here - Chows offers excellent dishes that will leave you wanting more (you must order the green prawns marinated in a spinach dressing and the grilled filet mignon). Psst... the best nights for celebrity star-sightings are Wednesdays and Thursdays. And you'll always know the caliber of celebs inside by the number of paparazzi reading their fortune cookies along the sidewalk. Mr. Chows is located at 344 N. Camden Dr. (and Wilshire Boulevard).

Cravings: (Sunset Plaza) Originality is the trademark at this place! Sample any dish from Cravings Mediterranean-style menu and you’ll know why this place has proudly served the LA area for more than 20 years. During the day, the café provides a relaxed city-chic atmosphere; at night, the ambience turns romantic with warm lighting, linen tablecloths and impeccable service. For those who want to see and be seen, sidewalk seating is great for a night out with friends. All this and great food too! Chef-owner Ibrahim Oztok incorporates authentic recipes from his native Istanbul with specialties from Italy, Greece and, yes… the Mediterranean of the U.S., California. To complete the entire dining experience, Emrah Ergenc, general manager and wine director, has assembled an eclectic list of wines from all over the world, including Greece and Turkey. Whatever your Cravings, this place promise to satisfy them! Just listen to what Chef Ibrahim had to say! Craving is located at 8653 W. Sunset Blvd.

The Little Door: (La Brea/Miracle Mile) Looking for a romantic hideaway amid the hustle and bustle of L.A.? The Little Door (house-turned-restaurant) is your answer - just make sure you can find the place. With indoor and outdoor seating, this little place doesn't advertise, nor does it allow publicity - yes, it's that good! After you make your way past the two simple wooden doors, you'll find a romantic courtyard with canopy seating, a garden, twinkling candles, and an impeccable menu. The Little Door can be found at 8164 W. Third St. (Crescent Heights Blvd.).

Rock'n Fish: (Manhattan Beach) Renowned for its famous drink the "Navy Grog"- Rock'n Fish is well situated in Manhattan Beach's downtown area. This fashionable eater, also a huge local favorite, provides an overall experience of uncompromising quality, boasting a classic ambience associated with Chicago or New Orleans. This place allows you to surround yourself with tall ceilings, hand-painted murals and decadent chandeliers in the main dining room or dining al fresco on indoor/outdoor patio. Listen to our Manhattan Beach Podcast for more of our favorite spots. Rock'n Fish is located at 120 Manhattan Beach Blvd.

Sushi Nozawa: (Studio City) Yes, it's in a strip mall (located at 11288 Ventura Blvd.). And, yes - the lights are brighter than the mid afternoon sun. But, take it from us, the decor isn't what matters - the sushi is what's important. And what's a little abuse as you order (word on the street is someone was once kicked out for requesting California rolls!), as long as you get to eat some of the best sushi this side of Tokyo!

Angelini Osteria: (La Brea/Miracle Mile) Mama mia - now that's amore! From the paper-thin pizza to the garlic-infused lasagna, everything here is scrumptious - though you may not guess it at first, as you waltz your way into the unassuming, often congested dining room in one of L.A.'s most celebrated Italian restaurants. Not only will you be greeted like family, you'll be offered a menu filled with some serious selections - don't forget to pay special attention to the desserts. Keep an eye out for Justin Timberlake and other celebs who list this place near the top of their own lists. Located at 7313 Beverly Blvd. and Poinsettia Ave.

Geisha House: (Hollywood) Part of the Dolce Group portfolio of restaurants and nightlife venues, Geisha House provides a sexy dining experience that titillates the senses, beginning with the palate and continues from there. This modern Japanese Restaurant, Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge embraces the flavor of traditional Japan, while catering to the hip, sophisticated clientele of hot Hollywood. Listen in on our interview with Lonnie Moore, partner of the Dolce Group. Geisha House is located at 6633 Hollywood Boulevard.

Sushi Roku: (West Hollywood) The beautiful interior is as noticeable as the people who flock here - many Hollywood deals ensue over the innovative and succulent sushi dishes. The "Cali touch" is evident in every dish, and the sake/beer options are limitless. Don't even think about leaving without tasting the scallop dynamite, the espresso profiteroles and the "Roppongi" (a mouth-watering mixture of vodka and sake served with a ginger stick). And, don't bother arriving without a reservation. Located at 8445 W. 3rd St. (between N. La Cienaga Blvd. and S. Croft Ave.).

Matsuhisa: (Beverly Hills) If you love your sushi and don't mind adventure - don't walk, run to this place. With groundbreaking cuisine, Matsuhisa offers more than 100 dishes. If you let us do your ordering, we are going with the unforgettable omakase tasting menu which begins with master chef Nobu Matsuhisa's signature cold dishes and ends with a procession of cooked dishes like Kobe beef and black cod in miso. Though the setting is modest, do not be fooled! The sushi here is as-good-as-it-gets. Matsuhisa is located at 129 N. La Cienaga Blvd. (and Wilshire Blvd.).

La Terza: (Beverly Hills) Sophisticated - Italian - Simplicity. Attached to the Orlando Hotel (formerly the Beverly Plaza), this multi-tiered, multi-faceted restaurant is flawless, in its menu selections and design. Tuesdays are "Tavola Italiana" night, when chef Nancy Silverton cooks up a table of antipasto choices in the middle of the restaurant. No reservations are taken here - so it's on a first-come, first-serve basis (and definitely worth showing up for!) La Terza is located at 8384 W. Third St. (at Orlando).

Massimo Ristorante and Bar: (Beverly Hills) Feel like a taste of Tuscany? Massimo, located just off Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills (9513 S. Santa Monica Blvd.) is graced with celebrities and entertainment folk who are deep-rooted fans of Chef Massimo Ormani's authentic fare. Try the famous all-beef Bolognese dish. FYI: Massimo has most recently been on NBC's show "Recipe T.V." featuring the world's greatest Chefs.

A.O.C.: (La Brea/Miracle Mile) Perhaps not the first tapas restaurant in the city, but definitely the hottest! If grazing is an art form to you, A.O.C. is the place to be... sleek, modern and chic, the gang here is pure Hollywood glam. Almost everyone here looks and parties like a rock star regardless -- and they all come for the extensive wine list and the Mediterranean-influenced small plates. The menu changes daily, but be assured that each dish is savored by all. A.O.C. is located at 8022 W. 3rd St. (and Crescent Heights).


Bars & Nightlife

The Derby: (Los Feliz) "Swingers" wannabes hoping to catch a glimpse of Vince Vaughn or Jon Favreau join swing fans in this hotter-than-ever dance hall. With 1940's decor, live music (seven nights a week) and dance lessons, your whole posse will have a blast! FYI: The Derby was named a historical/cultural landmark by the Los Angeles City Council in May '06. Located at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. (and Hillhurst Ave.).

LAX: (Hollywood) We've all been introduced to DJ AM by Nicole Ritchie - but he now needs no introduction! Known as one of the most sought out DJ's, DJ AM (a.k.a Adam Golstein) opened this first-class airport-themed lounge for all the L.A. jet-setters. Located in the heart of Hollywood, this destination hotspot boasts mirrors in the shape of airplane windows and metal hangar doors. The dance floor often gets cramped (similar to dancing in an airplane cabin), but it's tons of fun in a "Mile High Club" kinda way! LAX is located at 1714 Las Palmas Ave. (and Hollywood Blvd.).

Forty Deuce: (Melrose) The small parking lot across from Paramount Pictures houses this modern institution that's been transformed into a retro-cool lounge reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy. The parlor-style seating, burlesque shows (strutting to the rhythm of a live jazz band) and fine cocktails keep the Hollywood crowd happy and partying until closing time. Located at 5574 Melrose Ave. (at Beachwood Dr.).

Barney's Beanery: (West Hollywood) In L.A., most people think that nothing can get better with age. But the city's third-oldest restaurant (located at 8447 Santa Monica Blvd. near La Cienaga Blvd.) manages to prove everyone in Hollywood wrong. Since opening its door nearly 90 years ago, it has attracted celebrities to regular Joe-shmoes who crave good ol' comfort food (your choice of 150 different burgers, 65 chilis and 90 omelettes). While many may refer to this as just a "dive", the good food and cheap drinks keep this Beanery jumping nightly. (Just make sure you bring your I.D. - even Johnny Drama got carded here recently!).

Stone Rose Lounge: (West Hollywood) This recently opened LA version of the NYC nightspot houses itself in the redone Sofitel Hotel (at 8555 Beverly Blvd., near La Cienaga Blvd.). A destination for young starlets (and the guys who want them) boasts a 5,000 square foot lounge and outdoor patio. While it's not your usual L.A. nightlife scene, this laid-back atmosphere with refined martinis and the outside fire pit cabanas are well worth visiting.

Social Hollywood: (Hollywood) What's old is new again! This place used to be the massive Hollywood Athletic Club and now boasts a lounge, restaurants, games rooms with PlayStations and Xboxes, a screening room and a private club. The Moroccan-inspired venue features food that has been strong right off the bat and a social scene which has won over the cool kids. Located at 6526 Sunset Blvd. (at Schrader Blvd.).

Sky Bar: Tagged as one of L.A.'s hottest nightclub spots since the day it opened, Sky Bar is open, airy and makes you feel like you're floating up in the clouds atop the Mondrian hotel (located at 8440 Sunset Blvd.). Boasting some of the most beautiful views in all of L.A. (along with its trees, pool and candlelight) and the cities most fashionable set - please don't let the long lines and bouncers deter you. If and when you do get past the red tape, please don't stare at that hunk that regularly appears on the pages of US Weekly and People!

Formosa Cafe: (West Hollywood) An area classic (served as the location for the movie L.A. Confidential), this Chinese-themed dimly-lit hotspot features red leather booths and a bar that serves intoxicatingly powerful martinis. Known as one of the movie industry's watering-holes, Formosa features autographed shots of Hollywood stars lining the walls (and you may even be lucky enough to spot Bono or Beck in one of the booths). Better for drinks than dinner (and make sure you dress the part to avoid hassles at the door). Formosa Cafe is located at 7156 Santa Monica Blvd. (between La Brea and Formosa Ave.).

Privilege: (West Hollywood) Madonna isn't the only one who knows how to reinvent herself. Nightlife guru Sam Nazarian knows all too well about reinvention. Before its new look and name, this club was known as a gothic playground called Shelter, a Nordic lounge, a St. Tropez-style resort and a mock construction site. Now Privilege is a sensuously white-on-white oasis that has the feel of a South Beach resort (sans the humidity and sand in between your toes). Saturdays are tough since Brent Bolthouse (godfather of celebrity events) hosts parties here - so if you can, opt for a weekday visit. Unless of course, you can get your name on the guest list or finagle past the ear-plugged security guards. Privelege is at 8117 W. Sunset Blvd. (and Crescent Heights Blvd.).

Guy's Bar: (West Hollywood) Ever wonder where the stars go for karaoke? You'll find the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie at this intimate and exclusive WeHo club. Guy's is a simple mishmash of cushy couches that's mostly reserved for private industry-related events. However, try this place on a Saturday (promoter-run) night when the door policy is a bit more relaxed (and yes, do show some leg!). Guy's Bar is located at 8713 Beverly Blvd.

Tropicana Bar: (Hollywood) Old Hollywood meets New Hollywood at this bar in L.A.'s Roosevelt Hotel - where you'll find stars lounging in style at an outdoor patio that boasts a 60's vibe with cozy plush seating and a glowing pool. A typical hipster joint, the bar is also a tropical oasis with neon-illuminated palm trees, private bungalows, a fireplace and linen-covered chaise lounges. If you're in no mood to rub elbows with the nighttime fashionista/glamourista crowd, Tropicana Bar is ideal for sunny CA afternoons. Just don't forget to notice the David Hockney blue-wave mural at the bottom of the pool at 7000 Hollywood Blvd.

The Bar: (Hollywood) Not just a bar, The Bar! Nestled between a gas station and a seedy hotel (5851 Sunset Blvd. and Bronson Ave.), this place is easy to miss. But those who find their way to one of Hollywood's hottest revamped watering holes will see newly renovated digs and eye-catching patrons. Some days you'll hear a rock n' roll jukebox blast the sounds of the Ramones, other days you'll find local DJ's spinning old and new pop. For those who feel like a cig, some air or just a break from the sounds, cram your way outside to the bamboo-lined smoking alley.

Mood: (Hollywood) This 6,500 square foot former office building at 6623 Hollywood Blvd. has been transformed into a tropical Garden of Eden - think South Pacific! The club's Balinese design boasts sensuous colors/textures and in-the-flesh trumpeters and bongo drummers that accompany the hip-hop and rap sounds that you'll hear. Stocked with exotic treasures made from bamboo, batik and carved wood, Mood draws sexy young Hollywood socialites and other glitz and glam from Tinseltown.

The Lounge: (West Hollywood) Okay, so here's the lowdown...This sexy Miami Beach-style club draws a great crowd with its borderline location (WeHo and Beverly Hills) and open-door policy. The Lounge boasts a main room with bar and dance floor, and a spiral staircase that leads up to a swanky lounge area filled with comfy booths and table service. DJ's here spin a dance-party mix of hip-hop, R&B and house music favorites. The Lounge is located at 9077 Santa Monica Blvd. (and Doheny Dr.).

Key Club: (West Hollywood) A state-of-the-art live music venue (located at 9039 Sunset Blvd. and Doheny Dr.) with futuristic audio, video and lighting technologies, Key Club is one of WeHo's most popular spots. The VIP area downstairs, called the Plush Lounge, is typically crammed with the Hollywood "It" crowd. A full restaurant and menu is also available on the second floor (reserving a table there is the secret to actually getting in on busy nights). Key Club features a few bars and plenty of ways to get your drink on - a perfect place to either start or end your night out on the Sunset Strip.

L.A. Shout-outs to:  Jeff & Jay L.

Things to do in Los Angeles

You will not want to miss the Getty Museum during your Los Angeles visit. The building itself is a rare treat with its lofty skylights and original architecture. Getty is home to art, sculpture and photographs from Europe and America. Some of the most popular exhibits consists of Italian Manuscripts from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Rembrant's Religious Portraits, and Textiles in Illuminated Manuscripts. Set aside an entire day for this remarkable museum, resturant and gardens. Admission is free.

The Griffith Observatory is an impressive landmark that features a planetarium with perioducally changing presentations and a laserium that features shows of sound and light.

The La Brea Tar Pits is one of the world's richest deposits of Ice Age fossils. 40,000 years ago, mammoths, saber-toothed great cats and dire wolves freely roamed the Los Angeles basin and became trapped in the natural asphalt of the tar pits, preserving them for us today. A visit to the Page Musuem at the tar pit site is a must and also during the summer, visitors can observe the on-going excavations of the site.

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States, so it is reasonable that it should be home to the one of the country's premier art museums. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art features collections from literally all over the world and spanning all ages of man. Entrance to the museum is free on the second Tuesday of each month.