This Santa Monica hotel fuses California cool with upscale touches. Perfect for lounging poolside with a cool drink on a lazy day; the lobby also exudes a hipper-than-thou ethos. The Viceroy 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401; (310) 260-7500
Unabashed decadence off Rodeo Drive. The W boasts a huge pool with personal cabanas, a skating rink, Bliss spa and a fabulous restaurant (that has made cameos on Curb Your Enthusiasm). Quintessential L.A. glamor. The W 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024; (310) 208-8765
All the glamour expected of a Hollywood institution – shopping, clubs and eye-candy abound. Great, old restored lobby that becomes a party late-night. Also, on the second floor, check out the Spare Room, where they have a serious cocktail list, and two bowling lanes! The Roosevelt 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; (323) 856-1970
Hollywood is a town (in)famous for its stargazing, debauched bar and club scene – however, with its handsome decor, heady cocktails and parlor games, the Spare Room appears more substantial, sophisticated. At least until a notorious starlet shows up. The Spare Room 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; (323) 769-7296
The OG market remains a hub of activity, the street abuzz with restaurants, produce stands, and the “best grocery store in LA” – the sheer amount of choice is dizzying. The Original Farmers Market 6333 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 933-9211
One of the best-regarded gastropubs in the country, Father’s Office is famous for its wine pairings and for the “Office Burger,” tender beef on a fluffy roll. New locations in Santa Monica and Fairfax. Father’s Office 3229 Helms Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034; (310) 815-9820
The romantic Venice eatery is open 9 a.m. until midnight, and worth repeat visits for superb Italian/Mediterranean food at every meal of the day. If you can, beg and plead to get a table outside, and no matter how full you are, save room for the butterscotch budino (pudding). Gjelina 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, … Continued
The name isn’t purely for style – Animal puts every body part to use in unexpected ways. Come here to be served foie gras, bone marrow, sweetbreads and brains in unusual, often novel (and delicious) dishes. Animal 435 North Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 782-9225
The most authentic Neapolitan pizza in Tinseltown. With LaBrea Bakery Founder Nancy Silverton running the show, you know that the dough here is going to be perfect every time. Pizzeria Mozza 641 North Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 297-0101