CAFES
Little Next Door
Little Door is one of LA's most popular restaurants, so the owners decided to open a sequel. The Little Next Door is the deli-café and wine bar version, providing a more casual atmosphere, while also attracting the occasional celebrity. The food is straight-out-of-Paris-style, and served by stylish French waiters. Only breakfast is more American than French, but everything is the closest you'll get to Paris, and we mean the French capital and the famous socialite. Britney Spears was also seen here, elevating its status further.

Beacon
Finally! Here's a LA café with buzz for the food and reasonable prices and not just for the celebrities who eat there! It serves Pan-Asian dishes that have earned it the reputation of best Asian eatery in Los Angeles.

Toast
This cafe is where LA's hippest (and often famous) go for brunch. Expect to wait a while for a table, unless you show up really early when it opens. There are often lines around the block and don't be surprised to see paparazzi waiting for a celebrity sighting. Everything served is American-style, from the pancakes to the cupcakes.


RESTAURANTS
Axe
Axe (pronounced "Ah-Shay") mixes organic ingredients fresh form the farm to create Californian dishes with Mediterranean and Asian influences. They're served on big plates in a sleek minimalist space that's Venice Beach's coolest spot for a light meal during the day.

Pinks
Which are Hollywood celebrities' favorite hot dogs? They're those served at Pinks, judging from the celebrity endorsements on its walls and website. It declares them to be the "hot dog to the stars," and to be the "home of the world's best chilli dog." Operating since 1939, it may just be all that. Go be the judge of that.

Katsuya
Philippe Starck designed this restaurant with white leather couches and giant photos of close-ups of female faces, and while it's that décor that instantly grabs your attention as you walk in, you'll also be curious about the food. It's an odd combination of Japanese and local cuisine (picture sashimi with jalapeño), created by chef Katsuya. There are currently three branches in town, and our favorite is the Hollywood Blvd. branch (the one with the giant photo close-ups), simply because of the super cocktails.

Geisha
It's partly owned by actor Ashton Kutcher, but this is no typical celebrity restaurant where the food is secondary to buzz. It has a creative menu of Japanese food, and that of course includes some fine sushi. Come here to try that or simply to lounge sipping a cocktail in the seductively-decorated space.

Republic
Contemporary American dishes are served in a space designed by Margaret O'Brien, featuring a tall wine tower, a soaring cylindrical fire pit, and deer antler chandeliers. In the patio are sleek cabanas where you can dine in a more private space before moving on to the lounge and its large leather sofas.

The Lobster
After a day at the beach in Santa Monica, choose this restaurant that could very well serve as a Santa Monica Pier icon. It's been serving great seafood for decades, and the architecture shows it. The original restaurant dates back to 1923, and when renovated, it was decided that it should keep much of its look intact. The owners changed, but the legacy and the beach views remain.

Ford's Filling Station
Both owner and chef at this restaurant, Benjamin Ford uses local ingredients to create fine American dishes. The space is decorated with farmhouse furniture, which along with the fireplace gives it a romantic and cool ambience.

Falcon
Hollywood had become run-down until places like this one opened up to revive the neighborhood. Falcon is the beautiful people's supper club, with a hot décor to match the crowds. You'd assume food gets less attention, but you'll be surprised with refined California cuisine and seafood.

Koi
Koi is one of LA's dining hotspots, and yet another favorite among major celebrities. The space includes Buddha statues, fireplaces, and tropical patios, where the California-style Japanese cuisine is served.

Lucques
This welcoming West Hollywood restaurant serves some fine French cuisine with a Californian touch. Try getting a table on the patio for the most pleasant spot to taste the creations of the award-winning chef Suzanne Goin.

A.O.C. Wine Bar
Lucques' chef (see above) opened this high-class wine and tapas bar to offer smaller portions of Mediterranean dishes. The friendly staff serves you in a sleek room with a bar where you can order dozens of wines by the glass or bottle. This place has become even more popular than Lucques, so be sure to book a table well in advance.

Mr. Chow Beverly Hills
OK, so there is a handful of other Mr. Chow's and you've probably already been to one of them in another city. Why go to the Beverly Hills branch? For the same reason you went the others - the food and the ambience. Oh, and some of Hollywood's biggest stars love it, if you're impressed by those sort of things.

Nobu Malibu
Like, oh my God, what's a cool place to dine after a day at the beach in Malibu? The local young and trendy crowd agree that it's this restaurant of the famous Nobu chain for its excellent food and sleek décor. Order one of the house specialties if you love fresh seafood.

The Little Door
Here's our choice for a romantic candlelit dinner. It's even better in the courtyard outside, as you savor excellent Mediterranean food with a strong French touch. The quality of the food and charming setting make this one of LA's best dining options.

Patina
Housed in the landmark Walt Disney Concert Hall , this restaurant offers al fresco dining and an expensive but justified seafood menu. It's not just one of California's but also one of America's best restaurants. Pass by at least for cocktails if you're in the house for a concert.

THE IVY - 113 N Robertson Blvd
This rather snobby West Hollywood restaurant is one of LA's favorites, where you can dine outside on summer weather. Expect American comfort food and plenty of star-spotting, with the paparazzi having a permanent home outside.