BOUCHON

Now there's one less reason to travel all the way to Yountville. Acclaimed chef Thomas Keller continues to exceed all expectations in his growing empire with an unforgettable dining experience in Beverly Hills.

Say bonjour to Bouchon. A casual French bistro rooted in tradition, where you can expect le crème de la crème of French classics, such as sublime Steak Frites, a juicy Croque Madame, Moules au Safron, and a Grand Plateau filled with the freshest oysters, shrimps, clams, mussels, crab and lobster. Or the more adventurous Boudin Blanc, a white sausage with potato puree and poached prunes. Perfect with a glass of crisp champagne, or one of the French or Californian Wines, on the extensive wine list. The Pot de Crème tops off the meal beautifully.

Frequented by Hollywood business execs, curious restaurateurs, the European elite and those fortunate enough to afford this sensational cuisine.

235 N Canon Drive       (310) 271-9910

CAFÉ STELLA            French Bistro

A perfect French bistro is hard to come by in a city accused of being devoid of culture. Café Stella, located in the heart of Sunset Junction in the artistic community of Silver Lake just east of Hollywood, serves up a hidden nook of perfection and charm.

Whether seated in the covered patio lined with bougainvillea and tiny lights, in the cozy romantic wood-paneled dining room among deep banquettes, or in the perfectly lit bar, you are treated as a regular even on your first visit. Your palette will be pleased by an array of standard bistro fare such as Steak au Poivre, Moules Frites, Escargot, Coq au Vin, and of course, French Onion soup. The Stella Burger served with Roquefort cheese, an oven roasted tomato and grilled onions is not to be missed, especially with a side of Truffle Fries. Dive into the exceptional and hearty Cheese Plate that is curated with the help of their next door neighbors, the Silver Lake Cheese Store.

If room allows, attempt dessert. Pot de Crème is reliable and the Cheesecake is a stand out-- tart and not too dense against a perfect graham cracker crust. The ever-revolving wine list is approachable and descriptive with a focus on French, but also showcasing small gems from California, Hungary and Spain.

3932 W. Sunset Blvd      (323) 666-0265

CHURCH & STATE     French Bistro

On an obscure corner of Industrial Street in Downtown LA, beneath a sign for “National Biscuit Company” is where you will find Church & State, a restaurant brimming with Old World character. Among the French bistro style setting of tightly packed tables, mismatched chairs, exposed pipes, high ceilings and windows is where diners can enjoy an intimate, casual dining experience.

Chef Tony Esnault demonstrates his expertise to French classics such as Escargots, Bouillabaisse, Steak Frites, Cassoulet, and Foie Gras Parfait spread on a crispy baguette. For some true indulgence, try the Roasted Bone Marrow and for dessert, a Pot de Crème.

The wine list of predominantly French Burgandies pairs well with the enticing menu. Church & State is a destination spot well worth travelling to. Ooo, la la.

1850 Industrial Street      (213) 405-1434

CORA'S COFFEE SHOP

For many people, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And to arrive at Cora’s, situated one block from the Pacific Ocean in a bougainvillea covered open-air patio, is to experience a blissful morning. The inviting ambience is topped off with consistently delicious food.

An exceptionally fresh menu ranges from Mediterranean-style-- Buratta Caprese Omelette, Albacore Tuna Panino, or Italian Sausage served on Polenta; to California inspired dishes-- luscious Orange Blueberry Pancakes, exotic Wagyu Kobe Beef Burgers and mouth-watering Roast Chicken. The coffee is primo, the juices are always fresh squeezed.

Impeccable service runs like a well-oiled machine with a staff that has been there for over a decade. A truly perfect spot exemplifying the best of its type in LA.

1802 Ocean Ave      (310) 451-9562

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

CUT

Wolfgang Puck means business. Serious food business. No where else can one experience the quality, expert preparation and presentation, than at this highly acclaimed steakhouse. Located at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, this is a place to see and be seen, while savouring a lengthy menu that will delight any carnivore.

CUT has been consistent in receiving high praise. Perhaps it’s the high quality and aging of the meat, apparent with the signature dishes such as the Kobe Beef Short Ribs with Indian spices and curried corn puree, or the Bone in Rib Eye Steak served with your choice of sauce, side and accompaniments. Consider the Maple glazed Pork Belly with Asian spices, watercress and sesame-orange dressing, or Bone Marrow Flan with mushroom marmalade. The well-advised staff provides assistance with an extensive wine list.

A constant stream of financiers, producers and Hollywood actresses flow into the chic, contemporary, Richard Meier-designed space. You might even bump into the world renowned Chef himself, but more than likely you’ll be entertained by the buzz of the celebs and their star studded conversations.

9500 Wilshire Blvd at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel
(310) 275-5200

ELF CAFÉ

Los Angeles might be over-saturated with vegetarian and health food restaurants, but Elf Café in Echo Park, serves delicious vegetarian food that is unlike anything else in the entire city.

This tiny Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean influenced restaurant turns out heaping plates of delectable rich flavors from their small, open kitchen. Favorites include Phyllo Tomato Tarts, Moroccan Vegetable Tagines, braised Portobello mushrooms, and one of the house favorites, a Chickpea Crepe filled with spinach, cheese and topped with chevre butter.

Don’t miss their dreamy desserts made fresh daily by local pastry chef Stephen Hauptfuhr. Tarte Tartin topped with pistachios and heavy cream, or the incredibly rich and decadent chocolate mousse made with coconut, avocados and raw cacao.

2135 W. Sunset Blvd      (213) 484-6829

FOGO DE CHÃO

Fun and leisurely, with its rustic gaucho-style ambiance, Fogo de Chão Churrascaria is an event in itself. They may cater to the serious meat eater, but their huge salad bar offers over 30 items of fresh cut vegetables, imported cheeses and Brazilian side dishes. Don’t get too distracted, there’s plenty of food to come. Turning the little disc on your place mat to green, signals that you are ready for the Gaucho chefs to slice from 15 cuts of delectable fire roasted skewered meats, brought to the table at steady intervals. Chew your way though cuts such as the signature steak, Picanha (Top Sirloin), Filet Mignon, Rib Eye, Pork Ribs, Sausage and Lamb. Flip the disc to red to stop the manic meat overload.

A predominantly South American wine list includes some terrific Argentinean and Chilean selections. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, sharing their advice on the perfect bottle to complement your meal. Sipping the signature Caipirinha made with Brazilian Cachaça will transport you to the beaches of Bahia.

The pre-fixe menu includes limitless side dishes such as the soft pao de quiejo (warm cheese bread). One bite into these soft balls of heaven will make it difficult to exert self-control. End your Beverly Hills/Brazilian experience with the traditional Papaya Cream dessert. Come hungry.

133 N La Cienega Blvd      (310) 289-7755

GJELINA

Bare bulbs dangling from the iron grate hanging above the dining room, communal tables, rustic atmosphere and peaceful outdoor patio, define the eclectic, lively space. But it’s ultimately the food and wine that make Gjelina an unforgettable experience.

At the helm of this renowned Venice kitchen is Travis Lett, the young, talented, self-taught chef, confidently focusing on local and seasonal bounty.

Lett’s Mediterranean influence is showcased with the occasional Asian inspiration. A wood-burning oven puts out excellent, thin crust Pizzas topped with delicacies such as garlic confit, lamb sausage, hen of the woods mushrooms, and fromage blanc. Simplicity abounds with an array of roasted and grilled meats, crispy fish dishes, and the freshest produce, all sublimely prepared. Don’t miss their exquisite Sunday brunch, filled with creative and tempting options.

Relaxed and knowledgeable staff. Enjoyable, varied, well-selected wine list.

1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd       (310) 459-9808

GOOD GIRL DINETTE

There’s a plethora of fair-to-great Vietnamese joints in Los Angeles. The Good Girl Dinette stands out because of its flair, freshness, and their creative American comfort food interpretation of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

A large, almost industrial space, with bright orange chairs and large wooden tables evokes a communal atmosphere, with an entire wall of windows looking out at the funky diverse neighborhood of Highland Park.

Chicken Pot Pie is the house specialty. Made-to-order, it’s a crumbly, oversized biscuit covering free-range chicken and vegetables in a deep luxurious broth with hints of curry, cinnamon and herbs.

An excellent, crisp baguette sandwich is prepared in the style of bahn mi, covered with chilies and garlic. Sides of slaw, greens, and curried cauliflower dot the menu. Mushrooms abound, accompanied with quality meats, herbs, and homemade aromatic broths are sure to cure almost anything that ails you.

110 North Avenue 56      (323) 257-8980