Known as the place where directors go to see movies, the ArcLight features the best in sight and sound technology, and civilized reserved seating.
For music lovers, Amoeba is not to be missed: it's the largest independent-music store in the world and also hosts regular in-store appearances by world-class artists and bands.
This is the cultural institution to visit for cutting-edge exhibitions and great, family friendly programming for kids of all ages.
Paramount has been making movies and T.V. shows on its lot since the 1920s, and their studio tour is fantastic. Call ahead to see if a television-show taping is looking for audience members.
Most people head to The Getty Center instead of its original home at The Getty Villa. Visit on a Monday when most other museums are closed, and explore the property's extensive grounds.
This is the cultural institution to visit for cutting-edge exhibitions and great, family friendly programming for kids of all ages.
A Los Angeles gem and a “must do” for any visitor or local. Plan to spend at least half a day here exploring the various gardens (where many movies have been filmed) and the historic mansion.
Check out the smaller Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, a former police car warehouse in Little Tokyo renovated by architect Frank O. Gehry.
As if the fact that Frank Gehry designed this architectural wonder wasn’t enough, Disney Hall also enjoys musical direction by one of the most compelling conductors in the world: Gustavo Dudamel.
Recently renovated and redesigned, this classic Los Angeles landmark has been returned to its former glory.
The Matthew Rolston–designed rooms are large (750 square feet is the smallest), hip, and have kitchens and balconies. Book a room on one of the top floors for more restful sleep.
Hint: “Reg. Bev. Wil.” Yes, this is the hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed.
Sofitel Luxury hotels presents the photo exhibition “Brigitte Bardot, la légende by Henry-Jean Servat,” in four of its North American hotels, starting with Sofitel LA from 2/21–3/31.
The location of the premier awards season red carpet: it’s home to the legendary Vanity Fair Oscar® Party.
On Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. at The Spare Room Bar: half-price bowling and select drink and food specials.
The poolside cabanas make an excellent satellite office for those on business trips.
A mellow, hip crowd and a fab place to meet up with friends. The Kogi Three Taco Combo is the way to go.
Don’t let the modest room fool you: this is some of the best Italian food in Los Angeles.
California soul food complemented by a wine and beer list that features artisan products and boutique producers.
An Italian patisserie, market, and restaurant with everything from salads, pizzas, and pastas to a full bar and a dessert menu featuring a selection of mararons.
Inspired by Café Habana New York, the famed Cuban/Mexican café. The Grilled Corn Mexican Style with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime requires at least two napkins but it is a must-try.
A quaint, diner-size operation run by a Thai family off of the Pacific Coast Highway. The food’s delicious and we often extra quantities to-go just so we can have the leftovers.
Some say this is the best Korean barbecue in Southern California. Arrive with an appetite at this popular joint, known for its generous portions and its mind-blowing short ribs and beef.
Get the Kimo’s Original Hula Pie®. Macadamia nut ice cream served over Oreo cookie crust, hot fudge, whipped cream. Enough said.
Best dim sum ever and we’re pretty sure it’s all made to order... You don’t have to go to L.A.’s Chinatown for great Chinese food: Monterey Park/San Gabriel Valley is the best of the best.
We’re big fans of the “Poor Carlito,” an unexpectedly scrumptious blend of tequila, lime juice, honey, and smoked sea salt on the rocks. The rainbow chard is a go-to side dish.
Unfortunately, no advice for getting reservations, but once you’re in, order the crispy fingerling potatoes and chickpea stew.
A Pasadena tradition since 1979, this is California comfort food at its best. A great lunch and brunch spot. Order the Dianne Salad—the best salad in the L.A.—with a side of homemade zucchini bread.
Don’t overlook this place because of the bright lights and cheesy-franchise sign. The fried chicken and honey-maple biscuits are divine. Order extra biscuits to go—they make a great morning treat.
With numerous locations around L.A., we would be remiss if we didn’t pay homage to this genius burger joint, a Vanity Fair favorite on awards night.
On a sunny day, this is the perfect place to sit outside and smell the roses (literally) while indulging in great people watching. Order the crab salad for lunch—a patron favorite.
One of the best not-so-secret spots in Manhattan Beach that’s regularly packed with locals and surfers, but worth the wait for its top-notch Japanese and sushi.
The crab hand rolls are addictive and the crispy rice with spicy tuna is not to be missed.
An 80-year-old Mexican hacienda-style restaurant and one of the best in Los Angeles featuring the delicious fajitas de camarones, the Baja Special, and the genius George’s Margarita.
Based on our experience, you can’t go wrong with the menu, but the specialty pizza, Brussels sprouts, and buratta were a total home run.
Ask for “right hand” chef Brian Huskey to surprise you at this Peruvian-inspired restaurant recently opened by famed chef Ricardo Zarate.
Thanks to Mario Batali, Pizzeria Mozza serves the best pizza in town. Try the squash blossoms and the gorgonzola pie. Reservations are essential.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes dishes from the restaurant’s wood-burning oven and grill, with an emphasis on farm-to-table, seasonal fare from executive chef Kris Morningstar.
The hip L.A. version of Chez Panisse, this is one of the best spots in Santa Monica offering small plates and seasonal ingredients.
All the rage in the Twitter-L.A.-foodie universe, Son of a Gun opened in February 2011 by the owners of Animal restaurant. The 55-seat restaurant that takes both reservations and walk-ins nightly.
You can generally find parking down the road, then stroll along the beach to the restaurant before the sun sets. Grab a drink in one of the lounge chairs at the bar and enjoy the sunset.
The Tasting Kitchen hails from Portland, and chef Casey Lane and his staff serve up delicious, fresh food in the Northwest style with French undertones.
Fast, healthy, affordable, delicious, and GREEN! A must-order: The Happy Vegan plate, the mashed potatoes, the homemade soups, and the yummy desserts.
Known for its home-inspired Brazilian dishes prepared with local ingredients by chef-owner Natalia Pereira. When you need a comfort-food fix, the search ends here with The Best Chicken Pot Pie.
Try the rattlesnake and jalapeno sausages, and don’t worry vegetarians: unlike in Germany, Würstkuche offers sausage varieties for you, too.
This nationally acclaimed L.A. gastropub is focused on craft beer, with a rotating selection of 36 craft beers on tap and small-producer wines and micro-distilled spirits.
A modern-day speak-easy for cocktail lovers, boasting a selection of more than 20 house-made specialties.
This iconic 1980s and 1990s West Hollywood bar has recently reopened. Pays homage to its old-school roots with reasonably priced cocktails, iconic movie mashups, and music videos on flat-screen TVs.
A new beer garden located on the rooftop at The Standard, Downtown L.A.—N.Y.C. expats will love it. German specialties include hand-sized pretzels, sausages, streudel, and beer and wine.
Gotta love a place that honors a “happy hour” two times a night: Monday thru Thursday, cocktail and small-plate specials from 6–7:30 p.m. and again at 10:30 p.m. until the kitchen closes.
The location for the film Swingers, this greasy-spoon (by the Dominick’s guys) offers a solid breakfast in a renovated Best Western Plus “Hollywood Hills” hotel.
Perfectly roasted fair-trade coffee of all varieties: single-origin, espresso, blends, and decaf. Locations in Chicago, L.A., and New York City.
Must-haves: For breakfast, the “Egg Basket” omelet with asparagus and goat cheese or the house-made granola parfait; for lunch, Joan’s Turkey Meatloaf or the croque monsieur can’t be beat.
The hands-down hippest place in L.A. to get your green juice. Can purchase individual juices or sign up for a three- or five-day cleanse. Must-drinks: Almond Milk and Detox 1.
The only restaurant in the L.A. area that serves a 100-percent vegetarian (vegan) menu using foods grown exclusively with organic farming methods.
The champagne truffles are insane and if you don’t eat them all upon buying them, they make a great gift. The coffee window is a popular spot in Beverly Hills.
Must-eats: Scramblettes for breakfast, chicken tortilla soup for lunch, and the red-velvet cupcakes or Toast’s signature Oreo-banana pudding for any time,
All baked goods made from scratch daily and if you haven’t had the strawberry-rhubarb pie, you haven’t lived.
The Urth Caffé sells all-organic specialty coffees, coffee drinks, teas, coffee-making equipment. The café mochas are not to be believed.
The men’s military-inspired calfskin peacoat is not only gorgeous, it’s practical and water repellent!
Visit Resident Cosmetic Artist Patrick Foley at Barneys New York, Beverly Hills, for a makeup-bag makeover.
25 off your next purchase. Valid at our Century City and Pasadena retail stores only. Minimum purchase: $50. See store for details. Some exclusions may apply. One per customer. Expires March 4, 2012.
Check out the Zegna LIVE App for exclusive behind-the-scenes runway and special event coverage.
Receive 10% off all Spring 2012 merchandise at the John Varvatos West Hollywood location. Certain restrictions apply. See store for details.
Get 20% off full-priced items when you check-in at any of Juicy Couture's L.A.-area retail stores
Check in on Foursquare or Facebook for the chance to win a dress from the Leon Max 2012 Spring Collection (customer must make purchase to qualify).
Friday, February 3; 2–4 p.m.: Christian Louboutin in person at the Shoe Salon. Mr. Louboutin will autograph your red soles with a regular-price purchase of his shoes.
Ask to see the Richard Mille 028 Black Limited-Edition Dive Watch—it’s available in the Beverly Hills boutique and nowhere else!
Receive a free care kit with the purchase of any sunglasses. Offer valid 2/2 – 3/6, 2012 at Sunglass Hut 3rd Street Promenade location. Excludes Oakley care kits. While supplies last. Code 8934
COLDPLAY, live. The show, scheduled for Wednesday, February 8 at 9:00 p.m., is a special iHeartRadio Benefit Concert.
YOUNG THE GIANT. Shows are on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 and tickets can only be purchased online at livenation.com
Located in the serene hills off Mulholland between Sherman Oaks and Beverly Hills, this secluded park boasts ponds, wildflowers, old-growth trees, and storybook-cute wildlife.
A safe haven for mistreated farm animals and therapy and healing for mistreated children, The Gentle Barn houses 120 mostly pet-able critters.
A must-see Los Angeles mountain-top location with amazing views where stars, moons, and galaxies mix with James Dean Hollywood lore. Sunsets at the Observatory are not to be missed.
The park is a favorite place to hike with your dog and see not only some of the best views of the city but some of the best-looking people in the city. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular.
Ride under the Hollywood sign at sunset. Tie up your horse and have dinner in the valley on the other side of the hill.
The hills meet the ocean at this absolutely beautiful beach and will make you forget that you are but a few miles away from the 11 million residents of greater Los Angeles.
Enjoy cocktails while waiting out the 405’s rush-hour traffic at this simple and calming, Richard Meier–designed space with views to the Pacific Ocean.
Now through February 27: Naked Hollywood: Weegee in Los Angeles, the first exhibition of tabloid photographer Weegee's work produced in Southern California.
Chrysler 300 on display during Oscar week. Tweet a photo of yourself with the 2012 Chrysler 300 and #Chrysler300LA hashtag and follow @ChryslerAutos on Twitter to earn your official Chrysler swag.
Chrysler 300 on display during Oscar week. Tweet a photo of yourself with the 2012 Chrysler 300 and #Chrysler300LA hashtag and follow @ChryslerAutos on Twitter to earn your official Chrysler swag.
Chrysler 300 on display during Oscar week. Tweet a photo of yourself with the 2012 Chrysler 300 and #Chrysler300LA hashtag and follow @ChryslerAutos on Twitter to earn your official Chrysler swag.
