Cecconi's
Celebs and scenesters scoop up classic Italian fare on the terrace, private room, bar or main dining room of this chic venue.
Nobu Malibu
Come for Nobu Matsuhisa's cuisine, stay for the beyond amazing Pacific Ocean views—and the star stalking.
Culina, Modern Italian
The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills houses this modern Italian restaurant with a crudo bar and a tony terrace.
Spago Beverly Hills
Three decades since it first came on the scene, Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff's flagship restaurant is the power dinner spot du jour all over again, thanks to a complete overhaul.
The Bazaar
José Andrés' scene-y restaurant at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills has far-out design from Philippe Starck.
Hinoki & the Bird
Chef David Myers' new space takes over the ground floor of the Century in Century City, the same building where Candy Spelling famously owns the big-money penthouse.
Scarpetta
Chef Scott Conant's restaurant at the Montage Beverly Hills serves high-end Italian cuisine in a grown-up atmosphere.
Ink.
Michael Voltaggio's first signature restaurant, Ink., is named not for the chef's tattoos, but for the indelible impression he aims to create. And it's working: GQ named this space the best new restaurant in America last year.
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air
The legendary Hotel Bel-Air recently reopened with Wolfgang Puck at the helm of the dining operation. There's even a power lunch menu promised in 60 minutes or less for sealing major deals over hand-cut tagliatelle.
Fig & Olive
The Melrose Place location of this bicoastal restaurant has two dining floors, a fragrant patio—and it's in credit-card-swiping distance of the area's buzzy boutiques.
RivaBella
Innovative Dining Group's West Hollywood Italian fine-dining spot has indoor-outdoor dining and a wine cave.
Il Cielo
It's all romance, rose petals, and candlelight at Il Cielo, where twinkle lights deck a clear ceiling that reveals the other kind of stars in L.A.
Drago Centro
This airy downtown restaurant features Italian cuisine from Chef Celestino Drago.
Comme Ça
Also from David Myers, this West Hollywood space serves all day, from brunch and bloodies to dessert and impeccable cocktails.
Mélisse
This resto scored two Michelin stars, and offers modern French cuisine from Chef Josiah Citrin.
Katsuya
From Brentwood to Hollywood, these SBE restaurants from Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi feature cool decor by Philippe Starck—and excellent people watching.
The Ivy
We had to throw this quintessentially L.A. spot on the list, given it's name is practically synonymous with paparazzi camped out around the clock.