Osteria Mozza

When it comes to the east side of LA (DTLA aside), hotel options are pretty thin. Cara Hotel is everything a low-key East Hollywood hotel should be—elegantly earthy, minimalist yet warm, functional (the restaurant is fantastic), and comfortable. Located just below Griffith Park, Cara Hotel feels like a friend’s airy home, which is on point given “cara” is Gaelic for friend and the owners are Irish. Rooms come with elevated amenities like Harry Josh hairdryers, silky Frette sheets and robes, plus minibars filled with locally made snacks. The hotel bar is by the small courtyard (reflective) pool, shaded by pretty olive trees with a wine list heavy on French bottles from Chateau La Coste. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant is a hit. Tuck into charcoal smoked roast chicken, heirloom carrots, and buttery colcannon (a mix of mashed potato, kale, and cabbage every Irish kid grew up eating).

Though it's just steps from the neon-lit Sunset Strip, the quaint, hidden Charlie Hotel is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the city; it blends into the neighborhood, so it's largely unknown, even to locals. The cozy spot is low on amenities—you won't find a pool or spa—but what it lacks in extravagance it more than makes up for in charm. The hotel itself is made up of 14 West Hollywood bungalows, each outfitted with a full kitchen (several have multiple bedrooms), painstakingly restored and tastefully decorated by loving hotelier Menachem Treivush, who rescued the site from demolition in 2002. Cottages are named after some of the Hollywood luminaries who lived in them in the early Hollywood days—the hotel itself is named after Charlie Chaplin, who lived here back in the '20s when it originally opened.

Originally constructed in the ‘30s as an opulent apartment building (its design takes after the Gothic chateaus of the Loire Valley), the Chateau quickly morphed into a hotel. It has official historic landmark status for a million reasons: It’s played host to everyone in Hollywood (sadly, John Belushi died here), and despite an André Balazs re-do in the ‘90s, it still feels wonderfully old-world. Its popularity has never waned, to the extent that you generally can’t grab a bite or a drink here unless you’re checked-in, or meeting a guest. Images: Nikolas Koenig

This is inarguably a hotel for people who like to stay up late. Check out The Spare Room, a clubby bar complete with bowling lanes, or take a dip in the super-sleek swimming pool. Come evening, this pool is central to the hotel's Tropicana nightclub, where the party always lasts until the wee hours. As for daytime: While you’re staying here, do yourself a favor and book a treatment at their newly renovated Massage Garden. It's outside (as the name suggests) and steps from the pool (where you can lounge and lunch after). And yes, the massage did somehow feel better with a light, warm LA breeze going.

From its inception in 1963, when the hotel opened to give entertainers and guests of the nearby Playboy Club somewhere to stay, the Sunset Marquis has been the favorite destination for rockers, writers, and actors visiting LA (hence the underground recording studio). Stay in one of their Mediterranean-style villas which were recently given an overhaul as part of the hotel's $25 million facelift. It's the perfect place to crash after a wild night at Bar 1200 next door.

Jeff Kleins' art deco jewel is one of our favorite places to stay, though the rooms can be a bit tight. It also has one of our favorite restaurants, Tower Bar: The walls are lined in walnut, the lighting is low, and the vibe is hushed and discreet——fitting, as it lives in what was once Bugsy Siegel's apartment.

Over the last decade, Los Angeles has outgrown its one-industry city image, and West Hollywood is a big reason why. At its center sits La Peer Hotel, tucked into its namesake street between Melrose and Santa Monica Boulevards. From here, you can walk to some of LA's best mid-century modern furniture shops, interior design offices, home accessory stores, and the Pacific Design Center. This focus on good design bleeds into the hotel itself, by way of custom couches, Moroccan tiling, cool grey and white finishes, and a beautiful back patio. Each room is outfitted with considered details, including embroidered wall art and a large soaking tub. Given its proximity to excellent food and entertainment (goop favorite Gracias Madre is around the corner), it's surprising how quiet a stay here can be. Be sure to book a table at Viale dei Romani, the in-house Italian-meets-Moroccan restaurant, for wood-fired seafood and some of the best pizza in town.

Designed by David Collins, the hotel's interior is beautifully modern, and the rooms are legitimately palatial—with views of the Hollywood Hills and the city below. The same goes for the rooftop pool, which boasts an excellent view of the downtown skyline.

Palisociety hotels have cropped up all across town now, but the Hollywood location is the best pick if you’re mostly in town to go out: It's walking distance from some of Hollywood's most famous venues, and it has a central pool, a cute lobby bar, and a party spirit. There’s an In-N-Out next door for late night snacking, too.

This reimagining of Palisociety’s first hotel (originally located on nearby Holloway Drive) offers the same quirky charm and warm hospitality as its predecessor. The rooms are cozy and luxurious, a blend of California ease and old-world opulence. And although the views aren’t necessarily memorable, the location is hard to beat, with Joan’s on Third two doors down and LACMA a short drive away. Enjoy the peaceful outdoor pool and accompanying lemonade bar on a sunny afternoon; for late-night bites, try Mezzanine Sushi, the in-house restaurant that serves a trendy take on Japanese bar food.

Short Stories is a breezy, contemporary spot that’s walking distance from some great 3rd Street and Fairfax restaurants. They have good service, a pool, and a solid restaurant.

Angelini Osteria is always busy. The vibe is unpretentious, and the food is delicious, homey, and simple, from the pastas, (like the insane Lasagne Verde and the creamy risottos), to a whole branzino baked in salt.

This wonderfully tiny, six-table spot is the latest addition to the Mozza family—with a homepage distinguished by a giant cleaver, Chi Spacca offers innumerable versions of pork and beef chops, which should definitely be shared (many are 42 to 50 ounces). Like any great steak house, even of the Italian variety, all that carne comes with a bountiful menu of delectable sides: The mashed potatoes are insane, as are the squash blossoms and grilled cauliflower. And, as this is California and all, you can trust that there's a simple grilled fish on the menu, along with a hearty kale salad. It's possible to rent the entire space for events.

When Clark Street took over the former 101 Coffee Shop space, locals crossed their fingers that not too much has changed. And Clark Street Diner honors the building’s roots: They serve standard diner fare, just with better bread.

Connie & Ted's is undeniably one of the best options in L.A. for a great New England-style seafood meal. The menu is vast and great all around, but you can't go wrong with the daily fresh catch, prepared simply and skillfully—that or the fish and chips, which is buttery, flaky, and not the least bit greasy. Same goes for the overflowing fried oyster sandwich, which you'll be all too happy to eat with a fork and knife. Their family-style dinners, served to up to 16 guests on the private patio, are perfect for any low-key special occasion.

Only in LA would the bar inside a vegan restaurant be a major scene (it's kind of the best place to sit for a full meal, too). While vegan food rarely seems to get the upscale touch, it certainly does at Tal Ronnen’s dimly lit, luxurious bistro. There’s no mention on the menu of the fact that every dish is plant-based: Hearts of palm masquerade as crab cakes and calamari, and almonds pretend they’re cheese. Without the clever naming conventions, the food would still stand on its own. In short: You won’t miss dairy or meat. There are also lots of workarounds for the gluten-intolerant as well.

The menu is long and hand-drawn here, which gives you an idea of how infrequently it changes: All the Italian classics are represented, from Chicken Marsala to Spaghetti Carbonara. Though the fare is decent, it caters to a regular, show business clientele that makes it one of Hollywood’s veritable cafeterias. Dan Tana's is an L.A. institution, through and through.

This place is all about its platters of oysters, crudo, and peel-and eat prawns. Go for one of those, plus an order of white anchovies and Bub & Grandma’s bread. Ask your server about pairings from their curated wine list.

Chilean chef Juan Ferreiro has created the perfect menu of California-style comfort food—healthy with a dash of indulgence, depending on what you’re craving that day. The market chop salad never disappoints. Make a reservation if you’re coming for dinner; they only take walk-ins for breakfast and lunch.

The long wait to get into this get close and comfy place for breakfast is so worth the amazing waffles and French press coffee. They'll definitely set you right for the day. There's also good people watching.

You wouldn't expect it from the outside, but this place serves up excellent and innovative Southern Thai cuisine, that pushes the boundaries on flavor and spice. The mussels are a standout and people rave about the 'crying tiger.' It's tiny, which makes for long but worthwhile waits.

This West Hollywood standby has mellowed out substantially from its days of rowdy all-nighters, though the bathrooms—which are plastered with hilarious snapshots of partying patrons—and the late hours are a nice nod to Jones’ party-central past. On the same note, both the main bar and the smaller one in the back, are still a great spot to get a drink and people watch. As suggested by the checkered tablecloths and moody lighting, the food leans heavily on home-style Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, heaping chopped salad, and thin-crust pizza—served fresh, straight from the wood-burning brick oven. If sharing, the Jidori roast chicken is a good choice.

Steven Arroyo (of Escuela Taqueria and Potato Chip fame) and Max Marder transformed the former House Cafe into Marvin—a French-inflected bistro that’s picked up a few design tricks from Arroyo (aluminum cans line the ceiling, to pretty stunning effect, and simple plates dot the walls). The wine list is great, and the menu is packed with classics, from fried egg topped asparagus to a perfect roast chicken. The best part? It’s open until midnight (a rarity in Los Angeles) and you can usually get a seat at the bar with minimum wait time.

Well-worn red leather banquettes, stiff martinis, bowtied waiters, and what was the first pay-phone in Hollywood, are just the beginning of this fabled restaurant's story. Thanks to its proximity to the Screen Writer's Guild, literary stars like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Faulkner, and Aldous Huxley, wrote while they snacked on liquor. The menu has evolved since they opened in 1919, though it's really more about drinking up the scene.

Chef Kris Yenbamroong may not have any formal culinary training, but no matter: He learned how to cook in Bangkok, and in the kitchen of his parent’s long-standing Thai mainstay, Talésai, which is now Night + Market. Tucked away behind a curtain in the back, you won’t find the white tablecloths that mark the former. Instead, you’re met by a stark white space where the only décor is a handful of Christmas lights and a Singha beer sign. Here, the hype continues to mount: Maybe it’s the low-slung and crowded communal tables (this place is loud), or maybe it’s the exquisite and (very) spicy street food, like pad thai, grilled fatty pig collar, and fried chicken wings, bathed in “rooster sauce.”

Considering Nong Lá’s immense popularity, it’s easy to forget that it’s actually a small, family-run operation. It started with brother-and-sister duo, Elaine and Victor Phuong, and their mom Khanh Phan, who sourced family recipes and adapted them into a perfect menu of Vietnamese banh mi, egg-topped fried rice, and a light, flavorful pho that you can customize to your liking. The La Brea location is just a smidge fancier than the Sawtelle original but the menu is for the most part identical. Tip: Treat yourself to a glass of the homemade passion fruit iced tea—it’s delicious and just sweet enough.

The in-house pastas are particularly stand-out here, especially the bucatini and the rye rigatoni. A young, friendly staff and airy brick-and-wood interior with floor-to-ceiling windows and long steel bar make this place feel more like the East Village than LA. The extensive wine list, great pizzas, and even better prices make it a real gem. There's a second location in Sherman Oaks.

This all-day Thai spot serves an excellent rice porridge breakfast, Intelligensia coffee, and has solid list of natural wines.

Though its just a few miles from L.A.'s busiest stretch, Pace feels like it's in the middle of the nowhere. It's actually in the residential hillside enclave, Laurel Canyon, right below a sweet little neighborhood grocery store. It's one of those rare restaurants that works equally well for big, lively dinners with friends or more romantic dates. The food—Italian—is strong, but it's really more about the cozy, tucked-away vibe than culinary fireworks.

Pizzana—one of the harder reservations to snag on the West Side—has finally come to West Hollywood. Expect excellent thin-crust pizza from Naples-born chef Daniele Uditi, as well really great iterations of carciofi and caprese. High ceilings and lots of natural light open up the narrow space, which is already packed and buzzy at lunch time—definitely make a reservation, wait times for dinner can be especially long. Note: the pizzas are generous in size—two or three people could comfortably split one (but trying two to share is a safer bet and also too hard to pass up).

The incredible crust that makes the pizza here so delectable is the doing of LaBrea Bakery founder and former owner Nancy Silverton. And while we don't know who exactly to thank for the chopped salad, it deserves a notable mention. Other highlights are the fried squash blossom with ricotta and butterscotch budino, but anything you order will not disappoint. It all packs up beautifully to-go, too, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner when you don't feel like cooking.

With two Michelin stars at its back, Michael Cimarusti’s Providence easily ranks as one of L.A.’s best. The prix-fixe menu revolves around Cimarusti’s deep love for the sea, and the provenance of the fish on the menu is clearly-defined: There’s down-home “chowda,” lobsters from Maine, coho salmon from the Olympic peninsula, and a smattering of exotics, like ikura, uni, and razor clams. Meanwhile, the quietly-fancy space feels like it could double as the dining room of an opulent ocean liner. They have two private rooms for events.

With long and star-studded resumés (Walter Manzke has worked at El Bulli, for one, while his wife, Margarita, worked at Melisse), nobody expected this ambitious duo’s LA venture to be anything less than extraordinary. Occupying the former home of Campanile (i.e., Charlie Chaplin’s film studio back in the ’20s), the focus here is on French-inflected staples, like duck confit, oysters, and tartes flambées. The uni toast is insane, the baguettes are absurd (Margarita is a pastry chef), and the space has been reworked beautifully: The heavy floor tiles and mahogany tables were all imported from The Philippines, where Margarita was born. (Should you ever find yourself in Manila, the Manzkes also have a small chain of successful cafés there called Wildflour.)

There is no lack of restaurants along this strip of Melrose Avenue. But Ronan offers something different: quiet. It's dark, New York vibe sets it apart from the slew of bright, loud eateries in the neighborhood. (And it is also literally set apart; the space sits tucked back from the sidewalk.) Come here to hunker down in one of the cozy booths or share space at the giant communal table. The pizzas are incredible: chewy, airy, slightly charred crust (thanks to the brick oven imported from Italy) underneath perfectly acidic sauce, savory artichokes, and wilted greens. If you're feeling like you want something lighter, chef makes a "rigatoni" from twirled artichokes, lacing them with garlic and butter. It's incredible. Everything at this husband-and-wife-owned spot—down to the cocktails—satisfies.

After a three-year hiatus, chef Ricardo Zarate (most famously of Mo-Chica) is back with Rosaliné, which is named for his mother. The menu is loosely Peruvian, with an emphasis on ceviches and other seafood, including an incredible arroz con mariscos—rice, sea urchin, scallops, tiger prawns and manila clams. Located on Melrose, Rosaliné is also a convenient spot for a post-work cocktail, with a gorgeous dining room and bar that features glass-paned walls and a ceiling replete with hanging plants.

From the people who created Bestia and Bavel, Saffy’s is a Mediterranean spot with killer hummus and wood-fired skewers. In the mornings, they function as a coffee and tea shop; on weekends, they serve a full breakfast of shakshuka, minty cucumber salad, harissa-y olives, challah, and clotted cream with honey.

This is the west coast outpost of one of our Boston favorites. The menu is huge; your best bets are lobster rolls, clam chowder, and whatever else feels stereotypically New England. They have an impressive collection of tinned fish. But perhaps the biggest highlight comes at the end of the meal: Founder Kathy Sidell’s son, pastry chef Ben Sidell, runs the dessert operation and makes one of the best chocolate chip cookies we’ve ever had.

Formerly crammed into a tiny space on Santa Monica Boulevard–where it quickly became known for both amazing oatmeal griddle cakes and long waits for brunch—the new Salt’s Cure has found a happier home. A few miles east on Highland, it now has a much larger, more relaxed dining room and really good cocktails. The menu stays true to the restaurant’s original ethos: Animals are bought whole, directly from California farms; seafood is sustainable and caught by local fisherman; produce comes from LA-area farmers’ markets. Make a reservation in advance if you can, for brunch especially. (If you want less fanfare with the best of the morning offerings, stop by Breakfast by Salt’s Cure, which recently opened in the restaurant’s original space.)

Styled to look like an East Coast clam shack (buoys, taxidermied fish, and life belts line the wood-paneled walls), Son of a Gun is one of those spots that could probably routinely fill a space five times its size. While you might have to wait for a seat, the linguine and clams, peel-and-eat shrimp, insane sashimis, shrimp toast, smoked trout with crackers, and mini lobster rolls fully justify the time spent. Though one of their biggest hits, the fried chicken sandwich, has nothing to do with the sea.

This quintessential sushi spot is tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript strip mall on Sunset; it’s a good thing since seats (and opening hours) are limited. It’s strictly Omakase at the sushi bar, and well worth it—should you take this option, you’ll have to cross your fingers that the blue crab hand roll (more and more ubiquitous around LA, but still superb) and skipjack sashimi are on the night’s menu.

Smack in the middle of the La Brea design corridor, the seating here is almost entirely outdoors. The sweet and the savory camps are equally strong here: There's salted caramel pecan babka and chocolate chip rye in the former, and a generous farmhouse chopped salad and turkey sandwich in the latter.

Jeff Klein’s art deco jewel (another great place to stay, though the rooms can be a bit tight) has one of our favorite restaurants: The walls are lined in walnut, the lighting is low, and the vibe is hushed and discreet—fitting, as it lives in what was once Bugsy Siegel’s apartment.

In the continued migration west of all things New York comes the LA outpost of a beloved West Village cocktail bar. It's a stellar spot for a group, an ideal way to kick off a night of cocktail hopping, and the private room is our go-to for events or intimate dinners. Cofounder Dushan Zaric has transformed a former BBQ restaurant into a space straight out of a Baz Luhrmann movie, with Art Deco touches, mahogany paneling, and textured wallpaper. Fans of the original will notice the neon “Psychic” sign in the window, and indeed, there are three psychics in residence each night, available for fifteen-minute readings. But really you come for the cocktails: There are the classics for which EO is best known, plus newbies like the Hope Monkey (Kaffir-lime-infused Gin Mare and absinthe bitters). Many of the new cocktails showcase locally sourced chamomile and sage syrup, and CBD oils in addition to fresh citrus juices. There’s also a full dinner menu, but the bar snacks are probably your best bet—oysters, and fries are a good way to go.

Go here for good wine and house-made pasta in a dim, leafy space. They’re walk-in only and great for intimate dinners and small groups.

With only two beautiful, wooden lanes, you'll have to wait your turn to bowl on most nights here. Fortunately, it's more about the fantastic cocktails and buzzy scene than the sport.

Stir Crazy feels like the European bistro we fantasize about when we really need a vacation: the kind of buzzy, intimate space that reminds you how good it is to dine out. In lieu of silver buckets, wine is chilled tableside in six-quart Cambro plastic tubs, which feels casual and cool. And don’t be surprised if your tablescape starts to resemble a Dutch still-life: a bounty of tear-as-you-go loaf of bread, marinated tomatoes, olive and Hamachi crudo, and whatever you ordered off the seasonal menu.

This open-air spot on Fairfax is really everything you could want in an LA drinking destination: gorgeous outdoor patio (complete with lush vegetation and twinkle lights), sleek decor, and excellent cocktails. While sophisticated, Mediterranean-inflected menu earns it a spot on our go-to dinner list if we're in the neighborhood, it's really best suited to a dressed up cocktail night with girlfriends.

A few years back, Alfred all but took over the LA coffee scene, and it's still a definite favorite for remote workers during the week. We like this location best.

As the name suggests, the sandwiches here revolve around the kind of loaf that’s ideal for an Italian sub, with that hard, almost waxy exterior and soft, light interior. They have all of the classics, but there’s also a build-your-own option. It’s the perfect place to pick up lunch for a group on the a weekend, on the way to the beach or a playground session at Griffith Park.

Walk up to Awan’s takeout window—if you have trouble finding it, it’s tucked behind Dayglow—and walk away with an Indonesian-style scoop made from rich coconut cream. (It’s all dairy-free.) Maybe the vibe today is saffron ice cream with pistachios and dates. Or maybe it’s fresh Valencia orange. The menu changes regularly, and it’s always special.

This is a no-fuss iteration of the original Salt’s Cure (now located a few miles east on Highland), where you’ll find the same oatmeal griddle cakes that were once the reason behind horribly long wait times for brunch. It's now set up counter-style and à la carte, which makes engineering your perfect breakfast blissfully simple—it’s all the classic options, done better than anywhere else. Plus, you can now get a gluten-free version of the griddle cakes, and they’re somehow equally good. Just don’t ask for syrup: They come topped with decadent sea-salt butter and powdered sugar, and the staff will proudly tell you that nothing else is required.

Thanks to ample comfy seating, speedy Wi-Fi, and a low-key vibe, this two-story coffeehouse is perpetually buzzing with laptop-wielding students, writers, and freelancers. The upstairs study serves as a dedicated no-talking room with individual desks and reading lamps. Meanwhile, the mini library, which operates on a take one/give one system, is a great option if you're looking for a nice spot to curl up with a good book. The menu ticks off all mandatory study-food boxes: sandwiches, scones, and enough inventive coffee drinks to sate all of USC.

Hands down, Cofax serves the best breakfast burritos in Los Angeles (they are more than worth the wait). This place isn't at all dive-y—in fact, its whitewashed, tiled interior is a clean-cut tribute to the Dodgers. The coffee is excellent, as are the freshly made doughnuts and the kombucha on tap.

The coffee is excellent here and the baristas know their stuff. It’s also a great place to buy coffee beans; they source from some of the best indie roasteries worldwide.

From organic produce to the juice bar, prepared foods, wheat, gluten and dairy-free treats, a salad bar, sushi and so much more, this market is a wonderful place for groceries or to have a healthy lunch or dinner. Seating consists of wooden benches outside, so go on a nice day if you're eating in.

The Ggiata founders are three twenty-something buddies from New Jersey who sought to bring the east coast deli sandwich to LA. The highlight of the menu is the chicken cutlet sub, which is dressed in pesto and spicy vodka sauce. And the vegetarian options—portobello mushroom and eggplant parm—are thoughtful and satisfying. Ggiata is best for delivery and pick-up, but there are a few counter spots if you’re sticking around to eat.

See and taste the best of organic California produce here. There are coffee carts and tamales, in addition to great people-watching.

A coffee bar with pastries, a counter for prepared salads and sandwiches to go (or linger over), and a mini-grocery's worth of delicious cheeses, wines, snacks, and frozen treats. Though there are a million tables, they're generally always full; and parking in the area is scarce. That said, it's great for a mid-week breakfast or lunch. (There is also a Joan's in Studio City.)

In addition to the usual fresh California produce found at most markets in LA, this small market often has puppies and kittens for adoption. Flowers are also for sale and prepared food vendors sell delicious enchiladas and healthy homemade soups.

While it’s billed as a wine and cheese shop—and they do in fact put together an excellent cheese board—it’s the sandwich counter that’s the real draw. At only seven items long, and with the option to order by the half, you can easily sample the entire menu in a few visits—and if you need a good place to start, we always go for #1 (the freshest mozzarella, basil, and tomato situation) or the #3 (Italian salami and manchego cheese smothered in sundried tomato sauce) on fresh-baked baguette, though the ciabatta has a loyal following as well.

This is smaller and less crazy than some other markets. There's plenty of fresh produce, but there are also some prepared food stands where you can pick up a snack. Recently, some cool vintage stands have started to pop up here, too. Its central location means parking later in the day can be difficult.

These guys are actually based in Santa Cruz but they recently expanded into Los Angeles with two locations—one on Spring Street in the Arts District and, most recently, on Melrose in West Hollywood. No matter which location you pick, you'll find reliable internet and plenty of seating housed in a sleek, urban-feeling space. Verve also practices direct trade with farmers who source their coffee beans—an important (and very difficult to execute) practice that allows them to exceed Fair Trade minimums when they pay farmers for their goods.

You likely don’t spend much time thinking about rugs. And why should you? Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst do it for you. In 2009, they launched Armadillo & Co., a line of rugs handwoven by artisan weavers in India. The rugs are known for being incredibly soft—and truly meant for living. In fact, Pottharst and Fried—who has three young kids at home—personally wear-test each of the rug styles before sending them to market. The store is meant to be a place where customers can come in, review samples, see pieces in situ, and ultimately customize the rug-buying experience based on what they need.

Just about as famous as the city itself, Book Soup is the sort of place where you stop by to pick up a book, and end up sitting in an aisle, picking through its literary feast for hours.

Chevalier’s Books has been serving Larchmont since 1940, and they’re still one of our favorite bookshops in town. They host a monthly book club and have a solid calendar of author events, too.

Everything here is reliably excellent, and on-trend without being slavish. Many of the labels are Parisian—Carven, Iro, Isabel Marant—mixed in with a spot-on roster of denim from brands like Mother and Genetic Denim. Now, there are locations in NYC, Miami, and the newest one in Pacific Heights.

Desiree Kohan has amassed a stable of envelope-pushing designers—Juan Carlos Obando, Ryan Roche, Sharon Wauchob, Damir Doma—that you can't find anywhere else. Everything is airily arranged in her light-filled space on Fairfax. Beyond the beautiful clothing and accessories, Des will always help you put a look together.

Situated next to the Beverly Hills Juice Club, this simple and well-organized shop is a veritable mecca for safe cosmetics and skin care. Founded to combat the fact that some of the most toxic elements in a woman's life come straight from her beauty products, the Detox Market sells lines like RMS, Ila, Rahua, and Odacité.

At high-end Parisian boutique Leclaireur, expect to find an exquisitely curated offering of home decor, furnishings, and objets d'art from both American and European designers, and of course, lots of Fornasetti special editions you wouldn't find at the department stores. And while the Paris locations are focused for the most part on wearables from avant-garde staples like Dries van Noten, Maison Margiela, and the like, here, the Los Angeles shop is devoted almost exclusively to things for the home, with a few exceptions being made for special-edition fashion pieces.

Inarguably one of the coolest selections of baby and kids clothing in Los Angeles, everything here is pretty much something we’d wear in adult sizes, from the Valentina silk dresses to the striped tank tops from Milk & Honey.

From everyday flowers and plants to bouquets for weddings and other special occasions, The Empty Vase has been reliably churning out stunning bouquets of exceptional quality for years. It's worth a walk into the store, but they do also deliver.

This place carries adorable clothes and whimsical accessories for both boys and girls from newborn to tween. Jelly sandals, tutus, and Petit Bateau staples mingle on the racks with plenty of European brands.

Designers Emily Current and Merritt Elliott are known for their denim line Current/Elliott. In 2015, they launched the GREAT., a vintage-inspired line of denim, embroidered sweatshirts, and super soft tees. The 1,800-square-foot space sits on a well-trafficked stretch of Melrose Avenue, and features plenty of thoughtful details: Fixtures are inspired by antique brass buttons and rivets on denim, Venetian Murano glass chandeliers hang overhead, and there’s a wall lined with hand-painted green Moroccan tile—a nod to the brand’s signature army jackets. Another visual coup is the wallcovering, done in collaboration with Portola paint, and meant to resemble timeworn denim. There’s the core line, for which they’re best known, but there are also lots of one-offs: a hand-selected assortment of vintage clothes and jewelry, plus little things that make great gifts, like perfume from Coqui Coqui, embroidered bandanas, and beautifully wrapped sage bundles.

Part store, part gallery, part showroom, Just One Eye all but evades description. With a curated selection of luxury fashion, jewelry, and furniture juxtaposed with impressive works of contemporary art (seriously—it’s like the Gagosian in there), the place is an aesthete’s dream. The owner, Paola Russo, served as Maxfield’s creative director for years, and her wide-reaching industry relationships have made her a connector of sorts between designers and artists. Don’t miss the Nate Lowman x Converse limited-edition sneakers or Damien Hirst and The Row Just One Eye backpacks.

Lost & Found in Hollywood occupies a stretch of adjacent buildings on Yucca Street, which is tucked away above Hollywood Boulevard. It’s there that you'll find one of L.A.'s best shopping destinations. While there are spaces for women and homes, we particularly love the kids edit, which revolves around feathered headbands, papier-mâché masks, and t-shirts emblazoned with everything from motorcycles to birds. The new outposts in Santa Monica are huge, offering more floor space to men's and women's clothing, along with even more delights for little ones. (Plus, a great edit of home.)

This iconic mini department store—owned by Tommy Perse, father of James—is inarguably one of the most special shops in the world. Perennially cutting edge, the all-black space houses designers like Rick Owens, Balmain, and Alexander McQueen as well as an extensive collection of vintage Hermès bags.

Both a shoppable store and gorgeous showroom, this space brings together two extremely useful, aesthetically pleasing home lines: Mud Australia porcelain and Vitsœ furniture. While each Mud piece has a handmade quality, they come in an assortment of smooth glaze finishes, from off-white to bright peach, blue, and yellow—on display here, propped up by Vitsœ shelving, which can be customized to fit any challenging spaces in your home. Stop by to browse, or enlist the help of Vitsœ's Rob and Andrea, who will help you visualize a plan for your place—big or small.

This airy, all-white space is a fitting back-drop for the avant-garde lines on offer: Here you'll find Maison Martin Margiela dresses, asymmetrical tanks and tees from Clu, and Comme des Garcons jackets. There's a Noodle Stories temporary space down the street that's singularly devoted to Issey Miyake.

Offering an encyclopedia's worth of designers, there's something for pretty much any sensibility at this Los Angeles boutique. We gravitate toward the double eagle rings by owner Kathy Rose, along with the key pendants by Amanda Keidan and Yakira Rona's delicate starfish necklaces.

This men’s shop sells vintage Americana, deadstock Levi’s, and garments that look perfectly lived-in from day one. Their signature silhouette—drop-crotch pants—are made by hand in Hollywood.

Sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard bring their East-meets-West-Coast sensibility to an 1,800-square-foot space on Melrose Place. They tapped Ralph Lauren veteran Carolina de Neufville to outfit the shop, marked by a pink facade, with their inimitable mix of leopard and greenery, plus a mix of vintage furniture and paintings by local artists. As far as the clothes go, their signature Dickey Jacket (a blazer with interchangeable dickeys) takes center stage, playing well with their new denim line. Timed to the store opening, look for a limited-edition run of denim jackets hand-painted by Donald Robertson, as well as a votive candle trio the duo designed with Robertson. To round out the assortment of flouncy floral printed dresses and sheer button-front blouses, there's an edit of sunnies from Le Specs, scarves from St Piece, and leather carryalls and pouches from Clare V.

Adam Blackman and David Cruz's eponymous shop occupies a space that once was a gay nightclub (it was in American Gigolo if you'd like to see it in its former incarnation), which just gives credence to the concept that you never know where you might find treasure. They have impeccable taste and a curatorial sensibility which makes this one of LA's more inspirational home goods shops.

It's easy to overlook this home goods shop, which has been holding down the fort on Beverly for years. It's a little bit out-of-the-way, which makes it easy to miss, but it's absolutely worth seeking out. John Derian decoupage plates, hand-beaded scarfs from Megan Park, and slightly macabre (but gorgeous) objects, like bronze cast beetles mingle with Ige's own line of pillows and fabric calendars.

Marble-topped Tom Dixon candles, cyan-hued wallets from PB 0110, and pretty sublime cashmere blankets are just a few of the offerings at this serene, grey-washed space. Bedding and linens, coffee table books, and Hella Jongerius plates round out the mix.

A true mid-century American icon, Heath has been producing beautiful modern and minimal tableware (with a brief break) and tiles since 1948. In fact, it's part of the permanent collections in New York's MoMA—and graces many a table across the Los Angeles restaurant scape. The store, like the products, is modern and minimal, with wooden shelves, concrete floors and a lot of space to browse. Besides the Heath line, they've selected a handful of designers to showcase. There are multiple locations in the SF area, including an outpost in the Ferry Building. The factory store in Sausalito offers seconds (i.e., subtly imperfect plates and bowls) at big discounts.

Acclaimed interior and textile designer Peter Dunham created Hollywood at Home to provide a complete range of services, from finding the perfect chair for an otherwise perfect room to decorating an entire home. In addition to his own textiles, you'll find options from John Robshaw, along with one-off vintage finds and custom pieces.

Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning opened Lawson-Fenning on Beverly Boulevard, the epicenter of LA's design district, before opening this more second location as a concept store. Their goal was to provide a curated selection of mid-century California and Scandinavian design that's equal parts affordable and luxe. The furniture, which is all made in Southern California with sustainable wood, are gorgeously turned out, and there's also plenty of small packables, like glass carafes from Copenhagen and knotted door mats. The shop includes a design bookstore, Ivanhoe Books, which has become a popular neighborhood destination for current and vintage design titles.

Mansour has been offering the highest quality and designed European, Persian, and Oriental rugs and tapestries for over four generations, and has outfitted everything from royal palaces to family living rooms. The more recently launched Mansour Modern, right next door, is a gallery-style showroom that features, as the name suggests, a more modern selection.

Interior designers Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe put out their own own line of perfectly-textured home goods (solid cast brass hand sconces, tufted headboards, hassock ottomans), which they've mixed with an eclectic range of accessories at this subtly-industrial shop. You'll find Japanese bear bookends, pillows cut from vintage Hmong embroidery, black-bristled brooms, and Astier de Villate journals—and you'll want to buy it all.

Everything at this long-standing, architecturally-minded boutique—from Noguchi lamps, to Heath bud vases, to Alice Park wallets—would look just right inside, say, a Schindler or a Neutra home. The emphasis is on great gifts (almost everything comes pre-gift wrapped in basic brown butcher paper), whether it’s a framed beetle or Carl Aubock designed book-ends. There's also a location in Silver Lake.

There are about 2,200 interior product lines in over 130 showrooms, here, making it a requisite resource for anyone looking to furnish an entire home. Though showrooms typically sell to designers and others who have resale licenses, individuals can purchase by going through the shop's in-house Design Services.

While you've probably been to plenty of Restoration Hardware galleries, you've definitely never seen one like this. Set in the heart of West Hollywood's design district a few blocks from the Pacific Design center, Restoration Hardware's Melrose location is one of the biggest in the country, occupying a full block and spanning three stories, each filled with RH's signature simple, classic, and supremely comfortable designs. In true LA style, the entire space is open-air, with wide doors that open to the street during the day. Perhaps the best part of the entire setup is the green rooftop—filled with trees, fire pits, couches, and even a ping pong table—that's open to the public anytime the store is open.

Rose Tarlow began restoring antiques in LA in the 1970's and remains one of the most sought-after names in design. Her shop on Melrose now stocks more of her own line than antiques and is a great place to go for meticulously-crafted and beautifully-designed (yet still homey and comfortable) furnishings, textiles, rugs, and lighting. The prices as high as her reputation.

While the kid-friendly galleries at LACMA are packed with inspiration, on the second floor of Hammer Building you’ll find a space where little ones can actually put brush to paper and make art. While on-site, sign them up for a free LACMA youth membership—they can visit the museum for free whenever they want (and bring one adult guest along).

Though parking (and the accompanying traffic) can be a total nightmare, it’s well worth it, because once you’ve settled into your seat, and busted out your picnic dinner and wine, you’re in for one of the more special outdoor concert experiences in the country.

As the name suggests, a lot of glamorous silver-screen stars are buried here—but the cemetery has a second life. The beautiful grounds play host to outdoor movie screenings and some of the city’s best concerts.

Pit 91—as it's known to the paleontologists—is still being excavated, and new fossils are continuously being discovered, preserved by the tar that they fell into eons ago. Some of the most impressive of these are on display at the Page Museum.

Undeniably, LACMA pulls LA's biggest art exhibits—and many of them. The campus is huge, the permanent exhibits are great, and it's all kid-friendly, too. If you have little ones in tow, definitely head to the Boone Gallery. There, you'll find a space where little ones can actually put brush to paper and make art. While on-site, sign them up for a free LACMA youth membership—they can visit the museum for free whenever they want (and bring one adult guest along).

R.M. Schindler’s 1920’s home is the headquarters for this Art & Architecture Center. There are exhibitions and events throughout the year, but the main pull is visiting the house that Schindler designed as a communal live/work space. It’s an icon of modern design.

Matthew Marks opened his two LA spaces in quick succession, in January and November of 2012. This outpost is quite close to the original on Orange Grove, which is convenient since many exhibitions spread across the two spaces.

The $5 entry fee goes directly to supporting programs at Fairfax High School, where this market is held (contactless tickets are available for purchase via the website). Once you're in, you'll find hipster heaven, as it's loaded with vintage and up-cycled clothes, shoes, and jewelry. There's also usually a live band playing to accompany your browsing, and a selection of stands to sample in the "food court."

Though it's an equal draw for car-obsessed adults, this museum—immediately across the street from LACMA—has huge kid appeal. For one, in the third floor Discovery Center they can climb aboard a California Highway Patrol Motorcycle, a Ford Model T, and a racecar. They can also race Hot Wheels and pick up a few tidbits about what makes a car tick.

As buzzy hair salons go, Andy Lecompte stands out for its fun, laid-back vibe. Most people know the salon for its stylists and colorists but you can also get a mani/pedi, threading, or a makeup touch-up while you’re there. (Ask for an iced coffee while you wait—they are surprisingly good.) We try to get in for a cut with Leanne Citrone when we can. She’s a co-owner of the salon with Lecompte. Citrone has a good eye for fixing cuts gone wrong or grown out, and she's great at coming up with a style that suits you. But she also listens, so you won’t get quietly bullied into something you don’t want. She’s warm and funny and cuts with her go by faster than we’d like. If you’re going in for a treatment later in the day, plan to meet friends and grab a drink or dinner at Gracias Madre around the corner.

With its art-filled walls, hidden relaxation nooks, and scattered antiques, Benjamin is the kind of chill and totally unpretentious salon you actually want to hang out in, making lengthy color treatments and intricate cuts not just bearable but downright enjoyable. Owner Benjamin Mohapi still trains every member of his staff, so even if you can’t get in with the man himself, a good cut is guaranteed.

The first location of Biologique Recherche in the States landed on Melrose Place, in a space designed by French interior architect Joanne de Lépinay. And no two facials are exactly alike. Here, skin is meticulously examined with the Skin Instant Lab, which measures moisture, elasticity, pigmentation, and oil production to inform your custom regimen.

A one-time Olympic hopeful for the Ukranian gymnastics team, Nonna Gleyzer has an innate understand of how to stretch the human body to the limits of its potential. She’s also part of a long lineage of Kabbalistic Rabbis, so she understands some of the more nebulous stuff, too. While she can certainly work you out on a Cadillac (and does so with many of Hollywood’s leading ladies and men), you really go to Nonna for her capacity to immediately identify areas that are unbalanced and out-of-harmony, whether it’s postural or emotional (or both), and then set them right. She is a rare talent. While she has an unassuming studio in West Hollywood, she also occasionally does house calls.

Sessions here range from 30 to 75 minutes and are designed to “work out” the muscles in the face to release tension, support circulation, and ultimately have a beautifully sculpting, lifting effect. Each treatment starts with a warm up before going into cardio, sculpting, and cool-down therapies. Your trainer begins by gently using the knuckles to work in the cleanser. With swift hand-flicking and pinching techniques the therapy gets under way, tapering off with deep finger sculpting for contouring: The trainer’s fingers dance over your face to help de-puff and stimulate lymphatic drainage. It’s different, fantastic, and feels both rejuvenating and soothing.

Don’t expect soft music and gentle massage protocols here. Face Place, whose minimalist aesthetic fits its no-nonsense treatment approach, takes a more clinical approach to skin care. The iDerm facial combines a round of extractions with oxygen therapy and pore-tightening galvanic current. Our other favorites: The vitamin C peel is excellent for softening hyperpigmentation, and the enzyme peel is superbly brightening.

We’re stoked that this Canadian facial studio has finally landed stateside. Their first US location is on Sycamore, where you can book a facial or injectables and be out in under 30 minutes. You can also get vitamin shots here, if you’re so inclined, and they have an on-site shop with some of our favorite clean skin-care brands.

Finding a Los Angeles hair salon where the cost of each visit doesn’t compare to your monthly mortgage is a challenge. (Sadly, we’re barely being hyperbolic.) That’s where Harper Salon on Melrose comes in—it’s been our favorite undiscovered chop spot for a while. The space is raw and industrial, and the service is quick and efficient, but mostly we love the result: always exactly what we asked for. All the stylists are top-notch, but James is our guy.

New York transplants rejoiced when the first West Coast location of Heyday, a skincare spot that specializes in personalized facials, opened its doors on Beverly Boulevard, not too far from the Grove. For the uninitiated, here's how it works: You choose the duration of your treatment (thirty, fifty, or seventy-five minutes) and set your goals with your skin therapist. Every treatment comes with a deep cleanse, exfoliation, custom mask, and hydration, then ends with SPF protection (the fifty- and seventy-five-minute options also have extractions). Upgrades include peels, microdermabrasion, and light therapy, and if you need monthly treatments, there's a membership program. Upon checkout, there's a small apothecary stocked with goop favorites like Herbivore Botanicals and Ursa Major. After your treatment, your skin therapist will send you a recap email, which includes a 30-day skincare plan, plus product recommendations. Bonus: Appointments are available until 9 p.m., making an after-work facial doable—and they've got free parking out front, which is clutch in this part of town.

This is one of those spots where they know everything and you can get anything. Beyond an encyclopedic roster of beloved beauty brands, they also stock little-known and hard-to-find products from the UK, Japan, France, and more. They also run a full-service salon.

We love sampling new workouts and hitting the many trails that thread across the Los Angeles hills, but sometimes our knees hurt. The city’s wellness community is always one step ahead. LIT (low-impact training) method specializes in exercise that is effective but not detrimental to our delicate joints. The workouts use equipment like foam rollers, resistance bands, and TRX. Before you roll your eyes, we’re just saying: Try it.

With the success of its first location in Tokyo, Mars opened this branch in West Hollywood to provide the same exquisite nail service. Though you can get just a regular mani/pedi, the raison d'être is the inventive Japanese nail art, set with gel so as not to damage your own nails. Each private room comes complete with a flat-screen TV, large leather chair, and headphones. With prices to match. Waxing services are also available.

By way of a serene neutral interior—complete with cactus plants and lots of driftwood—this massage spa aims to recreate a little piece of Tulum in the center of Los Angeles. They're also open until 10pm, catering to a crowd that can't always break away during the day for some spa time. The best part, however, is the pricing: $35 gets you a 25-minute massage ($95 for 85 minutes). They recently launched a monthly membership service which is pretty great too, for those who want pampering more regularly. While you can book an appointment through their site or app, they also allow walk-ins. The original location is in West Hollywood, with others in Santa Monica, Studio City, and its newest in Silver Lake.

Ole Henriksen is a skin-care OG. Every treatment at this Danish legend’s spa includes a full consultation, extractions if you want/need them, lymphatic-drainage massage, supremely relaxing sound wave therapy, and custom-blended essential oils. Powerful skin energizers like chaga mushroom, bioactive peat enzymes linked to collagen support, and omega-packed serums are incorporated into many of the treatments, and the results are hard to beat. Henricksen himself famously takes clients into the mid-day parking lot with a mirror to look at their post-facial skin in the harshest light possible—the glowy, dewy proof stares right back at them.

Not only is Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald one of L.A.'s best dermatologists, but she does excellent laser hair removal as well.

Falling somewhere between spa and social club, Remedy Place is where you go to get a vitamin drip with a friend or show a date the magic of a cold plunge. They have a clinical practice, too—see a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or functional medicine practitioner in-house.

With only nine Reformer beds, classes at this beloved Pilates studio are small—which means plenty of attention from instructors despite the fact that classes are almost always fully booked. The space is sun-soaked and tranquil; the only wall not filled with mirrors or windows displays a white neon sign that aptly reads “sweat + good vibes.” Andrea Speir teaches many of the classes herself; they vary in purpose and intensity but all share the same challenging but gentle ethos (and heart-rate-upping playlists). Every instructor here is great, but we love Kit’s early morning cardio class prework, and Dane’s evening barre class if you require some extra motivation to push yourself after a long day.

Sugaring, which at this studio is performed by trained specialists in a welcoming, light-filled space, calls on a paste made from organic sugar, lemon, and water to pull hair out in the natural direction of its growth. It's a process that translates to less pain, irritation, and ingrown hairs, especially when you do it routinely. SugaringLA does the best sugaring in town.

You can see acupuncturist Mona Dan for a single acupuncture session or buy a pack of five or ten sessions. Clients also come to Vie Healing for bodywork—massage, cupping, Reiki—and the rejuvenating variations of peels and facials.

We've been checking in on Cassandra Huysentruyt Grey's lushly-appointed beauty site, Violet Grey, since it launched last year, but now we're reaching for our wallets. They've just turned it into an e-commerce play, and lined its virtual shelves with cherry-picked products from the best brands (you won't find anything here that makeup artists don't keep in their kits). Perhaps more excitedly, they've now opened a bricks-and-mortar outpost on Melrose Place, marked by a slick, lipstick red door, where you can get a really great makeup application.

At the Wythe Hotel, owned by the masterminds behind Marlow & Sons, you’ll find an outpost of Le Crocodile, a French bar, and views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines. The building has a plethora of spaces to rent for parties, including a full-fledged screening room. Oh, and if you're traveling in a band, as one does in Williamsburg, you can book their "Band Room," complete with bunk beds.

This dressed-up restaurant has all the elements of an old-school Mad Men-style steakhouse: Oysters, tick; an excellent Caesar Salad, tick; crabcakes and shrimp cocktails, tick. And of course, if it's steak you’re after, this is one of the best places in town to get it, with all the classic options for dressing it up, from Bearnaise sauce to an egg on top. The private space is moodily-lit.

This is one of the Joe Bastianich group's best restaurants, serving up his perfectly executed, regional Italian dishes in a dressed-up, white tableclothed setting. Unlike many other upscale NYC restaurants, Babbo has a fun (and never stuffy) vibe. It's hard to get a table but we like to go to the bar for an incredible plate of pasta and a glass of wine. The private room is a great place to host a fancy lunch.

Apart from the tasty Italo-American dishes—homemade spaghetti (kids go nuts for it) and the perfect roast chicken—the music is what really sets this restaurant apart. Colorful old-school boombox prints decorate the walls, and Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, and Dre boom from the speakers, making the meal a good one for a big group (they actually have a private dining room if you're inviting more than ten people), rather than an intimate gathering.

Housed in Mies van der Rohe's Seagram Building, this icon of a restaurant still honors its 1959 design by modernist Philip Johnson. Everything—from Philip Johnson's custom chairs and bar stools, to the metal chain curtains, to the Japanese-style pool in the middle of the dining room—is as true to the original concept as possible, making a meal here something of a field trip for Modernist design nerds. Needless to say, it's one of the city's true gems: While the Pool Room is a romantic spot for dinner, New York power lunches take place in the clubby, wood-paneled Grill Room. It's best for expense accounts: With its lofty prices and bustling location, it's usually packed with business types and Upper East Side denizens. And while it's an undeniably elegant space for an event, private rooms here are best reserved for big-deal celebrations like engagements or graduations.

For over 30 years, this venerable Danny Meyer restaurant has been continually packed, thanks to the delicious, seasonal, and local American cuisine, a movement that’s currently stewarded by chef Michael Anthony, of Blue Hill fame. The woodsy dining room, complete with Robert Kushner’s vegetable mural, is so comforting. Their private room is a great classic spot for a private event.

We like to stop by this homey café and wine bar for the occasional snack—a house-cured plate of salumi and a glass of wine—just as much as for a full, rustic meal. With gallerist David Zwirner as one of its backers, it’s no surprise this artfully restored ex-lumber supply space fills up with the art crowd on a regular basis. It's ideal for an event, too—their skilled planners will design a beautifully rustic event at long tables in the back rooms.

Lafayette serves all three meals in a beautiful brasserie space: Copper pots hang in the kitchen, horseshoe-shaped booths are spacious and inviting, while the clean, fresh look of the bakery—with blue-and-white patterned floor tiles and lots of white marble—offsets the rusticity of the dining room. We like the oysters, along with the rotisserie chicken for two and an order of the fries. It's also a great place to meet for breakfast, with simple, quality dishes that all have a French twist. The private wine cave has its own bar, which makes it ideal for office holiday parties.

Serving haute cuisine since 1962, this place is wonderfully old school (with the buttoned-up crowd to match). The food is decadent and indulgent as are the floral arrangements, for which they’re known. Incidentally, it's not surprising that it's an excellent choice for a fancy private event. The late night jazz is well worth staying—and dressing—up for.

Le Bernardin opened in 1986 after the success of the storied Parisian original. Helmed by Chef Eric Ripert, this swanky restaurant continues to deliver some of the finest, freshest fish in the city, served with delicate yet complicated sauces that make seafood incredibly exciting. The menu is prix fixe only and organized by preparation (almost raw, barely touched, lightly cooked, etc.). The private room here is upstairs and has a separate entrance.

Now under the ownership of Joe Bastianich, Lupa is full of ambiance and offers all sorts of affordable pastas served family style. Our favorite: Bavette cacio e pepe. It's simple but the quality of the ingredients makes it luxurious. You'd never know it, but they actually have a private room in the back. Or, for a larger group, you can reserve the entire restaurant.

This Greek seafood mecca launched the whole fish trend in NYC, and still does it to perfection. This, paired with delicious Greek mezze like grilled octopus, fresh salads, dips, and more in a beautiful whitewashed dining room with some of the highest ceilings in the city, is as close as you’ll get to the islands. The tuna burger with lightly fried zucchini sticks at lunch is pretty insane. Plus, their private room upstairs is perfect for an intimate dinner with a killer menu.

Daniel Humm of the Michelin starred Eleven Madison Park runs a food program here that is as delicious as it is elegant, all appropriate to the Jacques Garcia-designed surroundings. Choose between the clubby Parlour with velvet seats and Persian rugs or the shimmering Atrium under a massive skylight for your meal's venue—both are a treat. There are several private rooms available here, but opt for the rooftop if possible—you can actually stage a small table in the hotel's iconic cupola.

Napa's French Laundry may have put Thomas Keller on the map, but Per Se, which is perched above Central Park, confirmed his legendary status. The menu changes daily, and you can expect Keller to trot out some of his older hits along with some delightful new surprises. The meal itself can last for hours as you advance from seasonal course to course, and the set dinner menu starts at $390. The private room also happens to have one of the best views in town.

Red Farm’s menu focuses on fresh greenmarket product, artfully prepared fish, and delicious dim sum (including less familiar creations like pastrami egg rolls). The shrimp dumplings are delicious, the duck spring rolls are surprisingly refreshing, and we’re more than willing to endure the substantial wait (no reservations here) for a bowl of the veggie fried rice alone. They put together prix-fixe menus for large groups in private spaces.

If you've traveled in Austria and Germany, you know how uniquely delicious (if carb-heavy) the cuisine is—and also how hard it is to find good versions stateside. Blaue Gans' menu goes way beyond the obvious weiner schnitzel and wurst by including a hearty beef goulash, a traditionally made sauerkraut, and spätzle. Meanwhile, the kaiserschmarrn is apple-filled, with perfect batter and plentiful powdered sugar. The entire space can be rented for small gatherings.

It doesn't get much better than Daniel when it comes to haute cuisine (and destinations for special occasions). From the exceptional French prix-fixe menu to the flawless service and elegant jacket-only dining room, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. For a slightly more casual (and reasonably priced) a la carte dining experience, head to the lounge. And for a special event, book their private Bellecour Room, which has windows facing 65th Street—a rarity for event rooms in the city.

With a guest list that has included Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Prince Charles, and Richard Nixon (he wrote his memoirs here), it's not that surprising that after a comprehensive remodel in 2011, people were upset that Hotel Bel-Air wasn't exactly the same. But we still love it: We just don't go there expecting to see the original. The lobby, in particular, is so chic, and the Wolfgang Puck restaurant is a great pick for an event.

Since 1982, Spago has managed to hold its spot as one of the busiest and most celebrated LA restaurants. Sure, there's a ton of air-kissing and people-watching, but the seasonally-focused food succeeds thanks to fresh produce, meat, and fish that's done simply and well (the beet layer salad is always a highlight). It's the kind of place that's justified by a special occasion, and there are plenty of private room options for large parties.

This place has been around since the '80s, but in the intervening years, it's lost none of its appeal. As a pioneer in the Asian-fusion space (one of Wolfgang Puck's first restaurants), Chinois—which marries French and Chinese cuisine—totally revolutionized the L.A. food scene. Now, the food feels wonderfully familiar in a space that looks straight out of Ruthless People. The curried oysters, duck pancakes, and spicy miso black cod are classics. A trip here always brings a real sense of nostalgia, as this was one of the first foodie destinations in California. The excellent service and family-style servings make it perfect for a group (and there's a private room to accommodate, too).

Decades after opening, this place—like its counterpart in NYC—is still going strong, retaining that old-school Santa Monica feel. With chef Frank Fermin's revamped menu, outrageously fresh cocktails, and a breathtaking redesign of their lush back patio, we’ve recently come to regard it as our very classy new evening drinking destination. The candle-lit back patio is also a magical spot for hosting an event.

This is the quintessential LA hangout where the fun people-watching comes with a side of craft cocktails and decent Italian food. The Butterfly Room (named after its centerpiece, a heart-shaped painting by Damien Hirst) is roomier than most private dining areas (it can accommodate up to forty guests) and has a private entrance.

There are now 32 outposts of Nobu—and they draw a devoted touristy crowd—but the Malibu location, positioned on a bluff overlooking the ocean, is worth braving the hordes. The backdrop offers sweeping views that deliver the drama people love for big, festive moments like a rehearsal dinner, plus the food is reliably good.

The first thing to know about Scopa is that it’s massive. In addition to a sea of cafe tables there are shared banquettes, communal tables, and a stretch bar which is home to an extensive spirit offering (there’s a healthy wine list as well). They even have a private room upstairs, with a peek-a-boo window overlooking the main dining room. We suggest starting with one of the expertly curated Italian cold cut and cheeses plates before diving into the more substantial pastas and mains. The menu is packed with classic Italian dishes (lasagne, whole branzino) which Chef Antonia Lofaso (of Top Chef fame) executes flawlessly. This is also one of the few non-Italian bakery spots in town where you can get a decent cannoli. Plus, unlike many L.A. eateries, this one serves food until midnight on most evenings.

It’s been several years, but Gjelina—a restaurant that ushered in a new sort of veggie-centric California cuisine—is as mobbed as ever. The crowds make a lot of sense: Everything is always excellent, from the vegetable sides to the whisper-thin jalapeño and smoked mozzarella pizza. Come when it opens so you can snag a table on the patio out back. (If the lines are too long, grab something to go at GTA, its takeaway spot next door.)

You’d never guess that The Tasting Kitchen sits on one of Venice’s busiest thoroughfares: It’s partly because of the fortress-like entrance, and partly because the loft-y, two-floor space revolves around a small grove of transporting olive trees. The food—modern Italian by Portland transplant Casey Lane—is excellent, made even better by the comfortable, leather wrapped Eames chairs, welcoming bar area, and always kind and attentive service. While it's one of the city's major culinary destinations—and gets really booked—if you walk in at 6, you can generally always get a table, and there are two big communal tables in the bar. If you have at least 20 people, you can book their elegant private space upstairs.

Luxe ingredients like lobster and caviar, made with a nod to traditional French technique, earned Melisse two Michelin stars. A tasting menu is basically mandatory at a place like this—if you're adventurous go for Chef Josiah Citrin's Carte Blanche menu. It's a great place for a white tablecloth-style event in one of their private rooms, too.

Cassia came on the scene in 2015 as the brainchild of two great culinary couples: Rustic Canyon’s Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb and Spice Table’s Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng. With a great cocktail program, a somm-selected run of Rieslings, an airy dining room, a legitimately good patio, and buckets of natural light, it’s still one of most pleasant spaces in Santa Monica, especially south of Lincoln. But it’s the warm service and excellent food—an 80/20 blend of Chinese-Singaporean and Vietnamese, with French inflections—that will have you booking a return reservation before you’re out the door. We ordered a generous pile of green papaya salad, chickpea curry with clay oven bread (or lettuce cups, if you’re gluten-free), ultra-tender Hainan chicken confit, and a mushroom satay we’ll be thinking about for a long, long time.

The interior of Leo's is another gorgeous creation from Ken Fulk, with marble tabletops, verdant wallpaper, checkered, East Coast-style floors, and wicker stools. Tucked away from the main restaurant are two distinct private dining spaces. The Tiki Lounge is a bamboo-wrapped tropical oasis perfect for an intimate dinner. The Hideaway is an ode to old-Hollywood with sumptuous palm-patterned wallpaper and room for up to twenty-eight seated guests. As for the food, the oysters here are served old-school, on ice and with a generously poured flute of champagne. The menu's just as good off the raw bar—we love the lobster roll, shrimp toast, and tater tots.

The slick interior and miles-deep wine list make this is a great place for a dressed-up celebratory dinner. The food spans a variety of cuisines but the emphasis remains on local and organic fare. We're partial to the Sunday brunch (get the beignets) and the burger any night of the week. They have three elegant rooms for private parties—the events team is particularly skilled at florals.

While there are delicious small plates for veggies to tuck into, the mains at this Chef Jennifer Puccio-helmed spot have the carnivore crowd in mind. The Marlow burger is particularly memorable (and by memorable, we mean it's one of the best we've ever had). Ken Faulk—regarded as one of the most talented interior designers in the city—re-imagined the sprawling space to resemble an elevated butcher shop. They have several spaces to accommodate private parties, the best one being their private patio space: It's decorated with herbs and other greenery and dotted with heat lamps that make it comfortable year-round.

Come nighttime, the dim lighting and loud music draw a younger crowd to this tightly-packed gem a few blocks off the main Mission drag. The lineup of house-made pastas is as unusual as they come. From maltagliati with braised rabbit and sunchokes to trenette with pork sugo and chili, the concepts are always inspired. The pizzas are just as interesting. It's not a light meal, so come with hungry friends as a lot of it is great to share. The dough room where they roll the pasta during is available as a private dining room in the evenings.

Not nearly as fancy as sister restaurant, Quince, Cotogna serves up Northern Italian fare using the highest quality ingredients from nearby markets. It’s the kind of stuff we’d happily eat on a nightly basis: fresh pastas, veggie plates, wood-fired pizza, and simple fish entrees. In the elegant, almost all-wood dining room, the vibe is lively but not loud as tables are generously spaced. If you can get a table, great, if not, dining at the bar while watching the chefs at work is pretty awesome, too. A better option yet is to snag the Chef's Table in front of the open kitchen (or reserve the entire place).

The indoor-outdoor dining room is equal parts rustic (Edison bulbs, communal tables) and modern (exposed kitchen, cement floors) while the food is hearty Northern California fare through and through. Taking full advantage of the region's bounty, Chef Thomas McNaughton developed relationships with local farmers who provide just-plucked produce for dishes like squash maltagliati, figs with coppa di testa, and melon and burrata. If you're hosting an event, keep in mind that the attached Salumeria, which is a market by day, becomes a cozy dining room by night.

Michael Tusk's Quince has fast become the standard for fine dining, so it's no surprise that his catering business, Tusk Events, is booming. They can handle events of any size, but it's good to remember that Quince's family-style tables can also be reserved for large parties—a nice option if you're looking to host a gathering with minimal-effort. The various tasting menus, aided by a miles-long wine list, make for a pretty perfect weekend date night or decadent catch-up session with pals.

We love that the Oaxacan region of Mexico serves as Chef Matt Gandin’s muse at this Arts District favorite. The result? A menu of ceviches, tamales, tacos, and insane shared dishes that stays true to tradition while bringing something innovative to the table. It's a pretty awesome space, too, with an exposed-brick dining room, plus a massive outdoor area with fire pit and beer garden. If you've got a group of 20 or more, ask about their private room in the back, where they serve those crazy-good sharing plates family style around one long table.

This big, bustling Italian restaurant is a huge hit with the after-work crowd on weekdays and for date night or group hangs on weekends; and with five separate private dining room options, it's a classic on the holiday office party circuit. The sharable plate of house-cured meats is a must order no matter what your reason for venturing out. The rest of the menu reads like a greatest hits list of Italian comfort food: loads of seafood, grilled veggies, and of course, pasta. Though the main dining room has a great convivial vibe, we prefer to take our meals at the bar (coincidentally, the cocktails here are excellent).

Chef Melissa Perello's first San Francisco restaurant, Frances, earned a Michelin star for its refined, uncomplicated dishes, so everyone's expecting great things from her next spot, just-opened Octavia. The entire operation, from the speckled pottery dishes to the wooden tables to the meal, is rustic with a modern bend, and the space is light and airy with Scandinavian furniture. Like most Bay Area chefs, Perello changes her menu with the seasons, but recent favorites include a little gem salad with persimmon, a pork chop with escarole and mushrooms. The private dining space in an attached converted bakery is a great space for an event that's special without feeling too fancy.

The gentrification of the Mission hasn't included a ton of new architecture, so Farina's neon sign and sleek modern build makes it stick out a little on the street—all the better, because their famous Neopolitan pizzas (cooked in a specially made oven) are not to be missed. The best seat in the house is the back patio, which is super lush, and benefits from the Mission's warmer microclimate (it's usually about 10 degrees warmer here than in the rest of the city). The entire patio can be rented out for private events, and the restaurant provides heat lamps that make it a good option year-round.

In a city that's known for great seafood, Farallon has been a go-to spot for fish and shellfish for almost 20 years now. It's sort of an old-school joint at this point, but the oyster menu is miles-long, and the dinner options always include a great lobster dish and excellent grilled fish. Décor-wise, they’re famous for the jellyfish lounge, where jellyfish lamps hang from the ceiling and the mezzanine level itself is shaped like the creature. While it;s a little bit over-the-top, you have to appreciate the lengths they took to make the space unique and special. The private rooms here are decorated in the same fantastical style, and they've been around long enough to appreciate the value of having an event planner on staff, which always makes things easier.

The place to be at this lounge-y restaurant (which is up on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos) is the covered outdoor patio, which has long fire pits that keep guests warm in the cooler months—you can actually eat outside here all year round. Chef David Bazirgan puts together shared plates in unexpected combinations—soft-shell crab with banana ketchup, asparagus with smoked egg yolk, sweetbreads with kimchi and pineapple—which keeps things pretty exciting. They're also known for a fantastic cocktail program. Private dining options here spill onto the patio, making it a particularly good choice for cocktail reception-style events where guests will want to walk around.

Town Hall has been a local favorite for a while now, with indulgent, Southern-style cooking—the best menu items include fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and classic veggies like okra and fried green tomatoes. Their event space in the back is lined with wide windows that make it perfect for a mid-morning or early-afternoon event.

The first thing you'll notice about Beretta is the elegant décor—industrial chandeliers dangle from the high ceilings and glass light fixtures dot the bar. One of the first spots that brought the Mission to culinary fame, they're best known for great Italian comfort food (don’t miss the thin crust pizzas and classic pastas) and an insanely good brunch (how can you not order the carbonara brunch pizza?). The upstairs event space is perfect for an event that feels sophisticated but with a little bit of cool factor.

Boulevard won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2012, and it's easy to understand why; the food here is consistently outstanding. The menu changes seasonally, but straightforward dishes like a soft-shell crab with polenta, a delicate squash blossom risotto, and a classically awesome Filet Mignon are executed in a really elegant way. The location right on the Embarcadero lives up to the great menu—you’ll have views of the bay from most seats. Their private wine vault is a comfortable space for small events, but they also have a larger room that’s a nice (and conveniently located) pick for corporate functions.

Acquerello has been serving upscale Italian in Nob Hill for 25 years now—with excellent food and a decidedly grown-up setting, it’s exactly the kind of place you want to go to for special occasions. Run by a father-son team from Bologna and an executive chef/partner that’s been with them from the beginning, the classic Italian dishes are unshakably good. There are two private room options that are both relatively formal.

It’s not easy to find Greek cuisine served in an upscale, white tablecloth setting, which makes Kokkari sort of unique in its class. The best menu items here are the classics: moussaka, lamb chops, and a killer (and gorgeously presented) greek salad. The hole-in-the-wall private dining room here feels like a secluded wine cellar—it's cozy and perfect for smaller groups.

Absinthe was an early pioneer both of the craft/artisanal cocktail scene in San Francisco (the absinthe cocktails are still amazing) and of the Hayes Valley neighborhood (they were one of the first in the area). The cuisine slants French, but not in a restricting way—you’ll find a Hawaiian swordfish alongside their famous French onion soup and coq au vin. The upstairs private space is unique in the city for being completely separate, with an exclusive-use bar and entrance.

Chef Dominique Crenn is equal parts poet and chef, as evidenced by the creative titles of her tasting menu, which includes dishes like "the sea" or "walk in the forest." She’s also known for inventive presentation—expect lots of props, like dishes with glass panels, or mossy branches, to adorn your meal. The private room makes for a lovely space for a private meal.

Acadia's 10-course prix fixe menu, which includes two cocktails that are mixed table-side, earned it a Michelin star. But if you don’t have the time (or budget) for the full experience, go just to sit at the bar and order the burger, which is served with bacon onion jam, gruyere, and taleggio mornay. Though it's best reserved for exceptionally special events, their private dining room has space for 20.

Balena is the second restaurant the team behind The Bristol and Formento's, and it manages to capture the same sophisticated but comfortable vibe as the former, with tall ceilings, rustic furnishings, and some seriously cool firefly-like light fixtures. The menu here is straight-up Italian, filled with classic dishes like a potato gnocchi in a mushroom sauce, a fennel sausage and onion pizza, and a classic roasted chicken with romesco and walnut parmesan. The private room has its own bar that's decorated with back-lit wine bottles for a cool stained-glass effect.

Blackbird is another member of the Avec family, with a Jetsons-level futuristic interior, complete with an architectural slab of a bar lined with chrome swivel chairs. In contrast, the Midwestern menu is super hearty and the service fittingly warm and attentive. On the second floor, you'll find a secluded dining room, where private parties are assigned dedicated serving and cooking staff.

We love Stephanie Izard's Girl & The Goat because craft is the key to every single one of the dishes. The food is separated into three categories—meat, fish, and vegetables—with plenty of crossover in between. Combinations are unexpected and bold flavors abound, all with a feminine, comfortable touch. Don’t miss the selection of house-made breads served at the beginning of each meal, and if you’re a beer drinker, you will be pleased with their unusual collaborations with Three Floyds. The "Underground Goat," their private dining space below the restaurant, is one of the most sought-after party venues in town.

Over a century ago, this Michigan Avenue landmark served as home base of the Chicago Athletic Association. The building had been vacant since 1997, so it was a pretty big deal when design firm Roman and Williams stepped in to re-imagine the massive building as a slick 241-room hotel. Sport is still a prominent theme here, as evidenced by a tricked out game room and walls of museum quality athletic memorabilia. And while the stained glass windows, grand ballroom, and general clubbiness were left intact, the brass lighting fixtures and leather furniture (both in-room and throughout the hotel) are welcome additions. There's also the sexy rooftop restaurant, Cindy's, and three more places to eat and drink. Incidentally, the cozy library at Cindy's is an excellent place to host a private event—it doesn't feel at all like a corporate hotel space, and the views of Lake Michigan are jaw-dropping.

Dining at The Publican is always a treat. It’s kind of the ideal menu, with oysters, roast chicken, fries, and lots of delicious sides. The room is big and light and open, plus, many booths have little saloon style swinging doors on them for privacy. Their butcher shop and cafe (Publican Quality Meats) is next-door, and offers a full butchery plus sandwiches and old-fashioned breakfasts; it can be converted into a dining room in the evening for private events.

A few years ago, the team behind Boka enlisted Simeone Deary Design Group to give the Michelin starred restaurant a top-to-bottom overhaul. The resulting space—an earthy mix of muted mauves, with one wall covered entirely in antique door handles and another in live moss—is the perfect setting for Chef Lee Wolen’s refreshingly unfussy take on fine dining: heirloom carrots, brandade ravioli, and the now famous roasted chicken. The desserts are pretty extraordinary too (see: 70 percent South American cacao mousse). The terrace opens up onto the patio and has doors that close to the main dining room for private events.

The menu at this hidden gem (it's quite literally hidden near a Home Depot in an unmarked building) remains exciting: gnocchi with maple bacon, steak tartare with fried capers and egg yolk, PB&J bread pudding. In the summer, they open up a garage door in the back of the building to an open-air astroturf patio; head to the back to play a game of ping pong while you wait for your meal. The private dining room here is legendary, too—tucked away near the entrance to the main dining room, it's a popular pick for the film and music crowd.

Just-opened Formento's is the latest spot to join The Bristol and Balena family. It's old-school Italian in every way, from the white tablecloths and tufted leather banquettes to the chicken parm and Italian wedding soup. They have a big, open loft upstairs for private events.

Owner Arjun Waney (he's behind London favorites like Zuma, Roka, and Oblix) seems to have nailed that special formula for modern dining, which obviously involves great food. If the meals alone don't fully justify the membership fee, the art collection (you'll see a John Baldessari and a Tomas Saraceno sculpture in the stairwell) and exquisitely decorated common spaces for gathering over coffee and afternoon tea definitely do. Members and their friends can also book one of the Club's 16 enormous, gorgeously-appointed hotel rooms, which offer 24 hour butler service. Perhaps most importantly, though, members get access to 1863, the club's intimate bar and performance space, where you can see some of London's best musicians perform literally feet away.

Like the rest of André Balasz' hotels and restaurants (the iconic Chateau Marmont in LA and Mercer in NY, to name a couple), his first venture in London is undoubtedly one of the sceniest in town. Part of the allure is the decor, courtesy of Studio Ko, who seamlessly integrated original features like the fireman's pole, brick and tilework, and fire doors with velvet seating, glitzy marble bars, and old-fashioned, flower-print carpeting. And part of it is chef Nuno Mendez' brasserie-style menu that's packed with his near perfect takes on the classics like Caesar Salad and Roast Chicken, plus some of the most delicious and inventive appetisers in town—the crab-stuffed doughnuts are a brunch favorite. A private dining room at a hotel like this is a must, and the elegant—though much less splashy—room here ticks all the boxes and accommodates 12.

The River Café hardly needs an introduction. Serving unmatched Italian since 1987, it is a landmark among restaurants everywhere. They've always been known for their simple, seasonal fare, and the location right along the Thames is great for a sunny Sunday lunch or a special dinner. There's also a private room just off the main dining room that seats up to 18 (fitted out with the Café's signature hot pink rug, and minimal tabletop), which makes an ideal venue for an occasion. You'll definitely want to try something that's been cooked to perfection in their pink wood-fired oven, which has been the central focal point of the restaurant since its renovation, undertaken under the watchful eye of architect (chef Ruth Rogers' husband) Lord Richard Rogers.

Modeled after a Raj-era Indian sports club, Gymkhana balances old-world interiors with some of the best Indian in London: It was voted the number one restaurant in London in 2013 before going on to win a Michelin star in 2014. The food is served family-style—Tikkas, Biryanis, Saags—but things get really exciting when it comes to the bread. The duck egg bhurji with lobster, for one, is epic. Perfect for intimate, private dinners, the restaurant also has two beautifully appointed vaults that seat 9 or 12: They are tasting menu only so, go prepared for a big meal.

Jason Atherton is the master at creating a buzzy atmosphere at his restaurants, as evidenced by the fact that it's nearly impossible to land a reservation at Pollen Street Social and the Social Eating House. Meanwhile, Berners Tavern, located inside Ian Schrager's Edition Hotel in Fitzrovia, is no exception, attracting locals in the creative industry for breakfast and lunch meetings, and a decidedly more dressed up crowd for dinners and weekend brunch. Here, inside the large ballroom-like space, which is covered from floor to ceiling in a dramatic display of framed images, Atherton serves up meaty, seasonal British game along with some of the best Dover Sole in town. The sleek private dining room for 12 doesn't lose out on any of the drama, as its situated right under a restored, historic skylight.

After cutting their teeth on the vineyards in Napa, Charlotte and Michael Sager-Wilde brought their love for great Californian wines back to London, where they’re something of a rarity. A meal at their first large restaurant venture, under converted railway arches in Bethnal Green, is pretty transporting (and a lot less than a ticket to Napa), pairing wonderful wines with an Italian-influenced seasonal menu of small plates. The terrace upstairs tucked into one of the railway arches, makes a great spot for a private meal; meanwhile, winos will love checking out the Sager-Wilde's collection in the room's glass cave.

Like stepping back into old-world Eastern elegance, this beautiful dining room serves exquisitely-executed, upscale Cantonese classics, like their whole suckling pig, which requires 24-hour notice and £150 pounds. It's a splurge but makes for a memorable meal, particularly if it's served in one of the three adjacent private rooms that seat up to 26—Ping, Pang, and Pong—or combined to seat 80. The dim sum, which is less of an investment, is also great, the seafood and veggie sides are as fresh as they come, and they've totally nailed cha siu. A meal here is best enjoyed with an expense account, but you can always hit the swanky bar for one very delicious cocktail.

The phrase "over-the-top" is basically synonymous with Bob Bob Ricard: There's the hyper-luxe interiors that look like they were created by Wes Anderson's design team, there's the champagne on tap—just press the "Champagne" button at your table—there's the rich Russo-British Chicken Kievs, caviar and the like, and there's the fact you absolutely have to dress up (no sneakers allowed) or else the bouncer at the door won't let you in. It's all in good tongue-in-cheek fun, and if there's one spot that's perfect for starting a big, celebratory night out in London, it's here. And, if your booking is for more than 10 people, you get upgraded into the private dining room, which is possibly even more stylized than the rest of the space.

It's not a big surprise that restaurateur Alan Yau—Wagamama, Hakkasan, and Yauatcha—has moved on to his next big concept. (He’s sold all three of his ventures.) While the food and the beer list at this Chinese gastropub is undeniably stellar (as expected, the Cantonese roasted duck is the thing to get), the interiors, by Turkish design firm Autoban, might just be good enough to usurp the spotlight—You don't miss out on either in either of the private rooms which seat up to 12.

Tucked away on Charlotte Street, you'll find one of the most spectacular chef's tables in London. In this cozy, horseshoe-shaped space, up to 20 guests crowd around James Knappett's open kitchen where he continually develops his ever-changing 11-course tasting menu that's won him a Michelin Star. Plus, he's picked up a few tricks at a pretty impressive list of restaurants including Per Se, Roganic, and The Ledbury. This special culinary performance can be hired out for the evening, too.

Murano is the crown jewel of chef Angela Hartnett's growing restaurant emporium, and is also the place you're most likely to catch her in the kitchen making her trademark modern twists on Italian dishes and ingredients. A meal here is a highlight in and of itself, but the private dining room is where it's at. Here, Angela and her team will create a special set menu for the dinner party on request, and if you're lucky, the glass partition in the room can be retracted, allowing guests a direct view into the kitchen. There are also two sister restaurants, Café Murano, from Hartnett's deputy, Sam Williams (one on St. James Street and one in Covent Garden).

Set in a huge, light-filled space in Somerset House, Spring is helmed by chef Skye Gyngell, who won a Michelin star for her restaurant at Petersham Nurseries—and then promptly left. She’s finally returned after a long time away and is back to her old tricks: Light, seasonal, Italian-inflected dishes that are essentially perfect. For a private meal or event, there's the Salon, which is a pretty magical light-filled space located under an original glass atrium that can seat up to 45 at tree-lined tables (yes, tree-lined).

This is Argentinian restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz's very first venture in London, a restaurant with a seriously clubby feel serving up European dishes with a slightly Argentinian bent—i.e., protein-heavy dishes, like beef carpaccio and a perfect, blackened chicken. With dark, velvet-clad walls, a stunning copper bar as a central fixture in the middle of the dining room, and decidedly dim lighting, this eatery has serious sex appeal and is a perfect venue to rent as a whole for a party. The upstairs, which includes a secluded and leafy terrace (for London's good weather), is also available for rent.

This little sister restaurant to Angela Hartnett's Murano isn’t really a step down: It has a menu of hearty, Northern Italian dishes, like Fritto Misto, Linguine Vongole, and Osso Bucco perfected by Hartnett's deputy, Sam Williams. It’s the kind of place that’s great for both a leisurely family lunch (there’s even a kids menu) or a dressed-up dinner with friends in the private room that seats 22.