Cara Hotel

Hotel Covell, which is named for author George Covell, is more like nine cool apartments—SMEG refrigerators, Chemex coffee makers, vintage record players, and hardwood floors. And the whole places oozes coolness. The coffee is fantastic and the crowd appreciates ironic eyewear. All the rooms are comfortable and inviting, but we have it on good authority that the Parisian atelier, with its views of the Griffith Observatory, will not disappoint.

Instead of rushing madly through every zip code of a sprawling city, why not cozy up into one especially pretty corner, live like one of those locals, and actually relax? The Silver Lake Pool & Inn hits all the right style notes when it comes to an intimate hotel oasis far from Hollywood’s tourist trail. Palisociety has renovated all fifty-four former motel rooms and communal spaces to reflect the mid-century modern (with bright accents) vibe of the neighborhood. The al fresco bar and restaurant sit adjacent to the rooftop pool (afternoon Aperol spritzes are encouraged), and the menu is all burrata, peppery pasta, and perfectly grilled steaks. Silver Lake’s little secret is its walkability: Go for a cocktail at Bar Stella, the best Thai outside Thailand at Night + Market Song, stellar shopping at Mohawk, and of course, a lap around the reservoir.

LA local Zach Pollack split his culinary education between Italy—he fell in love with Italian food while studying (architecture) abroad—and the west coast, eventually teaming up with Chef Steve Samson to open the Italian restaurant Sotto in LA. And then in 2014, Pollack opened his own: Alimento in Silver Lake, which serves outstanding pastas (including a most notable tortellini), good wine, and a chopped salad that GP loves. It is small—and busy—so make a reservation or go early/late to avoid a long wait.

The wood-fired pizza at this Atwater Village spot is on par with Pizzeria Mozza, Milo & Olive, and Bestia—which says a lot. It also has a late-night menu, which is kind of key if you're looking for a good option after a Dodgers game.

If there’s anything you must get when you come to Los Feliz, it’s the focaccia at All Time. Let’s put it this way: It’s loaded with burrata, roasted cherry tomatoes, and olive oil. It’s too good to miss, as is nearly everything you could order off the handwritten dinner menu (it changes frequently). But they know a great thing when they have it at All Time: You’ll always find the focaccia on the menu.

For a (garlicky, lemony) taste of Lisbon summer, go to Barra Santos and order tuna crudo, sardine toasties, and the house vinho. They don’t take reservations—you can order a glass of wine to the sidewalk while you wait.

=You’ve probably driven past this nondescript, redbrick building on a residential corner of Silver Lake a hundred times. The only thing that gives it away is a flashing arrow sign. Blair’s is the kind of neighborhood spot where the chef’s wife takes your order and the tables are taken up by locals. The menu is Italian-inspired, but you’d do well to scan it quickly and then just order the gnocchi. Also every meal here should end with the tiramisu. No need to reserve on weeknights—stroll in and take a seat at the dimly lit bar.

Botanica sits on a stretch of Silver Lake that feels like a real neighborhood (a rarity in LA). It’s both a restaurant and a market—pop in to re-up on local eggs, fruit, vegetables, and house-made specials like the Aleppo-Urfa butter and thick labneh. There are few prettier spots for a healthy breakfast of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the freshest orange juice, and really good espresso. We go for the soft scramble (creamy soft-scrambled eggs with a side of lemony greens); the crunchy, garlicky bread; and the entire pastry case. (Bear in mind that portions are on the light side, so order with abandon.) Whether you're alone, with a friend, or coming with kids, the space is comfortable and inviting, with high ceilings and airy décor. Sit on the terrace out back and work your way through the biodynamic wine list (we’ve moved on to lunch now), and snack on one of the epic seasonal vegetable boards. The selection of wine and cookbooks is a godsend for last-minute gifts.

Everyone’s here for the duck carnitas. Order a few tacos to go or settle in with a cocktail.

How does a lawyer decide to open a raw fish bar? Well, you can ask Octavio Olivas himself if you get a seat inside his super tiny (no reservations) restaurant. The Ceviche Project was Olivas’s long-running pop-up—one of the best in the city—that he often took on the road to his native Mexico City, NYC, and other places. In 2019, he decided to make it permanent, but not much bigger. The sleek, intimate space on Hyperion Avenue is ideal to catch Olivas artfully arranging uni and shrimp ceviche every night of the week (except Monday and Tuesday).

Every neighborhood needs a good local pizza joint, and the latest offering from chef Zach Pollock of nearby Alimento is exactly that, Italian-American comfort food done really well. Cosa Buona occupies the space that was Pizza Buona since 1959, but with a significant upgrade. Chef Pollock and his team have modernized the space with a marble bar and plenty of dark tile. The booze list—heavy with French and Italian natural wines—is concise, and the mozzarella sticks are without question, the best in the city.

Scott Zwiezen, who was the chef at vegetarian LA restaurant Elf, opened Dune in early 2015, and it quickly became known for its excellent falafel. Dune is a casual joint—you order at the counter and then, if you can, grab a counter seat or a patio table outside. It serves hummus plates, salads, and sourdough toasts, as well as a pickled beets sandwich and a lamb one for carnivores. But again, the falafel sandwich is the real star of the show here.

Chef Brian Dunsmoor’s successor to Hatchet Hall stakes itself as a new classic for smoky, cast-iron Americana. Opt for a hearty lamb shoulder or heritage Kentucky ham. They also have an astounding wine list.

Local, sustainable, and fresh ingredients are the focus at this rustic-meets-modern spot. The roasted salmon is particularly excellent, though there are very few misses on Forage's constantly changing chalkboard menu.

From two Gjusta/Gjelina alums comes a neighborhood pizza joint that does exceptional pizzas, like—sausage and smoked mozzarella with rosemary—that you can watch being tossed in the open kitchen before they slide into the oven. Order at the counter, grab your plates and utensils, and don’t miss trying out the funkier pies that chef David Wilcox often throws on chalkboard menu (it changes often), like the feta, potato, and artichoke one.

Hippo, with its flowery murals decorated with cartoonish animals, is playfully unserious; it’s just as much about a good time as it is about good food. The house-made noodles are the real deal. Go with a group and catch up over crudo and something grill-fired, or take the kids after practice for spaghetti on the patio.

On the border of Los Feliz and Hollywood, this all-day, full-service restaurant comes from chefs Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer, who ran the kitchen at Glasserie in NYC before stealing Angelenos’ hearts with their vegetable-centric falafel joint, Madcapra, in Grand Central Market. Teaming up with Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (of Animal, Jon & Vinny’s, and Son of a Gun fame), they’ve successfully brought their Middle Eastern/Californian cuisine to the East Side. Be sure to order the flaky bread with labneh, preserved lemon, and honey; za’atar squash tart; Persian cucumber salad with labneh and rose water; and squid with saffron, pine nuts, and cilantro, to name a few goop favorites.

You enter Lingua Franca through the bike path next to the LA river, which contributes to its relaxing neighborhood vibe. They serve a solid burger and fries, and they have a good selection of natural wine. But the real standout is dessert—try the walnut tart and cherry-misu. It’s a great spot to meet up with a few friends for a lively dinner and a round of drinks.

Housed in a Craftsman bungalow, Little Beast is a charming neighborhood restaurant opened in 2012 by wife and husband team Deborah Schwartz-Lowenthal and Chef Sean Lowenthal (Sean was previously the sous chef at Chateau Marmont). Little Beast's menu is a mix of small and large plates designed for sharing—seasonal, California-style fare like burrata and beet salad, steelhead trout crudo, roasted organic chicken breast, and charred flat iron steak. In addition to their homey dining room inside, they also have an outdoor patio decorated in strings of white lights. And it's known to be kid friendly—the restaurant is named after their son (affectionately, of course).

From the same people who started LA Cha Cha Chá in the Arts District, Loreto is a high-end seafood spot inspired by the bold, zingy flavors of the Baja peninsula. The space feels expansive, with a wide bar, several dining rooms, and a sandy patio. By day, they serve a separate lunch menu under the name Za Za Zá—still seafood-heavy, with agua frescas and micheladas to boot.

The mild pandemonium around David Chang’s first West Coast restaurant is entirely warranted. The food is difficult to describe, not definable by any one region or culture. It’s a mishmash of foreign flavors that many will find unexpected and familiar at the same time. Definitely not a repeat of Chang’s greatest hits—there’s no ramen here. Instead, this is an entirely new menu of shareable dishes that are often prepared tableside. The grilled bings (a type of Chinese flatbread), topped with everything from cultured butter to uni, are something we’ve never seen before. Sausage-stuffed peppers with buttermilk and the short ribs with all their many fixings are reason enough to book a table. Call a few weeks ahead for a table, or if you’re just two, go early and try for a walk-in (then get a cocktail at nearby Apoteke while you wait).

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 parents' long-standing Thai mainstay in West Hollywood, Talésai, which is now the home of Night + Market's first iteration. The Silver Lake location mimics the feel of devouring an out-of-this-world Pad Thai down an alley in Bangkok. The tables are low-slung and always crowded (this place is loud), the food is exquisite and (very) spicy, like grilled fatty pig collar and fried chicken wings bathed in rooster sauce. While the fried chicken sandwich is among LA's best, it's the thoughtful, all-natural wine list that draws us in over and over.

Like its sister restaurant Tsubaki, Ototo serves an iteration of Japanese pub grub. These are the snacks and bites you devour with beer and sake (if you’re looking for sushi and sashimi, look elsewhere). Once you start ordering and eating and ordering more, you just get it. Kara-age (Japanese sweet and sour fried chicken), potato salad with pickled carrots and ponzu, and miso-grilled eggplant is food made to be paired with cold, fizzy beer. Panko-crusted fried oysters and smoky daikon need the silkiness of unfiltered sake. Come on a Saturday night with a pack of friends as an excuse to order the whole menu.

In Silver Lake, locals line up well before first pitch to catch a table at Avish Naran’s James Beard Award-winning Indian sports bar. Naran and chef Miles Shorey have done away with the less desirable qualities of a sports bar situation—sticky floors and ranch dressing, begone—in favor of blonde wood and Indian twists on classic bar fare, like dosa onion rings and paneer pizzas. To skip the line, it’s well worth the small hassle of booking reservations, which release at midnight a week in advance.

What’s really special about this Taiwanese-Chinese food spot is that for the most part, the ingredients come from Chef Vivian Ku family’s Asian produce farm. The pared-down menu is pretty heavy on the noodles (the wanton noodle soup is hearty and delicious) as well as traditional small plates like potstickers and dumplings. They also make a mean three-cup chicken and serve it in an individual pot with lots of garlic and ginger. The space is small and cheerful, with cement walls, two-tops, and communal tables—these tend to fill up fast, but it’s a quick turnaround, so stick it out. The tea menu is really impressive, too, with several kinds of oolong and milk teas (boba optional).

Tsubaki co-owner Courtney Kaplan knows her sake. She'll come to your table and tell the story behind a variety's founder or the acidity of the soil in the region where it's from. Kaplan has spent a great deal of time in Japan (she's fluent in Japanese) and built her career as a sommelier of wine and sake in some of the top restaurants in NYC and LA (i.e., Bestia). Her love for craft sakes and shochu (a traditional distilled spirit of Japan) makes coming here an education in the first ten minutes. And then you start to order, and the food adds a layer of fun. Chef and co-owner Charles Namba pulls from his Japanese roots creating authentic dishes and adding a Californian flair. A few (of many) goop favorites: tofu salad with garlic soy vinaigrette, tomatoes with whipped tofu, sake-steamed Alaskan king crab with French seaweed butter.

Woon serves homestyle Chinese—the recipes are the founders’ mom’s—and has a solid sidewalk dining situation. Go on a Friday or Saturday, when they serve their pan-fried pork and veggie dumplings. Also notable: the wok-charred beef noodles and five spice chicken wings (which are crispy on the outside and perfectly tender and juicy on the inside).

Yang’s Kitchen is known for its brunch; prepare to wait at least fifteen minutes for a table on weekend mornings. But it’s well worth it for just about anything on their menu. Their breakfast plate may sound simple, but the hash browns are the best we’ve ever had. We also love their gluten-free cornmeal mochi pancake, which is worth sharing if you want to bump your meal into more decadent territory.

Judging by the droves of locals who come out to newly opened Bar Bandini on a nightly basis, the dimly lit, refreshingly underdesigned spot met a very obvious need for a chill—but just romantic enough—neighborhood watering hole. The owners earned their stripes working in the food industry in both NYC and LA and wanted to focus on all-natural and organic wines, which they source almost exclusively in-state and serve on tap (the craft beer selection is also worth exploring). It's all supported by a menu of bar snacks (the Sicilian olives are bomb) and small plates of cured meats and local cheeses.

There are many reasons to live on the Eastside, and easy access to Bar Stella is at the top of that list. This is (arguably) the best bar in the city. Sitting outside on a slow summer afternoon, sheltered by a canopy of bougainvillea, an Aperol spritz (easy on the Aperol, heavy on the spritz) on the table, is quickly becoming a quintessential LA activity. Inside, the scent of just-peeled citrus hits you hard, the white-jacketed mixologists are pros, almost-nonexistent lighting sets a seductive tone, and the walls are painted a pretty, mottled blush. Lounge on the low leather sofas drinking cocktails all afternoon. When evening hits, the volume turns up and the lights go even further down. The terrace outside—all wicker furniture and terra-cotta cushions—is straight off the French Riviera.

With walls lined in vintage cameras, keys, and other antiques, the old-fashioned vibe here is complemented by the service, which aims to guide you to your wine soul-mate.

Capri Club’s drinks are great, but it’s the frozen negroni machine we’re particularly fond of. Order one while you hover for a table, grab a snack of olives and almonds, and spend your night people watching—it’s a scene.

This place attracts a local crowd of stylish Echo Parkers with its woodsy/design-y interior, great music, and well-curated selection of beer and wine. It's a bit small, but we actually like that it's snug, while the location makes it ideal for a pre- or post-Echoplex drink.

Nestled on a hill on the Eastern fringes of Los Angeles, Good Housekeeping is the kind of local bar (hidden behind the excellent Café Birdie) down the main Figueroa drag you always wish you lived closer to. It’s impossibly cool. The tiny Pueblo-style outdoor sun-trap—all smooth terra-cotta walls, red tile, and cushioned seats to curl up in with that umpteenth glass of cold Chenin Blanc—is dreamy in the evening. The booze list is short and confident. The Nature Baby—a muddle of tequila, sage, orange bitters, ginger, and tonic—erases all memory of the traffic it may have taken to get here.

Our favorite new but not-so-new Eastside bar. Lowboy is actually one half of the former LA institution the Lost Knight. If you're familiar with the location, you'll likely have some nostalgia for its former occupant. But once you enter, you'll be happy to see the space's new life. Lowboy is everything you crave in a bar: It's moody and softly lit, it has cozy booths and a generous beer list, and the bartenders can whip up a perfectly tart Paloma or a breezy and sweet mai tai in less time than it will take you to decide on your bar snack. (The popcorn sprinkled with Old Bay is a real crowd-pleaser.)

LA's first new lesbian bar in a decade is a natural wine bar that spills into the parking lot when they hit capacity, which is most nights. By day, they serve a full lunch. It’s mostly diner food: loaded cheese fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, tuna melts. At night, you’ll see a lot of hot dogs and spritzes.

This camped-out tiki bar is a total LA classic that's been around for about 50 years. With only 12 stools and over 90 varieties of tropical drinks, it gets cozy in here pretty quickly. The location's a little random, but if you ever find yourself passing by it's totally worth a visit for some throwback fun.

The wine list here is great, and they make great finger food without reinventing the wheel—think cheese, charcuterie, olives, and chips with really good dip.

Zebulon was really having a moment a few years ago, and we still like it: They have a big patio, an upbeat vibe, and a separate space for their ticketed concerts.

This South Pasadena spot makes incredible French pastries—shiny globes of mousse, tiny tarts, and picture-perfect croissants.

This coffee place sits right where Franklin Village and Los Feliz collide, serving pour-over from single origin beans in a part of town that's slim on decent coffee bars. The staff are super knowledgeable, thanks to weekly in-house tastings and direct trade relationships with the coffee farmers. The space—all bare walls and exposed pipes—isn’t exactly cozy, but the excellent coffee and freshly baked sweet treats more than make up for it.

Clark Street started with a stall in Grand Central Market, and we’re glad they expanded to standalone bakeries. We like to stop in for a latte and a pastry, but don’t limit yourself: The heartier, eggy breakfasts and sandwiches are great, too.

Dinosaur distinguishes itself from a bounty of good coffee in the neighborhood with its design-minded space. Designed by MASS Architects, everything about it is well-considered, from the Scandinavian stools to the fin-shaped sculpture above the counter, which also displays the menu. The attention to detail also spills over into the coffee, which is fully up to Silver Lake hipster standards.

We love our almond milk lattes as much as the next person, but when we’re looking for a break—and not for coffee—Hey Hey is where we go for milk teas and boba. And the experience is more like one you’d have at a cocktail bar: The drinks are handcrafted by a barista who layers chewy tapioca balls with loose-leaf tea and other ingredients that are all made in-house, like almond pudding and sea salt cream. The space, which is meant to be like a modern tea room, is more like a lounge for locals, often serving drinks late into the evening.

Intelligentsia is really the quintessential hipster LA coffee shop—and we get why. Tables and bar seats are usually available at all the well-designed locations, and there's a smattering of great baked goods as well as some home goods for sale. At both the Venice and Silver Lake locations, the outlets are as abundant as the man buns. There's also an outpost in Pasadena.

LA has plenty of places that can keep caffeine cravings in check, but that doesn’t mean we weren’t psyched when Philly staple La Colombe finally made it west. It occupies what used to be Café Casbah at Sunset Junction, but the space has been completely reimagined. The café is bookended by two open-air areas: The back is sheltered and quiet for those looking to settle in for the long haul; the front overlooks the main drag and is filled with tree-trunk-like stools and tables perfect for people-watching. Breaking the LA trend of serving everything in some kind of ceramic, the coffee is served in porcelain cups and saucers. If you’re in a rush, the East Coast transplant has you covered: The fridge inside is packed with cold-press.

Berry shortcake, chocolate mocha, and of course, red velvet cake all beckon from the case here. The specialty is birthday cakes, though the cupcakes are pretty irresistible (and portable, too). They also offer vegan options. There's also a location in Pasadena.

Laveta is minimalist and meditatively austere. And it’s a great spot to grab a coffee and gab with a friend. (If you’re posting up with a laptop, you’ll be most comfortable outside on the patio.) And for such a small coffee shop, their food menu is impressive: The kimchi fried rice, mushroom porridge, and an assortment of toasts are some of our favorites, though the menu varies by season.

Magpies soft serve is made in house, and their flavors play on childhood favorites from around the world. There’s Fudgesicle and brownie batter, for example, but also corn almond, thai tea, and baklava. Wander in after dinner at Barbrix, or swing by en-route to a party; they make softserve pies great for gatherings.

Any given morning, you can expect the line for Maru to dribble down the block. The crowd skews creative, and the craft of coffee is taken seriously. They also make delicious tea drinks, including one of our favorite matcha lattes in the city. There's another location in the Arts District.

Situated in a storefront and marketplace on Silver Lake's bustling Sunset Blvd., Moon Juice kind of feels like a new-age pharmacy. There, you'll find tonics for every malady or desire (we swear the turmeric cup, with cayenne pepper, black pepper oil, and oil of oregano will kick any cold). All this cold-pressed goodness doesn't come cheap (the green shake will set you back $14), but it's all delicious and effective. The original shop is in Venice.

There are times when Proof feels like it belongs in a small town more than a big city, as the space it occupies has actually been a bakery for more than 60 years. Baker and owner Na Young Ma is in the kitchen every morning baking pastries, cakes, quiche, bread, and more in an oven that's been on site since the bakery's first iterations. While it's hard to go wrong with anything on her daily-changing menu, the croissants (served alongside Culver City-roasted Cognoscenti coffee) are an automatic favorite. At noon, pick up one of their sandwiches—served, of course, on bread baked fresh that very morning.

As much as we miss Saturday strolls around the incredibly serene, beautifully merchandised Psychic Wines, we’re over-the-moon that it delivers. Owner Quinn Kimsey-White applies a deeply personal approach to his store’s offering, sourcing each bottle from tiny vineyards helmed by creative, low-intervention winemakers. An order from Psychic Wines is the perfect opportunity to go rogue and try something completely new.

By day, this Echo Park hangout is a café where patrons curl up on leather sofas with books and laptops, sipping coffee and ordering salads packed with veggies and grains or comforting bowls of tomato soup with toasted sourdough. Once early evening hits, though, it transforms into a jam-packed bar and restaurant, where locals stop in for the popular happy hour and huge cocktail list.

Some of what's for sale here is so locally grown that it actually comes from people's backyards. Depending on the season, there are great gift stalls, including home-grown herbs and vintage jewelry. On Saturday mornings, go for the artisan coffee and a delicious crêpe

With its poured-concrete floors and rustic shelving, Glendale Boulevard’s Silver Lake Wine looks like a wine temple. And in many ways, it is. Bottles, stacked from floor to ceiling, cover every square foot with no real organizing principle (or at least not one that we could figure out), and that’s half the fun. That weird, random bottle you had at a friend’s wedding in Corsica last summer? They probably have it. Call ahead and ask for their top choices or have the knowledgeable staffers point you in the right direction. Order four or more bottles and delivery to several zip codes (check the site) is free.

Not everyone likes drip coffee, and a good espresso-based brew is not something to be taken for granted. Standing Egg, one of the new cafés in Silver Lake, gets it. The space is sparse—polished stone walls and floors with a few plants in the corners. The baristas are enthusiastic, always keen to make your coffee just as you like it (and like it we do). The gluten-free doughnuts are excellent, the complimentary water is always ice-cold, and the old-school record player in the corner plays the Rolling Stones at 7 a.m. daily.

Stories is Echo Park’s much-loved local bookstore, but what most people don’t realize is that behind all the books is a tiny café (and a good one, at that). We love escaping here for the quiet—the stacks and stacks of haphazardly arranged tomes soak up all the street noise. The tables are filled with other studious folks tapping away on computers or reading through screenplays, so there’s not much chatter. You can sit here for hours munching through the pastry selection without being disturbed.

So this is pretty great: Chef Peter Lemos and Lauren Lemos (they're married) named all their sandwiches after NPR correspondents. The Ira Glass, for example, is a veggie combo of avocado, sprouts, picked and raw onions, cucumber, and garlic aioli with cheddar cheese, served on wheat bread from LA bakery Bub and Grandma's. The Audie Cornish is ham and cheese with honey butter and cornichon vinaigrette served on a baguette, and the Kai Ryssdal is tuna on a sesame roll. They also serve a few salads and sides, as well as a special every Thursday.

Wine and Eggs is a favorite neighborhood shop for natural and organic wine, but within its lapis-tiled storefront you will find so much more. Pick out organic farmer’s market produce and fresh flowers and scope out their selection of pantry provisions, which tends to fall ahead of the curve. (This was one of the first places in LA to stock Fishwife’s famous tinned fish.)

Bar Keeper stocks only small batch liquors in a beautifully appointed storefront in Silver Lake. In addition to finding everything you might need to set up a top-notch bar (they're so good that they do drink set consulting for HBO's Mad Men and supply many of LA's finer cocktail bars like The Varnish), they have a staff mixologist that can come to your home and mix for you and your friends. The experience is meant to be hands-on, getting everyone involved in the process.

In addition to the delicious lattes, homemade sandwiches, and old-fashioned candies and trinkets, this general store stocks an equally excellent selection of homewares, including perfectly minimal white ceramic bowls, gardening tools, kitchen supplies, and more.

You’ll always find something cool here: original art, sculpted metal pitchers, funky ceramic vessels, and a curated selection of men’s clothing.

Founder Melissa Lovoy opened Lake in February 2007 in the heart of Silver Lake and filled this quietly low-key space with pieces that are modern, beautiful, and well made.

For the past eight years, Ling Chan has made this store a go-to for the coolest contemporary kids' fashion. But it doesn't stop at clothes. La La Ling also stock bedding, furnishings, hand-picked artwork for the nursery, and personalized gifts. With the help of their personal shopping service, they can help you put together a perfect baby shower gift.

This nursery specializes in California native plants, plus well-curated sculptures, chimes, and sun catchers for your garden.

We come here for great little gifts. They have twisty candles, nice soaps, fun hair clips, pretty stationary—the works.

The now classic Rose Bowl Flea attracts visitors from all over the world, so expect to compete with some serious shoppers. There’s a sprawling setup of antiques, housewares, and piles and piles of clothes to rummage through. Haggling is part of the deal. (And wear comfortable shoes.)

Skylight is the kind of independent bookstore that makes you wish Amazon never happened. They have a particularly deep selection of graphic novels, zines, hard-to-find quarterly's and journals, literary fiction, and art books. We love attending their author events.

Known for fun, colorful stationery and cards for every occasion, it's entirely possible to (happily) lose an afternoon at Shout and About browsing through every good on display. In addition to their stationery, the store has a selection of jewelry, plants, and other gifty items, making it an ideal one-stop shop for last minute birthday, housewarming, and just-because presents.

Susanne Hollis specializes in fine antiques from Asia, Europe and South America, in addition to more contemporary pieces from her own collection. From an 18th century Chinese desk from the Qing Dynasty to a 1930's Art Deco table, there's always an interesting piece for the home in here.

Whether you're in the market for kids furniture from Scandinavia, or a Pantone-themed mug, this long-standing boutique sources home goods and gifts for kids from all over the world.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens—The Arboretum for short—is one of those magical LA gems that feels worlds away from the craziness of the city, but takes under an hour to get to (unless you get caught in a freak traffic jam, so planning off-hours trips is best). Before you even step inside to explore the 127 acres-worth of lush, immaculately manicured grounds, you're likely to be greeted by a member of the resident peacock family, who much to the delight of visitors young and old, roam the property freely. It may seem like a lot of ground to cover at first, but the main sites—a tropical greenhouse, the famed rose garden (the fragrant, romantic Edward Huntsmen Trout-designed landscape makes for the perfect wedding ceremony site), herb garden, the allegedly haunted Queen Anne Cottage, and '50s-era library—are situated within strolling distance of each other. There's also a duck-filled lake, a packed events calendar, and several cafes on-site, meaning you can easily stay opening to closing.

Overlooking the Hollywood Hills and crowned by Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, built in the early ‘20s for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, this park draws locals and tourists alike for art classes, outdoor movies, and Friday afternoon wine tastings.

Echo Park isn't as celebrated as LA's larger parks, like Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, but with excellent views of Downtown's skyline and a well-tended walking trail, it's a local favorite (you'll recognize it from the park's tall fountains, which are visible as you leave Downtown on the 101). For a kid-friendly afternoon adventure, rent a four-person pedal boat for the afternoon.

While there are a handful of Frank Lloyd Wrights in L.A., all but Hollyhock House are closed to the public. That shouldn’t deter you, though, as there are several “Textile Block” homes on the list, including Ennis House, which you’ll likely recognize from Bladerunner. The house is composed of ornately stamped blocks inspired by Mayan temples that are so stunning, you won’t care that you don’t get to go inside. Use the Barnsdall Foundation's convenient google map to track them all down.

An architectural survey of Los Angeles isn't complete without seeing the work of brothers Charles and Henry Greene who pioneered the Arts & Crafts movement in California. The Gamble House in Pasadena is a particularly outstanding specimen of their endemic architectural style, as Greene & Greene custom-designed every single joint and beam in this 1908 bungalow, from the remarkably crafted staircase to the stained glass doors in the entryway, to the furniture and even the textiles—all full of references to the local natural surroundings. There's a standard hour-long tour, though architecture buffs and carpentry aficionados will appreciate the longer, more intensive options, one of which is led by a woodworker.

Griffith Park is one of those spots where you think you’ll spend an hour and end up staying for the day. Complete with an observatory, a planetarium (there’s a live show every sixty to ninety minutes), loads of displays, and even more hiking (it sits on more than 3,000 acres, and offers fifty-three miles of trails), this draws a crowd from across the city. On weekends, it’s packed.

At 120 acres, almost every iteration of plant life is represented at this San Marino resource: Fortunately, it's broken out by themes. There's a Rose Garden, a Palm Garden, a Chinese Garden, a Japanese Garden, and so forth—but what really stands out is The Desert Garden, where you can see some 5,000 species of cacti and other succulents.

Richard Neutra built the “VDL Research House I” in the '30s as a live/work space where he proved, with sweeping windows, that spatial limitations need not constrict one’s lifestyle or budget. It’s a premier example of modern architecture in California and is under continual renovation by researchers at Cal Poly Pomona; these same architecture students give excellent tours on Saturdays from 11 to 3.

The Norton Simon Museum has the most impressive permanent collection in LA, including a great wing of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. They also have a lovely sculpture garden with a couple of pieces by Rodin contemporary Aristide Maillol—it’s a nice place for a glass of wine between galleries.

This is the east side's most awesome yoga studio. They offer a variety of tailored classes based on nearly everything you could be looking for in a yoga session: "chill," "restore," "sculpt," "sweat," "baby & me," etc. They also offer even more customized, one-on-one private sessions, as well as on-site classes at businesses and universities around Los Angeles. One Down Dog's class packages can be used at both their Eagle Rock and Silver Lake location.

These aptly-named salons are pleasantly airy, modern and minimal, and give awesome Brazilian waxes. Their high-quality blue and cream wax, imported from France, is great for sensitive skin. They also offer eyebrow shaping and any wax you can imagine, from nostrils to stomach, for women and men alike.

As the name suggests, you'll find peace at Still, which offers great yoga classes at reasonable prices in Echo Park. The vibe is positive and calm, and classes are taught for all different levels.

It’s hot and dark, and it can get crowded—but honestly, the more the merrier. Thanks to a booming soundtrack of Drake and 2 Chainz and the only light coming from candles, you can neither hear or see other yogis. It sounds a bit corny, but we’re saying it anyway: Y7 makes exercise fun. The beats, the upbeat teachers hollering encouragement, the lack of forced-upon-you Zen mean that an hour flies by. Prepare for a serious sweat and stretch, with a side of convenience. Mats and towels are available for rent at the desk, the lockers are the combination kind, meaning you don’t need to come prepared with a lock, and there are several showers (as well as deodorant, face wipes, and hair ties to freshen up) on the premises.

This floral studio, helmed by creative consultant Alice Lam, puts together fabulous arrangements for private clients and local businesses.

Jennifer Pelletier is the creative mind behind the Meadow.LA, a floral design studio where arrangements and installations feel modern and gorgeously balanced, with elements that conjure up a bit of whimsy: Stems curl towards the sky, blooms poof outwards, and blossoms appear to drip down the side of the vase. Pelletier mostly works with businesses and brands, but she accepts private clients and does events, too.

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.

For the true Italophile, pull out all the stops and order the seven-course pasta tasting menu at the more dressed-up of the two Mozza dining rooms. If you choose, you can accompany each course with their suggested wine. Their wine room is an ideal location for a small private event, but it's also possible to arrange a full buyout.

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.