Carnet d'adresses
Written by WLE
If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for little gems mixed with must-see spots and well-known addresses, follow our lead.
FOR THE DRINKS & ATMOSPHERE
The Spare Room, for an elevated bowling or game night, while sipping on fun cocktails and enjoying the Old Hollywood vibe that the place gives off.
La Pharmacie du Vin, the perfect wine bar for classy day drinking in the middle of a pleasant yard bordered by flowers and plants.
Mírate, a lively restaurant that offers not one, but two bar spaces and a wide range of cocktails. There is a reason why this place was ranked in the 2024 North America’s 50 best bars list, and it’s worth to find out why.
The Coco Club is a bar that turns into a club on most nights and weekends. Make sure to sit on their stunning rooftop terrasse for a view of the beach and a chance to catch the iconic Ferris wheel lighting up.
Death & Co, New York City’s notable cocktail bar has a location in LA, and it is a must-try. It’s a vibrant speakeasy with a rotating cocktail menu and intimate booths that allow some privacy.
FOR A DELICIOUS MEAL
Destroyer, for an inventive Scandinavian inspired plant-based cooking and a breathtaking food presentation. A modern and casual spot to grab a refreshing breakfast or brunch.
Otoño, a trendy location that transports you to Spain for delicious tapas, paella, and more Catalan classics with a modern Californian twist.
Providence, this Michelin two-starred fine dining restaurant is pricey but worth it. The chef and his team grow their own herbs and flowers on the rooftop garden for a fresh addition to their seafood plates.
Mother Wolf, located in the 1931 art deco Hollywood Citizen News building, this monumental restaurant offers delectable Italian cuisine in a glamourous setting. The menu is traditional and features the classic thin crust pizzas and the famous handmade pastas.
Bavel, a hard to book middle eastern restaurant that is worth the hassle. The food, setting and service of this location never disappoint!
Damian, because you can’t visit LA without enjoying their renowned Mexican food and this contemporary location is the way to go. The popular terrasse has a retractable roof and an industrial chic look that inspires modern cuisine.
Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant and a true American institution is serving creative dishes like their smoked salmon pizza. Plus, it’s the ideal spot for celebrity sightings!
Erewhon, a high-end supermarket with quick healthy and delicious food options to dine in or take out.
FOR A COFFEE BREAK
Maru Coffee, a minimalist coffee shop that serves quality drinks in a serene environment.
Kumquat, a coffee and tea shop inspired by South Korean culture. Their consistently good coffee has locals stopping by every day for their caffeine dose. Make sure to try their monthly special for a taste of the season.
The butcher, The Baker & The Cappuccino Maker (BBCM), for an amazing Californian breakfast accompanied by the most Instagramable cup of coffee you’ve ever seen!
Carrera Café, located in a colourful and eclectic part of the city, it offers great coffee and exquisite pastries to pair with your favourite caffeine order. Plus, choose from a selection of foam designs because art is not just on the street but also in your cup!
Endorffeine, where the savory coffee is made by the biochemist-barista Jack Benchakul from his custom-built bar. Make sure to try one of his signature drinks like the palm sugar whiskey iced latte.
THE TYPICAL MUST-DO
Griffith Park: look at L.A. and beyond at the observatory, do the Hollywood sign hike, a classic (but lovely) must-do, take the Angels Flight funicular, rent a swan boat at Echo Park, walk along the Venice canals, have a picnic or attend a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, watch a movie outdoors at Cinespia cemetery and explore the many paths and trails of the Descanso Gardens.
FOR A CULTURAL WALK
Discover the impressive and beautiful The Last Bookstore or go to the The Huntington Library. Los Angeles is the city of cinema, so make sure to pay a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and to Hollywood’s oldest operating movie palace, the 101-year-oldEgyptian Theater; then, walk around the downtown Arts District and ride the tram up to the Getty Center Museum.
FOR AN ACTIVE DAY
Feel like Pretty Woman and walk along Rodeo Drive and The Grove for a shopping spree, try a paddleboard yoga class and if you’re in for a car ride, visit Zuma Beach but watch the sunset in Santa Monica.
FOR A PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP
Ideally located near Griffith Park in Los Feliz, hotel Cara is all you could expect from a Californian decor, with its white lounge chairs and outdoor pool. A haven of tranquility. Be transported in another era by checking in at The Georgian, in Santa Monica. This illustrious hotel housed the city’s elite before closing for renovations. Freshly reopened last year, it will make you experience a spotless service in an art-deco setting out of a Wes Anderson’s movie. Classic but mythic hotels which hosted la crème de la crème - from Royals to Hollywood legends -include the Beverly Hills Hoteland the Château Marmont. It’s hard to book a room, but you could still sip a cocktail at the bar or by the pool and inhale the glamour atmosphere.
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