Where to eat, drink and stay in LA

From starry stalwarts to new insider intel, Niamh O’Keeffe updates our little black book of Tinseltown hotspots
Sunshine state of mind: downtown LA
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Niamh O'Keeffe15 August 2019

What to do

The Broad

Highland Park is up-and-coming, like the new Los Feliz. Which was the new Silverlake. One of the most fun spots here is Highland Park Bowl, a gorgeously restored mecca to both boozing and bowling.

For art lovers, a visit to The Broad in downtown LA tops the list: the $140m museum (top) is stuffed with the best in contemporary art, from Warhol to Twombly.

Where to drink

Southend

Japanese-inspired vinyl bars are having a moment and the best of the bunch is In Sheep’s Clothing, a meticulously designed, intimate lounge with dimmed lights, a handful of bar tables and a gold-plated sound system — all the better to appreciate the collection of more than 1,500 records.

Another hidden gem is South End (above). Don’t let the strip-mall location put you off. Here the wine flows and the pizza is exceptional: the standout choice is the ‘Boardwalk’: mushrooms, speck and Sottocenere, topped with rocket and an egg. Team with a glass of Tuscan Brunello and you’re good to go.

Where to eat

Spago

Sometimes old-school is the only way to go, and Spago, Wolfgang Puck’s quintessential LA spot fits the bill. The menu is modern Californian ‘fine dining’, but unfussy. Exceptional staff make you feel like Hollywood royalty while the romantic courtyard setting is glorious.

Try the smoked salmon pizza topped with caviar: the signature dish created for Joan Collins in the 1980s and a culinary twist on the smoked salmon bagel. How glam.

For something a little more now, hit up Abbott Kinney Blvd in Venice. Gjelina is close to perfection — a beautiful, modern space on a very cool street. The supremely buttery mushrooms on toast is the best thing on the menu. While in the hood, hit up the sister deli/bakery/hipster heaven that is Gjusta; it’s worth the hype (and the queue to get in) for the best sandwich of your life. Go for the tomato confit and burrata, I’m still dreaming of it since my last visit.

Where to stay

The Chamberlain pool and bar

A hideaway tucked behind the chaos of Sunset Boulevard, The Chamberlain is the perfect place to retreat after a day immersed in the wonders of WeHo. After a $15m renovation, remodelled rooms all come with private balconies and sleek gas fireplaces, with seamless service as standard.

For longer stays, book a spacious suite with kitchenette to feel right at home. At sunset, head up to the rooftop pool and bar for killer views and a signature Hideout cocktail: a delicious blend of vodka, ginger and lime. Rooms from £229 (the chamberlainwesthollywood.com)

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