The Vogue Guide to Los Angeles

"There’s something effortlessly magical—and Californian—about the Hotel Bel-Air. It’s tucked away in the hills—far above the neon signs of Sunset Boulevard and the ritzy shops of Rodeo Drive—and the outdoor entrance takes you by a serene lake where swans swim by. The guest rooms feel like bungalows and the outdoor restaurant is perfect for an Arnold Palmer or two. —Elise Taylor, senior living writer"

"The lore of the Beverly Hills Hotel is almost as splashy as the five-star accommodations themselves—Fred Astaire regularly read the Hollywood Reporter by the pool, while Gloria Swanson rented a bungalow during her divorce. Elizabeth Taylor, meanwhile, spent six of her honeymoons there. For those who want to experience the glamor of Los Angeles that feels right out of the movies, this is where you stay. —Elise Taylor"

"If The Beverly Hills Hotel is Los Angeles’s most famous hotel, the Chateau Marmont is its most infamous, thanks to its many legendary scandals. (Let’s just say a lot has gone down within its Gothic-style halls.) To be fair, it’s an environment designed to accommodate a hedonistic clientele—the patio turns into a who’s-who lounge by the evening, and there are no photos allowed. Book a room and indulge in L.A.’s wild side. —Elise Taylor"

"When Shutters On The Beach opened its doors in 1993, it was the only hotel in L.A. with beach access. While that’s no longer the case, it remains one of the most celebrity-laden places to stay in the area. (During my family’s recent stay there, my young son was rescued from a momentarily stuck elevator by seemingly half of the Denver Nuggets, instantly minting him as a new NBA fan, though the hotel is perhaps more famous as the location for a million studio-sponsored celebrity interviews over decades.) Shutters also boasts an amazing art collection (Hockney, Lichtenstein, Motherwell, Diebenkorn, to name but a few of the artists in their arsenal), a lively social scene at its pool, and its location is a kind of perfection: anything in L.A. is within easy striking distance, yet it’s also the perfect escape when you’ve had too much of it all and need some quiet, reserved calm. Oh, yeah, that beach. –Corey Seymour, senior editor"

"The Surfrider delivers all that you could want from a Malibu stay: access to the beach (it’s literally across the street!), a view (head to the roof to watch the sunset), and great food (its on-site restaurant sources ingredients from some of the best nearby farms). The rooms are done up in a beachy beige perfection with linen-upholstered seatings and rattan accents. Spend your days surfing and your nights on the hotel's roof drinking a cocktail by the fire. You’ll feel miles away from the buzz of L.A. —Lilah Ramzi, contributing editor"

"Perched right on Sunset Boulevard with its towering “For Your Consideration" billboards, the West Hollywood Edition is surrounded by the buzzy restaurants, bars, and clubs that are staples on Deuxmoi. (Soho House is around the corner, while Tower Bar and San Vicente Bungalows—if you're lucky enough to know a member—are two-to-three-minute Uber drives away. Remember, this is L.A. Everyone drives.) Inside is a warm, modern property. Guest room rooms are appointed with oak woods, crisp cream walls, and plenty of Le Labo products. A rooftop pool has sprawling views of La La Land's twinkling urban sprawl, and in the lobby, a lime green pool table is a playful accent against a neat green hedge wall that beckons you to an outdoor patio. —Elise Taylor"

"The Georgian’s classic Art Deco, pastel blue facade has seen the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable step through its doors over the decades. After a buzzy renovation and reopening in 2023, it’s welcomed a new generation of Tinseltown hedonists. The rooms pay homage to the seaside location in a breezy palette of crisp white and sky blue, while the lavishly-appointed ground floor restaurant—all striped awnings and flamingo pink—is now joined by the subterranean The Georgian Room, which, with its red velvet banquettes and gilded details offers a slice of old Hollywood right by the sea. —Liam Hess"

"The Maybourne—the hotel group behind the iconic London property Claridge's as well as the stunning new Maybourne Riveria—recently took over a hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, where Rodeo Drive is just around the corner. Already, their high-design sensibilities are starting to show: rooms are adorned in California neutrals (think whites, creams, taupes, and slight touches of Pacific Ocean blues) while the Andre-Fu lobby bar features a distinctive silver onyx bar and Yves-Klein blue counter seats. As a nod to their roots across the pond, this spring they even had a British-slash-California style afternoon tea in their garden where smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches were served alongside lobster-topped tortillas. —Elise Taylor"

"Palisociety's new Silver Lake outpost is the hotel embodiment of good vibes only. It feels like staying in your cool friend’s guest house, complete with Block Shop woodblock prints, monstera plants (and the most comfortable bed I’ve experienced in recent memory). Head to the elevated pool deck for a cocktail and take in the views of the Hollywood sign in the distance; even the cool kids won’t blame you for snapping a photo. —Jessie Heyman, executive editor, Vogue.com"

"Co-signed by your favorite celebrities, Nobu Malibu is well known for its delicious cuisine on the water. However, the best-kept secret is just two doors down: their hotel, Nobu Ryokan Malibu. This unique property features 16 exclusive accommodations, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience, and is an unparalleled blend of Japanese-inspired aesthetics and coastal luxury. I’ll be talking about this stay for the rest of my life. —Taylor Anderson, associate manager, social media"

"Every city has its old-school red sauce joint—and in Los Angeles, that’s Dan Tana’s. Around since the 1960s (which, in L.A. years, means it’s practically a historic landmark), Dan Tana’s serves Italian-American cuisine’s greatest hits within its iconic crimson red dining room: chicken parm, penne alla vodka, and veal Milanese… which they call “alla George Clooney,” as the actor is one of their regulars." —Elise Taylor"

"Their chopped salad is iconic for a reason—it’s delicious! La Scala is the perfect spot for a quick Beverly Hills power lunch or an easy, but crowd-pleasing takeout dinner." —Florence O’Connor, associate content manager"

"You likely don't need me to recommend Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks—it’s a mainstay on every “best restaurant in L.A.” list out there. But I’ll do it anyway. This family-owned restaurant challenges every notion that Thai food is best enjoyed as takeout and elevates it to Michelin-worthy cuisine (once a month, they even offer their own take on an omakase experience). It’s tough getting a reservation—set your Resy alert!—but on Tuesdays, they have a no-reservation Thai taco night. " —Elise Taylor"

"The Apple Pan has been a Westside staple since 1947 and is arguably the best burger in L.A. (sorry, In-N-Out). Famous for its ‘Hickory Burger’ and pie selection, the diner-style restaurant is popular among locals and has limited seating so make sure you get there early but trust me… it is worth the wait." —Florence O’Connor"

"It’s like the beginning of a Hollywood riddle: what do Martin Short and Meryl Streep and Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have in common? Both are regularly photographed entering or exiting the Santa Monica trattoria Giorgio Baldi, arguably the ne plus ultra celebrity clubhouse. It is hard to eat there without seeing someone famous, the last time I went Pierce Brosnan was peeling apart a langoustine. But despite the paparazzi bulbs flashing on the sidewalk of West Channel Road, inside the restaurant is cozy not flashy. It feels like Strega Nonna might be making your sage and brown butter ravioli (a personal favorite). Legend has it that a few celebrity favorite dishes include soft corn agnolotti for Kim Kardashian and an off-menu spaghetti pomodoro for Rihanna." —Chloe Malle, editor, Vogue.com"

"Tower Bar—or, the bar at Art-Deco landmark Sunset Tower Hotel—has been the ultimate L.A. see-and-be-seen place since opening in 2006 (although details about who is in the room never really leave it, thanks to the strict no-photo policy). The feel is retro Hollywood. The martinis are strong. And, most importantly, the vibe is always impeccable. Although word to the wise—make a reservation." —Elise Taylor"

"The most famous dish in L.A. is arguably the (admittedly steeply-priced) $44 McCarthy Chopped Salad at the Polo Lounge, complete with avocado, chicken, beets, bacon, chickpeas, cheddar, and balsamic dressing. Enjoy it on their sun-dappled patio that exudes Old Hollywood." —Lilah Ramzi"

"Don’t be fooled by the fancy clientele or the fact that a line starts to form outside the restaurant approximately one hour before it opens: Sushi Fumi is actually a casual neighborhood sushi spot. However, unlike a lot of L.A. sushi restaurants, the hype around Sushi Fumi is warranted—and worth the “walk-ins only” chaos for the spicy tuna alone. —Florence O’Connor"

"What do Judge Judy, Ellen DeGeneres, John Legend, and Chrissy Teigen have in common? They all ate dinner on the same night as me at Craig’s–a restaurant embraced by Hollywood’s A-list. Can’t get a reservation? You’ll probably have luck finding a seat at the bar. Though I can’t guarantee Judge Judy will be there. —Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development"

"As much as I like to lean into the laid-back L.A. lifestyle when I’m on the West Coast, after I’ve enjoyed my Erewhon smoothie and hiked Runyon, there’s no place I'd rather end the night than at Linden—the NYC-themed-restaurant on Sunset. Once you try the cornmeal-dusted snapper and prawns with polenta, you’ll understand. —Leah Faye Cooper, digital style director"

"Best bagel in the world!" —Sergio Kletnoy, global entertainment director"

"There are certain places that feel like little islands unto themselves. Shoop’s is a deli in name but it is also an everything store; if your version of everything is rare Scandinavian candy (they claim to have the most extensive selection in town) and German butter cheese. It is the perfect post-beach breakfast stop if you’re strolling the Venice boardwalk. My son Arthur is partial to the bacon blueberry pancakes, I love the famous house-smoked salmon." —Chloe Malle"

"Jon and Vinny's is a casual spot: food is served upon paper placemats in diner-like booths, waiters wear t-shirts, and outside is a neon green sign loudly announcing its presence on Fairfax. (There are also locations in Brentwood, Beverly Hills, and Studio City.) Yet, the food is just that good. The must-order dish? Their famous spicy fusilli—although you probably already knew that via Instagram. Order that, a pizza, and a glass of skin-contact wine from Helen's Wines (the retail shop in the back), and you're in for a wonderfully chill night. —Elise Taylor"

"Whether you’re in need of a light bite after a beach day at Pointe Dume or a glass of white wine after spending too much money at the Malibu Country Mart, Taverna Tony is always the perfect way to round out your Malibu day. You could fill up on the dips and pita alone and be satisfied, but don’t miss out on the Greek angel pasta or the chicken oreganato. —Florence O’Connor"

"The sprawling complex owned by mega-gallery Hauser & Wirth in the heart of the Downtown L.A. Arts District contains enough within its four walls to keep you occupied all morning (make a beeline for the excellent art bookshop, in particular). But if all that wandering through its grand industrial halls has you feeling hungry, there’s a reason to extend your visit through to lunchtime, too. Namely, in order to stop by Manuela, named after one-half of the Swiss couple behind the art powerhouse. There, you’ll find a sharing menu notable for its farm-to-table freshness and the perfectly judged accents of Southern cuisine that are thrown in the mix. (Think: a lip-smackingly fresh shrimp aguachile, skirt steak grilled to perfection and dressed in a poblano chimichurri, and a kaleidoscopic orange salad that looks like an artwork in and of itself.) Manuela is just as much of a culinary destination as the gallery surrounding it is a cultural one. —Liam Hess"

"Posted next door to each other along the Echo Park stretch of Sunset Boulevard, Lowboy and Ba,r Flores are two of the area’s most beloved spots. They’re great stops on a bar crawl, but I like to order a smash burger at the Lowboy window and bring it upstairs to Bar Flores for a cocktail on the patio. —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer"

"Posted next door to each other along the Echo Park stretch of Sunset Boulevard, Lowboy and Ba,r Flores are two of the area’s most beloved spots. They’re great stops on a bar crawl, but I like to order a smash burger at the Lowboy window and bring it upstairs to Bar Flores for a cocktail on the patio. —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer"

"Huckleberry is a true locals’ spot, usually filled with young Santa Monica families or the rare low-key coffee meeting. Their brunch menu is a must-try, especially if you are on the hunt for a delicious breakfast burrito or banana bread. —Florence O’Connor"

"If you want a dining experience that screams, “I’m in LA” grab yourself lunch and an outdoor table at the West Hollywood institution of Joan’s on Third. The food is as good as the people watching over at this celeb hot spot—and although everyone swears by the Chinese chicken salad, I personally make a beeline straight for their baked goods section. —Florence O’Connor"

"The food is, yes, wonderful at The Ivy. But for me, the decor is the main draw: Provençal in style and kaleidoscopic in hue, it’s a distinct ambiance that can't quite be compared to anywhere else: booths are accented with poppy-red striped pillows, and tables are topped with crystal candelabras. On the walls are a mix of blue-and-white plates as well as a gallery of expressionist-esque paintings. Meanwhile, beautiful flowers are everywhere." — Lilah Ramzi"

"Yes, you’ve properly heard of it. And if you haven’t heard of it, the countless paparazzi photographs of celebrities render it familiar. But even if dining with the famous and infamous holds little appeal, the delicious cuisine and arresting views make Nobu worth a trip to the beach. —Ian Malone, experiences manager"

"There are three locations of Night + Market across Los Angeles: West Hollywood, Silver Lake, and Venice. Each one is delicious and each one is fun… it’s where you go to have some delicious Thai food (my favorites are the pastrami pad kee mao and turmeric coconut curry) while washing it down with a bottle of natural wine. —Elise Taylor"

"This casual spot in East Hollywood is a must-try for any serious oyster lover. Centered around one long wooden bar, the quaint 26-seat restaurant—which opened in 2019—offers fresh oysters, as well as shucked clams, lobster rolls, chowder, and a full raw bar. Come for the no-frills menu, which prides itself on infusing East Coast seafood with West Coast flavors, but stay for the top-tier wine list. Oh, and a side of fries to go with that perfect oyster platter? Mandatory. —Christian Allaire, senior fashion and style writer"

"Angelini is a beloved Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. (Don’t just take my word for it—Saweetie named it as one of her favorite restaurants in a list for The Infatuation while Hailey and Justin Bieber were spotted having a lunch date there recently.) It has two locations: one in Fairfax and another in the Pacific Palisades, the latter of which is currently closed due to the tragic fires that ripped through the region. (Even more of a reason to visit the Fairfax branch and support.) Order the sea urchin spaghetti and lasagna verde “omaggio nonna Elvira.” —Elise Taylor"

"Tucked away in Laurel Canyon, Pace is a delightful Italian spot imbued with the spirit of yore. It’s dark, sexy, and cavelike, but also easygoing and unpretentious. Doodle on the paper tablecloth, enjoy some people-watching, and pretend you’re in Laurel Canyon during its heyday. —Hannah Jackson"

"Calabra, the outdoor rooftop restaurant located in the Santa Monica Proper hotel, serves Mediterranean and California cuisine set among the best ocean views in Southern California. Four words: Get the lamb chops. —Taylor Anderson"

"World famous for a reason. Whether you want to shop at the dozens of high-end designer boutiques that dot the ritzy avenue—from Chanel to Saint Laurent—or just see the setting for films like Pretty Women and Clueless, it’s always worth a visit." —Elise Taylor"

"The West Hollywood stretch of Melrose Avenue is my favorite place to shop because of its contemporary offerings: Toteme, Redone, Vivienne Westwood,and Ulla Johnson are just some of the stores you'll find on the street. (If we’re making New York comparisons, think about it as the Soho of Los Angeles whereas Rodeo Drive is the Fifth Avenue.) There are also a lot of great interior design stores, from a Soho Home to Ken Fulk’s first brick-and-mortar shop." —Elise Taylor"

"As a vintage-obsessed, few vintage stores go as far back with their objects as I would like them to. Call me old-fashioned but the Aughts don’t classify as vintage. Thankfully L.A. (and its old Hollywood roots) understands this and this city’s vintage shops, vintage means vintage! Top of my shopping list is Happy Isles. Location in Beverly Hills, it’s a well-curated spot where 1950s prom dresses intermingle with 1980s sharp-shouldered blazers and where I’m in heaven. — Lilah Ramzi"

"No L.A. trip is complete without a quick shopping stop at Wasteland, which has several locations across the city (including in Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, and more). Inside, you can find an array of secondhand designer goods—whether it’s a sleek Rick Owens jacket, or a fresh-off-the-runway Prada dress. The inventory is good and ever-rotating—the prices are even better. Come here to find high-fashion for a steal. —Christian Allaire"

"Looking for a Mugler mini dress from the 80s? A Halston gown from the 70s? A Christian Dior suit from the 60s? Look no further than The Way We Wore, one of the best vintage experiences in the United States. The incredible selection allows for sartorial time travel. —Ian Malone"

"Despite Emily Bode’s Brooklyn base, the brand feels right at home in California. The patterned, patchworked, and hand-embroidered pieces are perfect for the city of angels. The recently opened West Coast flagship offers the entire current collection, as well as exclusive pieces. Bode is a closet necessity for any cool boy (or girl). —Ian Malone"

"The department store elevates retail to experimental heights with its L.A. location. The 11,000-square-foot building, designed by Sir David Adjaye, is encased in signature pink concrete. The spectacular curation of clothes in the futuristic setting will satisfy the most discerning customer and inspire the most jaded sophisticate. —Ian Malone"

"Strolling Montana Avenue is the ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but the street’s pièce de résistance is the family-owned Brentwood General Store. The quaint space is lined with shelves perfectly curated with everything from vintage china to gourmet snacks. It truly is every hostess’s dream—they even sell bouquets of flowers that are freshly arranged by the owner each morning. —Florence O’Connor"

"Who hasn’t traveled to a sunny locale and realized upon arrival that they forgot their sunglasses? Fortunately, you can make a field trip out of fixing it and head to Zak Eyes in West Hollywood for custom frames (including prescription) or Jacques Marie Mage and Native Sons sunglasses, then head next door to Jon & Vinny’s for lunch or dinner. —Chloe Malle"

"The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a vast collection that includes Picassos, Migrittes, Hockneys, and more. It also boasts two impressive outdoor installations with Chris Burden’s Urban Light and Michael Heizer’s “Levitated Mass.” —Lilah Ramzi"

"You know those iconic photos of a rooftop pool with a scrumptious L.A. view? You’re likely thinking of Julius Shulman’s photographs of Stahl House. The Stahl House (also known as Case Study House #22) is a modernist marvel built in 1959 by architect Pierre Koenig. Though still owned by the Stahl family, the home is available for tour. Book a visit to be transported back to mid-century L.A. — Lilah Ramzi"

"If you’re in L.A. during baseball season, head over to Dodger Stadium and enjoy America’s pastime courtesy of the 2024 World Series champions. Grab a Dodger Dog and a beer, and if you feel like hitting the dancefloor after the game, you can head on down to The Short Stop to keep the party going. —Hannah Jackson"

"The Brentwood Country Mart is one of those places that could only exist in L.A. and its perennially sunny weather. Grab a bitE at its outdoor food court (my favorite stall is Reddi Chik) and then peruse the shops: there are outposts of famous California Brands like Doen and Jenni Kayne, as well as Gwyneth Paltrow’s original Goop Store. Then, stop by the Farm Shop for some locally sourced, California-inspired fare and products… as well as a quality selection of natural wines. —Elise Taylor"

"The entrance to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is lined with Rodins—which gives you the immediate (and correct) indication that you’re about to experience some world-class art. Inside, there's everything from Dutch Old Masters, to Van Goghs, to Dan Flavins. Don’t miss their outdoor sculpture garden." —Chloe Malle"

"Opening in 2015, The Broad is a relatively new museum in Los Angeles. But already it's made quite the name for itself with a 2,000-work collection featuring Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, Ed Ruscha, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. Located in Downtown L.A., it’s also close to many galleries and restaurants." —Lilah Ramzi"