RESTAURANTS

Gjelina – 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice – Since opening in 2008, this perennially packed eatery has helped transform the once sleepy Venice surfing haven into a highly sought-after neighborhood. The rustic space has a humming communal bar area in the front and a courtyard in the back, with farm-to-table plates meant for sharing. Start with one of Chef Travis Lett’s signature flatbread pizzas before moving on to the grilled lamb ribs and crispy duck confit.

Tower Bar – 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood – Located inside Jeff Klein’s Sunset Tower Hotel, this elegant dining room and terrace strikes the perfect balance between star-studded and understated. Legendary maître d’ Dimitri Dimitrov watches over the intimate, 80-seat space, where classic American dishes like burgers and clams casino combine with one of the best dirty martinis in town to offer an Old Hollywood feel.

Nobu Malibu – 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu – Yes, chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s sushi is delicious, but at this sexy hot spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Carbon Beach, it’s all about the scene. Open in this location since 2012, the clean-lined wooden space has quickly become an L.A. icon, with an expansive outdoor terrace and oceanfront seating that caters to the city’s who’s who. And now, with Soho House’s new’ Malibu outpost next door, the crowds-and paparazzi-show no sign of slowing down.

Craig’s – 8826 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood – When Craig Susser, the beloved longtime manager of famed Italian restaurant Dan Tana’s, opened his own American joint in 2011, it became an instant L.A. institution. The clubby atmosphere is perfect for a big night out on the town, with celebrity fans like George Clooney and Ben Affleck, and hearty dishes like prime rib-eye and honey-truffle fried chicken.

Baroo – 5706 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles – If there is any restaurant indicative of where the city’s food scene is headed, it’s this tiny, 19-seat kitchen-located in a strip mall. Overseen by ambitious Korean chef and co-owner Kwang Uh, who trained at Noma before moving to L.A. in 2015, this experimental eatery features an ever-rotating menu that puts twists on Asian classics such as pineapple fermented kimchi and kimchi fried rice. The result is a surprising combination of comfort and unpredictability that has won Baroo rave reviews and recognition from the James Beard Foundation.