ROOFTOP BARS
Upstairs at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles – Situated atop die landmark 1927 United Artists building, this hip indoor-outdoor lounge offers an urban sanctuary in the heart of Downtown LA (DTLA). The stylish Moroccan-themed decor comes from local design collective Commune, with a concrete pool inspired by the late artist Donald Judd’s residence in Marfa. Cocktails pay tribute to neighbourhoods life Little Tokyo and Hollywood & Vine, while mouthwatering snacks include California-style avocado toast and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Catch LA – Since opening in late September, (his West Coast outpost of the NYC favourite has become the place to see and be seen in the City of Angels. The sprawling 12,000-square-foot space features an expansive, 340-seat outdoor dining area — complete with a retractable roof for the rare LA rainy day — overlooking the twinkling West Hollywood Design District. But itfs the scene inside that offers the most impressive views of all, best enjoyed from a comer banquette over a plate of truffle tuna sashimi
NIGHTLIFE
The Walker Inn – A place for serious cocktail enthusiasts, this 27-seat Koreatown den Is accessed via a discreet entry behind the Normandie Club at Hotel Normandie. Make a reservation in advance to secure a spot at the seven-person bar, where the Walker Inn’s talented mixologists lead guests through an omakase experience of two or more carefully crafted cocktail courses. The menu changes about every six weeks and always sticks to a specific idea. Previous thanes have run the gamut from “Pacific Coast Highway” to “Wet (Hot) American Summer.”
Doheny Room – The latest concept from the hospitality wizards at SBE Entertainment, this restaurant-cum-lounge is where the pretty young things of Los Angeles go to let loose. Wednesdays or Saturdays are promoter rights — meaning you should probably know someone If you want to get past the velvet ropes. Once in, grab a table by the tropical wall, order a Delgado Dorado, and soak in the scene.
RESTAURANTS
Gjelina – Since opening in 2008, this perennially packed eatery has helped transform the once sleepy Venice surfing haven into a highly sought-after neighbourhood. The rustic space has a humming communal bar area in the front and a courtyard in the bade, with farm-to-table plates meant for sharing. Start with one of Chef Travis Lett’s signature flatbread plazas before moving on to the grilled lamb ribs and crispy duck confit.
Tower Bar – Located inside Jeff Klein’s Sunset Tower Hotel, this elegant dining room and terrace strikes the perfect balance between star-studded and understated Legendary maitre d‘Dimitri Dimitrov watches over the intimate, 80-seat space, where classic American dishes like burgers and dams casino combine with one of the best dirty martinis in town to offer an Old Hollywood fed.
