LA: LUNCH OR DINNER

*Cecconi’s – the 4-7 Happy Hour is what really shines at this sister restaurant to Soho House. Tommy’s Margarita and the Aperol Spritz, don’t ever leave us.

*Pizzeria Mozza – over order here. you won’t regret it. over order on the Italian wine too. and don’t even flirt with the idea of passing on dessert. don’t.

Soho House – the food here has immensely improved since it opened in 2010. the menu changes seasonly while the favorites carry over. cocktails are the main draw. (oh and the warm chocolate chip cookies.) the Arts District location, opening 2016, will hopefully knock the eats department out of the park.

La Scala – get crazy turning their chop salads into your version of sweetgreen. bc that’s fine with them, but ordering a side of marinara to go isn’t….

République

*Republique – maybe the husband and wife duo to rival all duos… my favorite time to enjoy this impressive hall of dining is past 10pm when no one else in LA dares to really start dinner, or on a weekday before the lunch crowd sweeps in around noon.

*AOC – the patio here is unrivaled. service can be bizarrely slow but the wine and cheese make everything ok.

Eveleigh – excellent choice for brunch if you’re more into drinking than eating your meal. and really who isn’t sometimes.

The Ivy – the owners of this last standing remnant of the old Robertson Blvd is a family that deserves all the attention (and business) The Ivy has received. lovely people. lovely patio. lovely little parting gifts of chocolate chip cookies.

Hotel Bel Air

*Bel Air Hotel – beautiful and has the best Bloody Mary in town. crab cakes and the Japanese BBQ salmon salad are two favorites. also, a great bar destination for late afternoon/early evenings.

The Hart and Hunter – this little gem flies under the radar which is GREAT. warm biscuits with preserves are a Southern slice of heaven.

Il Pastaio – primely positioned patio. that about covers it.

Petrossian – if the lobster roll with caviar is on the menu, get it. and truffle fries.

BLD – expect to wait on the weekends but for good reason.

South Beverly Grill/Honor Bar – fried chicken sandwich. get it sandwiched in romaine if you are so inclined. zero judgement zone.