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Restaurants in Los Angeles

It might be the spiritual home of the kale smoothie but there’s no shortage of places to get a decent meal in LA. As well as celeb-heavy eateries such as Ago, there’s cheap eats almost everywhere you look – and not all courtesy of local burger giant In-N-Out. Grand Central Market is home to a sea of tiny stalls selling everything from organic juice to Ecuadorean fare, while Silver Lake is the place to go for tasty vegan grub. Venice Beach's Abbot Kinney Boulevard is another good place to try and hobnob as stars and supper come as standard.

The Los Angeles restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over US$75)
Moderate (US$45 to US$75)
Cheap (up to US$45)

These Los Angeles restaurant prices are for a three-course meal and half a bottle of wine or equivalent. Not included is the 8.75% sales tax or a customary tip of 15-20%.

Expensive

Ago

Cuisine: Italian

Pronounced 'AHHgo', this Tuscan-style restaurant co-owned by Robert de Niro attracts its fair share of stars. Delivered to your table by handsome Italian waiters, typical dishes include brick oven pizzas, bistecca (Italian steak) and porcini mushroom risotto, while the wine list is second to none. The extensive dessert menu includes a delicious ricotta cheesecake.

Address: West Hollywood, 8478 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Telephone: +1 323 655 6333.
Website: http://www.agorestaurant.com

POT

Cuisine: Korean

One of LA's coolest new openings, POT sits within the ultra-hip Line Hotel and is the brainchild of local celebrity chef, Roy Choi. As the name suggests, food comes served in giant pots (although there are plenty of smaller accompaniments to be had), served to a seriously loud hip-hop soundtrack.

Address: Koreatown, 3515 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Telephone: +1 213 368 3030.
Website: http://www.eatatpot.com

Providence

Cuisine: Fine-dining

Since opening in 2005, Providence can boast two Michelin Stars and local acclaim for its seafood-focused menu and service that's almost unparalleled in the city. Chef Michael Cimarusti's tasting menu with wine pairings is worth every bit of its $325 price tag.

Address: , 5955 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, 90038
Telephone: +1 323 460 4170.
Website: http://www.providencela.com

Spago

Cuisine: European

Despite being fiendishly hard to book, and deliciously over-the-top within, Wolfgang Puck's Spago is still well worth a try – and that's entirely because the food is so good. It also attracts a seriously starry clientele and has a gorgeous central courtyard, complete with gnarled olive trees and a fountain.

Address: Beverly Hills, 176 North Cañon Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90210
Telephone: +1 310 385 0880.
Website: http://www.wolfgangpuck.com

Moderate

Chaya Brasserie

Cuisine: Asian and Mediterranean

A combination of Mediterranean and Asian fare, Chaya Brasserie is loved by Angelinos for its cool décor and (mostly) healthy menu. Tucked away in Venice Beach, it boasts a hip crowd pulled in by the lure of fresh fare and the odd bit of comfort food – the lobster and rock shrimp ravioli is worth the trip alone.

Address: Venice Beach, 8741 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Telephone: +1 310 859 8833.
Website: http://www.thechaya.com

Il Pastaio

Cuisine: Italian

On a bustling corner, a stone's throw from Rodeo Drive, Il Pastaio is a favourite celebrity haunt, especially at lunchtime. Part of a small, family owned group of Italian restaurants in LA, it offers a mouth-watering array of handmade pastas, risottos and fish dishes. Tables are tightly packed but you can dine outside.

Address: Beverly Hills, 150 South Beverly Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90212
Telephone: +1 310 271 0030.
Website: http://www.giacominodrago.com

Malibu Farm

Cuisine: American

Not, as the name suggests, an agricultural establishment but instead a seriously pretty café perched on the end of Malibu Pier. The apogee of California's healthy living ethos, all food is organic and sourced directly from local producers. The stunning Pacific views are worth the visit alone.

Address: Malibu, 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90265
Telephone: +1 310 456 1112.
Website: http://www.malibu-farm.com

Cheap

El Cholo

Cuisine: Mexican

One of LA's oldest Mexican establishments, El Cholo first opened its doors in 1927 and has since grown to become a mini franchise, with other branches in Santa Monica and Anaheim Hills. Food, however, remains traditional so expect expertly-cooked tamales, enchiladas and other Mexican specialities.

Address: Downtown, 1121 Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Telephone: +1 323 734 2773.
Website: http://www.elcholo.com

La Vecchia Cucina

Cuisine: Italian

A pebble's toss from the beach, this casual but classy Italian restaurant is adored by locals thanks to its excellent Happy Hour at the bar and prix fixe lunch menu. Don't expect delicate Mediterranean style eats though, La Veccia Cucina specialises in robust Tuscan fare – all served in sizeable portions.

Address: Santa Monica, 2654 Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90405
Telephone: +1 310 399 7979.
Website: http://lavecchiacucina.com

Pie N’ Burger

Cuisine: American

Opened in 1963, Pie N' Burger is something of a Pasadena legend, and although it is pretty lo-fi, it remains enormously popular thanks to its expertly cooked burgers. As the name suggests, pie is also a menu staple but there is a decent selection of salads for those after something a little lighter.

Address: Pasadena, 913 E California Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91106
Telephone: +1 626 795 1123.
Website: http://www.pienburger.com
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Featured Hotels

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The Beverly Wilshire

Popularised by its appearance in Pretty Woman, this Four Seasons hotel is renowned for its classical grandeur and impeccable service. An ornately carved entrance leads to a magnificent lobby and a choice between the elegant Boulevard Restaurant, a wood-panelled piano lounge and Cut, the Wolfgang Puck steakhouse. Luxurious rooms have marble bathrooms and the spa is stunning.

Shutters on the Beach

One of two luxury hotels on the beach, Shutters combines sophistication with a beach holiday atmosphere. The lobby has esteemed modern art, including pieces by David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein, and each room has a veranda. All have four-poster beds, plus a copy of Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea.

Howard Johnson Inn and Suites Reseda

A clean and affordable option in the San Fernando Valley, this hotel features free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and complimentary continental breakfast. Parking is free and access to the rest of California is made easy with Interstate 405 and Highway 101 running nearby.

Jerry's Motel

A low-key motel in Downtown, just minutes from major city attractions like Los Angeles Convention Center, Dodger Stadium, Broad Museum and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Unfussy double and twin rooms offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and coffeemakers, and the hotel provides free parking for patrons.

Farmer’s Daughter Hotel

Featuring denim duvets, distressed hardwood floors and wrought iron artwork, this funky boutique hotel in West Hollywood is heavy on the rural theme. Located opposite LA's historic Farmer's Market, it also has a smart pool and sundeck, high speed Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Its onsite restaurant, TART, serves up deliciously healthy hipster treats.

Sheraton Universal

Bang next door to Universal Studios, the Sheraton Universal has something of a corporate air to it but is relaxed enough to offer a poolside bar. Rooms are reasonably sized, with plenty of creams and browns keeping things neutral. It also has a small pool and modern gym facilities. Ask for a room with views of the Hollywood Hills.