1. JF Chen
![JF Chen](https://s3.amazonaws.com/fathom_media/photos/JF-Chen-LA.jpg.380x250_q85_crop.jpg)
A vast, industrial-cool antique showroom specializing in decorative art, as well as eclectic period pieces and 20th- and 21st-century furniture and accessories.
1000 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, 90038
+1-323-463-4603
A vast, industrial-cool antique showroom specializing in decorative art, as well as eclectic period pieces and 20th- and 21st-century furniture and accessories.
1000 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, 90038
+1-323-463-4603
This traditional Korean bath house is very family-friendly, affordable, huge, usually very busy and lively, and conveniently open 24/7. You can get scrubs, massages, and have a delicious Korean meal all in one place.
2700 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90057
+1-213-487-2700
If you want to get the most out of a cardio workout and people watch at the same time, this is the spot. The trail is made up of 282 intense calorie-burning steps leading to a beautiful scenic overlook of the city. The best time of the day to go is sunrise.
6300 Hetzler Rd.
Culver City, 90232
The best place in LA to get lost. Browse through their archives for research and inspiration — for everything from interiors and fashion, to science. You can go back to the history of everything. The architecture and access to experts make the library a true gem.
630 W. 5th St.
Los Angeles, 90071
+1-213-228-7000
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this beautiful gallery, which features a verdant landscaped forecourt, spotlights an incredible roster of artists, from younger talents like Rosha Yaghmai all the way to James Turrell.
1201 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, 90019
+1-310-586-6886
The place to stay in hip, off-beat Culver City. Rooms are adorable and make great use of their space. Simonette in the lobby, which was modeled after a French cafe, has a nice bar and courtyard and is great for long breakfasts or afternoons spent on the laptop.
3927 Van Buren Pl.
Culver City, 90232
+1-424-321-7000
The late food critic Jonathon Gold called the cacio e pepe pizza here a small miracle. And he was right. Split a few pies, and don’t toss the crust: It’s made in a wood-fired oven with naturally fermented dough using a generations-old recipe. Save room for dessert, which comes from Sprinkles co-founder Candace Nelson.
11712 San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90049
+1-310-481-7108
The sprawling complex, a collaboration between the folks behind SF’s Tartine Bakery and Phoenix chef Chris Bianco, houses an ice cream and coffee shop, a tapas-style food counter, the swish, all-day eatery Tartine Bianco, and upscale Alameda Supper Club. Its location among the trendy warehouses of ROW DTLA make it a great pit stop on a day out downtown, particularly on Sundays, when Smorgasburg draws a food-obsessed crowd.
757 S. Alameda St., Suite 160
Los Angeles, 90021
+1-213-375-3315
The place for a boozy brunch in Culver City. The cocktails are beautiful. The food is fresh and bursting with flavor. (The fried chicken and the focaccia sandwiches are crowd favorites.) And the space looks a industrial greenhouse straight out of Brooklyn. It's located in Platform, a hip mall of sorts. Peruse the shops post-meal for souvenirs, new outfits, and dessert.
8820 Washington Blvd., Suite 301
Culver City, 90232
+1-310-643-5853
On the second Sunday of the month, vintage dealers and junk peddlers set up shop around the stadium perimeter and across two large parking lots. Crisscross the aisles of furniture, tchotchkes, clothing, and accessories with shopkeeps, trend scouts, and bargain-hunters looking for a deal.
1001 Rosebowl Dr.
Pasadena, 91103
+1-323-560-7469
Artifacts or experimental film — whatever your taste — one of the seven buildings across twenty acres makes the Renzo Piano-renovated compound likely to have something that speaks to you. It is the largest art museum in the western United States.
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90036
+1-323-857-6000
Home to the Hollywood sign, the observatory, and one of the best outdoor music venues in the city, this expansive park above Los Feliz is a green getaway in a concrete city. Post-hike stop for an avocado sandwich or a thick slice of freshly baked pie at the woodsy Trails Café.
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, 90027
+1-323-913-4688
No kitchen is no excuse for skipping this open-air market, especially when you can play the who's who of the restaurantscape Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Spy on chefs as they find inspiration for the week's menu.
1685 Main St.
Santa Monica, 90401
+1-310-458-8712
Sunday mornings bring a crush of fresh fruit, vegetable, and specialty food vendors to the streets of Hollywood. If there is no fridge to stock, grab a cafécito organico coffee and a hunk of LA village bakery baguette and take in the scene.
Ivar & Selma Ave.
Hollywood, 90028
Call ahead for a tour of the iconic Schindler House or check the schedule for lectures, symposiums, and film screenings organized or lead by the artists-in-residency. Pop into the bookstore for a lesson in the history of California modernist architecture on the fly.
835 N. Kings Rd.
West Hollywood, 90069
+1-323-651-1510
Perched high above Los Feliz, the legendary Hollyhock House is a big reason to hike the hill. The year-round and dependably quirky municipal museum and rollicking summertime outdoor wine tastings are two more.
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90027
+1-323-644-6296
Take your time buttering your popcorn or flipping through magazines in the gift shop: This deluxe movie theater has assigned stadium seats. Do remember the ushers are very serious about not letting anyone — even those with a seat — into the theater after the ten-minute mark.
6360 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90028
+1-323-615-2550
Since 2008, locals have been lining up for chef Roy's now-iconic short rib tacos. They recently opened a brick-and-mortar taqueria in Palms, but four Kogi trucks continue to drive out to the far ends of the sprawling city much to the delight of hungry locals. Check for the truck schedules online.
3500 Overland Ave #100,
Los Angeles,
+1-323-315-0254
A super cute cafe just outside of town is filled with whimsical details and bright patterns and lots of natural light. Expect cozy, old-school diner vibes and healthy comfort food (with delivious vegan and vegetarian options).
2695 N. Beachwood Dr.
Hollywood, 90068
+1-323-871-1717
The menu at Zach Pollack's Italian-American bistro is subtle, fun, and oh-so-beautifully plated. Think chicken liver crostone with quince mostarda or Pollack's version of a pig in a blanket (with mortadella, spelt pastry, brovada, and stracchino). For the less adventurous, the fried chicken sandwich and chopped salad are crowd favorites.
1710 Silver Lake Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90026
+1-323-928-2888
Breakfast is the meal you want, and you have plenty of time to ponder the menu while waiting in line at this culty organic spot. (Luckily, they serve breakfast till 4 p.m.) Expect generous portions of delicious, healthy, mostly vegan dishes and incredibly surprising and delightful combinations of flavors and herbs. Take home house made jam on your way out.
#4, 720 Virgil Ave.
Los Angeles, 90029
+1-323-284-8147
Arguably one of the best pizzerias in town, thanks to the all-star team Nancy Silverton, Joe Bastianich, and Mario Batali. They bring together Cali-fresh ingredients and a wood-burning oven to create that widely adored crust. If you're still not stuffed, take one more pie to go from their takeout outpost next door.
641 Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, 90036
+1-323-297-0101
The popular Northern Thai restaurant continues to rack up praises from food critics for its authentic street-food style dishes. Dinner might be a long wait since they don't take reservations, but drop in for jaan dian (fast plates) at lunchtime.
3322 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90026
+1-323-665-5899
A downtown landmark that opened in 1917 continues to be one of the area's biggest draws for its myriad of ethnic food options and the recent influx of new, cool businesses. Join the line for Eggslut (try the namesake dish, a coddled egg atop a potato puree served in a glass jar with a side of toasted baguette); Wexler's Deli, a modern Jewish delicatessen; and specialty espresso bar G&B Coffee.
317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, 90013
+1-213-624-2378
Stroll down a pedestrian-friendly street to the laid-back joint serving up Italian-American fare. Try to score a seat at their fixed-priced Monday suppers or grab a bite to go from the attached deli.
2128 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, 90027
+1-323-661-0055
An organic, plant-based restaurant that is practially a Los Angeles institution. Their new space in the Arts District is bright and beachy with reclaimed woods and handmade tiles. The menu features healthy riffs on junk food classics: pizza, burrito, Indian curry.
300 S. Santa Fe Ave.
Los Angeles, 90013
+1-323-580-6383
Come hungry. Each of the six kitchen stations around the periphery of the room focuses on a specialty, be that mixed drinks, cured meats, mile-high sandwiches, or juicy burgers layered with ingredients gunning for the fifth taste, after which the dining hall happens to be named.
852 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, 90014
+1-213-413-8626
A Hollywood institution that predates the talkies. Stick with steaks as Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, and Rudolph Valentino would do. Follow in the footsteps of Fitzgerald, Faulkner, and Hemingway and sneak back for a nightcap in the writer's room.
6667 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90028
+1-323-467-7788
The super-sized spinoff to the Silver Lake original is tops on nights when the gang's all in for chewy chips, guacamole, and medicina latinas. Potato/cheddar and beef/pickle tacos are specialties of the house.
515 W. 7th St.
Los Angeles, 90014
+1-213-985-4332
Rustic, market-driven plates and crafted cockails for brunch on the weekend and dinner every night of the week. Take in the cityscape from a cozy seat on the covered patio. It's hard to believe you're sitting on the Sunset Strip.
8752 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90069
+1-424-239-1630
Some call it the Five Cent Diner; others, The Nickel. Everyone knows it as the old-school joint where hearty plates and hefty maple bacon donuts keep the downtown dwellers and weekend brunch crowd well fed.
524 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, 90013
+1-646-870-6100
Restaurateur Steven Arroyo (Cobras & Matadors, Potato Chips) puts his elevated spin on down-home Mexican fare. Though there are no shortage of taco stands in town — and some much cheaper — carnitas, tamales, and chewy chips and guacamole keep locals coming back for more.
7615 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90036
+1-323-932-6178
Whatever their zip code, residents of the city claim this to stay or to go spot as their own. Sidewalk seating or indoor tables both offer good vantage points for enjoying Chinese chicken salad, a cakey hunk of brownie, or one of the many popular sandwiches with a side of people watching. Sundries and prepared foods in the freezer make it easy to take it all home.
8350 W. 3rd St.
Los Anglees, 90048
+1-323-655-2285
The seafaring answer to meat feast Animal: shrimp toast, lobster rolls, and elevated East Coast fish shack fare. Just weathered enough and always buzzing, the maritime-themed spot welcomes walk-ins at the communal table.
8370 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, 90048
+1-323-782-9033
By day, local characters linger at the French bistro’s outdoor tables with fresh croissant and espresso drinks made by Intelligentsia next door. By night, they're still there, now with twinkling lights overhead, and steak frites on the way. The infamous burger is only served at the bar.
3932 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90029
+1-323-666-0265
Even with a reservation at this Italian institution (checkered tablecloths, hanging Chianti bottles, chicken parm), there's always a wait for a table. The charming old school waiters and over-the-top clientele put on a real good show.
9071 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90069
+1-310-275-9444
Skip the formalities and wind downstairs to the Beverly Hills Hotel’s old-timey breakfast and lunch counter for waffles, fried eggs, or a classic BLT. Fine linen napkins catch toast crumbs.
9641 Sunset Blvd.
Beverly Hills, 90210
+1-310-276-2251
Fans of chef Suzanne Goin (AOC, Lucques) stream in from afar for a casual nosh at the bar or a dressier affair in the dining room. Well-heeled homebodies get short ribs, charcuterie, and house-made bread from the marketplace.
11648 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, 90049
+1-310-806-6464
A sunny neighborhood place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to go. Buttery croissants and eggs many ways segue from breakfast to lunch's farmers’ market deli salads and hearty chalkboard special sandwiches. Take home a rotisserie duck and rustic cake for later. Cater for a crowd.
1014 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, 90401
+1-310-451-2311
People clamour for a reservations or cross their fingers for a seat at the farm-style communal tables in front. Wood-fire specialty pizzas and simple, rustic cooking make it worth the wait. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner from Gjelina To Go next door if it gets to be too much.
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, 90291
+1-310-450-1429
Jump back into the 1920s. In the lobby, look for original Renaissance Revival details, from the fountain to the fireplace to the checkered-tile floors. Rooms are cozy and the dining options are great (we love The Walker Inn hidden at the back of The Normandie Club).
605 Normandie Ave.
Los Angeles, 90005
+1-213-388-8138
What was once a gritty meeting place for the rich, the notorious, and the nefarious is now a bright, airy, beachy-chic spot that fits right in with the eclectic Venice Beach crowd. Owner and photographer Glen Luchford (look for his stunning prints around the hotel) originally opened this spot for his friends and photo crew to stay while in LA, so the stylish rooms are available across all budgets, from shared-bath bedrooms to a full penthouse.
5 Rose Ave.
Los Angeles, 90291
+1-310-450-3474
Just off Sunset Strip is a hidden cluster of charming bungalows once owned by Charlie Chaplin himself. Each English-style cottage, lovingly restored by hotelier Menachem Treivush, is named after other famous friends who stayed here back in the day — Marilyn, Betty, Marlene. With its discreet service and refurbished Tudor details, it feels like a Tinseltown fairytale come true.
819 N. Sweetzer Ave.
Los Angeles, 90069
+1-323-988-9000
A hotel to match the neighborhood's bustling scene and cultural influences, from the Korean and American treats in the minibar to the popular restaurant headed by LA's own Roy Choi. Rooms are colorful and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward the Hollywood Hills.
3515 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90010
+1-213-381-7411
In the historic United Arts building, the hotel kept (and restored) a lot of its charming details from the original 1927 architecture, including the Spanish Gothic-style theater. Rooms are outfitted in what has become the classic Ace aesthetic (i.e. bespoke turntables). The restaurant downstairs, by the same folks behind Brookyn's beloved Five Leaves, is great for brunch and people-watching.
929 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, 90015
+1-213-623-3233
Right above Hollywood's Walk of Fame, the historic building is the city's oldest continually operating hotel. Look for the Spanish Colonial details in the lobby and David Hockney's underwater mural in the pool. Not unlike its notable guests, the hotel had some work done: rooms are contemporary with plush leather furniture, Kiehl's products, and a Dean & DeLuca-stocked minibar. There are also plenty of dining options: The Spare Room has a vintage two-lane bowling alley; The Library Bar is great for cocktails and celebrity-spotting.
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90028
+1-323 856-1970
A trendy boutique with a flirty vibe and down-home country stylings (rooms have denim duvets, plaid curtains, and custom-made wooden chairs) on a happening strip in West Hollywood. There's an outdoor pool and sundeck, food options of the now, discounts at the nearby fitness center, and easy access to big-ticket museums, indie shopping, and the historic farmer’s market at The Grove.
115 South Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, 90036
+1-323-937-3930
Retreat to one of the 45 rooms on the neighborhood's residential fringe. Interior designer Kelly Wearstler is responsible for the bold, Parisian-chic details.
140 Lasky Dr.
Beverly Hills, 90212
+1-310-281-4000
Well-appointed apartments great for longer stays in LA. The stylish rooms are spacious and come fully stocked. The service is discreet. The public spaces — from the courtyard restaurant to the lobby lounge to the espresso bar — are frequented by locals and residents alike.
8465 Holloway Dr.
West Hollywood, 90069
+1-323 656-4100
A former deco apartment building from 1930s on the Sunset strip. Inside, rooms have been renovated to fully exploit SoCal's beloved natural light (and provide a welcome respite from the tourist hoards below). Dine in mobster Bugsy Siegel's old apartment or do drinks at the poolside terrace with Hollywood Hills as your backdrop.
8358 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90069
+1-323-654-7100
A stay in one of the 45 luxe residential-style suites makes it feel like you're staying at that a mansion in the Mediterranean — heated limestone floors, infinity pools, and large garden patios included. Twelve acres of landscaped gardens (plus a restaurant by Wolfgang Park, a spa, and the beautiful Swan Lake) means you'll never have to leave the property. But if you do, make use of the free car service.
701 Stone Canyon Rd.
Los Angeles, 90077
+1-310-472-1211
Palm trees and pink tennis balls punctuate the grounds; rooms and service live up to the legend. Even natives check in for poolside R & R. When lunch at the Polo Lounge is packed, grab a seat at The Fountain, a five-star greasy spoon one floor down.
9641 Sunset Blvd.
Beverly Hills, 90210
+1-310-276-2251
Fling open the windows of the elegantly appointed seaside rooms and breathe in the ocean air. Bicycles are available for rent at the front desk and picnic lunches can be arranged if you want to cruise down Main Street or the paved promenade that stretches for miles along the beach.
1 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, 90405
+1-310-458-0030
Excellent style and service for short-term stays (it's the Palihouse counterpart). The powder room-sized salon, Thai massage room, and coffee bar make it hard to venture out, despite its convenient location in the middle of town.
7950 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, 90046
+1-323-272-4588
The allure of this storied hotel is always star-studded. If you're not checking into one of the spacious, well appointed rooms or villas, come for the restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Late-night, the lobby draws a fetching crowd.
8221 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, 90046
+1-323-848-5908
What do a florist, a barista, and an Instagrammer have in common? They would all fall in love with this little handmade, lively shop. It's heart eyes all around, plain and simple. One fresh flower bouquet to go with a mouth-watering Tahini toast, please!
824 Lincoln Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90291
+1-310-452-3900
This market and eatery is like a community-oriented, personalized Whole Foods, but better. Find fresh, delectable food for a nutritious lunch while working on location or take home goods for your next kitchen escapade.
661 Imperial St
Los Angeles, 90021
+1-213-892-1570
If you're new in town, this is the place to come to complete your LA look, from home to wardrobe (jewelry, organic oils, soaps, and homewares).
1801 Lincoln Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90291
+1-310-751-6393
Step inside to find a well-curated selection of prints and homegoods, shelves upon shelves of Warby Parker glasses, and a vintage Fiat in the middle of it all. This super hip concept shop collaborates with a wide variety of brands and hosts pop-ups downtown — most recently they worked with shoe brand Soludos.
826 E 3rd St
Los Angeles, 90013
+1-323-487-1497
In one phrase, this place could be described as aesthetically-pleasing. It fits perfectly into the indie boutique scene of the Arts District with a wide array of colorful stationery, minimalist jewelry, and pretty little homewares.
820 E 3rd St
Los Angeles, 90013
In this moody, vintage homegoods shop, earthy meets modern design: nature-inspired fragrances, geometric jewelry, minimalist light fixtures.
Read more on Fathom: Downtown LA: Neighborhood on the Rise
255 S Santa Fe Ave. Ste 101
Los Angeles, 90012
+1-213-928-0997
Sunny craftsman-style storefront brimming with cheery stationery, greeting cards, and gifts for would-be pen pals. Equally charming wrapping paper by the sheet.
1644 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, 90291
+1-310-401-0427
Japanese kitchen tools and housewares for better looking everyday living. Stroll a few doors down to the Zen studio for fine art, ceramics, sculpture, and new takes on traditional crafts from old-world artisans and new era counterparts.
1208 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, 90291
+1-310-314-8448
Pick up organic blooms by the box and plan ahead for an arrangement designed around a vintage vessel from the expansive but well edited collection that is peppered with Rosenthal, Raymor, and Alain Le Foll.
644 N. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90069
+1-310-360-9400
The bohemian modern table is always set with iconic studio potter Edith Heath's collection of dinnerware. Small-batch granola, Scandinavian flatware, and Commune linens and other bo-mo musts like farm-to-table cookbooks.
7525 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90036
+1-323-965-0800
Fresh produce from local farmers, a counter of take-away foods, and a thoughtfully stocked fridge make this neighborhood market the perfect a pit stop en route to picnic in Elysian Park.
1549 Echo Park Ave.
Los Angeles, 90026
+1-213-250-1900
An old world general store for a modern world. Order a latte, then peruse the satisfyingly stuffed shelves of all-natural beauty and grooming lines, oh-so-specific kitchen tool (berry baskets, tea strainers), indie gourmet ingredients, and organic household needs, or find a seat in the shade on the patio outside.
2912 Rowena Ave.
Los Angeles, 90039
+1-323-570-0405
Cruise aisle after aisle of pre-loved page-turners and vinyl. An LA institution, it's a destination for art book lovers, rare records, and all things Jack Kerouac and beat.
218 Pier Ave.
Santa Monica, 90405
+1-310- 399-8767
A friendly block of shops where you can fill both wants (botany florist, sugar paper, broken English jewelry) and needs (Caffe Luxxe coffee, Farmshop restaurant, Sweet Rose Creamery). Hang out with the locals on weekend afternoons.
225 26th St.
Los Angeles, 90402
+1-310-458-6682