COMMISSARY
The Line Hotel might be self-consciously hip but its greenhouse quaffing spot, Commissary, is worth a visit: not only is it next to a pool, but the food and drinks menu was created by one of LA’s greatest chefs, Roy Choi.
3515 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles has more to offer than Hollywood's plasticky dreams
From leather goods on sunset boulevard to book-browsing in Echo Park, LA has it all
Forget the plasticky, sun-drenched dreams of Hollywood: Los Angeles has a welter of dining, drinking and shopping options that’ll delight even the most
cultured of gourmands.
BUY
SHINOLA
It’s impossible to leave this store without splurging, whether on retro-styled
watches, handsome notebooks or a sturdy leather satchel – all handmade in Detroit. 3515 Sunset Blvd
TORTOISE GENERAL STORE
Take a stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which is crammed with original boutiques. My favourite, Tortoise, is a temple to Japanese products – crafted crockery, quirky fabrics and more. 1208 Abbot Kinney Blvd
BRENTWOOD COUNTRY MART
An elegantly grownup complex of shops and restaurants. Try Union-made for jeans or James Perse for wardrobe classics. Then tuck into Farmshop’s fresh “California-inspired” fare, or take something away from its bakery and deli.
225 26th St, Santa Monica
DRINK
THE STANDARD
Have a Golden State IPA and loll on the rooftop, taking in Downtown skyscraper views at this sexy mid-century modern hotel. 550 South Flower St
COMMISSARY
The Line Hotel might be self-consciously hip but its greenhouse quaffing spot, Commissary, is worth a visit: not only is it next to a pool, but the food and drinks menu was created by one of LA’s greatest chefs, Roy Choi.
3515 Wilshire Blvd
COLE’S
This moodily lit haunt is ostensibly LA’s oldest bar and the originator of the meaty French Dip. Sink into a booth and enjoy a Moscow Mule in a copper mug. 118 E 6th St
EAT
FORAGE
Locally sourced ingredients are transformed into hearty, honest dishes at this sublimely laidback spot. Lunch and dinner menus change daily.
3823 W Sunset Blvd
SQIRL
The eggy all-day breakfasts at this neighbourhood favourite in Silverlake are awesome, but it’s really the homemade jam that has made it legendary city-wide. Try the blueberry and lemon jam on brioche ricotta toast.
720 North Virgil Ave
GUELAGUETZA
This unpretentious Oaxacan family-owned restaurant in Koreatown won a James Beard Award last year; taste the mole and you’ll understand why. Enjoy with lashings of mezcal, tequila’s smoky grown-up sibling.
3014 West Olympic Blvd
GRAND CENTRAL MARKET
Foodie paradise: from Mexican street food to oysters and artisanal ice cream. 317 South Broadway
GJELINA
The best breakfast spot in Venice Beach. Try the chilli oven-baked eggs in a pan with a side of sizzling bacon. Then come back for lunch. And for dinner. 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd
TURNING PAGES
With Raymond Chandler, Christopher Isherwood and other notable authors
having once called it home, LA is a lot more literary than you think, with a host of thriving bookstores and an exquisite art-deco public library downtown.
1. The Last Bookstore has more than 250 000 new and old titles. lastbookstorela.com
2. Diesel has a small but smart selection of literary reads dieselbookstore.com
3. Stories – a colourful community hub befitting its vibrant Echo Park setting. storiesla.com
4. Hennessey + Ingalls in Santa Monica has a mouth-watering range of art books while round the corner, the local multi-storeyed Barnes & Noble branch has the best magazine rack for miles. hennesseyingalls.com; barnesandnoble.com