The Vogue Editors’ Guide to Los Angeles, Ahead of Vogue World: Hollywood

Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis with over a hundred distinct neighborhoods, presents a unique challenge for visitors trying to capture its multifaceted charm. This comprehensive guide, compiled by Vogue editors, offers curated recommendations for accommodations, dining, shopping, and activities, catering to various interpretations of the quintessential L.A. experience. Whether seeking the laid-back beach vibe of Santa Monica, the old Hollywood glamour of Beverly Hills, or the vibrant cultural scenes across the city, this guide aims to provide an insider's perspective. The accommodation section highlights a range of hotels, each offering a distinct atmosphere. The Hotel Bel-Air, nestled in the hills, provides a serene and magical Californian escape with bungalow-style rooms and an outdoor restaurant. For those drawn to classic Hollywood luxury, The Beverly Hills Hotel, with its rich history of celebrity guests, offers a star-studded experience. The Chateau Marmont, known for its infamous past and hedonistic appeal, provides a glimpse into L.A.'s wild side with its Gothic-style architecture and exclusive patio scene. For a beachfront stay, Shutters On The Beach in Santa Monica offers celebrity sightings, an impressive art collection, and a lively social atmosphere, all while maintaining a sense of calm near the ocean. Further up the coast in Malibu, The Surfrider boasts direct beach access, rooftop sunsets, and locally sourced cuisine, with rooms designed in a serene beachy aesthetic. In West Hollywood, The Edition stands out with its modern design, prime Sunset Boulevard location amidst buzzing nightlife, and Le Labo-appointed guest rooms with panoramic city views from its rooftop pool. The Georgian, an Art Deco landmark in Santa Monica, recently renovated, offers a pastel blue facade and interiors that blend seaside themes with old Hollywood glamour, including the subterranean Georgian Room. For a more relaxed, boutique experience, the Silver Lake Pool & Inn provides a cool, comfortable guesthouse feel with Block Shop prints and views of the Hollywood sign. Lastly, the exclusive Nobu Ryokan Malibu, a small, Japanese-inspired luxury hotel, promises an intimate and unforgettable stay with unparalleled coastal elegance. The culinary recommendations span from classic Italian-American joints to acclaimed Thai restaurants and celebrity hotspots. Dan Tana’s offers an old-school red sauce experience, favored by regulars like George Clooney. La Scala is lauded for its iconic chopped salad, perfect for a quick power lunch. Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks elevates Thai cuisine to Michelin standards, offering unique omakase experiences and popular Thai Taco Tuesdays. For a classic American burger, The Apple Pan, a Westside staple since 1947, is a must-visit. Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica is a known celebrity haunt, serving exquisite Italian dishes in a cozy setting. Talesai provides delicious Thai food with a great ambiance in Studio City. Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel is an ultimate see-and-be-seen spot with a retro Hollywood vibe and strong martinis. The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel is famous for its McCarthy Chopped Salad. Sushi Fumi offers exceptional sushi, particularly the spicy tuna, attracting a fancy clientele despite its casual nature. Casa Vega, a classic Mexican restaurant, is celebrated for its cocktail menu named after regulars and its festive holiday decor. Craig’s is an A-list favorite, known for its celebrity sightings. Linden, an NYC-themed restaurant on Sunset, serves exquisite seafood dishes. Courage Bagels is hailed as having the best bagels in the world. Mother Wolf transports diners to Rome with its fresh pastas and vibrant salads in a glowing, intimate setting. Shoop’s, a deli and everything store, is perfect for post-beach breakfast. Jon and Vinny’s offers casual Italian with famous spicy fusilli and a selection of natural wines. Zankou Chicken is known for its juicy chicken and secret family recipe garlic sauce. Taverna Tony offers a perfect post-beach Greek dining experience in Malibu. Manuela, located within the Hauser & Wirth gallery complex, serves farm-to-table Southern-inspired cuisine. Lowboy and Bar Flores provide popular options for smash burgers and cocktails in Echo Park. Huckleberry in Santa Monica is a locals' spot for brunch, known for its breakfast burritos and banana bread. Joan’s on Third is a West Hollywood institution for celebrity spotting and delicious baked goods. The Ivy is praised for its unique Provençal decor and crystal candelabras. Nobu Malibu, though a celebrity hotspot, is recommended for its delicious cuisine and arresting ocean views. Night + Market offers fun and delicious Thai food with a natural wine selection. Found Oyster in East Hollywood is a must-try for oyster lovers, blending East and West Coast seafood flavors. Angelini Osteria is a beloved Italian restaurant, famous for its sea urchin spaghetti. Pace, tucked away in Laurel Canyon, is a dark, sexy, and unpretentious Italian spot. Calabra at the Santa Monica Proper hotel offers Mediterranean and California cuisine with stunning ocean views. The shopping section covers both high-end luxury and unique vintage finds. Rodeo Drive is a world-famous destination for luxury boutiques and a setting for iconic films. Happy Isles, a vintage store in Beverly Hills, offers a well-curated selection of truly vintage pieces from the 1950s to the 1980s. Wasteland, with multiple locations, is a go-to for secondhand designer goods at fair prices. The Way We Wore specializes in incredible vintage high fashion, offering sartorial time travel. Bode Store in West Hollywood features the brand's patterned, patchworked, and hand-embroidered pieces, with exclusive items available. The Webster, designed by Sir David Adjaye, offers an experimental retail experience with a spectacular curation of clothes. Brentwood General Store on Montana Avenue is a family-owned spot with curated vintage china, gourmet snacks, and fresh flowers. Zak Eyes in West Hollywood provides custom frames and high-end sunglasses. Melrose Avenue is highlighted for its contemporary offerings from brands like Toteme and Vivienne Westwood, as well as interior design stores like Soho Home and Ken Fulk’s shop. Finally, the guide suggests cultural and recreational activities. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, featuring a vast collection and impressive outdoor installations. The Stahl House (Case Study House #22), a modernist marvel, is available for tours, offering a glimpse into mid-century L.A. architecture. Dodger Stadium is recommended for baseball enthusiasts during season. The Brentwood Country Mart is presented as a quintessential L.A. experience, with an outdoor food court and shops featuring California brands. The Studio City outpost of Wasteland is mentioned again for its extensive selection of high-end secondhand clothing. The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena boasts world-class art from Rodin to Van Gogh, including an outdoor sculpture garden. Bookstar, an old movie theater turned Barnes & Noble, offers unique architecture and a vast book selection. The Broad, a relatively new museum in Downtown L.A., houses a significant collection of contemporary art by renowned artists. #LosAngelesTravel #VogueWorldHollywood #LuxuryHotelsLA #LAFineDining #LAFashionShopping #VintageShoppingLA #LARestaurantGuide #LAArtMuseums #HollywoodGlamour #LosAngelesTravel #VogueWorldHollywood #LuxuryHotelsLA #LAFineDining #LAFashionShopping #VintageShoppingLA #LARestaurantGuide #LAArtMuseums #HollywoodGlamour