When I’m asked for recommendations — in any city — it turns into a full 3-day itinerary and a blog post. Flashback… Years ago, when apps were new — imagine that, pre-app life. I partnered with a company that provided an app platform. My app was Live Local – I broke down multiple vacation destinations and included places to eat and stay, cocktails, and coffee, including highlights and things to experience and do.
Recently, I was out to dinner with a childhood friend who asked for restaurant recommendations in West Hollywood. She lives in Calabasas — which is actually in LA, but West Hollywood is about an hour away on a good day sans traffic — and wasn’t familiar with where to sip, stay, and play as a guest in my home away from home.
Here are a few of my favorite West Hollywood and LA hot spots — Note: I don’t pay that much attention to the food (I know that’s odd); I’m all about design, energy, and ambiance first. However, I am sure the food is good too.
Thursday, or your first night.
Dinner @Olivetta located down from the infamous celebrity hangout, Craigs LA – Olivetta is an elegant space, a designer’s paradise. It can’t be taken all in in a single sitting. The patterns, the textures, the way they mix and match, and each room is something quite unique. Translation: you must go back multiple times and dine in various rooms, even at different tables and booths, each offering a new outlook.
After dinner, head up to Santa Monica Blvd for dessert @Bottega Louie – although an Italian caf, it is perfect for a late evening pastry or dessert. The colorful display of macaroons is certainly Instagramable!
Start your Friday in LA at one of the Korean Spas. WiSpa, Olympic Spa, or my favorite SPA LA in the heart of Koreatown. Before or after your spa treatments, brunch at Openaire amid the twinkling greenhouse of the Line Hotel patio, where seasonal California fare awaits. Native Angeleno, surfer, and two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin serve a culinary vision built around California’s bounty from land and sea at Openaire. The menu embraces each season and reflects the melting-pot culture of LA.
Take a break shopping at N Robertson, then get ready for dinner @Laurel Hardware; if dancing is of interest, there’s nothing like The Abbey.
Saturday Night – Merois @Pendry West Hollywood on Sunset. Enjoy the magnificent views of downtown LA. Begin your journey with a martini in the striped pattern bar with subway tiled wall; this lounge brings me back to Miami –bold, elegant, and colorful; this art deco lounge is filled with beautiful bold colors of blues and greens appointed with palms. Then, move from the open-air bar into the dining room and experience another extraordinary Wolfgang Puck menu.
Sunday Brunch @The Henry, from coffee to cocktails, is the greatest neighborhood restaurant and definitely my favorite anytime of day. I meet friends for coffee, work at one of the high tables, and dine for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Not many places can say they offer something for every time of day. My only complaint is that they don’t open early enough.
or opt for the old school and always popular, The Ivy across the street or the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Want more?
Shop Rodeo Drive, Sunset to Melrose, 3rd and Beverly Drive.
Hike Runyon or Wattles Canyon
But beware of...
Workout, Box, Cycle, Spin
or meander through the Museum of Modern Art in Downtown LA
Walk down Melrose or just around town; the streets are filled with art and art galleries.
Need a hotel recommendation?
Stay at Kimpton La Peer, in the heart of WeHo
Or on Sunset @ the Pendry WeHo
or the Mondrian next door.
If you are interested in touring homes, reach out and book an appointment. For a list of Open Homes, shoot me an email at Debbi.DiMaggio@CorcoranIcon.com.
Check out these unique and beautiful LA neighborhoods in and around town.
Whether I am working out, hiking, working at a cafe, hotel, or at home, visiting with friends, people watching, or touring and showing homes, LA is where I find and redefine what inspires me. I hope you enjoy this journey.
For more information, please contact Debbi DiMaggio and Adam Betta at 510-414-6777 or Debbi.DiMaggio@CorcoranIcon.com.
Debbi DiMaggio and Adam Betta are some of the exclusive agents representing the Oakland / Berkeley / Piedmont, CA, real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here: DiMaggioBettaGroupListings
