The sprawling metropolitan city of Los Angeles is completely unique, its relaxed West Coast lifestyle offering so much diversity and so many things to do. To make the most of your time in LA, we always bunch our itinerary into neighbourhoods, so we’ve broken our city guide down too. Read on for our favourite West Hollywood hotspots, stores and eateries, and check out Downtown, Arts District, Venice and our favourite Attractions in the rest of the guide.
Opening Ceremony Los Angeles (above)
One of the best stores in the city, Opening Ceremony’s LA boutique is situated in one of Charlie Chaplin’s former dance studios just north of the Beverley Centre. Across two floors, with a separate building for footwear, downstairs you can explore the full OC range and any recent partnerships, while upstairs a mini-mall concept gives dots of space to a series of designer shops-in-shop, from Acne and Alexander Wang to D.A.P.
451 N La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048
www.openingceremony.us/about/ocla
South Willard
On the thoroughly rejuvenated West Third Street, South Willard is a carefully curated menswear store, carrying items from the likes of Band of Outsiders, Gitman Vintage and Frank Leder, plus exclusive collaborations with Crescent Down Works. A small but tightly edited shop, South Willard also stocks local ceramics, books and homeware accessories.
8038 W Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
www.southwillard.com/south-willard/store
ArcLight Hollywood
The flagship of four ArcLight cinemas in the city, ArcLight Hollywood has the spirit of an independent but the range of a multiplex; ArcLight don’t show commercials before movies, only trailers, and their “black-box” auditoriums keep distractions to a minimum. Across 14-screens, films showing range from big budget blockbusters to smaller, speciality releases, now in the adjoining – and iconic – Cinerama Dome too.
6360 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.arclightcinemas.com/locations/los-angeles/hollywood
Mel & Rose
One side a fine wine and spirit merchant, the other a speciality foods store and Italian deli counter, while you might leave with a bottle or two in hand, Mel & Rose is one of the best quick-stop lunches in LA. Offering a range of homemade pasta, soups and salads, the deli has no right to be this good, though our tip would be the sandwiches. The “Nissay” with a huge herbed chicken breast and Monterey Jack, and the “Cantina” with meatballs, mozzarella and a marinara sauce, have had us lining up for years.
8344 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069
www.melandrose.com
American Rag Cie
Across one big warehouse-style shop floor and neighbouring denim bar, American Rag Cie has all the bases covered. From hip designer labels to vintage, shoes, accessories and jewellery, it’s difficult to drop in and not walk out with a buy. If you’re bored of waiting for your partner, you can always pop into adjacent Cafe Midi for a slice of pie too.
150 S La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.amrag.com
Umami Burger Hollywood
Our favourite burger in LA, Umami is named after the fifth basic taste and doesn’t over do it with a menu that focuses on flavour and reserved touches of flair. The signature “Original” burger is the star in the pack; a unique blend of beef topped with a parmesan crisp, roasted tomato and Umami house ketchup. With outdoor seating in their sunny courtyard space, head to Umami’s Hollywood location, where you’ll also find the restaurant exclusive, and equally delicious, “Pastrami Mami”.
1520 N Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.umamiburger.com
Unis
Beautiful wardrobe staples from plain tees to linen shirts to pastel chinos, Unis’ well-crafted essentials are a dose of understated luxury. Their LA store – the first outside of New York – is a minimalists’ dream, stocking much of the unisex collection and the recent introduction of gender-specific outerwear. Unis’ shoes and accessories are excellent too.
138 S La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.unisnewyork.com
Check out our favourite Downtown, Arts District and Venice hotspots, plus our favourite Attractions in the rest of the guide.