Apple Pan

10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-475-3585

Description: WESTWOOD. Burgers, apple pie, and ham and cheese sandwiches are cooked up and slung over the horseshoe-shaped counter, which is attended by customers eagerly awaiting their food. All the while, even more people stand along the wall behind those seated, willing them to finish so they can order and eat. This is the original version of fast food, only better, and the Hickory Burger is the local favorite. The place hasn't changed much over the years ­ air-conditioning and credit cards are still unknown here.
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Arnie Morton's of Chicago

435 S La Cienega Blvd, Le Meridien Hotel, Los Angeles, CA 90048 310-246-1501

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. Morton's is an upscale chain steakhouse (part of the Chicago-based dynasty) that serves a lot more than just American Angus. The decor is masculine; the atmosphere, classy. Expect to be treated well by the friendly waitstaff, who present dinner selections by bringing out a cart of options and telling you stories about each dish. Favorite entrées include blackened swordfish, fresh Maine lobster, and, of course, the 24-ounce porterhouse.
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Clementine

1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 310-552-1080

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. If you find yourself in this part of the city in the a.m., Clementine is the place to go. On-the-clock regulars love breakfast pastries and the Clementine breakfast sandwich ­ poached egg, shaved ham, and cheese on a biscuit. If you're in the mood for a more leisurely meal, then homemade granola, eggs Benedict, or a bagel with cream cheese and house-cured gravlax suit quite well. A variety of freshly baked cookies, scones, and muffins are available for take-out, as are a range of dinner entrees to heat up at home. Afternoon tea is $18.95 per person.
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CUT

9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 310-276-8500

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. A far cry from the dark, clubby ambience usually associated with top-notch steakhouses, Wolfgang Puck's CUT is clean and modern, thanks to an interior designed by famed architect Richard Meier. Only the finest cuts of meat make their way to the table, including a 6-oz. Wagyu filet mignon and a Kobe-style 10-oz. New York sirloin. A double thick Kurobuta pork chop and a sashimi-quality Big Eye tuna steak also demand attention. Sides are ample ­ choose something to share, from buckwheat polenta with caramelized sweet corn to sautéed chanterelle mushrooms. Finally, desserts this good can't be passed up, especially the "short stack" of crêpes with blackberry marmalade and caramel cream.
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JAAN

9291 Burton Way, Raffles L'Ermitage Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-278-3344

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This beautifully designed restaurant offers excellent service and a delightful Continental menu. Starters include heirloom tomato carpaccio, a flight of caviar, and the 45 Dollar Salad, which comes with lobster, caviar, foie gras, black truffles, white asparagus, and a host of other top-shelf ingredients. Entrees include seared veal with fava beans and morels, and seared turbot with artichokes and capers. Wine pairings are suggested on the menu as well. A luxurious afternoon tea is served Thursday through Sunday.
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Jar

8225 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 323-655-6566

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. With its sleek, minimalist decor (think yellow walls and Philippe Starck chairs) and comforting New American cuisine, Jar attracts a trendy, boisterous crowd, especially on weekends. The menu features primarily roasted and braised meats like marinated skirt steak, rack of lamb, and pork chops. Interesting à la carte sides might include duck fried rice, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and a variety of salads. Dessert really shines ­ apple bundt cake with Calvados is heavenly, and an ice cream sundae comes with luscious individual pitchers of chocolate and caramel sauces.
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Joan's on Third

8350 W 3rd St, West Hollywood, CA 90048 323-655-2285

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. Known primarily for its superb catering business, this tidy little spot also does a bustling take-out business at lunch and dinner (there's a handful of tables for folks who prefer to eat in). Apricot-glazed ham and brie make for a delicious and unusual sandwich, while tarragon chicken salad with field greens and Joan's own vinaigrette is a light, healthy choice. There are almost as many dessert options as lunch entrees ­ take a sugared molasses cookie or a marshmallow cream-filled chocolate cupcake back to the office for the afternoon ahead.
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John O'Groats

10516 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-204-0692

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This cottage-style eatery in Rancho Park offers an array of breakfast treats, from traditional to downright unique. Delicious options include oatmeal, pancakes, and biscuits, plus some unusual, delicious egg-and-potato dishes. Breakfast specialties include huevos O'Groats, cilantro potato pancakes and eggs, and eggs benedict with crab cakes. Lunch is also a terrific prospect. Don't let the wait deter you from coming, and if you're alone, claim a seat at the counter. Near Rancho Park Golf Course.
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Kings Road Cafe

8361 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 323-655-9044

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. This cafe with its adjoining bakery is an inviting place for a lingering weekend respite. The streetside patio affords excellent people-watching opportunities and is a sunny place ideal for sipping endless cups of notoriously strong coffee. Brewed coffee, espressos, macchiatos, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and hot teas are on the menu and can be flavored with sweet vanilla (or an organic soy substitute). Indulge in biscotti, muffins, croissants, scones, or even vanilla bean crème brûlée as well.
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Lawry's the Prime Rib

100 North La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-652-2827

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This is home of the original Lawry's seasoning and where the concept of serving the salad course first came into play in the U.S. While chicken and seafood are on the menu, here beef is the real star. Served with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish with whipped cream, the aroma of sizzling red meat pervades the entire restaurant. It's the perfect place for business or leisure travelers looking for a delicious dinner.
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Lucques

8474 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 323-655-6277

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. This one-time carriage house now houses a charming restaurant, and a patio out back takes advantage of California's sublime days and nights. Inside, exposed brick, aged timbers, and a comfortable bar set the scene. The menu changes with the seasons, although favorites like watercress and butter lettuce salad with bleu cheese and tuna are usually available. A good number of entrees are braised or grilled, including beef short ribs with sautéed greens, pearl onions, and horseradish cream. On Sundays, Lucques serves a four-course prix fixe dinner for $40, a fine-dining bargain. Reservations are required several days in advance, or you can choose to eat at the bar.
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Mastro's Steak House

246 N Cañon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-888-8782

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. Many claim that this well-loved spot serves the best steaks on the West Coast, and it's not difficult to see why. Have a stiff martini in the upstairs piano bar before descending to the quieter dining room for your meal. There are plenty of bone-in cuts on the menu, including a porterhouse and a filet; pair a juicy, tender cut with generous portions of mouthwatering sides like a loaded baked potato or sautéed spinach. Take home traditional treats like key lime or pecan pie if you just can't manage dessert.
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Melrose Bar & Grill

8826 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-278-3684

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. Owned by the same folks who brought Doug Arango's to LA, Melrose Bar & Grill is a more casual, more accessible restaurant. The spacious place features framed mirrors, chalkboards, and a fireplace, along with a terrific, and affordable, wine list and menu. Among the classy offerings are a duck burger with dried cherry ketchup, a pub steak with sauteed mushrooms, and a Berkshire pork chop with house-cured sauerkraut. Delicious thin-crust pizzas and a good assortment of snacks and starters also distinguish the menu. Plus, a broad array of globe-sweeping wines is perfect for sipping with friends or colleagues.
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Poquito Más

2215 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-474-1998

Description: WEST LOS ANGELES. For a quick, healthy, inexpensive Cali-Mexican meal, this mini-chain is one of the best options around. Favorite menu items include ahi tacos, vegetarian burritos, huge quesadillas, and famous tostadas, all of which include fresh, house-made tortillas. Don't forget to complement your choice with a freshly prepared salsa from the salsa bar. Tortilla soup is in high demand on cooler days, and there's a special children's menu, too.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House ­ Beverly Hills

224 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 310-859-8744

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This beloved chain of steakhouses bills itself as the "Home of Serious Steaks" and one visit will tell you that's more than a marketing slogan. Steaks are known for their sizzle, achieved by a dollop of butter dropped on hot-from-the-grill cuts; your choice will still be sputtering when it's placed in front of you. Ruth's Chris isn't intended for calorie-counters, but it is a true steak lover's haven. The establishment also takes pride in its great service, extensive wine list, and comfortably elegant atmosphere.
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Spago Beverly Hills

176 N Cañon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-385-0880

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. As the home of the "gourmet pizza," Spago has a certain reputation to live up to. If you're lucky enough to snag dinner reservations, Wolfgang Puck's hot spot of California-French cuisine will fulfill. While pizza is still on the menu, you may want to be a little more adventurous ­ try the caramelized veal chop or Cantonese duck with blood oranges. Alternatively, opt for something from "Wolfgang's Childhood Favorites," such as beef goulash or Wiener schnitzel. Desserts are worth the calories, too.
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The Belvedere

9882 Little Santa Monica Blvd, The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, CA 90212 310-788-2306

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This hotel restaurant is a choice dining option for superstars and power agents. A great New American menu features temptations like milk-fed poussin with English peas and truffled potato puree, butter-poached Maine lobster, and a roasted veal chop with morels and glazed sunchokes. The place is also a favorite for lunch or Sunday brunch, and service is outstanding. Reservations strongly recommended. Business dressy attire.
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The Grill on the Alley

9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-276-0615

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This LA lunch favorite offers excellent service and attractive wood-and-leather decor. A good choice for a power lunch, The Grill is especially popular with folks in the entertainment industry. The menu features a wide selection of steaks, pork chops, seafood, and pastas, as well as salads and American classics like chicken pot pie and meatloaf. Named "Best Power Lunch" by LA Magazine.
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The Ivy Restaurant

113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 310-274-8303

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. The Ivy is just right if you're looking for cozy, stylish atmosphere and classic dishes. The country cottage setting is almost as enchanting as the chicken tandoori, crab cakes, homemade meatloaf, and tarte tatin. The menu is not the only star-studded attraction, however ­ The Ivy is a favorite destination for actors, models, and local sports figures. Although famous folks may get the majority of the focus, you can still dine like a celebrity.
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The Palm

9001 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-550-8811

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. This venerable seafood and steak spot, with its legendary LA social scene, has built its reputation on an array of dining pleasures. The clubby venue is often frequented by celebs and industry types, and it boasts all the upscale menu standards, including crisp salads, succulent lobsters, and what many regard as the juiciest steaks west of the Mississippi. You'll also find a selection of Italian dishes, especially veal and linguine options. In addition, the great bar can provide an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
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