Los Angeles

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck wows the rich and famous at his flagship restaurant that boasts a reputation as one of the finest in LA. Centred in an outdoor courtyard, the olive tree shaded tables are the most desirable and the place for celebrity sightings. Chefs recreate Puck's classic dishes, including his famous designer pizzas, and Spago classics such as Wolfgang's Original Veal Weinerschnitzel. Creative desserts add a special finish to any meal. Advanced reservations essential. Open for lunch from Monday to Saturday, and dinner every day.

Food Type :Modern Eclectic

Address :176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills

Website :www.wolfgangpuck.com

A Santa Monica institution, this is one of the top Italian restaurants in the country, boasting an impressive wine cellar, complementing the exquisite modern Italian cuisine. Piero Selvaggio has raked in numerous awards for his flagship restaurant, attracting an elegant clientele. The menu tempts guests with delicious options such as grilled veal chops with garlic and wild mushroom sauce, or seafood ravioli. Closed on Sundays, open for dinner the rest of the week and lunch on Fridays, reservations essential.

Food Type :Italian

Address :3115 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica

Website :www.valentinosantamonica.com

Patina is the flagship restaurant of chef Joaquim Splichal, whose nouvelle cuisine has long been a favourite with Hollywood's elite. The style is understated elegance, with beautifully presented food and superior service. There are exquisite seasonal tasting menus including wild game and seafood, as well as garden dishes for vegetarians. Patina is justifiably famous for its service and outstanding wine list. Reservations essential, closed on Mondays.

Food Type :French

Address :141 S. Grand Avenue, Downtown LA

Website :www.patinagroup.com

Japanese chef/owner Nobuyuki Matsuhisa creates fantastic dishes by blending South American spices and salsas with Japanese cuisine, presenting diners with one of the most creative menus in the city. Tuna filled with black truffles and capped with caviar, or sautéed squid in a garlic and soy sauce are examples of the delicacies available in addition to delicate sushi rolls with garlic, fresh chilli and special sauces. Matsuhisa is popular with celebrities and gourmets, reservations are essential. Open all week for dinner and for lunch Monday to Friday.

Food Type :Japanese

Address :129 North La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills

Website :www.nobumatsuhisa.com

Considered by many to be the best seafood house in LA, Water Grill is always packed with downtown business folk who are joined in the evening by concert and theatre patrons. It is known particularly for its fish and shellfish, and boasts a great oyster bar, as well as a superb wine cellar. Irresistible desserts include maple cheesecake and caramel bread pudding. Reservations recommended. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Food Type :Seafood

Address :544 South Grand Avenue, Downtown

Website :www.watergrill.com

This is one of LA's most crowded restaurants and also one of the noisiest, packed with locals, celebrities and visitors who come in awe of Wolfgang Puck's reputation and leave enchanted by the food. The style of cuisine is a mixture of different ethnicities, particularly a fusion of Chinese and French ingredients and technique. The menu includes signature dishes such as the Whole Sizzling Catfish, dramatically presented, as well as seasonal creations that include Shanghai lobster with a spicy ginger-curry sauce or roasted Cantonese duck. Reservations essential. Dinner daily and lunch Wednesday to Friday.

Food Type :Chinese

Address :2709 Main Street, Santa Monica

Website :www.wolfgangpuck.com

Border Grill is a trendy, pleasantly raucous and brightly painted eatery whose atmosphere perfectly complements the vibrant flavours and bold, colourful foods of Mexico as presented by celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. The menu features authentic dishes learnt in the homes and markets of Mexico with an added touch of gourmet ingenuity, and ranges from tamales, empanadas and tacos to daily ceviche specials and stuffed tortillas, accompanied by excellent margaritas and fine tequilas. Lunch and dinner daily, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Food Type :Tex-Mex

Address :445 South Figueroa St, Downtown LA.

Website :www.bordergrill.com

Overlooking the Maguire Gardens, Café Pinot is ideally located for a business lunch or pre-theatre dinner (offering a free shuttle to the Music Centre), with an outdoor terrace shaded by old olive trees. One of the city's most popular restaurants, it is modelled after Patina: the top-ranked flagship restaurant, but is designed to be less formal with lighter bistro-style meals. The tender mustard-crusted rotisserie chicken is superb, and there is also fresh fish, pastas and lamb shank to enjoy. Reservations essential. Lunch Monday to Friday, and dinner Monday to Saturday.

Food Type :French

Address :700 West Fifth Street, Downtown LA

Website :www.patinagroup.com/cafe-pinot

This luxurious restaurant is set in an Italian Romanesque-styled building, constructed in 1928, which still retains its Art Deco elegance and charm. Its tempting menu offers delicious Italian fare such as basil gnocchi or porcini mushroom stuffed ravioli. The linguini with lobster and the braised short ribs are also good. Reservations are essential, open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday.

Food Type :Italian

Address :617 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles

Website :www.cicadarestaurant.com

The Ivy is a world-famous Los Angeles restaurant, having had a reputation for being the best place to spot Hollywood celebrities and insiders, the restaurant has fed everyone from Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise to Paris Hilton and Beyonce. Although no longer the go-to spot for A-listers, the New York-style food and cocktails are good, with cheeful decor and a lively atmosphere. Reservations are essential, prices tend to be excessive.

Food Type :American

Address :113 N Roberston Blvd

Website :www.theivyla.com

Imagine eating a gourmet meal in total darkness, experiencing the food and your dining partners in a whole new way. That's the magic of Dining in the Dark at Opaque, guaranteed to be one of the most interesting and enjoyable restaurant experiences of your life. The wait staff are all legally blind, but their service is impeccable, and highly skilled. They guide the dining guests to their tables, bring the food, orientate one to the table layout and cuisine, and generally serve as host and chaperone.

The dishes, which guests select in the lighted lobby before being lead into the darkness, includes Ahi tuna tartar, beef tenderloin, and chocolate dessert cake. Expect to abandon your silverware around the main course when most diners report using their hands and loving every minute of it. At around $90 per person, it's not cheap but the overall experience is truly priceless.

Food Type :American

Address :2020 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Website :www.darkdining.com

With great views of the sea and pier in summer, and cosy, warm booths in winter, the Beachcomber Café is a local favourite on the rapidly regenerating Malibu Pier. The service is friendly and attentive, and the eclectic fusion menu is strong on seafood (try the Ahi Tuna burger). A good value wine list as well as fantastic cocktail choices are available.

Food Type :American

Address :15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA

Website :www.thebeachcombercafe.com