Megan Singleton uncovers five of the best places to eat in LA, from chic celebrity hot spots to gourmet burgers and $1 tacos.
Pump
This girly and gorgeous garden restaurant in West Hollywood is owned by Lisa Vanderpump of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame. What was once a carpark is now the place to be seen. Up came the tarseal and in went 100-year old olive trees, chandeliers and sumptuous seating. There are candles and fresh flowers everywhere and her pink covered seat is always ready and waiting her arrival.
The Lobster
Sitting in pride of place at the entrance to Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster serves fabulous seafood accompanied by sunset views. Make sure you book because this place is popular, don your paper bib and dig into those big orange claws. Try the raw bar, chowders, and even New Zealand salmon. Meatatarians need not panic, a steak with green peppercorn sauce and a side of truffle fries has your name on it.
Cavatina
One of the coolest hotels in West Hollywood is the Sunset Marquis. Its restaurant, Cavatina, sits above a small creek shrouded in leafy trees in the heart of the complex frequented by stars. The night I went Matthew McConaughey was in residence - I know this because I had to wait while his wife had her nails done earlier at the spa. Make sure you start with the caramel bacon popcorn - wine matched of course.
Pono Burger
When in the US I love to eat like a local. A burger and a beer is sometimes just the ticket and at Pono in Santa Monica, they make a burger to remember. If the grass-fed beef burger with caramelised drunken fig jam, rocket, brie, bacon and crushed hazelnuts doesn't do it for you, build your own. They also have a nice selection of craft beers to round off the night.
