1. The Broad
The Broad is a delightful free-admission contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles, named in honor of prominent area philanthropist Eli Broad. The museum, which was opened to the public in 2015, is located adjacent to the city's Walt Disney Concert Hall in an iconic honeycomb-like building designed by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro. More than 2,000 works of contemporary art (video) are showcased throughout the museum, representing the works of more than 200 prominent artists, including luminaries such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons. After perusing exhibits, guests can dine at the museum's plaza restaurant Otium, which is helmed by executive chef Timothy Hollingsworth.
221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: 213-232-6200
2. Edward Cella Art and Architecture
Edward Cella Art and Architecture is a lovely art gallery showcasing the works of emerging and mid-career contemporary artists, along with works by established architects. The gallery, which was originally opened on Wilshire Boulevard, moved to its present Culver City location in 2015, which was designed by architects Group Effort. The new modern space hosts a wide variety of interesting exhibits throughout the year, including works by artists such as Jill Moser, Chris Trueman, Aili Schmeltz, and Sara Carter. The gallery (video) is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays during the afternoon hours or by appointment.
Address: Edward Cella Art and Architecture, 2754 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034, Phone: 323-525-0053
Unique Restaurants
3. Spice Affair
Spice Affair is a hip dining spot and lounge in Beverly Hills, originally opened in 2015 by executive chefs Nimish Bhatia and Anupam Bhatia. The opulent restaurant has been acclaimed as one of Los Angeles' best new spots by OpenTable and TripAdvisor, attracting celebrities such as Britney Spears and Stevie Wonder on a regular basis. Classic Indian fare gets a modern upgrade in dishes such as chicken kohlapuri, lamb shank vindaloo, Bombay tarkari tawa pulao, and amchure chole. Excellent appetizers such as duck dosa tacos are complemented by high-quality Indian-style rose and pistachio ice creams and unique drinks such as tandoor-smoked pineapple quenchers. Diners should note that reservations are strongly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.
Address: Spice Affair, 50 N La Cienega Blvd #120, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, Phone: 310-400-6800
4. Emporium Thai
Emporium Thai is one of the United States' best Thai dining destinations numerous times since its opening in 2000 by executive chef Gina Sungkamee. The family-operated restaurant has received major acclaim, recognized for its high-quality authentic Southern Thai fare. Excellent takes on traditional favorites such as Massaman curry, Thai basil chicken, phuket lamb and duck, and turmeric sea bass are complemented by health-conscious takes on favorites such as pad Thai and pad see ew. Guests can choose their spice level on all dishes, ranging from mild level one entrees to extreme level 10 "Lava" settings.
Address: Emporium Thai, 1275 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, Phone: 310-478-2838
5. Baltaire
Baltaire was originally opened in 2015 by executive chef Travis Strickland, known as one of Los Angeles' best spots for dining under the stars. The beautiful restaurant operates a stunning outdoor terrace seating area separated from its main airy dining room by elegant floor-to-ceiling glass doors, creating some of the most stunning dining ambiance in the city. Classy midcentury-style land and sea dishes include Dover sole, milk-fed veal chops, half roasted Jidori chickens, and prime cut steaks and filets prepared to diners' specifications. Full raw bar platters are available for two to four diners, along with prime label caviar selections and excellent lobster and shrimp cocktail plates. An extensive wine list complements a list of fine craft cocktails with clever ingredients.
Address: Baltaire, 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049, Phone: 424-273-1660
6. Air Hollywood
Air Hollywood is the largest aviation-themed film studio in the world, originally opened as a service to the motion picture and television industries of Hollywood in 1998. The unique attraction offers weekly retro events for aviation enthusiasts and fine dining connoisseurs, known as the Pan Am Experience, which was inaugurated in 2014 and designed by Talaat Captan and Anthony Toth. All guests are transported back to the heyday of luxurious 1970-era Pan Am flights, with historic aviation memorabilia lining the attraction's dining area. Guests can dine on an historic 747 jetliner and enjoy a unique five-course meal of Continental fare, including meats carved directly at diners' tables. Classic films play on televisions near flight seats, recreating an in-flight experience.
Address: 13240 Weidner St, Pacoima, CA 91331, Phone: 818-890-0444
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