Stroll down an LA sidewalk and it’s impossible not to notice the number of restaurants that line any given street. From rows of tiny food trucks with queues around the block to Michelin-starred gourmet kitchens, the city has a variety of dishes to satisfy any palate. Adding to LA’s reputation as a foodie haven are the myriad eateries helmed by James Beard Award-winning chefs and nominees, as well as places that have been recognized by the foundation for their service, bar program or overall experience. Here, the concierges at some of LA’s top hotels recommend their favorite places to dive into prize-winning plates.
Osteria Mozza
“Osteria Mozza by James Beard Award-winner Nancy Silverton is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. You can often find Silverton herself working behind the counter at the Mozzarella Bar preparing dishes and overseeing the restaurant.” Silverton was part of the first class of James Beard Award winners when the foundation started giving awards in 1991. She was honored as Outstanding Pastry Chef for her work at the now-closed Campanile restaurant. And, most recently, she was named the 2014 Outstanding Chef for Osteria Mozza’s sister restaurant, Pizzeria Mozza. (6602 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; 323-297-0100; osteriamozza.com) —James Little, chef concierge at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Pizzeria Mozza
“I am a huge fan of the Mozza family, as in … Pizzeria Mozza. [It] is like Osteria’s casual sister, specializing in—you guessed it—pizza. Some of the best gourmet pizza in town, some of their best signature [dishes] include their Brussels sprouts pie, the prosciutto di Parma pizza, and their decadent white truffle pizzetta. Reservations are hard to come by, so plan in advance. Or, keep it casual and walk in to dine at their bar.” The eatery, which operates under Silverton’s command, is open every day from noon to midnight. (641 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; 323-297-0101; la.pizzeriamozza.com) —Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood
Manhattan Beach Post
Designed to reflect the characteristics of the beach city it calls home, Manhattan Beach Post (M.B. Post) boasts reclaimed wood furnishings, exposed rafters and communal tables to harbor a sense of comfort and community. On top of that, chef David LeFevre (a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the West in 2014) has crafted menu items meant to encourage sharing and trying new flavors, such as pomegranate couscous or the potato, leek and black truffle ravioli. “[It’s] great food in a fun lively atmosphere.” (1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach; 310-545-5405; eatmbpost.com) —Michelle Gilley, chef concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Spago Beverly Hills
Though he may be a household name, Wolfgang Puck’s culinary creativity is a treat when it’s witnessed in person. Diners in Beverly Hills can enjoy cuisine by Puck—the first recipient of the Chef of the Year designation in 1991 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012—at Spago Beverly Hills, which is the flagship restaurant of the brand. “Spago by Wolfgang Puck is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. The name itself is as iconic as Beverly Hills, and it’s a rare occurrence to not see … Puck in the restaurant greeting tables.” (176 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-385-0880; wolfgangpuck.com) —Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills
Alma
“Alma [is] a hot restaurant downtown—a lot of people don’t realize downtown has so many new restaurants.” After opening in 2013, Alma took the Los Angeles restaurant scene by storm with its innovative young chef Ari Taymor (a James Beard Award semifinalist for 2014’s Rising Star Chef of the Year). Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 6-9:30 p.m., Alma offers a 10-course, garden-inspired tasting menu, supplemented by beverage pairings. Reservations are recommended and can be made via email or phone. (952 S. Broadway St., Downtown; 213-244-1422; alma-la.com) —Kelvin Jarrett, chef concierge at Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
Providence
Boasting multiple James Beard Award nominations, Providence has served the highest quality American seafood to Angelenos for more than a decade. Helmed by chef Michael Cimarusti, the eatery uses only sustainable, wild-caught products on its seasonal menu. Patrons will also find a skilled and knowledgeable staff here; the restaurant was a semifinalist for the 2014 award for Outstanding Service. “I would definitely recommend Providence, as [it] provides an extremely unique, superb dining experience.” (5955 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; 323-460-4170; providencela.com) —Kristina Martindale, chef concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Lucques
“Another famed restaurant with the James Beard distinction is Lucques on Melrose. … In a modern, yet comfortable setting, award-winning chef Suzanne Goin delights the senses with seasonally inspired French-Mediterranean cuisine. Each dish is created with unusual, yet sensational ingredients. On Sunday evenings, they offer a Sunday Supper, a special preset menu at $45 per person. [The] signature dish is braised short ribs, and their desserts never disappoint.” (8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 323-655-6277; lucques.com) —Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood
The Bazaar by Jose Andrés
“The Bazaar by Jose Andrés (winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2011), in my opinion, is so much more than a restaurant. It’s a culinary experience that captivates you from start to finish. I often describe the restaurant to my guests as a ‘dining experience’ that takes your palate on an adventure full of endless surprises.” (465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-246-5555; sbe.com/thebazaar) —Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills
Trois Mec
“Trois Mec is one of my favorites. [It’s] a must for serious foodies. Chef Ludo Lefebvre (a semifinalist for the 2014 Best Chef: West award) is a culinary rebel. … The Trois Mec dining experience is an epicurean delight. Exciting flavor combinations [are] executed flawlessly without the pretense or bravado.” The restaurant was also a semifinalist for the award for Best New Restaurant in 2014. To dine here, patrons must purchase tickets, which are released online every other Friday morning at 8 a.m.; pricing varies based on the five-course menu for that evening. (716 Highland Ave., Hollywood; troismec.com) —Joyce Louie, chef concierge at Montage Beverly Hills
—Written by Bria Balliet
