In a metropolis known for its traffic, the pedestrian-friendly area of Larchmont Village is a welcome contrast for when you want to take it slow. “The Larchmont neighborhood of Los Angeles is centered around Larchmont Boulevard between Melrose Avenue and First Street,” explains Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills. “This stretch of Larchmont is also referred to by the locals as Larchmont Village. The charm of Larchmont is to experience the variety of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, and local boutiques.”
Nestled between Windsor Square and Hancock Park, the village spans just a few blocks. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon of dining and shopping. “This neighborhood street is fun to explore, especially on foot,” says Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood. “With local bagel shops, incredible pizza, a variety of international cuisine, even yoga and spin studios, Larchmont offers a bit of everything.”
1. Kicks Sole Provider
“There are plenty of clothing stores, from local fashion curators to more specialty selections. A personal favorite of mine is Kicks Sole Provider. This boutique offers an array of sneakers for men, women and kids. They have various brands, but the one thing in common is the level of cool. From sequined Toms to leather Converse All Stars to highly sought-after Nikes, Kicks specializes in limited edition shoes and accessories.” (141 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 323-468- 9794; kickssoleprovider.com) —Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood
2. Larchmmont Village Farmers Market
“Every Sunday, make sure to visit one of LA’s best farmers markets, where you can find … fresh flowers, organic fruits and vegetables, breads and cheeses, and the real reason locals visit [the] Larchmont [Village] Farmers Market—the rotisserie chicken food truck, also known as ‘the chicken man.’ ” (209 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 818- 591-8161; ccfm.com) —Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills
3. Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese
“The one store I have frequented more often than any other is Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese. Yes, as the name suggests, they do have an incredible selection of wine and cheese. … But it is the sandwiches, made to order, that are worth every bit of your wait in the line that forms during lunch hour.” (223 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 323-856-8699; larchmontvillagewine.com) —Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood
4. Purely Pilates LA
“Purely Pilates LA offers private Pilates instruction in a clean, professional studio.” Located upstairs, the studio has specialty equipment and plenty of space for classes. (403 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 323-463-3282; purelypilatesla.com) —Joyce Louie, chef concierge at Montage Beverly Hills
5. Erin McKenna’s Bakery
“I would … suggest [Erin McKenna’s Bakery], formerly known as BabyCakes, for delicious cupcakes.” Also, all options in the bakery case are gluten-free and vegan. (236 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 855-462-2292; erinmckennasbakery.com) —Kristina Martindale, chef concierge at Four Seasons Los Angeles Hotel at Beverly Hills
6. Prado
“If you’re looking for great Cajun/creole food you can’t do better than Prado. Try the Jamaican tamales—fresh, sweet corn-off-the-cob tamales prepared and served with sour cream, homemade tomatillo sauce and golden caviar; or my personal favorite, pollo negro, [which is] grilled breast of chicken topped in a spicy black pepper sauce with fresh herbs and pineapple.” (244 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 323-467-3871; pradola.com) —James Little, chef concierge at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
7. Larchmont Sanctuary Spa
“[Larchmont Sanctuary Spa] offers an illuminating body detox treatment. … [It’s] one of the best day spas in Larchmont.” (331 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 323-466-1628; larchmontsanctuary.com) —Joyce Louie, chef concierge at Montage Beverly Hills
8. Café Gratitude
“I would definitely recommend Café Gratitude, the vegan restaurant with very innovative entrees, which has a big celebrity clientele.” A seasonal menu offers a large selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (639 N. Larchmont Blvd.; 323-580-6383; cafegratitude.com) —Kristina Martindale, chef concierge at Four Seasons Los Angeles Hotel at Beverly Hills
9. The Larchmont
“The Larchmont [is] easily the most refined lunch experience in the Larchmont neighborhood. Whenever I go, I can’t decide between heavenly grilled cheese and tomato bisque, with aged Gruyere and cheddar, crisp Parmigiano[-Reggiano] and oven-roasted tomatoes, or the Larchmont Cobb salad [with] applewood smoked bacon, avocado, a soft-boiled egg, roast chicken, Fourme d’Ambert and pommery mustard vinaigrette.” (5750 Melrose Ave.; 323-464-4277; thelarchmont.com) —James Little, chef concierge at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
10. Pour Vous
“[Go to] Pour Vous for a very Parisian drinking experience.” At the north end of Larchmont Village, this cocktail lounge is open Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 8 p.m. The strict dress code calls for cocktail attire only, which reflects the elegant signature drinks offered at the chic late-night spot. (5574 Melrose Ave.; 323-871-8699; pourvousla.com) —Michelle Gilley, chef concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
—By Allison Hata
