DineLA’s Winter Restaurant Week has officially arrived for its 12-day run. Beginning January 20 to 31, top establishments from across the city will be offering specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus as a way for us to explore different dishes while supporting the community. Considering how far-flung and diverse the dining options are, we decided to come up with a shortlist of our own, inspired by members of our team who love to dine out. Take our word for it—your culinary experience starts right now.
And for all you social media hounds, be sure to Instagram a photo of your meal and tag it with #dineLA for a chance to win a one-night stay at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills (see official rules here).
1. The Pikey Cafe & Bar, Hollywood
When the evening calls for a meal outside his “bird streets” home in the Sunset Strip, agent Jeff Kohl gravitates to a certain Hollywood joint.
“The Pikey is a local hangout with great food and one of my favorite places to order a drink— I love a “Dandy” or two! I also enjoy the Vinegar Chicken and the Short Ribs, but the pastas are really delicious as well.”
2. Lucques, West Hollywood
Paul Lester’s culinary credentials include 14 years of the New York dining scene before relocating to sunny Los Angeles, so you know that his recommendations have to be good.
“From the simplicity of Lucque’s ‘olives and almonds’ to the ultimate crowd pleaser (and mine too!), the incredible braised beef short ribs with sautéed greens, roasted cippolinis and horseradish cream, Lucque’s is by far my favorite restaurant to celebrate what life is all about – the passion and commitment to excellence in any form, be it food, art, or lifestyle.”
3. Abigaile, Hermosa Beach
We don’t feel sorry for Brian Cooley, a member of The Agency’s Marketing Team, who works just steps from the kitchen and brewery at Abigaile, the only true beach-based restaurant in the South Bay that brews on-premise.
“As the official ‘big sister’ to Little Sister—the recent spotlight in Jonathan Gold’s Counter Intelligence Column in the Los Angeles Times—Abigaile gets it right every time, whether it’s your first or 100th visit. I like to bring large groups and have everyone order something different so that we can taste the full spectrum of Chef Tin’s ever-changing menu. My must-haves include the PIG Poptarts, Fried Slab Bacon, Salt n Pepper Prawns, and Chilled Somen Noodles.”
4. Hal’s Bar & Grill, Venice
Agent Ramey Ward works from our beautiful Venice office and insists that if you’ve never been to Hal’s, you haven’t been to Venice.
“Since the day it first opened 25 years ago, Hal’s is still serving the best hamburger in town. The bar here is world famous and at the same time utterly local. The art on the walls, the colored concrete tables, the cozy booths…all witness to decades of creative conversations.”
5. La Dolce Vita, Beverly Hills
After reopening late last year with a new look and a new chef, Matthew Underwood, La Dolce Vita hosted a special lunch for 20 of The Agency’s finest, including Lynn Teschner, who had a few words to say about the environment.
“My dining experience at La Dolce Vita during the holidays was such a pleasure. It’s a charming small restaurant with an intimate bar just perfect for cocktails before dinner or lingering in a romantic setting afterwards. The staff is very attentive and professional. I recommend this vintage establishment wholeheartedly!”
