DineLA’s Restaurant Week is back! The delectable event is actually two weeks, running July 14–27, and restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus that showcase their specialties, often for much less than you’d normally pay. West Hollywood is one of the most popular neighborhoods in LA when it comes to food, its colorful blocks packed with farm-to-table pop ups, international favorites, and fine gourmet restaurants operated by celebrity chefs. There’s plenty to explore, but here are five spots not far from The Agency that you won’t want to miss.
This elegant, New York-inspired Italian eatery has been a part of the Los Angeles food scene since 1948. The old booths, moody lighting and fantastic atmosphere – reminiscent of Hollywood’s Rat Pack days – can’t be beat, and the menu offers creative takes on traditional Italian dishes. The place fills up fast, so call ahead; if you’re lucky, you might even be able to nab a table in the garden patio.
Dinner: $45 Distance to The Agency: 1.1 miles
This is what West Hollywood is known for. Farm-fresh ingredients served up by a creative chef (in this case Chef Nicolas T. Peter) into unique and eye-opening dishes. Enjoy the Mediterranean-influenced cuisine while sitting in the lush courtyard, complete with fountain and pond. This will be a hot ticket, so make your reservations early!
Dinner: $35 Distance to The Agency: 1.7 miles
Enjoy small plates paired with premium wines, all in an environmentally conscious way. The brick walls, wine racks and low-lit interior give it an inviting European atmosphere; this is a great spot for a date, and not quite as pricey as A.O.C. and other wine bar options.
Dinner: $35 Distance to The Agency: 3.1 miles
This may be an LA chain now, but SUGARFISH still turns out some of the best – and most affordable – sushi in the city. Thankfully, there’s a SUGARFISH on either side of The Agency – one in WeHo and one in Beverly Hills – and you can partake in a sampling of its always-fresh sushi (based on legendary Chef Nozawa’s style of sushi) for either lunch or dinner.
Lunch: $25 Dinner: $35 Distance to The Agency: 0.5 miles
For a low-key but no less delicious option, try BLD Restaurant, specializing in creative takes of American favorites. The burger is very popular, as are the mouthwatering blueberry-ricotta pancakes. The have an outdoor space as well, so you can make the most of those cool summer nights. A lot of industry meetings go down here.
Dinner: $25 Distance to The Agency: 2.7 miles