Westwood is the neighborhood at the center of L.A.’s Westside, bordered by the “Platinum Triangle” of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills, and Bel Air, as well as Century City, Brentwood, and Santa Monica. Home to the UCLA campus and the high-end residential offerings of the Wilshire Corridor, Westwood has a little something for everyone, including some of the city’s most acclaimed shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment. Here’s The Agency’s guide to the best places for all of the above in Westwood.
DINE HERE → The sleek and stylish STK at the W Hotel is a modern spin on the classic steakhouse. Speaking of spinning, a DJ mixes as guests dine on a selection of steaks, entrées, market salads and sides, and the rounded banquettes on the upper level are ideal for people watching. A date-night favorite, fundamental LA dishes up creative, California-inspired cuisine from seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients in a lively, inviting and contemporary atmosphere. For a casual, certainly flavorful, night out, stop by Tacus Tu Madre for inventive tacos, burritos, and bowls served in the mural-decorated café or through the walk-up window.
SIP HERE → Dapper and dignified, much like its name, The Wellesbourne serves up signature cocktails and familiar classics, while the wooded interior, smooth leather booths, crackling fire, and live music help set the scene. The sophisticated, yet casual Westwood hotspot Palomino Restaurant and Bar boasts a rustic, European vibe and has one of the best happy hours in the city—and not just because it lasts all day. On the menu of hand-crafted cocktails: Lavender Cosmo, Elderflower Lemon Drop and the Palomino Old Fashioned with Bulleit Rye, Falernum, Solerno and Cherry Bitters.
FEED YOUR SWEET TOOTH HERE → People don’t come from miles around for a $2 ice cream cookie sandwich if it isn’t truly to die for. Diddy Riese Cookies is famous for its custom-made desserts. Select two warm, fresh-baked cookies (flavors include chocolate chip, white chocolate, and peanut butter) to pair with your choice of ice cream flavor. Trust us; it’s worth the trip.
SHOP HERE → In the heart of the community, Westwood Village is a vibrant, walkable urban center, bustling with shops and boutiques, from trendy newcomers to big-name retailers. Don’t miss the Westwood Village Farmers’ Market every Thursday, a true community-centric event, featuring California-grown produce, an array of food vendors, live entertainment, and local arts and craft vendors.
GET YOUR CULTURE FIX HERE → The Hammer Museum at UCLA is an art and cultural center known for its artist-focused programs, progressive array of exhibitions, and permanent collections of historical and edgy contemporary works. After exploring the latest exhibit, head over to the Geffen Playhouse, an integral part of the L.A. theatre scene for more than twenty years. It produces fresh, original works by both upcoming newcomers and celebrated playwrights, often hosting award-winning actors, such as Annette Bening, Ed Harris, and Beau Bridges.
LIVE HERE → Situated among the residential towers that line the Wilshire Corridor, The Liddel is an offering quite unlike its Westwood neighbors. Modern and unassuming on the outside, the inside is much more adventurous in style and design, featuring a collection of 56 residences, highly curated amenities, and interior architecture by the renowned Jamie Bush. Designed to embody a casual, California model of living, one to three-bedroom residences feature distinct, contemporary style and private outdoor living spaces, including rooftop terraces atop the spacious, three-bedroom penthouses. Among the residential amenities offered are a club lounge with adjacent terrace, wine room with ebonized oak walls and aubergine tiles, private dining room, catering kitchen, garden lounge, fitness studio, and a stunning rooftop terrace with fireplace. Take a virtual tour of The Liddel here →.