Los Angeles: Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu
Café 50s 838 Lincoln Blvd, Venice tel 310/399-1955. No doubts about this place: Ritchie Valens on the jukebox and hot 'n' juicy burgers on the tables.Café Montana 1534 Montana Ave, Santa Monica tel 310/829-3990. Good breakfasts, excellent salads and grilled fish in this art gallery-cum-café on a new upmarket shopping strip.
Chaya 110 Navy St, Venice tel 310/396-1179. Coolly elegant culinary crossroads serving Japanese and Mediterranean foods to a smart clientele. Try the huge California roll platter for two.
Chinois on Main 2709 Main St, Santa Monica tel 310/392-9025. One of LA's most renowned restaurants, run by chef Wolfgang Puck, and serving nouveau Chinese dishes like fresh fish in garlic and ginger. Very expensive, with lunches from $25.
Inn of the Seventh Ray 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, just off Topanga Canyon tel 310/455-1311. The ultimate New Age restaurant, serving vegetarian and wholefood dishes in a relatively secluded environment. Excellent desserts, too.
Lighthouse Buffet 201 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica tel 310/451-2076. All-you-can-eat sushi; indulge to your heart's content for $10 at lunchtime or $20 in the evening.
Norm's 1601 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica tel 310/450-0074. The prototypical LA diner, with colorful 1950s architecture and ample $4 breakfasts.
Rae's Diner 2901 Pico Blvd tel 310/828-7937. Another classic retro diner popular with the late-night crowd. Check out the film True Romance for a better look.
Valentino 3115 Pico Blvd tel 310/829-4313. Some call it the finest Italian restaurant in the US - and definitely in LA. Expect to max out your credit card.
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