Raquel's Tip

The live music is great, but they won't tell you who is playing till the day of, so keep that in mind. I'd skip the caviar special and go straight for the bread and pasta.

Raquel's Tip

Amazing food with a gorgeous patio. Try and ask in advance for a seat outside.

Raquel's Tip

This is my favorite restaurant in LA. They have a tasting menu that is not always advertised (if it is not publicly available, you can still ask for it, and they will make it for you). However, if you go for brunch, don't even bother with the menu because the pastries are the star of the show. It's also a 20-minute walk from LACMA, so you can make a full day, starting with brunch and ending with Picasso.

Raquel's Tip

When you order a cocktail get ready for a show! They'll bring a cart to your table and mix your drink right in front of you. In addition, during the summer they offer a special treat with their white truffle add on to their dishes that is 1000% worth it.

Raquel's Tip

So it is overpriced, but I think it is worth it (it is just that fricking good). The best thing is their Dungeness crab with garlic noodles (it's very pricey, but sooo good). They also have a dumpling/dim sum five-piece tasting that I highly recommend.

Raquel's Tip

The food is good, but you are coming here for the ambiance above all else. The patio is absolutely beautiful!

Raquel's Tip

Be sure to secure a reservation as soon as possible, as they tend to fill up quickly. Don't miss the whipped eggplant dip—it's a definite must-order. And for another standout, the spicy vodka pasta is my personal favorite.

Raquel's Tip

Get their Caesar salad - it's deconstructed and amazing. Also, don't miss their mozzarella tasting (they are known for their mozzarella bar) and order it with the garlic bread. And PLEASE do not miss the egg yolk ravioli - it's huge and incredible. Overall advice: Go for the pasta over the entrees.

Raquel's Tip

As far as jazz clubs go, this is the best food I have ever had at one (while that is not saying much, it is really good). It's a lot more elegant than a traditional jazz bar and fits well within its Bel-Air neighborhood with a lot of nostalgic charm. Performers are listed a month in advance, and if you can't get a reservation, sit at the bar where the show minimum is cheaper (usually only one drink). You can also eat at the bar.

Raquel's Tip

This location is better than the Chicago location (in my opinion). There is a lot of meat served so be sure to go with people who can try everything. It is in DTLA, and parking can be sketchy, so please do valet for your own sake. Oh, and don't miss the goat liver mousse (you'll thank me later).

Raquel's Tip

You cannot miss out on three things: their soup dumplings, cucumber salad, and garlic green beans. They may seem simple but they are actually a transformative experience. There are several DTF locations throughout SoCal, but this is my favorite because I can then go to century city mall after which is always a great time.

Raquel's Tip

This is one of the "it" spots in the city, so reservations can be tough, but once you get in, it is so worth it. Their spicy lamb pizza is out of this world as is their pulled lamb neck and bone marrow pasta. And don't be afraid to ask for the sommelier - they are super knowledgable here. I recommend ordering everything for the table. Also, if you're date is a little boring, sit by the bar where they make pizzas so you don't feel the pressure to talk the entire time (just watch the masters)!

Raquel's Tip

It's perfect place to enjoy some excellent wine and cheese while taking a shopping break at Rodeo. It reminds me of the local cheese shop from where I grew up, just more upscale (it is in Beverly Hills after all)!

Raquel's Tip

They are known for their pressed duck, in which the chefs use an antique duck press to extract every bit of the flavor and add it back to other parts of the meal. They want to be sure that none of the duck goes to waste, and their brilliant chefs have perfected this truly unique technique!

Raquel's Tip

Make sure to check out their tasting menu and pair it with their wine flight!

Raquel's Tip

Parking can be a nightmare if you do not arrive early, so I would recommend leaving well before the event starts and consider taking the bus which drops you off right in front of the entrance. Also, while not a great view, the nosebleed seats can be pretty cheap and make for a great picnic style night out with friends under the open air.

Raquel's Tip

Water is permitted, but food isn't allowed. Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance; waiting until the last minute isn't advisable as they tend to fill up fast. And don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen - LA is (unsurprisingly) very sunny and you will be outside for several hours!

Raquel's Tip

The Dreamscape VR exhibit is a must visit if you like fun interactive tech and is a great place to go after Din Tai Fung (my favorite). Also, the first hour of parking in the mall's structure is free, but after that it can get very expensive. Pro tip: if you end up staying for more than an hour but less than four, you can get your parking ticket validated at the Gelson's supermarket inside the mall (you just have to spend over 10 dollars).

Raquel's Tip

You get free parking if you get validated after you purchase food within the market. And don't miss out on the empanadas -- a bit pricey but very good with lots of interesting flavors.

Raquel's Tip

On Friday night they have free jazz concerts (May - October). If you want seating make sure to get there very early, otherwise bring picnic blankets or stand. It's also walkable to the LA tar pits if you want to hit two LA icons in one day.