Even after all these years, Wolfgang Puck's home base is still an amazing experience. Sure, the culinary star is everywhere but the kitchen—writing books, appearing on television, opening outposts—but the quality of the food never seems to suffer. Following in the California-cuisine footsteps of his boss, chef Lee Hefter serves simple dishes transformed, like lobster with a sprightly, fresh asparagus purée, as well as Puck classics such as the always-fabulous salmon-and-crème fraîche pizza. Ask to sit on the festive patio, filled with glamorous diners and twinkling strands of lights.

Angelenos love a buzzy restaurant almost as much as they love being celebrity sightings. Craft, star chef Tom Colicchio's 300-seat restaurant on the first floor of power agency CAA, delivers on both counts. The seasonal fare (bar and dining room menus change twice daily) offers an almost overwhelming selection that covers just about every conceivable category of foodstuff, including an entire section devoted to mushrooms (roasted Trompette Royale champignons, anyone?). Food is served family-style and servers do everything in their power to please. Sure, locals love to feel like they're getting a taste of New York sophistication, and that's certainly part of the draw at this chic Manhattan import, but the walk-in-only Craft Bar on the terrace, decked with canvas cabanas, fire pits, and agents trying to impress their clients, is pure Hollywood.—Audrey Davidow

Open Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30pm to 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm to 11pm, Sundays 5pm to 9pm.

Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland is mandatory if you have children (and even if you haven't, don't you want to experience it once, just to get that big dose of Americana?). These days there are even some hotels with character and an increasing number of good spots for food.

With their delicate crusts and intriguing toppings—think Alfredo sauce, goat cheese, and portabella mushrooms—the pizzas at Abbot's are some of the best in the West. This bite-sized storefront's location—on the main drag in bohemian Venice—is an added bonus. Inside, rock music blasts from speakers, and convertibles, bicycles, and "Peace and Love" are advertised on a bulletin board. You can sit among the tattooed and pierced customers at a stainless-steel counter, but takeout is the big thing here. And why not, when Venice Beach beckons?