The insider’s guide to eating out in Los Angeles

LA has no central restaurant quarter. Quality can vary and appearances can deceive - the ugliest mini-mall may hide a gem of Honduran home-cooking, while a glitzy exterior might hide little more than a costly mirage of sophistication. The First Post's top five restaurants have been chosen for atmosphere and good value as much as for good food. All have been nominated by people who live and work in the city.

£1 = $1.66 approx.

Blair's 2903 Rowena Ave, LA
Intimate, dark-hued restaurant in Silverlake. Serves 'new American' cuisine with a short menu of rich and satisfying dishes such as truffle macaroni and cheese, or tender braised short ribs in creamy parmesan polenta. Can be crowded.
Appetizers $9-15; main courses $18-26 dollars. contact: +1 323 660 1882

Lou 724 N Vine St, Hollywood
Next-door to a laundrette in a grim strip-mall, this cosy new wine bar serves 25 wines by the glass and dishes such as roasted beets and walnut salad and "planks" of gourmet cheese.
Appetizers $5-8 dollars, cheese plank $15. Mains $12 - 19
contact: +1 323 962 6369 louonvine.com

Il Sole 8741 Sunset Blvd, LA
Long-established low-key Italian, set among the boutiques at glitzy Sunset Plaza, known for its loyal - and often starry - clientele. Cameron Diaz, Al Pacino and Sean Penn have been spied in its dark recesses enjoying homely pasta dishes with Tuscan bread.
Mains $11-32. contact: +1 310 657 1182

Axe1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
Pronounced Ashay, this chi-chi eatery has a pared down, industrial vibe (concrete floors, bare walls) and pulls in a hip and artsy crowd. Tapas-style appetizers are followed by dishes such as porterhouse pork chop in apple sauce or grilled all pasture fed steak. Finish with homemade ice creams.
Mains: $24-30. contact: +1 310 664 9787 axerestaurant.com

Piccolo Venice 5 Dudley Ave, Venice
Tiny Italian bistro tucked down an alleyway just steps from the beach. Innovative dishes include Cortinese beetroot-stuffed pasta with poppy seeds, brown butter and parmigiano, potato and fig tortelli, and pappardelle with wild boar ragout. Packed by 7pm; no reservations.
Mains: $14-40. contact: +1 310 314 3222 piccolovenice.com