West L.A.

Take one part Westwood, one part Brentwood; add Century City, Beverly Glen, and a little Bel Air, plus Palms, Mar Vista, and a few others; and you’ve got a hearty helping of local Los Angeles with its very own blend of style, culture, ethnicities, and spices.

EXPLORE ANOTHER NEIGHBORHOOD:

Studio Alexandria LA

11740 San Vicente Blvd 310-492-5070

Oh, sugar, sugar. Your all-natural, antibacterial, skin-conditioning, hair-removing paste is always so fine when applied by the experts at this clean, modern salon. Aw, honey, honey, it actually doesn’t hurt a bit.

Photo: Stefanie Keenan / Courtesy of Studio Alexandria LA

Tavern

11648 San Vicente Blvd 310-806-6464

Third time’s a charm for Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne of Lucques and AOC renown. Well-heeled Westsiders stream in for a casual nosh at the bar or a dressier affair in the dining room. Homebodies get short ribs, charcuterie, and homemade bread from the marketplace to go.

Photo: Aaron Cook / Courtesy of Tavern

The Curious Palate

12034 Venice Blvd 310-437-0144

Artisanal cheeses, decadent sandos, and a case full of retro sodas make this low-key gourmet cafe and pantry a swell discovery.

Photo: Courtesy The Curious Palate

Take a Bao

10250 Santa Monica Blvd 310-551-1100

A bun-dle of joy awaits at a slick modern counter in the middle of the room. The fast, casual Asian spot serves fresh salads; rice and noodle bowls; and sake, beer, and wine.

Photo: Vanessa Stump / Courtesy of Take a Bao