BLD New. It stands for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Neal Fraser, owner of innovative and ever-hip Grace and Iron Chef champion turns to innovative comfort food. All meals daily. (All major cards) 7450 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.930.9744 $$ Map H13

The Blvd Regent Beverly Wilshire combines contemporary design, chandelier elegance and a sumptuous menu. All meals daily. (All major cards) 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.275.5200 $$$ Map J11

Citizen Smith Cool new bistro is chic addition to Hollywood scene. DJ most nights. Lunch weekdays; dinner Thurs.–Tues. Open late. (All major cards) 1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 323.461.5001 $$$ Map H14

Cheesecake Factory Huge portions, and cheesecake. Lunch, dinner daily; Sun. brunch. (All major cards) 2 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.584.6000. 364 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.278.7270. 11647 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.826.7111. 4142 Via Marina, Marina del Rey, 310.306.3344. 605 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, 310.376.0466. 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.906.0700 $ Map Q19, J11, J9, N9, M13, G9

The Dining Room Delicacy, intensity from amazing chef Craig Strong. Sautéed turbot with gulf prawns, fennel, asparagus and shellfish lemon verbena sauce; “Spanish Virgin” yogurt sponge cake with crèma Catalana foam, marinated blackberries, extra virgin olive oil ice cream. Dinner Tues.–Sat. (All major cards) Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.568.3900 $$$$ Map R21

Eat. on Sunset Joachim Splichal’s (Patina) sleek new bistro serves modern American fare (Surf & Turf with monkfish and braised short rib; young hen confit with risotto) and small plates in adjacent lounge. Lunch weekdays; dinner Mon.–Sat. (All major cards) 1448 N. Gower St., Hollywood, 323.461.8800 $$ Map H14

Dominick’s Rat Pack hang returns to its roots: red leather booths, dark wood accents. “Sunday Supper” menu is family-style and wallet-friendly. Stellar patio. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.652.2335 $$ Map I12

Encounter Paul Williams-designed landmark at LAX offers sweeping views of airport, respite from the bustle. Interior of spider-like structure was updated by Disney Imagineering. Lunch, dinner nightly. (All major cards) Los Angeles Int'l Airport, 209 World Way, L.A., 310.215.5151 $$ Map O11

Engine Co. No. 28 Comfort fare (macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie, steaks, a killer meatloaf) served in 1912 fire station with pressed-tin ceiling and original fire poles. Lunch weekdays; dinner nightly. (All major cards) 644 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.624.6996 $$ Map H16

Ford’s Filling Station New. Gastropub from chef Benjamin Ford offers American regional cuisine, artisanal beers and wine-by-the-glass. Lunch Mon.–Fri.; dinner Mon.–Sat. (All major cards) 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.202.1470 $$$ Map M11

Friars of Beverly Hills Famed private club opens to public for select meals. Reservations required. Lunch and dinner weekdays. (AE, MC, V) 9900 Little Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.553.0850 $$ Map J11

The Galley Historic restaurant (1934) with nautical theme; great steaks, seafood specialties. Patio dining. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 2442 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.452.1934 $$ Map M8

Grace Hot spot with hip design and creative New American menu by chef Neal Fraser—who recently became the first L.A. chef to win the Iron Chef America competition. Dinner Tues.-Sun. (All major cards) 7360 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.934.4400 $$$ Map I13

Grand Lux Cafe Cheesecake Factory spinoff is luxurious; payoff is grand portions of “global cuisine.” Lunch, dinner daily; brunch Sat.-Sun. (All major cards) Beverly Center, 121 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. 310.855.1122 $$ Map I12

Hatfield’s New. San Francisco duo relocates. Charred Japanese octopus appetizer with roasted fennel, red wine olive purée, saffron vanilla–braised heart of palm and candied orange rind; pan-roasted hanger steak and fresh horseradish dusted short ribs, spring onion confit and smoked potato purée. Dinner Mon.–Sat. (AE, MC, V) 7458 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.935.2977 $$$ Map H13

Hollywood and Vine Classic American fare in the heart of Hollywood, great pre-theater option. Lunch Tues.–Fri.; dinner Tues.–Sat. (All major cards) 6263 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.2345 $$ Map H14

The Ivy Entertainment industry hangouts. Robertson location is paparazzi central; patio seating best. Lunch, dinner daily; Sun. brunch. (All major cards) 113 N. Robertson Blvd., L.A., 310.274.8303. Ivy at the Shore, 1535 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.393.3113 $$$ Map I11, L8

Jack & Jill’s Creative Southern comfort. Breakfast (all day), lunch daily. (All major cards) 342 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.247.4500; 510 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.656.1501 $ Map J11, L9

Jar Excellent nouvelle American comfort food. Dinner nightly; Sun. brunch. (All major cards) 8225 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.655.6566 $$ Map I12

Josie Chef Josie LeBalch’s cozy, elegant, excellent spot. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 2424 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.581.9888 $$$ Map L9

Knoll Cozy ambience, farmers-market–fresh offerings. All meals daily. (All major cards) Le Parc Suite Hotel, 733 W. Knoll Drive, West Hollywood, 310.855.8888 $$ Map I12

Liberty Grill New. American classics including meatloaf and barbecued baby back ribs plus chicken-fried chicken steak. All meals Mon.–Fri. (All major cards) 1037 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.746.3400 $$ Map I15

Luna Park Fun bistro fare, interactive items (Make-Your-Own-S’mores), innovative cocktails. Lunch weekdays; dinner nightly; brunch weekends. (All major cards) 672 S. La Brea Ave., L.A. 323.934.2110 $ Map J13

Magnolia Stylish, unpretentious new neighborhood bistro with good food and good vibe. Open late. Lunch, dinner daily. Sun. brunch. (All major cards) 62661/2 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.0660 $$ Map H13

The Melting Pot Do fondue! Cheese fondues; steak, chicken and shrimp with herb-infused wine; fresh fruit with warm chocolate fondue. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.792.1941 $$ Map Q19

Memphis Southern comfort food (Louisiana catfish; fried free-range chicken; seafood gumbo) in 1903 Victorian cottage—in the heart of Hollywood. Dinner nightly; Sun. brunch. (AE, DC, MC, V) 6451 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.465.8600 $$ Map H13

Morton’s Close that big Hollywood deal! “Quintessential California” cuisine. Lunch weekdays; dinner Mon.-Sat. (All major cards) 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310.276.5205 $$$ Map I11

Musso & Frank Grill Hollywood’s oldest (1919). Flannel cakes, lobster thermidor; the martini. Lunch, dinner Tues.-Sat. (All major cards) 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7788 $$ Map H13

O-Bar Fantastic renditions of comfort dishes amid dazzling décor. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 8279 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.822.3300 $$ Map I12

Philippe the Original Purported birthplace of French dip sandwich. L.A. institution (1908) also offers pickled eggs. 9-cent coffee. All meals daily. (Cash only) 1001 N. Alameda St., downtown, 213.628.3781 $ Map G17

Republic New. Stunning décor at restaurant and lounge includes nature elements—seashells, antlers, water and fire—and floor-to-ceiling wine tower. Southern–inspired fare. Don’t skip the truffled grits. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 650 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.360.7070 $$$ Map I12

Saddle Peak Lodge Haute game in chic former hunt lodge; moose heads, nudes, fireplaces, idyllic terraces. Dinner Wed.–Sun.; Sun. brunch. (AE, V, MC, DS) 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, 818.222.3888 $$$ Map northwest of A1

Simon LA New. Iron Chef winner Kerry Simon, known for Simon Kitchen + Bar in Las Vegas, opens at redesigned Sofitel. Tandoori wild Pacific salmon with black bean salad and mango; lamb porterhouse with succotash; Junk Food Sampler including Twinkies, flavored Rice Krispy treats and Hostess-style cupcakes. All meals daily. (AE, MC, V) Sofitel Los Angeles, 8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.556.2608 $$$ Map I12

Taste American cuisine (curried chicken salad sandwich; Japanese pumpkin and sweet potato ravioli) in bungalow adjacent to upscale Melrose Place shopping. Lunch Tues.–Sat, dinner nightly; brunch weekends. (All major cards) 8454 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.852.6888 $ Map I12

Tower Casual-chic dining at Loews Beverly Hills. Lounge with billiards and TV. All meals daily. (All major cards) 1224 S. Beverwil Drive, L.A., 310.772.2999 $$ Map J11

Whisper Lounge Classic supper club fare at The Grove; fun cocktails, speak-easy-inspired décor. Lunch, dinner daily. (AE, DS, MC, V) 189 The Grove Drive, L.A. 323.931.0202 $$ Map I13

Whist Chef Warren Schwartz offers creative American fare at British-themed boutique hotel. All meals daily. (All major cards) Viceroy, 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.260.7511 $$$ Map M8

Wilshire Ultra-stylish spot offers excellent creative and often-organic fare. McGrath beet salad with honey blossom vinaigrette; Serrano ham-wrapped halibut; artichoke mashed potatoes. Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner nightly. (All major cards) 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.586.1707 $$$ Map L8

Zeke’s Smokehouse Kansas City, North Carolina and Memphis-style ribs; meatloaf; Kick Ass Chili. Lunch, dinner daily. (All major cards) 7100 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.850.ZEKE $ Map I13