Eat:

Four Seasons Hotel - Yeah, you can find one in any town of significance, but it's a bit of a Sunday institution for brunch here.
300 South Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. +1-310-273-2222

The Ivy - LA's all about lunch. Guess that's what happens in a world where you're not dealing with hangovers! But beware- although the lunch menu is fab, this is when the stars come out, so plan on rubbing shoulders with the twiglet crew!
113 North Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills. +1-310-274-8303

Ortolan - You have to see this interior. Chandeliers, caves, velvet curtains, high back chairs, low lighting and a gorgeous garden. This is a serious must.
8338 3rd Street, West Hollywood. +1-323-653-3300

Mr Chows - Old faithful. Can't go wrong.
344 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. +1-310-278-9911

Geisha House - Ashton Kutcher's upscale Japanese hangout - very Tokyo, mad neon exterior, great food. The see and be seen place for under 30s, think the Lohan, Dunst, brigade.
6633 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. +1-323-460-6300

Bella - From the Geisha House owners. This great Italian is the place du jour.
1708 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. +1-323-468-8815

Musha - Our local claims they have the best Japanese in LA. Not a great selection for sushi, but divine traditional dishes, in a laid back atmosphere.
424 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica. +1-310-576-6330

Fat Fish - Recent hot haunt serving Euro/Asian dishes.
616 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood. +1-310-659-3882

French Laundry - If you're up for a bit of a drive (you're in LA for chrissakes), and you are booking ahead (book now for next year, it's SoCal's El Bulli), try it out.
6640 Washington Street, Yountville

Culture:

Don't miss the museum powerhouse triumvirate: LACMA, MOCA and the Getty Center:

LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Downtown

MOCA, 250 South Grand Avenue, Downtown

Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Santa Monica Mountains

Disney Concert Hall - Gehry-designed; think a grander version of the Bilbao Guggenheim, replacing the shabby art with a world- class philharmonic orchestra.
111 South Grand Avenue, Downtown. +1-323-850-2000

Shopping

Marc Jacobs - it's new, looks great, has complete MJ collections, mens and womens accessories, cosmetics and books.
8409 Melrose Place, West Hollywood. +1-323-866-8255

Tracey Ross - Local fashion icon and former rocker chick draw in local fashionistas and slebs alike. Bespoke shoe line, book appointment for personal service.
8595 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. +1-310-854-1996

The Paper Bag Princess - Pick up a few items of vintage couture and other stuff pawned off by A-listers.
8700 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. +1-310-358-1985

Fred Segal - You know this already, but it's the mini-mall/department store of choice in town. Think Barney's New York or Selfridges. But LA-style.
8100 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood

Santee Alley market - An Aladdin's cave of cheap delectables - fabulous fakes and the best place for great fashion jewellery. But watch out for the odd pickpocket; it's safe, but it's not Rodeo Dr.
Between Olympic Blvd and 11th St, Downtown
Daily between 10am-6pm

Sleep

Raffles l'Ermitage - Our source says, 'Heaven, the best place I've stayed in LA.' This hotel is opulent, spacious and impeccable in all respects, with a first class service that you won't find anywhere else in town.
9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. +1-310-278-3344

The Viceroy - Hipster oasis, with great people watching.
1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
+1-310-260-7500

Hollywood Standard - good location, with the 'ladies of the night' lining Sunset adding to the retro vibe.
8300 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood. +1-323-650-9090

Downtown LA Standard - the cool downtown sibling to the Hollywood Standard, with a sizzling rooftop bar.
550 South Flower St, Downtown. +1-213-892-8080