VIBE

Mega Hollywood power spot masquerading as a cutesy English cottage, complete with shabby chic chintz-heavy décor, white picket fence, and rose trellises. Don’t be fooled though–for all its country kitsch demeanor, this is the number one spot in town for the glammest of the celeb set to see and be seen. If you don’t believe us, ask the phalanx of paparazzi camped outside.

CROWD

Celebs galore, plus the requisite packs of hangers-on, curious tourists, and wannabes.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

People come to The Ivy for the scene, not the food–so make sure you’re dressed to impress without losing coolness points by trying too hard. We’d go with a very trendy-label skirt or pair of jeans, a hip top, and cool flats or sandals.

GO HERE WITH

The girls for an afternoon of star-spotting and mingling with the “in” crowd.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Being in the thick of the Hollywood scene–nowhere beats The Ivy for sightings of celebs in their natural habitat.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The cuisine is uninspiring and made even more so by the LA prices.

GOOD TO KNOW

If possible, try to nab a seat on the terrace–it’s where the starlets du jour hold court. Located right in the “fun” section of Robertson, combine a stop here with a shopping trip.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Santa Monica (Los Angeles)

Read more about The Ivy in The Diary

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles