No matter how many times fans watch their favorite celebrity chefs doing demos on TV or experiment with recipes from their cookbooks, there’s nothing like experiencing the food in person. At a handful of Los Angeles hotels, guests can turn this dream into reality.
Wolfgang Puck at the Hotel Bel-Air
When it comes to celebrity chefs, Wolfgang Puck is arguably the most recognizable in the world. His eponymous restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air offers globally influenced, seasonal cuisine. Menu items include albacore crudo and sweet corn pasta to wiener schnitzel and Cantonese roasted duck. Though Puck travels often, he can be spotted working the room when he’s in town.
701 Stone Canyon Rd., Bel-Air, 310.472.1211
Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood
Gordon Ramsay is as much known for his R-rated reality show rants as his cooking, so it’s easy to forget that he’s also a great chef. Though the Brit has operations all over the world, he has been known to film episodes of “Hell’s Kitchen” at his namesake restaurant. The fine-dining menu spans beef Wellington to Spanish octopus.
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.7788
The Bazaar at the SLS Beverly Hills
José Andrés is a name synonymous with both small plates and molecular gastronomy. The Bazaar synthesizes both into one very unique experience. Part of the menu reflects traditional cuisine from Andres’ native Spain, and the other highlights oddball offerings like a sea urchin sandwich and a bagel and lox cone. There’s also a hidden dining room called SAAM, which is tasting-menu-only.
465 La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5551
Whist at the Viceroy Santa Monica
Followers of Bravo’s popular Top Chef series voted Chris Crary the “fan favorite” of season nine, which took place in Texas. Bolstered by his suave good looks—also earning him the nickname “Malibu Chris”—he’s brought a whole new crowd into this boutique hotel’s popular market-fresh restaurant. Crary serves as the chef de cuisine, and usually works five nights a week.
1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.260.7511
Scarpetta @ the Montage Beverly Hills
Chef and restaurateur Scott Conant may not be a household name, but among foodies, he’s considered one of the greats of modern Italian cuisine. His earliest successes were in New York, where he also opened his first Scarpetta. It’s a brand he’s since replicated in Las Vegas, Miami and here in the heart of Beverly Hills. Simple as it sounds, a must-try is his signature spaghetti.
225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310.860.7970