Otium

Otium is the stunning cube of wood and steel right by the Broad on Brand Avenue, aka LA’s very own museum row. At the helm of this giant art piece (filled with natural light, Damien Hirst paintings and an olive grove) is chef Tim Hollingsworth, who used to be the chef de cuisine at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. Inspired by his time in rural California, he fires plates with an elegant rusticity. The menu changes constantly, but we’re glad that our favorite dish seems to always be making a comeback: spinach bucatini in a savory bacon and clam cream sauce, topped with a poached egg like a carbonara. Yes, prices are on the pricier side but hey, it should come as no surprise. Let Andrew Pettingell, their stellar wine director, guide you to unknown territories with bottles that he’s discovered on one of his trips abroad. Come to Otium for a business lunch, dinner with the in-laws, or an early meal before going to see Dudamel at the Walt Disney Hall. Or simply for a glass of wine to unwind after waiting in line to see Yayoi Kusama’s infinity mirrors room.

Style: Fine dining

Address: 222 S Hope, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Downtown)

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:30AM-10PM, Saturday-Sunday 11AM-10PM

What? otiumla.com