Lumière at the Fairmont Century Plaza

Beautifully decorated with an eclectic mix of French antiques, Century City’s Lumière is a French-Californian brasserie in the lobby of the Fairmont Century Plaza. Since opening in late September, it’s been readily embraced by the hotel’s clientele and the nearby Hollywood talent agent set. However, Lumière’s carefully executed bistro fare—including an excellent salad niçoise at lunch—and five-star service is worth a visit for anyone in search of a brief, luxurious respite from regular life. The restaurant’s charming, greenery-lined outdoor patio features an herb garden, stone fountain and repurposed spires from a French cathedral, while its indoor seating and bar areas (including an airy, sun-lit solarium) cater to a variety of moods.