Brentwood is relatively affluent and quite peaceful—some might even go so far as to call it boring. Still, San Vicente Boulevard beckons fans of moderate outdoor activity (plenty of joggers; safe bike path), and hosts the annual Kickin’ Cancer 5K Run. Plus, the rent is cheaper than in Santa Monica. The restaurants aren’t, though. The Italian joints here are some of LA’s most upscale (and priciest). Always carry cash for valet.

Landmarks

• Getty Center • 1200 Getty Center Dr
310-440-7300
Cool buildings (Meier), great garden (Irwin), fabulous views (G-d).

Restaurants

• A Votre Sante • 13018 San Vicente Blvd
310-451-1813 • $$
Vegetarian health food.

• Brentwood Restaurant & Lounge • 148 S Barrington Ave
310-476-3511 • $$$$
California-style comfort food.

• Chin Chin • 11740 San Vicente Blvd
310-826-2525 • $$
Chinese chain run by non-Chinese.

• Coral Tree Café • 11645 San Vicente Blvd
310-979-8733 • $$
Yummy lunch among the trophy wives and up-and-comers.

• Daily Grill • 11677 San Vicente Blvd
310-442-0044 • $$$
Home cooking.

• Gaucho Grill • 11754 San Vicente Blvd
310-447-7898 • $$
Argentine cuisine with lots of meat.

• Katsuya • 11777 San Vicente Blvd
310-207-8744 • $$$$$
The Philippe Starck decor is almost as cool as the food.

• La Scala Presto • 11740 San Vicente Blvd
310-826-6100 • $$$
Classic Italian.

• Le Pain Quotidien • 11702 S Barrington Ave
310-476-0969 • $$
Classy French sandwich shop.

• Pizzicotto • 11758 San Vicente Blvd
310-442-7188 • $$$
Pizza and pasta.

• Reddi Chick • 225 26th St
310-393-5238 • $
Chicken with a cult following.

• Toscana • 11633 San Vicente Blvd
310-820-2448 • $$$$
Tuscan with great pizzas.

• Vincenti • 11930 San Vicente Blvd
310-207-0127 • $$$$
Fine Italian food and wine with kitchen view.

Shopping

• Compartes Chocolatier • 912 S Barrington Ave
310-826-3380
Extremely high-end candy shop.

• Iliad Bookshop • 5400 Cahuenga Blvd
818-509-2665
One of LA’s best used bookstores. Zola, the one-eyed kitty, will greet you.

• PJ London • 11661 San Vicente Blvd
310-826-4649
Women’s fashions, mostly resale.

• Porta Bella • 11715 San Vicente Blvd
310-820-2550
Antique wood furniture, from armchairs to armoires.

• Ron Herman • 11677 San Vicente Blvd
310-207-0927
$335 for a bikini? Does it do tricks?

• Sugar Paper • 225 26th St
310-451-7870
For all your pretty paper and stationary needs

• SusieCakes • 11708 San Vicente Blvd
310-442-2253
Let us eat cake.

• Whole Foods Market • 11737 San Vicente Blvd
310-826-4433
Fresh produce and groceries in Brentwood’s hippie corner.