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John Terzian’s Los Angeles

Discover LA’s best-kept secrets and iconic hotspots from the insider who knows them all.
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John Terzian at the grand opening of Delilah. Photo by Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images

When it comes to navigating Los Angeles' vibrant social scene, few are more in the know than John Terzian. As co-founder of The h.wood Group, the hospitality visionary behind some of the city's most exclusive venues, Terzian has his finger on the pulse of LA’s hottest spots. From hidden speakeasies to iconic restaurants, his insider knowledge goes far beyond Hollywood glamour. In his Expert Edit, Terzian reveals his personal favorites—where to eat, drink, and experience the very best of Los Angeles, offering a curated look at the city’s ever-evolving landscape.

The cafe where they know my order: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf—regular coffee or 10 speed coffee, both black.

The bar where they know my order: Harriet's—my preferred cocktail is Sunny Vodka with a slice of orange.

My favorite (new) restaurant: The Georgian Room.

My favorite (old) restaurant: The Nice Guy. This year marks our 10 Year Anniversary for The Nice Guy and I still love it as much as I did when we opened, if not more. If I'm not at one of my places, I like Dan Tana's.

A fun night out in Los Angeles looks like: A USC football game to dinner at Delilah and then off to Keys, our newest club on Sunset Blvd.

When I want to feel cultured, I head to: LACMA. There is always a great new exhibit to check out.

When I want to feel inspired, I head to: There is a little cove off Zumirez Beach.

The perfect day in Los Angeles looks like: A day at the beach with my wife and kids.

When I want to break a sweat, I: Walk my neighborhood.

If I'm getting a one-of-a-kind, luxury gift for someone I love, I head to: Platt Jewelry.

My favorite neighborhood is: Malibu.

I feel like a Los Angeles local when I: Don't react at all to an earthquake.

The best view in Los Angeles is at: Top of the world (top of Kenter).

If a full day of meetings were canceled in Los Angeles, I would: Spend the day at home with my family.

The most overrated and underrated aspect of life in Los Angeles is: Nothing in LA is overrated. The history and culture in LA is what's most underrated.

The trait I most admire or deplore about people in Los Angeles is: I admire the open mindset of people and the arts.

I love Los Angeles because: LA has so much history and at the same time is paving the way for the future.

My favorite building in Los Angeles is: Chateau Marmont.

My motto for living in Los Angeles is: The real center of the world.


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