http://losangeles.citysearch.com/roundup/42951 In our latest neighborhood adventure, the L.A. editors of Citysearch headed out to Montana Avenue, Santa Monica's tony stretch of luxe shops and eclectic eateries, where retirees walk their dogs, teenagers text and traipse and stay-at-home moms lunch, get their hair done and spend daddy's money. Ahh ... the good life. en Copyright 2008 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/42/93/42951r1.jpg http://losangeles.citysearch.com/roundup/42951 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Whether you have kids or not, it's hard to imagine that anyone would not be enchanted by this place. Easily the most unexpected find on Montana, this bookstore and art gallery is an exuberant ode to the magic of childhood, and the folks who work here are more than happy to share their wealth of information about the inventory (even if you can't afford the pricey prints). Yes, the name is a bit obnoxious, but trust us--you'll love it. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/64382/santa_monica_ca/every_picture_tells_a_story.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles "I love that this place looks like an innocent little cottage from the outside, but inside it's a totally different story. Loud music (somehow this place is able to pull off "Africa" by Toto and still seem cool), tatted stylists with crazy 'dos and a refreshing lack of attitude, black velvet curtains that are a tad too Goth (nobody's perfect), bottled Fiji water, espresso and mimosas ... it's a party with scissors." --Mar Yvette Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46309576/santa_monica_ca/thomas_chase_hairdressing.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles "It’s always crazy and crowded, but usually friendly and communal ... unless you get saddled with mean girls who violate the spirit of the bar and don’t want to share their table. Everyone talks about the famous gourmet burger, but I agree with Chef Sang--don't come here for the burger. Come for the awesome selection of beer and Mediterranean-influenced dishes like olives, white anchovies and charcuterie. And please try those sweet potato fries (ketchup never included)." --Tara de Lis Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/11416036/santa_monica_ca/father_s_office.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles "Everyone I know is always looking for interesting jewelry, and I'm no exception. I love that this store is not as high-octane or self-promotional as so many of the other businesses on Montana. What makes it "exclusive"--a word thrown around a lot in this town--is that the selection is really that good. Delicate and inventive, colorful and intricate--it's all here. I'm a fool for ornate costume jewels, but this store brings me back to what really perfect accents should be: intensely edited pieces of art made with beautiful materials. " --Cadien Clark Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/44929794/santa_monica_ca/harriet_dorn.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles They paved paradise and put it in a parking lot: The only high-end restaurant on Montana Avenue, this charming Italian spot is where moneyed diners go for fine Northern and Southern Italian fare. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/160061/santa_monica_ca/locanda_portofino.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Big things come in small packages at this blue box-sized cafe that reels in hungry hordes with its everything-but-the-kitchen sink menu. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46318870/santa_monica_ca/blue_plate.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Don't hold the name against it: This mostly organic Mediterranean-influenced restaurant turns out fresh farmers' market fare for all three meals a day. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46361238/santa_monica_ca/kreation_kafe.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A little taste of Milan in the heart of Montana Avenue, this chic cafe brings the genuine pleasure of drinking coffee for its flavor, not the caffeine. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/44705704/santa_monica_ca/caffe_luxxe.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Get a raw deal at Montana Avenue's only spot for a quick, casual sushi fix. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/41890174/santa_monica_ca/sushi_sho.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Head to this cozy French bistro for homey art, wines, cheeses and other French goodies. (Did someone say macaroons?) Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/160052/santa_monica_ca/le_marmiton.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Breadheads, unite! This cozy organic bread shop lures hemp-wearing carb addicts with racks full of delicious loaves, as well as a spectacle of sweet treats, sandwiches, soups and salads. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/45672541/santa_monica_ca/grateful_bread.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Make like Ricky Ricardo at this Cal-Caribbean favorite for a jumbled menu of delights and a colorful, relaxed beachside atmosphere. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/11280367/santa_monica_ca/babalu.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Sometimes style trumps substance: This glass-walled standby might offer California fare that looks better than it tastes, but the place is so inviting it's worth at least one visit. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/160090/santa_monica_ca/cafe_montana.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles The frontrunner in Montana's underwear and sleepwear craze, Footsie has been holding it down (and Angeleno women up) for more than two decades. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/159986/santa_monica_ca/footsie.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles The glammed-up Hollywood sibling to more practical lingerie shop Footsie, this particular Montana outlet is where people like Posh shop for sexy underthings. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46360841/santa_monica_ca/pink_lili.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Montana Avenue's year-round Valentine paradise specializing in an A-to-Z assortment of heart-shaped gifts, jewelry and comfortably sexy lingerie. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/160144/santa_monica_ca/only_hearts.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Cool decor and cleverly designs make this Santa Monica shop a mecca for ballerina flats, with looks appropriate for any age or occasion. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/41944002/santa_monica_ca/london_sole.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Mosey on up to this New Orleans saloon-themed "denim bar" for the latest high-end jeans on tap. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/41896761/santa_monica_ca/the_blues_jean_bar.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Former Cosmo writer and self-professed stiletto junkie Beth Whiffen brings lavish, habit-forming European footwear to the streets of Santa Monica. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/45087361/santa_monica_ca/il_primo_passo.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A rich mix of high-end, funky and traditional jewelry and accessories awaits at this Montana Avenue boutique. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/160135/santa_monica_ca/moondance.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles The trendsetting aesthetic and apparel at this Santa Monica boutique-cum-art gallery bring edgy, East Coast chic to the Westside. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/44659635/santa_monica_ca/aura_boutique.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Montana's oasis for chic women seeking gorgeously simple clothing for any occasion--even the big day. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/159996/santa_monica_ca/morgan_le_fay.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Sister store to adjoining Luxe Lab, this upscale store's clever collection of contemporary accessories brings both fun and WeHo-style legitimacy to home decor shopping in Santa Monica. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46361239/santa_monica_ca/luxe_haus.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Seriously sophisticated clothes from some of the world's most sought-after designers set the stage at this stunning, light-filled boutique. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/159975/santa_monica_ca/weathervane.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Like mommy like baby: This boutique for pint-size fashionistas offers up positively irresistible togs for tykes. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/46250100/santa_monica_ca/little_aura.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles One of Santa Monica's most popular salons, this stark white space leaves the color to the stylists. Santa Monica, CA http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/37212580/santa_monica_ca/luxe_lab.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:45 -0700