Cortney Novogratz and husband Robert have developed and designed many unique properties all across the globe, rebuilt entire city blocks and turned funky into fabulous, with every detail considered and executed with the utmost taste, confidence and luxury. Together, they are the design duo know simply as The Novogratz. As of August, the couple—stars of Bravo’s 9 by Design and HGTV’s Home by Novogratz—and their family of seven children (Wolfgang, 17; Bellamy, 16; Tallulah, 16; Breaker, 13; Five, 9; Holleder, 9; Major, 6) are now based in Los Angeles, living in The Hemingway House, a Greek Revival built in 1924 that is 5,800 square feet house and situated in the hills of West Hollywood right above Chateau Marmont. Their latest project—alongside redoing private homes for Tony Hawk and Suzanne Vega as well as Santa Monica’s Fred Segal store revamp—is a renovation of “The Hollywood Castle”—which they’ll soon call home. Here, Cortney shares her haute secrets to the city she now calls home: Los Angeles.

Where were you born: Oklahoma City

How long in LA: Since August

Neighborhood: Hollywood

Occupation: Designer

Favorite Restaurant: Bar Stella

Best Sushi: Katsuya

Best Italian: Dan Tana’s 

Best dessert: Rice Pudding at Greenblatt’s

Best place for a romantic date: Nobu Malibu

Best Sunday brunch: SoHo House

Best place for a power business meeting: Chateau Marmont

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The London

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Fred Segal

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Buy vintage- Flea Markets

Best Spa: Anything in Koreatown

Favorite Charity Event: Paul Newman’s SeriousFun Camp

Favorite Cultural Event: Any cool art opening in the city

Favorite Cultural Institution: LACMA 

Best Steakhouse: Morton’s

Best Pizza: Joe’s Pizza

Best Lunch: Café Midi

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Runyon Canyon

Best Massage: Our 6 yr old, Major

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: James Turrell’s exhibit at LACMA

Describe your city in three words: Sunny, young, diverse 

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Alameda Street

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Anywhere that’s happy to see all 9 of us

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: Relaxed, chill lifestyle