Hospitality Honcho JT Torregiani Shares His Haute Secrets to LA

JT Torregiani is what you might call a serial entrepreneur: the co-founder and principal of Horse & Carriage Hospitality is responsible for creating some of the most popular restaurants in Los Angeles.

Torregiani became involved in the restaurant and hospitality industry in the early nineties when, while attending college, he worked in marketing and promotions with Ole Madrid, helping to spearhead a dining resurgence in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp district. After moving to Los Angeles in 2000, JT became a fixture on the Hollywood dining and nightlife scenes, hosting celebrities at various venues throughout the city and working with them during the day as a fitness advisor.

He subsequently began investing in a handful of venues and begin developing a reputation as a pioneer in the revitalization of Hollywood Boulevard, most famously opening Beso with business partners Eva Longoria and Todd English. A few of his other restaurant credits include Ketchup in West Hollywood, and Bella Cucina Italiana, La Cantina, and Kitchen24 in Hollywood. In the nightlife world, he served as a managing partner of the infamous nightclub and lounge, Les Deux. Most recently, he partnered with Sylvain Bitton and David Jarrett in the establishment of Warwick LA, Aventine Trattoria and Maia West Hollywood.In the nonprofit sector, JT has hosted numerous major fundraisers for local Los Angeles organizations including The Lupus Foundation, Cause Just 4 Paws, The Eva Longoria Foundation and Matter of Trust. Here, this hospitality guru shares his haute secrets to the City of Angels. 

Where were you born: San Diego

How long in LA:  16 years

Neighborhood: West Hollywood

Occupation: Nightlife entrepreneur and restaurateur

Favorite Restaurant: Craig’s

Best Sushi: Izaka-Ya 

Best Italian: Giorgio Baldi 

Best dessert: Sweet Lady Jane

Best place for a romantic date: Nobu Malibu

Best Sunday brunch: Four Seasons Beverly Hills

Best place for a power business meeting: Fred Segal Cafe 

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

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Giorgio Armani Boutique

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Rolex – Beverly Hills

Best Spa: Four Seasons Beverly Hills

Favorite Charity Event: Eva Longoria Foundation

Favorite Cultural Event: The Taste of Italy

Favorite Cultural Institution: Getty Villa

Best Steakhouse: BOA Steakhouse

Best Pizza: D’Amore’s Pizza

Best Lunch: Joan’s on Third

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Equinox

Best Massage: The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: LACMA

Describe your city in three words: “Anything is possible.” 

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Hike at the Hollywood Sign

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Chateau Marmont  

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: The people