Grey’s Anatomy Star Camilla Luddington Shares Her Hot Tips To Wining And Dining In LA

Photo Credit: Martina Tolot

On ABC’s hit series Grey’s Anatomy, Camilla Luddington plays Dr. Jo Wilson, a woman with has her fair share of demons who’s been more than a little unlucky in love. Luddington is familiar with portraying characters with both strength and vulnerability, across a wide range of genres. In her first starring role in America, she starred as Kate Middleton in the much-loved Lifetime movie William and Kate. The project launched her career in this country, and was one of the two highest-rated programs ever aired on the network. She then starred opposite David Duchovny on the critically acclaimed Showtime series Californication, portraying Lizzie, the seemingly sweet English nanny who would do whatever it took to make it in L.A. Other projects include True Blood and as Lara Croft in the video game version of Tomb Raider. Here, the British-born beauty shares her secrets to her new home: Los Angeles.

Where were you born: Ascot, England

How long in LA: 10 years

Neighborhood: I am a proud Valley girl.

Occupation: Actress.

Favorite Restaurant: The Malibu Cafe. It’s nestled in Calamigos Ranch next to a lake that you can paddle boat on.

Best Sushi: Iroha Sushi of Tokyo. It’s tucked behind a building and is so small I didn’t know it even existed. It feels like a neighborhood secret so arrive early to avoid the line!

Best Italian: Dan Tanas. The linguini clams are my favorite!

Best dessert: Crossroads kitchen does amazing vegan desserts. I feel less guilty indulging here knowing they don’t contain any dairy.

Best place for a romantic date: Cinespia. In the summer they show movies outside. Everyone brings a picnic blanket and lots of food and wine. Don’t let the fact that its hosted in a grave yard spook you!

Best Sunday brunch: If you love a Bloody Mary bar then the Local Peasant in Sherman oaks is for you. Make you own drink and wash it down with the crab cake Benedict.

Best place for a power business meeting: The place that sells the strongest coffee.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Shutters on the Beach.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Elyse Walker in the Palisades.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: XIV karats. I bought necklaces for my four best girlfriends there and had them beautifully engraved.

Best Spa: The spa at the Peninsula hotel.

Favorite Charity Event: Baby2baby

Favorite Cultural Event: Last year walking in the women’s march heavily pregnant with my daughter.

Favorite Cultural Institution: The Natural History museum.

Best Steakhouse: I don’t eat red meat anymore.

Best Pizza: Dan Tanas.

Best Lunch: The Urth Salad at the Urth cafe.

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Outside! Hike Runyon canyon where they also offer free yoga classes some mornings.

Best Massage: Burke Williams.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: I use Lyft or Uber.

Best Museum/Exhibit: The Max Factor museum has Hollywood history.

Describe your city in three words: Fluid, driven, challenging.

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Hiking up close to the Hollywood sign.

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Candy Cane Lane during Christmas in Woodland Hills.

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: People move here from all over the world to accomplish what they’ve been told is impossible.

Follow Camilla on Twitter and Instagram