Do you want "Good" restaurants, or local color?
For local color, I suggest:
The Farmers Market on Fairfax
Cantor's Deli (especially after midnight!)
on Fairfax
Hard Rock Cafe at Beverly Center
For the 'good stuff'
Kate Mancini
Granita
Opera
Border Grill (the flan is TO DIE FOR)
I'm sure there are those who will disagree with me...and keep in mind that I haven't lived in L.A. for over 6 years...and haven't visited in over 2, so things may have changed.
For nightlife, I recommend: The Dresden, Boardners, Cat & Fiddle. Great drinks and atmosphere can be had at the Three of Clubs on Santa Monica.
Have fun!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Sometimes a scream is better than a thesis." --Ralph Waldo EmersonLos Angeles, CA