38 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, According to a Longtime Local

Skip to main contentHow to know where to start, according to a local.Shelby Moore/LuciaLos Angeles doesn't have any one true center, and that's kind of the point. Neighborhoods here have grown up on their own terms: Chinatown, Sawtelle, Fairfax, Melrose Hill, DTLA, a strip mall in East Hollywood—each has quietly become its own destination. You don't come to LA for one great meal; you come for 50, scattered across a map that makes no sense and somehow works anyway. What ties it together isn't cuisine or price, it's specificity. A former cathedral turned into a modern American dining room. A Taiwanese night market condensed into a Silver Lake storefront. A taco truck at La Brea and Venice that's been perfecting one thing for decades. Every place on this list knows exactly what it is, and none of them are trying to be anywhere but exactly where they are. Looking for the best restaurants in LA? Here's where to start.Read our complete Los Angeles travel guide here, which includes:The Best Things to Do in LAThe Best Hotels in LAThe Best Brunches in LAThe Best Sushi in LAHow we choose the best restaurants in Los AngelesEvery restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.San DamianNeighborhood: VenicePrice range: $$Dish to order: Kanpachi al Pastor with pineapple butterEnrique Olvera's crew is doing coastal Mexican right on Abbot Kinney, and the room has that same effortless, sun-bleached confidence as the food; you half expect to see Baja out the window instead of Venice traffic. It doesn't try too hard, which is rare for this stretch of the block. This is Olvera's Pacific Coast fantasy—heirloom tortillas, uni-topped ceviche, prawns you'll think about for days—landed a few blocks from the boardwalk. Come for a date, a splurge, or anyone you're trying to impress with good taste. On the night we were there, we couldn’t help but notice that the staff was mostly Latinx, which means that every dish—Botanas, Aguachile, Flan de Naranja—was pronounced and explained without difficulty.Address: 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291Read Full ReviewLittle FishNeighborhood: Melrose HillPrice range: $Dish to order: The fried fish sandwich (beer-battered Pacific striped bass with American cheese, kewpie mayo, dill pickles)This is Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle's crowd, built over years of pop-ups before they had walls. The corner space is flooded with sunlight, all bone-colored tile and warm wood, with dry-aging fish hanging behind a porthole kitchen window that makes the whole room feel a little maritime. Sonenshein and Vahle went from a pandemic pop-up to California's 2026 Michelin Guide Most Promising Young Chef Award without losing the fried fish sandwich that built their following. It's the rare restaurant that's equally right for a solo lunch or a proper seafood dinner: unfussy, confident, exactly what it wants to be. Come dinner it shifts into something moodier, akin to a mysterious European wine bar run by seasoned fishmongers. It’s the kind of place Steve Zissou from The Life Aquatic might frequent.Address: 5035 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038Read Full ReviewThe MulberryNeighborhood: SawtellePrice range: $$Dish to order: Steak tartare in a stone pot (yukhoedeopbap)Sawtelle finally got the swanky neighborhood bistro it's been missing, featuring dark wood, warm low light, and a full bar up front; it feels more Beverly Hills than strip mall. And this is a kitchen with serious pedigree; alumni of Marea, Daniel, French Laundry, and Jean-Georges putting real technique behind Korean comfort food that never feels precious. Come for the bluefin tuna bibimbap and stay for the hotteok à la mode, a caramelized cinnamon crepe with toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The service was warm and gracious from the start of our visit, our server walked us through the more unfamiliar dishes without a hint of condescension and steered us toward pours we wouldn't have picked ourselves, both wine and cocktail. The Mulberry already feels like a neighborhood staple.Address: 1800 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069Read Full ReviewBaby BistroNeighborhood: Victor Heights, between Echo Park and ChinatownPrice range: $$Dish to order: Onion bread with liptauer spreadEnter through Alpine Courtyard's brick-lined garden, past banana trees and bougainvillea, before finding Baby Bistro tucked into a restored bungalow with an Arts and Crafts feel and a lovely outdoor porch. It's the kind of low-key charm that makes you forget you're minutes from the 110. Chef Miles Thompson's résumé runs through Michael's and stages in Europe, and it shows in food that's confident enough to keep dishes down to two or three ingredients on the menu. Order the whole thing between two, as it's designed to be shared. It's a tiny, unshowy room doing some of the most thoughtful cooking in the city right now.Address: 1027 Alpine St, Building B, Los Angeles, CA 90012Read Full ReviewLielleNeighborhood: BeverlywoodPrice range: $$$Dish to order: Spaghetti all'Assassina with spiny lobster, preserved tomato, and sea urchinThis isn't a scene restaurant, it's a destination for people who already know who Marcus Jernmark (Stockholm's Restaurant Frantzén, Singapore's Zen) is, or are curious to find out. Jernmark is threading Nordic technique (fermenting, curing, importing his own cloudberries and vendace roe) through California's best small farms, and somehow it never feels like a gimmick. This is someone cooking exactly what he wants, named for his daughter, in a room built by his wife; it's personal in a way most $150 tasting menus aren't. For wine, skip the idea of a formal pairing and let the by-the-glass list do the work instead. The list is heavy on small California producers like Scar of the Sea and Littorai, and is built for grazing through courses rather than committing to one bottle.Address: 9575 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035Read Full ReviewLuciaNeighborhood: Fairfax DistrictPrice range: $$Dish to order: Oxtail PepperpotLucia is theatrical from the first step, more 1950s Havana glamour than anything Fairfax usually offers. The shell-domed booths and smoked kitchen window make it feel like a set piece as much as a restaurant. And they're doing something no one else in LA is: modern Afro-Caribbean food at a genuine fine-dining level, from jerk ribeye to saltfish croquettes, in a room built to feel transportive rather than themed. Order the Oxtail Old Fashioned, made with bourbon washed with oxtail, sweet potato, and sugar cane; it sounds like a stunt and turns out to be pretty great. Melina Meza's whole program leans on Caribbean rum, so it's worth asking your server for something rum-forward and off the printed list too.Address: 351 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036Read Full ReviewFirstbornNeighborhood: ChinatownPrice range: $$Dish to order: Ragù of wild mushroom with tofu gnudi, marinated eggplant, spring garlic.Mandarin Plaza doesn't scream "hot new restaurant,” and that suits locals just fine. To find the place you walk through this unassuming Chinatown courtyard and land in a room that's warm and considered; it feels like someone's love letter to the neighborhood. This is Anthony Wang cooking his own family's dinner table through a decade of fine-dining training: mapo tofu next to duck fat rice next to a $68 prix fixe that never feels precious. It's Chinese American food finally getting to be the whole story, instead of a footnote.Address: 978 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012Read Full ReviewSaffy'sNeighborhood: East HollywoodPrice range: $$Dish to order: Shawarma with laffa, tahini salad, chili crunch, and beet ambaA younger sibling to Bestia and Bavel, this relaxed Middle Eastern restaurant located on Fountain Avenue makes a lively first impression. Inside, the space is what you might expect from a retro- modern Moroccan room, with saffron colored banquettes and a curvilinear bar. It all feels effortlessly glamorous and welcoming, which is exactly what you want from a Hollywood restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously. Indeed, don’t be surprised to spot diners eating with their hands, dunking falafels in the tangy hummus without a care in the world. The kebabs and shawarma rule this place, and the generous portions come with the works: laffa, tahini salad, chill crunch, and beet amba. The roasted vegetables are having a moment here, and most dishes cost less than $26 yet still taste worthy of a special occasion. This is Middle Eastern cuisine that honors tradition while speaking fluent LA.Address: 4845 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029Read Full ReviewHolboxNeighborhood: South CentralPrice range: $Dish to order: Rockfish cevicheThe hottest seafood counter in town is a bright food kiosk inside LA's Mercado La Paloma, and is celebrated for its contemporary approach to Mexican seafood kissed by the flavors of the Yucatán. Chef Gilberto Cetina’s restaurant always has a line for pristine Santa Barbara sea urchin and bay scallops dressed in dots of avocado puree, and sharp ceviche de rockot (rockfish) over a swirl of salsa. Bring the heat up a notch with flavorful house salsas including a spicy salsa kut. Don’t miss the octopus-in-its-own-ink taco, a Yucatán favorite, and get it all on the eight-course tasting menu. —Bill EsparzaAddress: 3655 S Grand Ave c9, Los Angeles, CA 90007Read Full ReviewRedbirdNeighborhood: Downtown LAPrice range: $$Dish to order: Branzino with Thai brothYou're dining inside a former cathedral, how's that for making an entrance? The space is ornate, and the architecture is timeless, so it immediately sets expectations sky-high—and somehow Redbird manages to meet them without feeling stuffy about it. At Redbird, Angeleno Chef Neal Fraser showcases modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multicultural influences of his native city. Standout dishes like the branzino with Thai broth and ricotta cavatelli with morels and English peas show technique without showing off. An extensive cocktail menu by Tobin Shea features well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics. The Cardinal Punch, made with bourbon, amaro, roasted orange, clove, lemon and orange essence, is like a strong punch in the face, in a good way.Address: 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012Read Full ReviewBar BesitoNeighborhood: SilverlakePrice range: $$Dish to order: Pan con tomate with Beylik Farm momotaro tomatoesThe 1,300-square-foot space perfectly captures Spanish conviviality with its warm, boisterous atmosphere. This 50-seat indoor-outdoor destination feels like you're being transported to the Mediterranean. Spanish-influenced small plates that are perfect for sharing and grazing. Everything is designed to pair with wine and encourage long conversations. Don't miss the pan con tomate with Beylik Farm momotaro tomatoes, Patatas Bravas with thrice-cooked Weiser Family Farms potatoes, or the Matrimonio featuring Siesta Co. anchovies. Natural wines, vermouth, and sherry curated by Beverage Director Pierluc Dallaire, alongside classic Spanish wines. The program showcases thoughtful Spanish selections that pair perfectly with the tapas. This is what Silver Lake dining is all about.Address: 1710 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026Read Full ReviewSomniNeighborhood: West HollywoodPrice range: $$$Dish to order: The 25+ dish tasting menu with wine pairingsWalking into Somni (meaning ‘dream,’ in Catalan) feels like entering a piece of performance art—or something you might have dreamed up. Everything from the lighting to the table settings is designed to prepare you for something extraordinary. It's theater, but the kind where you're genuinely excited for the show to start. This is molecular gastronomy—chef Aitor Zabala hails from Barcelona and had a stint at El Bulli—with a sense of humor and genuine deliciousness. Expect techniques you've never seen, presentations that defy physics, and flavors that somehow make perfect sense despite seeming impossible. The wine pairings are essential because they're not just matching flavors but creating narrative arcs that complement each course. Trust the sommeliers; they're orchestrating the entire experience. You're coming for dinner as entertainment: A multi-sensory experience that you'll be talking about for months. It's expensive, but so is a show at Walt Disney Concert Hall.Address: 9045 Nemo St, Los Angeles, CA 90069Read Full ReviewDunsmoorNeighborhood: Eagle RockPrice range: $$Dish to order: Cornbread and pork chopsChef Brian Dunsmoor's "American heritage cooking" philosophy is written all over the rustic-meets-refined interior; you can smell the wood smoke before you even sit down; the space feels like someone took a hunting lodge and gave it just enough polish to make city folks comfortable. The menu here changes often, but signature dishes like the cornbread, pork chops, and ribeye are highly praised. Everything tastes like it was cooked over an actual fire because it was. Lots of natural wines and American bottles that actually make sense with wood-fired anything. The food is damn delicious and represents something rare: American cooking that honors tradition, without getting trapped by it.Address: 3501 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065Read Full ReviewCosettaNeighborhood: Santa MonicaPrice range: $Dish to order: The donut ice cream sandwich for dessertIt's got that effortless beachside elegance that only works in Santa Monica—bright, airy, and sophisticated without trying too hard. The kind of place that makes you want to order a glass of wine at 3:00 p.m. and call it research. Italian classics executed with California sensibility—lighter, brighter, but still satisfying. The seafood dishes make the most of the proximity to the ocean. Italian wines that transport you somewhere warmer, plus cocktails that lean into the coastal location. The Negroni variations are particularly strong here. You're coming for Italian comfort food that doesn't leave you needing a nap. Perfect for long lunches that turn into early dinners.Address: 3150 Ocean Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90405Read Full Review715Neighborhood: Little TokyoPrice range: $$$Dish to order: The 22-course tasting menuThe entrance to this sushi spot is so understated you might walk past it, which is kind of the point. Inside, it's all clean lines and natural materials, the type of space that immediately puts you in a contemplative mood. And with only eight seats at the counter, this is an intimate experience where the food takes center stage. The experience might be entirely unique each time you go, but expect somewhere around 22 dishes, some hot and others cold, plus soup, outstanding nigiri, and a handful of desserts. The flavors are clean and the technique impeccable. The sake list is impressive so don’t pretend you know it all and simply let them guide you through prefectures and styles you've never tried. You're coming for an education in omakase, with expert execution, flawless presentation, and a price point to match.Address: 738 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013Read Full ReviewBarooNeighborhood: Downtown LAPrice range: $$Dish to order: The nine-course tasting menuThe format here is tasting menu only, and if you’ve been to Baroo in the past, don’t be surprised to discover some familiar dishes that harken back to their humble beginnings in an East Hollywood strip mall. Standout menu items may include a soy-braised black cod, but also, this is Korean cooking filtered through a deeply personal lens; expect fermentation, unusual textures, and flavors you can't quite put a finger on. On the whole, you're coming for a completely singular dining experience that couldn't exist anywhere else. The look is sleek and somewhat industrial (think concrete floors and bare walls) and the seats to be had are at the chef's counter, though there are a handful of tables for groups of diners. It's minimalist in the way that signals maximum focus, nothing here is accidental.Address: 905 E 2nd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90012Read Full ReviewJitladaNeighborhood: Thai TownPrice range: $Dish to order: Green curry with musselsIt's a kitschy, homey Thai spot in the heart of Thai Town may be slightly no-frills, but it's got a lot of heart—not to mention heat. There are over 300 dishes on the Jitlada menu, so it definitely takes some navigating. One thing you can be sure of, though, is that pretty much all of them are scorchers. Highlights include the Southern dry curry, spicy eggplant, green curry with mussels, fried morning glories, and crispy catfish salad. The showstopper of all of them is the seabass, served whole and studded with loads of punchy ginger. You'll want something to cool your palate, like a sweet Thai tea or a Singha beer. That and a bowl of rice, which actually cools the palate. The staff is loving and attentive and will make you feel right at home. Owner Sarintip "Jazz" Singsanong is the Thai auntie you always wished you had.Address: 5233 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027Read Full ReviewOsteria MozzaNeighborhood: MelrosePrice range: $$Dish to order: Something from the mozzarella barYou've probably heard about famed California-cuisine pioneer Nancy Silverton's Michelin-starred Mozza—with to-die-for pasta and a mozzarella bar that's rich in burrata. The lighting is dim and moody. The crowd (and staff) is nicely dressed and perfectly coiffed. The music volume is just the right decibel of loud. It's buzzy, and there's a pulsating energy in the air; it might just be that everyone came in hungry, and expectations are high. It's unlikely that anyone walked off the street and got a table, and as such, it's clear that coming for a meal here is a bit of an event. There are plenty of Gen X-ers and Millennials, mostly in groups rather than on dates. (And few Gen Z-ers, with their parents probably footing the bill.) In addition to the pasta and antipasti, there's perfectly grilled and seasoned fish, and decadent desserts. This iconic LA restaurant shows no signs of slowing down.Address: 6602 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038Read Full ReviewPizzeria SeiNeighborhood: Pico-RobertsonPrice range: $Dish to order: The signature Tokyo-style NeapolitanWilliam Joo started Pizzeria Sei in 2022 out of a tiny Pico-Robertson storefront (a deceptively simple eight-seat counter, one wood-fired oven, barely a kitchen behind it) and it quickly became one of the hardest reservations on the Westside. That original spot didn't disappear; it's now Sei Pizza Bar, a neighborhood-focused offshoot still slinging takeout and dine-in. But the real destination is Joo's new flagship in Palms, a full sit-down space that opened in June 2026 with room to actually stretch: a bigger kitchen, a broader wine program, and two new pizza styles—a fried montanara and a thin, wafer-crisp Roman scrocchiarella—alongside the signature Tokyo-style Neapolitan. The soul of the place hasn't changed. Joo, who trained at Providence, Ronan, and Angelini Osteria before going out on his own, still treats every pie as a study in technique over trend—think long fermentation and a distinctive crimped crust that goes airy in the center and lightly charred at the edges. The beer selection is small but thoughtful and the natural wine list is built specifically not to compete with what's coming out of the oven. This is pizza that respects the craft, now just with the space to prove it.Address: 8781 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035Read Full ReviewPetit TroisNeighborhood: HollywoodPrice range: $$Dish to order: Burgundy escargot in butter and garlicIf you're hankering for a slice of Paris, this tiny Hollywood bistro fits the bill. Nary a table, the room features a row of stools by a ledge on the wall, and more stools at the marble topped bar. French music plays on the stereo and conversation is lively and unrestrained. Chef Ludo Lefebvre, who trained with Alain Passard, Pierre Gagnaire, Marc Meneau, does classic French food like few others in LA. The Burgundy escargot in butter and garlic is as delicious as you'd hope, as are the steak frites and the croque madame. This is a great spot if you're dining alone, or if you and a friend think nothing of waiting an hour for a seat at the bar. Because space is tight and seats are stools, it's also not the kind of place that you'll want to linger over coffee and dessert. However, as far as Hollywood restaurants go, it's fairly affordable, the food is tasty, and the vibe is magnifique.Address: 718 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038Read Full ReviewRossobluNeighborhood: Downtown LAPrice range: $$$Dish to order: Nonna's Tagliatelle BolgoneseRossblu is a wonderland of Danish interiors, burning wood smells, and food served on a patio that makes the city feel far, far away. The crowd is decidedly in-the-know professionals looking for the next "it" Italian spot in DTLA. Handmade pastas fill a menu that will make you leave the Angeleno diet in the rear-view (and feel a thousand-times better for it.) Order a sparkling red Lambrusco and enjoy a Californian take on Bolognese classics, including a lighter take on eggplant parm called Valbruna's Eggplant; Tortellini en Brodo; and, natch, Nonna's Tagliatelle Bolgonese. Be sure to stop by on weekends for their especially noteworthy brunch served on their sun soaked patio. Did we mention there was bocce ball? There was bocce ball.Address: 1124 San Julian St, Los Angeles, CA 90015Read Full ReviewRépubliqueNeighborhood: South La BreaPrice range: $$Dish to order: The kimchi fried rice with beef short ribThey don’t make buildings like this anymore. Which is probably what Charlie Chaplin said when he walked in, looked up from the indoor fountain and into the clock tower of this grand 1920s-era space, and turned it into his studio. It’s soaring, airy and welcoming, and it seems everyone wants to eat here on Sunday. Not for the faint of heart, in the best way. The question is, how are you going to decide what to indulge in: the short rib breakfast burrito? The potato pancake with smoked salmon and kaluga caviar? The chorizo toast? The kimchi fried rice with beef short rib? It's by far the richest, boldest, most satisfying brunch on the West Coast from a chef committed to making you happy and full. You’re here to eat and eat well, so plan accordingly. Either plan a hike just afterward to recalibrate, or a nap.Address: 624 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, 90036Read Full ReviewDestroyerNeighborhood: Culver CityPrice range: $$Dish to order: Chicken confit with heirloom grits and roasted strawberriesIt seems appropriate, perhaps unexpected, that Jordan Kahn's home inventive cooking in LA is tucked in a tiny, almost monastic all-day café. Unlike so many esoteric chef-y menus that leave longing for a slice on the way home, Kahn's layering of texture is as radical and abstract as it is comforting and totally satisfying—and built on the notion of a slow reveal. Chicken confit, for example, looks more like a heap at first glance, until you start digging your way through the heirloom grits and roasted strawberries. Definitely do not miss the Icelandic rye bread with cultured butter and preserves, or the rice porridge dish that's topped with caramelized broccoli, crispy puffed rice, and burnt onion. Trust me, just like the descriptors at a museum, the piece is more beautiful than words can describe.Address: 3578 Hayden Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90232Read Full ReviewGuelaguetzaNeighborhood: KoreatownPrice range: $$Dish to order: The most authentic mole outside of OaxacaThe vibrant colors, sounds, and scents of Oaxaca come to life upon walking into Guelaguetza. On any given night, banda musicians will be strumming their instruments while you sip on lesser-known mezcals from the region alongside a mixed bag of Angelenos, including locals longing for an authentic taste of their mother country. From the outside, you might mistake Guelaguetza, which retrofitted a freestanding Chinese pagoda structure into a Oaxacan institution, for any number of Gringo-style Mexican restaurants on charmless boulevards serving obscenely large portions of nachos/enchiladas/burritos rendered interchangeable blanketed under molten cheddar. Of course, you'd be wrong. Instead, what you get from this James Beard Classics-award-winner is some of the most authentic memelas, tlayudas, and moles outside of Oaxaca. The space itself, which is filled with families and live music and a riot of pinks, turquoises and yellows, will make you forget you're on Olympic Boulevard.Address: 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006Read Full ReviewNong Lá CafeNeighborhood: La BreaPrice range: $$Dish to order: The best bun cha (Vietnamese cold noodle salad) you'll find in LAThe vibe is light, bright, and casual. This is by far the best bun cha (Vietnamese cold noodle salad) you'll find in LA. Like the best street stalls in Hanoi, the pork has that wonderfully caramelized char that gives you that hit of umami—a perfect counterpoint to the bowl of cold rice noodles, lettuce, herbs, and pickles that's all topped with a sweet and savory fish sauce dressing. Other hits include the clam and green papaya salad, filet mignon pho, and bun bo hue, which is a lemongrass beef noodle soup with pork patty, beef shank and aromatics. There's a small list of microbrews and Vietnamese beers, as well as wines by the glass, and because it's Cali, kombucha on tap.Address: 145 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036Read Full ReviewN/nakaNeighborhood: PalmsPrice range: $$$Dish to order: The 13-course kaiseki menuThe minimal wood-paneled interior replicates the style and tranquility of a Japanese ryokan in the middle of LA. The 13-course kaiseki menu, which is also available in a vegetarian version, is almost too beautiful to eat. Each dish is a love letter to the season. So while chef Niki Nakayama does stick to a mostly traditional format of kaiseki, but it also can't help but be informed by its native Californian ingredients. You'll be equally as impressed with her classic presentation of sashimi as you will the spaghettini with abalone, pickled cod roe, and Burgundian truffles. Wine and beverage pairings are thoughtful and graceful as the meal itself, absolutely worth splurging on. Pacing and service are thoughtful and deliberate throughout the three-hour experience.Address: 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034Read Full ReviewAltaNeighborhood: West AdamsPrice range: $$Dish to order: Fall-off-the-bone tender braised oxtailThe decidedly warm and unfussy nature of Alta is apparent the second you walk in. Terracotta tiles and honeyed woods nod to the Spanish Revival homes that are iconic to the Mid City and West Adams area. There are 12 counter seats and built-in booths, giving the space the feeling of a classic diner that's been made modern. Out back, there’s a charming patio lit with string light. Corbin’s SoCal comfort food includes dishes inspired by his grandmother’s cooking, like fall-off-the-bone tender braised oxtail and a vegan version of collard greens; served whole and on the rib and made with smoked oil, they'll totally fool you into thinking there’s ham hock hidden somewhere in there. Don’t skip the coconut cake, either. This is a great spot for a meal with friends out on the patio, or a second or third date with someone you're into. It's just buttoned up enough to be impressive, but not so stuffy that you'd be uncomfortable having a good laugh—or stealing a kiss.Address: 5359 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016Read Full ReviewGenwa Korean BBQNeighborhood: Mid-Wilshire, Beverly Hills, and Downtown Los AngelesPrice range: $$$Dish to order: The galbi marinadeOne of the larger, more polished KBBQ spots in LA, Genwa has a lively, communal atmosphere. One of the first things you'll notices is the aroma of delicious marinated meats sizzling over live fire. The place is no frills in terms of design, but it's clean, and really, really delicious. Genwa has one of the highest quality selections of meat in LA, and in a format that even KBBQ virgins can handle. The galbi marinade is on point as is the cornucopia of banchan. Skip the cocktails and go straight for the soju and a frosty mug of Hite. Genwa is great for a celebratory group gathering, or for bringing family members from out of town on their first KBBQ adventure.Address: 5115 Wilshire Blvd Ste A, Los Angeles, CA 90036Read Full ReviewBadmaash FairfaxNeighborhood: Fairfax DistrictPrice range: $$Dish to order: Sweet and sour Goan pork curryBadmaash is fronted by a neon sign with Hindi script and a street art wall reflective of the neighborhood. Although the interior is quite sparse, what the restaurant downplays in design it makes up for in big flavors. Brothers Nakul and Arjun Mahendro tap into their father Pawan’s recipes to showcase dishes from his home state of Punjab, India, as well as other regional specialties including sweet and sour Goan pork curry, Madras-style coconut curry clams, and dahi poori stuffed with chickpeas, mint, and tamarind. There are also plenty of modern, playful takes like chicken tikka poutine (which recalls the Mahendros' Toronto upbringing). An eclectic wine list plays the field, with selections ranging from sparkling Lambrusco from Italy's Emilia Romagna region to a crisp Portuguese whites. On the beer side, think radlers and rice ales, as well as Kingfisher, a classic Indian lager.Address: 418 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036Read Full ReviewPikunicoNeighborhood: Arts District, DTLAPrice range: $Dish to order: Gluten-free karaageLike most vendors at the ultra-hip ROW DTLA development, there's an effortlessly cool vibe at Pikunico, a fast-casual spot by Kuniko Yagi, formerly of Hinoki and the Bird and Sona. Yagi makes a delectable gluten-free karaage, a classic Japanese spin on fried chicken. Try it solo, or enjoy it like we do: as a sandwich, served on turmeric bread with spread, sprouts, and pickles. Speedy service caters to a grab-and-go lunchtime crowd. And if you’re not in the mood for fried chicken, you can always opt for her delicious homemade Japanese style curry, which also happens to be plant-based.Address: 767 S Alameda St Ste 122, Los Angeles, CA 90021Read Full ReviewTito's TacosNeighborhood: Culver CityPrice range: $Dish to order: Bean and cheese burritosTito's is a no-frills, stripped down taco stand, and it cranks any hour its open (which is most of them). The energy is buzzing, and it's truly the intersection of LA. Look, this may not be the most authentic Mexican street food, but these hard shelled tacos and bean and cheese burritos are certainly the most authentic So-Cal interpretation of a taco—almost as iconic as a double-double from In-N-Out. Taste one and you'll see why; this is comfort food at its best. Staff are on rapid fire, so know your order by the time you get to the front of the line or prepare for some 'tude, and rightfully so. You definitely don't want to mess up the well-choreographed flow it takes to keep Tito's going. This is the ideal pre- or post-airport meal.Address: 11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230Read Full ReviewHippoNeighborhood: Highland ParkPrice range: $$Dish to order: CappellacciHippo is warm and inviting, with beautiful bow-truss ceilings and warm wood touches. There may be a wait for a table, but don’t sweat it. The meal—and wine!—are well worth it. California/Mediterranean dishes are the play here, with market produce taking various forms, including crudos, salads, housemate pastas, and gorgeous grilled meats and fish. It’s pretty difficult to place a bad order at Hippo, but whatever you do, don’t miss out on the cappellacci, a pasta from Emilia-Romagna that gets its name from its hat-like shape. Served stuffed like a chubby tortellini with seasonal squash and then topped with brown butter, amaretti, and sage, the dish warrants doing something novel for an LA restaurant: refusing to share. Rossoff is known for his impeccable palate, and the wine list at Hippo has some unique picks, including orange wines and selections from lesser-known regions like Lebanon and the Azores.Address: 5916 1/2 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042Read Full ReviewHighly LikelyNeighborhood: West Adams, Highland Park, Ojai, Studio CityPrice range: $$Dish to order: The fish sandwichHighly Likely has the bright, airy, vibrant vibes of some of Australia's best all-day cafés. You'll find all the California takes on breakfast classics on the menu here. All of them are great, but standouts include the fish sandwich, made with locally caught, tempura-battered fish and kosho tartar sauce, or the Japanese porridge bowl with housemade pickles, dashi broth, Okinawa potatoes, mushrooms, greens, miso granola, and a soft boiled egg. While Highly Likely is squarely a café, it also has wines that skew natural, as well as beer, kombucha, cider, and other brewed goodies. This spot is sunny and casual and just what you need no matter the occasion, whether that be a morning-after date or a decamp with colleagues.Address: 4310 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016Read Full ReviewKatoNeighborhood: Arts District, DTLAPrice range: $$Dish to order: Taiwanese steamed fishKato, located in downtown LA's Row district, brings the energy of Jon Yao's Michelin-starred kitchen to an intimate dining experience. This tasting menu restaurant gracefully weaves together the flavors and ideas of Taiwan and Los Angeles, drawing heavily on Yao's Asian American nostalgia. The focus is on seafood, with dishes that constantly evolve while maintaining the restaurant's distinctive identity rooted in Taiwanese influences. Though the menu changes regularly, you'll consistently find preparations that showcase Yao's heritage and his interpretation of flavors from his upbringing. In 2019, Kato earned a Michelin star and established itself as one of LA's must-visit destinations for diners seeking an elevated exploration of Taiwanese American cuisine.Address: 777 S Alameda St Bldg 1, Suite 114, Los Angeles, CA 90021Read Full ReviewRonanNeighborhood: FairfaxPrice range: $$Dish to order: Spicy Chomper, a sausage-and-pepperoni pizzaWhile its space is certainly design forward, there’s nothing overly fussy about Ronan. The industrial-modern details are warmed up by a stunning, live-edge communal table and the imported Neapolitan pizza oven. The space seats 70, and because of its reputation as a neighborhood restaurant, there's always a nice buzz going, especially out on the patio. When it comes to what you're getting, heed some words to the wise—two words: Spicy. Chomper. These sausage-and-pepperoni slices are a must. There's also a mind-blowing, anchovy-and-garlic laden caesar salad. The wine by the bottle list is extensive, with some excellent picks from Emilia-Romagna, Trentino, Adelaide, Austria and Georgia (the country!). If you’re drinking by the glass, you’re limited to only a couple of white or red choices.Address: 7315 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046Read Full ReviewJoyNeighborhood: Highland ParkPrice range: $$Dish to order: The thousand layer pancakeIf you want to visit the Taipei night markets without having to hop on a plane, tuck into Joy, a charming, casual counter-service neighborhood spot helmed by Vivian Ku. Instead of street stalls, you’ll be greeted by the same cozy vibe you’ll find at Ku’s sister restaurant in Silver Lake, with warm brick walls, maple church pew benches, lots of natural light flowing in from the oversize windows, and delicate touches of Chinoiserie throughout. Don't miss the perfect thousand layer pancake (a flattened, savory croissant-type creation stuffed with cheese and egg), the slack season noodles with rich pork broth, or traditional Taiwanese shave ice with red beans, taro balls, boba, and grass jelly.Address: 5100 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042Read Full ReviewMother WolfNeighborhood: HollywoodPrice range: $$$Dish to order: Rigatonicini with oxtail raguIt's hard not to feel like you've just walked into what promises to be the best night of your life—well, perhaps of your week–the moment you step inside Mother Wolf, set within the 1931 art deco Hollywood Citizen News building. The massive Romanesque dining room is ornate and opulent (yet keeps a safe distance from kitschy Vegas vibes), the crowd is boisterous, the food is delicious and plentiful. Chef Evan Funke brings his usual passion and fatto a mano (made by hand) dedication to Mother Wolf, his ode to Rome in the heart of Hollywood. The rigatonicini with oxtail ragu is nothing short of a revelation. Tender and flaky, the branzino is grilled to perfection. The pizza is airy, light and crispy. The torta di ricotta with figs and raspberries is to die for.Address: 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028Read Full ReviewProvidenceNeighborhood: HollywoodPrice range: $$$Dish to order: The seasonal tasting menuOne of LA's longest-standing fine dining restaurants reopened in May 2023 with a sophisticated new look, and a Green Michelin star to add to its accolades. Walking in from busy Melrose Ave, diners are gently transported to an underwater world thanks to hand-finished Venetian plaster walls in an ombre effect of tidal greens and blues, carpeting that evokes wave ripples, and a hand-blown glass installation (Sea Clouds by Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert) above the dining room that could be reminiscent of air bubbles floating to the surface. An advocate of sustainable seafood, chef Michael Cimarusti's ever-evolving tasting menu proudly showcases the herbs and flowers his team grows in the rooftop garden, which is also home to two beehives. It's hard not to be impressed by the care and attention he puts into every dish, which might start with a include a vermilion rockfish with porcini and sea fennel or a delicate swordfish with lipstick pepper, charred vegetable jus, and mint.Address: 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038Read Full ReviewOriginally from Buenos Aires, Celeste got her first passport at three years old, and has lived in 10 cities across seven countries and five continents. Celeste has written about music and pop culture, design, food, cars, and adventure for the New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Outside, ... Read MoreWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter