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There are a lot of Thai restaurants in Los Angeles, but none have quite reached the level of cult status of Night + Market Song. Tucked between a free clinic, a small clothing store, and a tax office, this second rendition of chef Kris Yenbamroong’s popular WeHo restaurant might be easy to miss, but keep an eye out, as its authentic (and properly spicy) Thai dishes are practically mandatory when you’re in the neighborhood.
3322 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90026, USA
Known For
- Moo Sadoong ("startled pig")
- Khao soi
- Long weekend lines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., No reservations
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$$$$ | Malibu |
At famous chef-restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa's coastal outpost, superchic clientele sails in for morsels of the world's finest fish. It’s hard not to be seduced by the oceanfront property; stellar sushi and ingenious specialties match the upscale setting. Exotic species of fish are artfully accented with equally exotic South American peppers, seared toro (tuna belly) with truffle teriyaki, and a broth made with matsutake mushrooms. The chef's tasting menus are also a solid bet. Order the bento box Valrhona chocolate soufflé and enjoy the ocean from every seat in the house. If you want to eat here, you'll need to make reservations exactly one month in advance.
22706 Pacific Coast Hwy., Los Angeles, California, 90265, USA
Known For
- Exotic fish
- A-list celebrity chef
- Exceptional views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: reservations essential
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$$$ | Hollywood | Italian
How close do you think you can get to divinity? At chef Nancy Silverton’s passion project–slash–culinary masterpiece, you’ll come pretty damn close after sampling a few of its celestial dishes. It’s hard to find fault in Osteria Mozza's posh plates when they’re made with such true dedication to the culinary craft that the team will find impossible ways to ship an important ingredient from across the Atlantic even if a decent alternative is on hand. The best part—you know, besides the blissful mozzarella bar, the restaurant's commitment to sustainability, and its support of California growers—is that while everything about it looks incredibly upscale and expensive, the restaurant doesn’t turn its nose up at the masses. You can easily find your happy spot here thanks to the relaxed dress code, warm and attentive servers, and three-course Sunday tasting menu that’s easy on the pocket.
6602 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90038, USA
Known For
- Ricotta-and-egg ravioli
- All-Italian wine
- Artisanal spirits
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$ | Downtown |
First opened in 1908, Philippe's is one of L.A.'s oldest restaurants and claims to be the originator of the French dip sandwich. While the debate continues around the city, one thing is certain: the dips made with beef, pork, ham, lamb, or turkey on a freshly baked roll stand the test of time. Join locals as they chow down at communal tables while debating Dodgers games and politics. Orders are taken at the counter where some of the motherly servers have managed their long lines for decades, doling out huge breakfasts, chili, pickled eggs, and a generous pie selection. The best bargain: a cup of java for 50¢.
1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA
Known For
- 50¢ coffee
- Communal tables
- Post–Dodgers game eats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Hollywood |
Since 1939, Angelenos and tourists alike have been lining up at this roadside hot dog stand. But Pink’s is more than just an institution, it’s a beloved family-run joint that serves a damn good hot dog. The chili dogs are the main draw, but don’t shy away from themed and celebrity-inspired specials. Day or night, the lines are long, but the dogs are worth the wait.
709 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90038, USA
Known For
- The famous Brando Dog
- Late-night dining
- Chili fries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Brentwood |
Certainly (and deservedly) on any short list for the best pizzaiolo in Los Angeles, chef Daniele Uditi's secret is his family's 65-plus-year-old sourdough starter, which he transported from Italy and still keeps alive. The sizzling pies here will remind you of Naples, with their crackling crusts and inventive toppings. The restaurant was co-founded by the creators of Sprinkes Cupcakes (no strangers to buzzy food trends) and actor Chris O'Donnell. In addition to the perfect pizzas, the shop offers weekly sandwich specials and a bevy of healthier salad-loving sides. Devotees order Pizzana pizzas online to have shipped to their homes in other states, so keep that in mind as you chow down.
11712 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90049, USA
Known For
- Excellent Neapolitan pizza
- Sandwich specials
- Laid-back atmosphere
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$$$$ | Hollywood |
This is widely considered one of the best seafood restaurants in the country, and chef-owner Michael Cimarusti elevates sustainably driven fine dining to an art form. The elegant space is the perfect spot to sample exquisite seafood with the chef's signature application of French technique, traditional American themes, and Asian accents. Pastry chef Mac Daniel Dimla’s exquisite desserts are not to be missed. Obsessed with quality, Cimarusti maintains a network of purveyors who often tip him off to their catches in order to ensure that the fish on your plate is the freshest in the city.
5955 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90038, USA
Known For
- Fresh seafood
- Honey and zero-waste chocolate programs
- Exquisite dessert options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Beverly–La Brea |
This stunning expansive space, originally built for Charlie Chaplin back in the 1920s, serves French delicacies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. The scent of homemade croissants wafts through the building in the morning; steak frites can be enjoyed at night. A full bar keeps things buzzing throughout the evening.
624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90036, USA
Known For
- French classics
- Unbeatable pastries
- Nice bar menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. or Mon.
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$$$ | Beverly Hills |
Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant is a modern L.A. classic. Spago centers on a buzzing redbrick outdoor courtyard (with retractable roof) shaded by 100-year-old olive trees, and a daily-changing menu that offers dishes like smoked salmon pizza or off-menu schnitzel. Dessert is magical, with everything from an ethereal mango soufflé to artisanal cheeses. Opt for the tasting menu as it comes with a personal tour of the kitchen, and if you’re lucky, a meet and greet with Wolfgang Puck himself.
176 N. Canon Dr., Los Angeles, California, 90210, USA
Known For
- Great people-watching
- Off-menu schnitzel
- Sizzling smoked salmon pizza
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Santa Monica |
This small and dimly lit, romantic spot in Santa Monica is full of adventurously global options, like Singaporean chili crab cake or black cod with a fermented black bean marinade. The new American cuisine, which is centered on the restaurant's wood-fired oven, also features standouts like braised lamb shank with sweet potato, pomegranate, labneh, zhough, and flatbread. Another option for groups of four or more: the restaurant will craft a custom T&R Supper family-style menu with off-menu dishes like wood-fired goat with Moroccan accompaniments or a dry-aged standing rib rack. Book T&R Suppers at least seven days in advance.
602 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90401, USA
Known For
- Phenomenal oxtail dumplings
- Global inspirations
- Ever-changing menu
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$$$ | |
This local secret is as close to the beach—Zuma Beach, in this case—as you can get for a meal without getting sand in your drink. Stop in at this friendly spot for a cocktail, selections from the raw bar, a meal from the extensive menu, or one of the unique salads. From here you'll get a view of the water, dolphins, surfers, and celebrity locals taking a break on the wind-protected patio. The extensive happy hour on Monday through Thursday offers good deals on appetizers, beers, and cocktails.
6800 Westward Beach Rd., Malibu, California, 90265, USA
Known For
- Close to the beach, off-the-beaten path location
- Beautiful views
- Good happy hour
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$$ | Hollywood |
Despite being set in the middle of Hollywood’s mad dash, the surprisingly serene oasis that is the Tropicana Pool and Cafe is where California fare meets refreshing tropical cocktails in a vintage Hollywood setting. While the poolside loungers are technically restricted to hotel guests, visitors are welcome (at the hotel's discretion) to take advantage of the bar and kitchen service in view of that glorious heated pool with its David Hockney mural. Summer events include movie nights and daytime DJs, so plan accordingly if visiting during the warmer months. The menu does change seasonally, but its delicious tacos and sliders are crowd favorites and always on hand.
7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90028, USA
Known For
- Small bites
- Creative cocktails
- Poolside dining
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$ | West L.A. |
Ramen lovers have no shortage of choices across Los Angeles, but if you want the best, head over to this Sawtelle Japantown hot spot. Lines typically bend around the corner as hungry Angelenos drive from far and wide to have Tsujita’s signature tsukemen (a type of ramen where the noodles are served to the side of the broth and you dip each bite individually). Whether it’s cold or hot outside (it’s L.A., so usually hot), this little corner shop will sate your appetite for soup.
2057 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90025, USA
Known For
- Signature tsukemen ramen
- Lots of ramen options, including vegan ramen
- Long lines
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$ | West L.A. | Japanese
The crown prince of ramen in Los Angeles deserves every accolade thrown at it. With lines wrapped around the block, patrons await tonkotsu (a pork broth that simmers for 60 hours) with tender strips of pork, semi-hard noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Other items include spicy tuna or salmon bowls over rice. Don’t mind the lines, the ramen here tops every list for a reason and is worth waiting for.
2057 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90025, USA
Known For
- Spicy tuna
- Salmon bowls
- Long lines
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$$$ | Pasadena |
There’s a Michelin-quality Italian restaurant hiding in plain sight in Pasadena. The small and homey space where Northern Italy meets California is typically filled to the brim as diners await heaven-sent local wild mushrooms with polenta or the squid-ink lumache (shell pasta) with Maine lobster. Make sure you come with a healthy appetite and a desire to drink—the wine list will not disappoint.
37 E. Union St., Los Angeles, California, 91103, USA
Known For
- Superb wine list
- Excellent Italian food with a California twist
- Buzzy yet intimate atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$$ | Downtown |
As its name suggests, this sky-high dining den sits on the 71st floor, 950 feet above ground level. With that elevation comes the most stunning views of any restaurant in L.A., and the food is close to matching it. This fine-dining experience has a quarterly rotating menu, but you'll typically find fresh seafood, innovative veggies, delicious scallops, and more. A dress code is loosely enforced, but you can't come in wearing shorts, hats, flip-flops, or any athletic gear. Keep it classy here, bring a date, and get sucked into the twinkling lights of the city as the sun sets over the ocean.
633 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, California, 90071, USA
Known For
- Sky-high views
- Fine dining with a seafood focus
- Classy atmosphere and loosely enforced dress code (no shorts or flip-flops)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | West Hollywood |
Not to be confused with the congresswoman from New York, the acronym here stands for Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, the regulatory system that ensures the quality of local wines and cheeses in France. Fittingly, A.O.C. upholds this standard of excellence in its shared plates and perfect wine pairings in the stunning exposed-brick and vine-laden courtyard. Try the Spanish fried chicken; wood-oven brioche with prosciutto, Gruyère, and egg; or arroz negro (black rice) with squid.
8700 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, California, 90048, USA
Known For
- Amazing cocktail hour
- Quaint outdoor courtyard
- Charming indoor fireplaces
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | West Hollywood |
Don't balk when you see that Angler is in the Beverly Center mall. If you do, you'll be missing out on one of the most interesting seafood restaurants in the entire city. Angler has its roots in its Michelin-starred flagship in San Francisco, and the cuisine in L.A. lives up to the original in every way. The menu is filled with surprises like the served-cold vermillion with smoked bone vinegar and puffed rice or the seaweed rice which features eggs on eggs on eggs with cured yolk, trout roe, and a caviar supplement (expensive but worth it). Alongside the perfectly prepared fish is a unique cocktail program and premium wine list that pairs nicely with every dish. Forget you're in a mall (you're on the side of it actually), and come to Angler for a menu of fascinating seafood dishes that you can't find anywhere else.
8500 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90048, USA
Known For
- Surprising and imaginative seafood
- Michelin-starred team behind Angler SF
- Excellent cocktails and wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$ | Studio City |
One of L.A.'s finest sushi restaurants, Asanebo is an inviting, no-frills establishment serving top-quality sushi and a wealth of innovative dishes to an A-list clientele. The affable chefs will regale you with memorable specialties such as succulent seared toro (tuna belly), halibut truffle sashimi, or just simple morsels of pristine fish dusted with sea salt.
11941 Ventura Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 91604, USA
Known For
- Omakase (chef's choice) dinners
- Halibut truffle
- Excellent sushi
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | |
This gem of a restaurant, tucked into an unassuming strip mall, has taken Hermosa Beach and L.A. at large by storm; even the focaccia bread has a cult following. Diners love the revolving seasonal menu, with its eclectic mix of European, Mexican, and Asian influences reminiscent of the city's own diverse makeup. While many dishes come and go, the most-beloved classics stay. The decor—with its rustic-yet-industrial touches and black Chesterfield-inspired banquettes—is effortlessly hip. The menu can range from gnocchi nero with king crab to banh mi toast with steak tartare, and the owners have hosted guest chefs for short residencies. Some items like pasta, sausage, and breads are made fully in-house by executive chef Tyler Gugliotta's team, while many ingredients come from his own family farm. More than 40 craft beers are available, along with a good wine list. On weekends, Baran's offers killer "secret" breakfast burritos to take to the beach.
502 Pacific Coast Hwy., Los Angeles, California, 90254, USA
Known For
- Clever, rotating seasonal menu
- Hip California modern-farmhouse vibe
- "secret" to-go breakfast burrito that locals swear by
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
