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Though it’s a relative newcomer to the dining scene, Bacetti instantly established itself as one of L.A.’s best Italian restaurants, serving Roman-inspired dishes with a California twist in a stylish, sprawling, wood-framed dining room and patio. This farm-driven, Roman trattoria--inspired spot, tucked in Echo Park’s intimate commercial strip in the midst of a quiet residential neighborhood, is worth a trip, if only for the Focaccia Ebraica, which has gained a little cult following. Salads here are a revelation, as are the antipasti, pastas, and desserts.
1509 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90026, USA
Known For
- Focaccia Ebraica
- Stylish setting
- Italian wines
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$$ | West Hollywood |
From its famous Impossible Burger (you can’t believe it’s not meat) to its Sicilian pepperoni pizza (again, not meat), Crossroads's level of plant-based inventiveness knows no bounds. The space itself is dimly lit, with red-leather booths and a full bar illuminating its A-list clientele.
8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90046, USA
Known For
- High-end plant-based cuisine
- Great bar menu
- Popular celebrity hangout
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$$ | Venice |
Walk through the rustic wooden door and into a softly lit dining room with long communal tables and a lively crowd; come later in the night and the place heats up with an enthusiastic post-pub crowd lured by the seasonal menu and outstanding small plates, charcuterie, pastas, and pizza. Begin with a pizza made with house-made chorizo, grilled pear with burrata and prosciutto, or Snow Island oysters. For the main course, options include saffron spaghetti and pork belly with Oaxacan grits. Typically boisterous, the patio is a great hang-out spot and a gem for a Sunday brunch.
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90291, USA
Known For
- Lively crowd on the patio
- Late-night menu
- Michelin-recommended restaurant
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Koreatown |
Hawaiian and Asian-inspired dishes can be found on this menu featuring veggie, meat, poultry, and seafood. The environment is eclectic, as is the food, with signature dishes like frogs' legs with salsa negra and blue crab tostadas with yuzu kosho. There’s also an exceptional cocktail program; if you’re lucky enough to sit at the bar, order a slice of pie.
3901 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, California, 90020, USA
Known For
- Friendly atmosphere
- Exceptional cocktails
- Inventive dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
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$$ | Downtown |
This James Beard Award winner not only has the look and feel of a no-frills Jewish deli from New York, it also has the food to match. The draw here is the hand-cut pastrami: lean, peppery, robust—and with a reputation for being the best in town. Other classics include the #19 (pastrami with Swiss and coleslaw piled high on twice-baked rye), but purists prefer it straight up with Russian dressing. The neighborhood is a little rough around the edges, but if you're in search of a classic deli, it would be wise not to worry and dive in for blintzes, matzo ball soup, and a take-home order of rugelach.
704 S. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, California, 90057, USA
Known For
- #19 sandwich
- Jewish deli classics like matzo ball soup and rugelach
- No-frills atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | Mid-Wilshire |
In a tucked-away stretch along Fairfax Avenue is Little Ethiopia, where Angelenos of all stripes flock for the African country’s signatures like tibs, wat, and kitfo. And while there is a plethora of Ethiopian options, no one does the cuisine justice quite like Meals by Genet. At this spot helmed by chef-owner Genet Agonafer, visitors will discover a level of authenticity that will transport them straight to Addis Ababa, but keep in mind, this is takeout only.
1053 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90019, USA
Known For
- Authentic Ethiopian cuisine
- Jovial atmosphere
- Unreal tibs
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.
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$$ | 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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$$ | West Hollywood |
Not to be confused with the congresswoman from New York, the acronym here stands for Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, the regulatory system that ensures the quality of local wines and cheeses in France. Fittingly, A.O.C. upholds this standard of excellence in its shared plates and perfect wine pairings in the stunning exposed-brick and vine-laden courtyard. Try the Spanish fried chicken; wood-oven brioche with prosciutto, Gruyère, and egg; or arroz negro (black rice) with squid.
8700 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, California, 90048, USA
Known For
- Amazing cocktail hour
- Quaint outdoor courtyard
- Charming indoor fireplaces
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | 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.
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$$ | |
With the extensive and eclectic breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus here, coupled with the fantastic cocktail menu and charming little marketplace, breakfast can easily turn into lunch and then late lunch. Patrons tend to adopt a slow pace, staggering orders of coffee, luscious crepes, small plates, and delicious entrées, all while adopting the laissez-faire attitude that is encouraged here. It’s a good thing they’ve got plenty of seating. There's live music on Sunday afternoons.
3155 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90039, USA
Known For
- Seasonal fromage and charcuterie boards
- Classic American fare
- Partially open-air setting
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$$ | North Hollywood | Italian
With antique wood hutches, copper moldings, and a fireplace, this establishment draws a diverse clientele in search of grilled octopus drizzled with a spicy limoncello vinaigrette, soulful spaghetti carbonara, pumpkin-filled mezzelune (half moon–shaped ravioli), and classic osso buco. The wine list is moderately priced and, weather permitting, you can sit on the walled patio that, despite its proximity to L.A. traffic, feels wonderfully escapist.
4100 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 91602, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sat.
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This spacious 1920s-style spot along a quickly revitalizing stretch of Figueroa has established itself as a neighborhood bistro frequented by Highland Park residents, as well as folks from all over Los Angeles. The eclectic menu skillfully blends elements of European, North African, Southern, and Asian cuisines, tying them together with a fresh California flair and a gorgeously lush interior inspired by a fictional meeting-of-two-souls narrative. Nestle into cozy and luxurious booths for memorable Filipino dishes and cocktails.
5631 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, California, 90042, USA
Known For
- Moroccan-spiced fried chicken
- Seasonal cocktails
- Modern and luxurious yet lush and airy
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In a city full of adventurous restaurants touting innovation and all things new and gimmicky, Centanni Trattoria focuses on executing traditional, comforting fare to perfection. From lasagna and ravioli to tiramisu, this authentic dinner spot offers reasonably priced, delicious food.
117 N. Victory Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 91502, USA
Known For
- Pumpkin ravioli
- Risotto di funghi
- Great appetizers
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$$ | Century City | Café
In fast-paced Century City, this quaint restaurant pays homage to comfort food classics. Look for chicken potpie, macaroni and cheese, roast beef sandwiches, and a slew of hearty salads. A great breakfast or lunch detour as you make your way to the beaches, Clementine has a bakery case that's filled to the brim with slices of banana bread with cream-cheese frosting, oatmeal raisin cookies, and freshly made cinnamon rolls (Saturday only).
1751 Ensley Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90024, USA
Known For
- Family-owned neighborhood bakery
- Lunch to bring to the beach
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | Santa Monica |
Escape busy Santa Monica State Beach to dine at this casual café and bar within the unfussy oceanfront hotel Shutters on the Beach. Head here at sunset for sophisticated, fruity cocktails and fresh seafood, like oysters, Dungeness crab, or a lobster roll, just one block from Santa Monica Pier.
1 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, California, USA
Known For
- Great sunset drinks and dining
- Casual beachside atmosphere
- California-inspired cuisine
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$$ | West Hollywood |
Inspired by the classic clam, oyster, and fish houses of New England, this beautiful space (the roof is arched like a wave) is occupied by a dressed-up crowd dipping fried calamari or spooning up Jo’s wicked-good chowda. Lobster rolls are insanely good, and you can never go wrong with the catch of the day.
8171 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90046, USA
Known For
- Buttery lobster rolls
- Catch of the day
- Classic New England seafood spot atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Wed. and Thurs.
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$$ | Downtown |
Meaning, 'from the grandma' in Italian, De La Nonna is the newest, hippest, most fun pizza restaurant in DTLA. Owned by three friends, chef Patrick Costa, restaurateur Jose Cordon, and bar manager Lee Zaremba, the outlet features a bevy of focaccia-styled pizzas with engaging toppings like Japanese sweet potato or roasted mushrooms with garlic cream sauce. You can still get a basic Margherita (and should), while scarfing down on sides like whipped eggplant or a half-dozen raw oysters. The fun comes in the form of the attached bar, The Let's Go, where Italian cocktails and late night dancing are on the menu. Come to eat, stay to drink and dance, and leave full and tipsy. An incredible combo that your grandma would approve of.
710 E. 4th Pl., Los Angeles, California, 90013, USA
Known For
- Great pizzas
- Italian cocktails
- Late-night pizza slice window
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$ | |
A popular local venue for live bands, DJ sets, and burlesque shows, El Cid has been presenting flamenco performances since the early '60s. The weekend flamenco dinner and show includes a four-course meal and a lively, engrossing Spanish dance performance. The seafood paella would be the showstopper if it wasn't for the incredible performances stealing the limelight.
4212 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90029, USA
Known For
- Flamenco shows
- Live performances
- Paella
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Flamenco on weekends only
