217 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

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 the Santa Monica Pier.

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.

Stop at this two-story locals' favorite for coffee and pastries, or choose from a long list of sandwiches for something more substantial. Sit out front and watch the crowds drifting in off the beach, or get cozy upstairs in one of the comfortable reading chairs.

Behind the unremarkable facade is an übertrendy—yet decidedly old-school—den of American cuisine that doubles as a safe haven for the movie industry’s most important names and well-known faces. Be aware that this joint is always busy so you might not even get a table and reservations are hard to come by. But you might as well try, and the food is worth the effort.

Started by former music producer and Donut Friend creator Mark Trombino, Creamo is to Silver Lake ice cream as In-N-Out is to burgers. Everything is vegan in the shop; nonetheless, non-vegans will love its 16 soy-based flavors, many of which are named after pop-punk and emo bands. Crowd-favorites stay year-round, but two to three flavors rotate seasonally in addition to a new flavor every season. Not an ice cream fan? Vegan shakes like the Paramoreo, named after Paramore, might just change your life.

A Euro--Vietnamese fusion gem in the heart of Beverly Hills, Crustacean allows you to walk on water above exotic fish and see the kitchen preparing your perfect garlic noodles through a glass window. Standouts (besides the noodles) include Dungeness crab, A5 Wagyu beef, tuna cigars, and hearts-of-palm crab cakes. The cocktail program also brings the heat with turmeric mules and artichoke old-fashioneds.

In a true collision of artistic titans, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck presents his take on steak houses in a space designed by Getty Center architect Richard Meier. Playful dishes like bone-marrow flan take center stage, while dry-aged and seared hunks of Nebraskan sirloin prove the Austrian-born chef understands America's love affair with beef. Other favorites include the “Louis” cocktail (Alaskan king crab and Louisiana shrimp) and dark chocolate soufflé for dessert.

The Arts District in DTLA continues to trot out some of the most exciting restaurants in all of Los Angeles, and Damian is simply the latest and greatest example to enter the space. Across from Bestia, the Enrique Olvera--helmed joint serves contemporary Mexican fare combined with California's bounty of excellent produce. Dishes like the mole verde and fish tartare tostadas wow your taste buds as they slide from spicy to creamy and back. The cocktails shouldn't be overlooked either with mezcal-heavy options that also incorporate Italian vermouths and Japanese sake. Buzzing inside and out, this restaurant has vibes for days, food to match it, and service that's second to none. Eat here to question everything you know or want to about what Mexican cuisine can and should be.

If you're looking for an Italian vibe straight out of Goodfellas, your search ends here. Checkered tablecloths cover the tightly packed tables as Hollywood players dine on the city’s best chicken and veal Parm, and down Scotches by the finger. The elbow-room-only bar is loud and the wait times can be long—there’s a decent chance you’ll get bumped by an A-lister—but slipping the maître d' $20 might move things along more quickly.

By blending geometrical shapes and horizontal lines in an airy place with big windows, Dinosaur Coffee has utilized its space well, bringing a touch of modern into an older section of Silver Lake. Yet it’s more than just the interiors that draw people in—the coffee is excellent, as are the pastries. And in a neighborhood where independent coffee shops are a dime a dozen, that’s saying a lot.

This hip and buzzy red sauce restaurant will not disappoint any chicken Parmesan and fusilli alla vodka lovers. Donna’s boasts an old-school theme with mid-century flourishes; every dish looks Instagram-worthy against its deep green walls and natural lighting. Plan ahead and make a reservation as early as 14 days in advance.

Come for chilled nosh items to share with family and friends, such as royal oysters, and warm noms that include veal meatballs and lobster escargot. They also have a variety of Melrose Pizzas, including a vegan version. A signature dish is Vin Scully loaded fries topped with sea salt, smoked cheddar, jalapeño, bacon, and ranch dressing.

A beloved Inglewood institution since 2001, Dulan's serves up generous portions of authentic Southern comfort food that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. This no-frills eatery, run by the Dulan family since 2001, offers a rotating menu of soul food classics like crispy fried chicken, smoky collard greens, and creamy mac and cheese. And yes, you want the cornbread. The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel right at home, while the affordable prices ensure you get plenty of bang for your buck. Don't miss their famous peach cobbler—it's the perfect sweet ending to a soulful meal. Needless to say, there's a reason Dulan's has been devoured on both Air Force One and on professional sports teams' private jets. With its hearty portions and friendly service, Dulan's exemplifies the best of Inglewood's unpretentious dining scene. It's less than a mile from the Forum, at the north end of Inglewood's newly revitalized entertainment district.

Simple, small, and understated, the best falafel spot in the neighborhood can be easy to miss. At Dune, patrons can revel in the piles of hearty chicken shawarma generously plated on homemade flatbread. Other menu items include tabbouleh and lamb, but, honestly, stick with the falafel—it’s second to none. Enjoy it al fresco in Dune's outdoor dining space along Glendale Boulevard, where people-watching is a favorite pastime. There's cold brew as well to perk you up before your weekend adventures.

The dining experience at Dunsmoor is cinematic and grand, warmed by the embers of the restaurant's live-fire cooking. Led by namesake chef Brian Dunsmoor, the Southern-leaning restaurant boasts seasonal menus of raw seafood (their wood-roasted oysters are a must) and hearty meat entrées. Be forewarned: with its American flair, the dishes are heavy in portions and easy to share even among four people. If you feel like indulging alone, Dunsmoore offers a $27 bar-only burger that arrives with a thick beef patty topped with melted cheese and an aioli-smothered house-made sesame bun. 

All amigos are welcome at this retro-styled Mexican-American eatery known for its lively scene and potent flaming margaritas. The menu doesn’t stray too far from its 1975 original: mole-topped chicken enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, and street-style tacos are the best bets. Red vinyl booths and an excess of black wrought-iron grill work dominates the dining room. Director Quentin Tarantino is a reported regular. He’s joined by the in-crowd who come for the party atmosphere and reasonable prices. When the weather is fine, the shaded outdoor back patio away from bustling Sunset Boulevard is the spot for happy hour.

While you definitely should try the flat shoe-shaped dish El Huarache Azteca is named after—think somewhere between a flatbread and a tostada—you cannot go wrong with any of the other options at this family restaurant that’s been a fixture in the area since the '90s. Be ready to wait for your food to arrive, but all that thick masa tortilla, meat, veggies, crema, and salsa are well worth it.

This family-owned gelato shop has its roots in Italy and offers loads of flavors to cool shoppers off on hot Beverly Hills days.

Distinguished by its vintage neon sign, this gastropub is famous for handcrafted beers and a brilliant signature burger (along with a substantial and excellent menu). Topped with Gruyère and Maytag blue cheeses, arugula, caramelized onions, and applewood-smoked bacon compote, the Office Burger is a guilty pleasure worth waiting in line for, which is usually required. Get a side order of the addictive sweet-potato fries served in a miniature fryer basket with aioli. Don't even think of asking for ketchup—FO enforces a strict no-substitutions policy.

One minute you’re in an old library quickly converted into a lounge, the next you’re in the cabana of a modest country club. Yet Firefly's eclectic design is part of its appeal, and its excellent, if a bit pricey, French-American fare will make you forget all about it.

Pasta is served here dalla forma, meaning it's cooked, then dipped into a cheese wheel and stirred up until it's coated with melted cheese before serving. Catering to a higher-end crowd, Forma specializes in cheeses, pastas, and pizzas. It also serves small plates like fresh mozzarella knots, arancini balls, and crispy artichokes prepared Roman style. A generous happy hour from 3 to 6 lets you discover many of the specialties without breaking the bank.

If your vacation dreams run more British hunting lodge than SoCal beach scene, Fox and Farrow might be your place. Run by longtime South Bay chef Darren Weiss, this gastropub features classic fare like hunter's pie with wild boar alongside more creative concepts inspired by the Pacific Rim, all in a clubby ambience: think British-racing-green velvet Chesterfields and paneled wood walls. Order from an inspired list of craft cocktails to add to your experience. Then finish your night at the adjacent Underground pub, which also benefits from Weiss' influence. While visiting the building, go outside to view a new mural by famed Endless Summer artist John Van Hamersveld, which was unveiled in early 2025.

Big hotel restaurants are rarely great, let alone adventurous with their dishes, but the Front Yard is an exception with its '70s living room look, excellent tunes, and star snacks including fried squash and waffles, 24-hour smoked carnitas in birria broth, and Rockefeller-style scallops. It has the kind of patio that makes you want to linger all day sipping the house rosé and throwing back fluffy cheese biscuits. It's quite a popular brunch spot as well. There are several oversized mains made to be shared including a whole branzino with chocolate mole and a fried chicken with a sweet and spicy chili sauce and mac 'n' cheese.

Smashburger spots in L.A. are a dime a dozen, but only a handful---like Goldburger---stand out. Tucked in a tiny spot on buzzing York Boulevard, this joint makes some of the juiciest, tastiest smashburgers in town, thanks in large part to the grass-fed beef and house-made sauces. The titular Goldburger is the one to try, of course, but you also can't go wrong with the other burger specials. Pair one with curly fries, and chase it all down with the craft sodas on offer.

Its walls may be heavy with framed photographs of stars, and folks from the biz might regularly grace its tables for breakfast burritos and craft-your-own omelet, but this Cahuenga Pass diner is every bit as down-to-earth as your next-door neighbor, even after 40-some years. It gets pretty busy, but a plateful of that comfort cooking is worth the wait. If you’re in a rush, grab something caffeinated or a fruit smoothie from the Neighbarista.

A classic L.A. Mexican eatery, Guelaguetza serves the complex but not overpoweringly spicy cooking of Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most renowned culinary capitals. Inside, you'll find a largely Spanish-speaking clientele bobbing their heads to nightly jazz, marimba, and rock while wolfing down the restaurant's specialty: the moles. The intense flavors come from intricate combinations of nuts, seeds, spices, chilis, and bitter chocolate. Be sure to check out the pizza-like tlayudas topped with white cheese and tasajo (dried beef) or cecina (chili-marinated pork) and chorizo.

L.A.'s pandemic bagel boom is still going strong—even a New York Times critic admitted that some of the best are being baked in California these days—and Hank's hand-rolled bagels and bialys, especially the rosemary sea salt and salty chocolate chip flavors, are at the top of the game. Top them with creamy schmears, dip them in five types of salad including whitefish, lemony chicken, and potato, or mix and match ingredients like pickled onions, braised greens, and fontina to build a sandwich. To be honest, they're also pretty great fresh out of the oven and plain. Be aware that they close early if they sell out and all seating is outside. There are also locations in Burbank and Calabasas.

From a food truck to a brick-and-mortar space, Happy Ice is a rainbow-colored icee shop that keeps the crowds coming. Customers can combine up to three of the nine flavors, including the world-famous Rainbow Rocket, Mango Madness, Sour Apple Lush, and more. The shop is right in the middle of Melrose Avenue's shopping street, making it the perfect stop between vintage shopping and a quick lunch bite.

Sit down here to a table piled high with assorted kibbie, garlic wings, baba ghanoush, falafel, and zesty kebabs piled on a bed of rice. Fresh, satisfying, and with excellent service and big portions, this real-deal hidden gem is worth the trek over the hill. Hayat's does its best to disguise its strip mall setting with flowers, placemats, and Middle-Eastern music in both the open-air patio and the slightly more formal dining room. The menu has all the dishes Americans have come to love like hummus, tabouli, and beef shawarma but adds some unexpected entrees like quail, frog legs, and charbroiled trout in walnut sauce. Complimentary baklava finishes the meal and should be washed down with mint tea or strong coffee. 

Some of the best sushi spots in Los Angeles are the most hidden and discreet, and come with zero fanfare. The decades-old, no-reservations Hide (pronounced hee-day) is one of those restaurants. Walking through a curtained entryway, diners will find a smattering of tables and a sushi counter (which is where you should sit) where master sushi chefs slice raw cuts of the freshest fish in town. Keep in mind, this establishment is cash only, but it does have an ATM inside.