This spring, eat well at L.A.'s best restaurants, from amazing Thai, Chinese and Mexican cuisine to the city's very best fine dining.
Written by Patricia Kelly Yeo
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Despite all that’s transpired during the pandemic,L.A. is still home to one of the most innovative, exciting and diverse food scenes in the country. Brick-and-mortar restaurants, Instagram pop-ups, street vendors and food trucks: No matter the form, you can find amazing food in a city whose reputation is built as much on off-the-beaten-path tacos and pop-ups as it is on fine dining-trained chefs making quick work offarmers’ market produceand mainline access to the top-notch Pacific seafood.
At its core, L.A.’s restaurant scene thrives on diversity, resulting in genre-bending formats and cuisines that have given rise to some of the country’s best omakase restaurants,fine dining institutions and strip mall hidden gems. Our experts scour the city for great eats and great insider info. We value fun, flavor, freshness—and value at every price point. We update our list regularly to reflect changes in menu offerings, style of service, new locations and the ever-changing pulse of the city’s food scene. If it’s on the list, we think it’s awesome and worth the hype, wait and money —and we bet you will, too.
May 2024:After significant research (and a few disappointing meals), we’ve opted to take Raffi's Place and Nozawa Bar off the guide. Replacing them are Gardena’s Sushi Sonagi—our current favorite omakase in L.A. under $250—and Huntington Park’s Tacos Los Cholos, which serves some of the best tacos in all of Southern California.
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L.A.’s 40 best restaurants, ranked
5 out of 5 stars
- Restaurants
- Japanese
- Palms
price 4 of 4
What is it? A two Michelin star kaiseki spot in Palms from chef-owner Niki Nakayama, a protégé of the legendary Morihiro Onodera and one of the stars of the Netflix documentary Chef’s Table (2011).
Why we love it: Nakayama focuses her talent on kaiseki: a classical style of Japanese cooking that dictates a specific progression of textures, temperatures, tastes and seasonal ingredients. À la carte is not an option, and when every dish is this good, that's okay by us. n/naka typically offers a 13-course tasting menu ($365) with a vegetarian option, plus wine and sake pairings.
Time Out tip: Years in, these are still some of the hardest reservations to land in all of Los Angeles. It's best to follow along on Instagram for announcements and watch n/naka's Tock page like a hawk.
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- Restaurants
- Japanese
- Downtown Arts District
price 4 of 4
What is it? An exquisite, two-Michelin-star kaiseki dinner ($400 per head) that feels like more of a transportive experience than a meal.
Why we love it: The space is intimate, the ceramics are handcrafted and imported from Japan, service is respectful and diligent, and chef-owner Brandon Go's precision and technique come by way of training in Japan for years. There is something almost criminally understated here; Hayato's delicate flavors could lead Angelenos to overlook some of the most beautiful cooking happening in the city. We hope they don't. They'd be missing out on steamed abalone with an unctuous liver sauce; an owan course of delicate crab meatball soup; and the spectacular donabe finale, where one can fill one's bowl with freshly cooked seafood and rice over and over. Go has truly built something beautiful with Hayato.
Time Out tip: Dinner reservations are usually released at the top of each month, and sell out almost immediately for the entire month. Set an alarm to get a table. It's worth it.
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4 out of 5 stars
- Restaurants
- Taiwanese
- Downtown Arts District
price 4 of 4
What is it? An Arts District tasting menu that brings a distinctive Taiwanese edge to Michelin-starred fine dining.
Why we love it: After relocating to ROW DTLA in 2021, chef Jon Yao, front-of-house partner Nikki Reginaldo, sommelier Ryan Bailey and bar director Austin Hennelly have crafted a world-class dining (and drinking) destination that rivals L.A.’s more established fine dining institutions. Yao’s ever-evolving seasonal tasting menu ($275) has come into its own, reflecting the native Angeleno’s Taiwanese heritages and San Gabriel Valley upbringing. Hennelly’s non-alcoholic beverage pairing ($85) is the best of its kind, with drinks that capture the complex tasting notes of spirits and wine with none of the actual bite.(To be frank: We tried all the other booze-free pairings in town; they’re sorely lacking.) For skeptical first-timers or longtime fans, there’s the bar-only tasting menu ($170) incorporating some of Kato’s greatest hits, including the city’s best milk bread. The high-touch service here never feels too stuffy, and Bailey’s 70-plus page wine list will satisfy even the biggest wine snobs.
Time Out tip: Unless you love A5 Wagyu, skip the supplemental beef course. While delicious, it’s far from the most interesting thing on the menu. Save the space for the trio of Asian desserts or even another co*cktail—non-alcoholic or otherwise, the drinks upstage some of the city’s bars.
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4 out of 5 stars
- Restaurants
- Mediterranean
- Downtown Arts District
price 3 of 4
What is it?A flavorful culinary jaunt through the Levant from Bestia’s Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, complete with fire-roasted meats, handmade couscous, perhaps the best flatbread in all of L.A., and, like its Italian counterpart, fantastic desserts.
Why we love it:They redefined modern Italian food with Bestia, but here it's even more personal. At Bavel, Menashe and Gergis draw on their familial and cultural heritage, as well as their modern-kitchen savvy, to bring us some of the best hummus we've ever tasted, wholly unique treats such as spiced Persian ice cream, and must-order plates for the table, like the crunchy, spicy harissa prawns.
Time Out tip:Hoping to go at 7 or 8pm on a weekend evening? Book Bavel far in advance—most Friday and Saturday slots are for 9pm or later. For a buzzier, more casual vibe, but no less easy of a time booking, try your luck at booking at the Bestia team's newer East Hollywood hot spotSaffy's.
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- Restaurants
- Seafood
- Hollywood
price 4 of 4
What is it?A fine dining institution offering the freshest seafood available and all the bells and whistles of a modern white tablecloth experience. For 17 years, the restauranthas won over scores of critics, Michelin inspectors and repeat visitors—and the artful eight-course dinner menu ($325) still remains impressive today. This is two Michelin star-level luxury in the eyes of chef-owner Michael Cimarusti and co-owner Donato Poto, who ensures all diners receive a warm—and unstuffy—welcome.
Why we love it: For serving a city next to the Pacific, Providence somehow still manages to showcase newer facets of seafood. Michael Cimarusti's mostly-aquatic menus deftly showcase the bounty of the West Coast, as well as the globe: Santa Barbara spot prawns and steelhead trout from the Quinault River in Washington can appear among the varied choices, depending on seasonality. His knack for finding the best product will make you focus on the perfect bite hanging from your fork, and nothing else. A recent renovation, pastry chef Mac Daniel Dimla's zero-waste chocolate desserts and a compelling non-alcoholic pairing ($125) reflect the restaurant's ability to keep up with the times—a distinction that other L.A.'s other veteran fine dining spots don't necessarily have.
Time Out tip: You'll absolutely need a reservation—and plan ahead, as reservations tend to book weeks in advance.
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- Restaurants
- French
- La Brea
price 3 of 4
What is it? An all-day café and more upscale dinnertime spot where it is nigh on impossible to leave dissatisfied, where old meets new in L.A. dining history, and where the buzz of thrilled diners is electric from morning to night.
Why we love it: Margarita Manzke's fresh pastries in the case are some of the finest in L.A., while Walter Manzke's worldly French bistro-meets-Californian-cuisine dishes leave us lapping up roast chicken, lobster mafaldine, and beef short rib kimchi fried rice. The love and care this husband-and-wife team puts into République is palpable, filling the gothic-style building—one that was once home to Charlie Chaplin's film studio, as well as Nancy Silverton and the late Mark Peel's groundbreaking Campanile restaurant–with hospitality and warmth.
Time Out tip: Arrive early on weekends to snag first pick of the pastry case's croissants, baguettes, tarts, cakes and cookies; once they sell out for the day, they're gone.
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5 out of 5 stars
- Restaurants
- Mexican
- Downtown Arts District
price 3 of 4
What is it? A Mexican fine dining restaurant in the Arts District from world-renowned chef Enrique Olvera of Mexico City's Pujol and NYC's Cosme with unforgettable tortillas, an amazing brunch and a more casual daytime taqueria named Ditroit.
Why we love it: Though Damian's menu prices place the eatery squarely in fine dining territory, the painstakingly sourced, well-crafted seafood, meat and vegetable dishes and housemade co*cktails—non-alcoholic ones included—have made it one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city. The understated yet stylish ambience serves as the perfect backdrop for any special occasion evening, plus weekend-only brunch with highlights like blue corn conchas and some of the city's best fried chicken. Though the menu changes seasonally, signature dishes like the duck carnitas and newer pollito al pastor are always a surefire bet.
Time Out tip: If your budget allows, it's better to order a few of the smaller plates one apiece, including the sweet corn tamales and any tostada, since these are more difficult to share.
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- Restaurants
- Thai
- East Hollywood
price 2 of 4
What is it?Chef-owner Jazz Singsanong's Thai Town restaurant with a sprawling menu and plenty of heat is one of the city's cult favorites—and serves Angelenos in memory of her brother, L.A. Thai food legend Tui Sungkamee.
Why we love it:Whether it's a regional specialty or a more Americanized dish, Jitlada nails it all. The crispy morning glory salad is a must—a flavorful mix of crunchy, deep-fried Chinese watercress and plump shrimp—while Northern and Southern Thai curry specialties such as green mussel curry or the jungle curry might light your mouth ablaze in the best way. Even the American-familiar options such as the turmeric chicken wings are a must. You could visit Jitlada every week for a year and still find gems and surprises on that menu. We're especially partial to the off-menu Jazz Burger–ask your server if it's available on your visit.
Time Out tip:Be careful how spicy you tell Jazz to go. You've been warned.
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- Restaurants
- Korean
- Koreatown
price 2 of 4
What is it? A no-frills eatery on Koreatown’s western edge with an early close (8:30pm is the last call for orders) that happens to make the city’s best banchan and ganjang gejang, a.k.a. soy-marinated raw crab. For those only familiar with Korean barbecue, Soban is a wonderful entry point into the complex and increasingly evolving East Asian cuisine beyond tabletop grills.
Why we love it: Named for the low-slung tables traditionally used for communal dining, Jennifer Pak’s cooking is full of cozy homestyle delights. Though service may be brusque, no other place in Los Angeles holds a candle to the buttery, sweet crab marinated in a blend of green chilies, white onion and soy sauce. The dozen or so tiny plates of housemade banchan that accompany every meal burst with flavor, texture and painstaking attention to detail, from the kimchi to the seasoned acorn jelly. You’ll also find first-rate versions of galbi jjim (braised short ribs) and a fiery gochujang stew made of buttery black cod and sliced daikon radish. As of late, other L.A. eateries offering ganjang gejang have gone viral on TikTok, but you won’t find a better version than the one offered at Soban.
Time Out tip: Call ahead for a reservation. Everyone from the late Jonathan Gold to Oscar-winning South Korean director Bong Joon-ho has eaten at Soban—so unless you’re stopping in on a weekday afternoon, you’ll very likely have to wait for a table.
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- Restaurants
- Mexican
- South LA
What is it? A no-frills family-run food stall in South L.A. offering one of L.A.’s best Mexican seafood experiences—and all at a fairly reasonable price.A newly offered $120 tasting menu on Thursday and Friday evenings is an only-in-L.A. culinary journey that’s also, relatively speaking, remarkably budget-friendly.
Why we love it: Housed inside food hall Mercado La Paloma, Gilberto Cetina Jr.’s Yucatecan-style mariscos counter is a profound revelation for those who enjoy spice, citrus and smoke. The approachable deep-fried fish tacos and well-made coctel mixto, of course, bring in the daytime crowds, but more upmarket dishes like the smoked kanpachi tostadas and freshly shucked oysters more than hold their ground against other seafood heavyweights. For a special occasion (even if that's just a random Thursday night), Holbox's experimental eight-course tasting menu is the most delicious, inexpensive way to enjoy the best of the Pacific.
Time Out tip: When they’re available, order the pata de mula, or Baja California blood clams. Served with a smoky morita chili sauce, they’re a hard to find delicacy rarely seen on L.A. menus.
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- Restaurants
- Italian
- Hanco*ck Park
price 3 of 4
What is it? Delicate housemade pastas, antipasti and a literal mozzarella bar from local celebrity chef Nancy Silverton within her three-restaurant Mozzaplex in Hanco*ck Park.
Why we love it: Though buzzy new Italian spots open all the time in Los Angeles, none manage the same level of refinement and consistency that emanates from Osteria Mozza. From Silverton’s famous ravioli oozing ricotta cheese and bright yellow egg yolk to the fresh, creamy mozzarella paired with all the manner of accoutrements, this upscale, Michelin-starred osteria still fires on all cylinders a decade and a half after its initial debut. Depending on your mood, you could also head to next-door outposts Chi Spacca (for bubbling focaccia and grilled meats) and Pizzeria Mozza (for pizza, obviously)—all three provide refined takes on a different facet of Italian cuisine, plus access to the same delightful, freshly made gelato that has made Silverton a mainstay in the gourmet freezer aisle.
Time Out tip: Though it’s tempting to forgo vegetables here, order at least one antipasti next time you visit. On a menu of greatest hits, it’s the primary section that still changes with the seasons—demonstrating the kitchen’s excellence even when Silverton isn’t necessarily working the stove.
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- Restaurants
- Contemporary Asian
- Downtown Historic Core
price 3 of 4
What is it? Chef Josef Centeno's Michelin-starred, Japanese-meets-Italian restaurant that's been renowned for its tasting menu ($125, and $135 for vegetarians) but equally beloved for its casual à la carte katsu sandwiches and grain bowls in the Before Times (which we hope will return someday).
Why we love it: Centeno's hyper-creative, genre-bending dishes might see scallops and uni in a flower-dotted rice porridge, or some tempura-like fried shiso leaf under abalone. There's L.A. love, global inflection and a deep understanding of balance in these dishes that make every meal enjoyable. Even factoring in the mandatory service charge and tip, it's still one of the less eye-poppingly expensive fine experiences around town. The tasting menu changes daily, and the chef is typically generous with additional dishes unlisted on the menu.
Time Out tip:Make sure to note the 20% mandatory service charge with tip not included, and the increasing cost of supplements, like the uni risotto. We don't love these upcharges, to be honest, but Centeno's cuisine is worth the surprise charges (and we wish the restaurant would just increase the price of the tasting menu instead).
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- Restaurants
- Mexican
- Huntington Park
price 1 of 4
What is it? Some of Southern California’s very best tacos—now available in Huntington Park.
Why we love it: Tacos Los Cholos serves some of the best street meats on a tortilla we’ve ever had. Yes, we mean ever. The mesquite-grilled meats offer a wealth of flavors, from the chewy, perfectly grilled panela cheese to the ultra-tender rib eye. Three price tiers—regular ($2.44), premium ($3.64), prime ($7.80)—might seem daunting, but you can’t go wrong with almost any option. Our suggestion for first-timers? Go for mid-tier options like the costilla de res (pork ribs) and arrachera (skirt steak), which strike the balance between affordability and quality. Tacos Los Cholos’ self-serve topping station includes a creamy chipotle mayo, cucumbers and several varieties of salsa, ranging from mild to heart-stopping.
Time Out tip: Don’t live in the area? Come later in the evening to avoid the worst of traffic—Tacos Los Cholos is open until midnight most days of the week (and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays).
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- Restaurants
- Italian
- Hanco*ck Park
price 3 of 4
What is it? Nancy Silverton’s temple to meat flame-grills tomahawk pork chops, cures fennel salami and dry-ages massive steaks so big they almost feel like they’ll rock the table when they land. For those in search of a great steakhouse, this Italian one is worth the splurge.
Why we love it: Few restaurants can accomplish what Chi Spacca’s shoebox setting can. With one of the best charcuterie programs in the city and a stunning open kitchen, the talented team knows how to best work the cozy space for maximum meaty results. You may be spending over $200 on a steak (it's enormous!), but don’t think about skipping the sides of roasted sustainable veggies—nor that bubbling focaccia di recco, which oozes stracchino cheese and comes with its own pizza stand.
Time Out tip: On Mondays and Tuesdays, dine at the counter for Chi Spacca’s special burgers topped with pickles and grilled onions. Usually, it’s the Melrose Smash, though the team switches it up from time to time with other iterations like an Oklahoma-style smashburger or Silverton’s version of a classic cheeseburger. Follow along on Instagram for menu announcements and sneak peaks.
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- Restaurants
- Trucks
- Mid City
price 1 of 4
What is it? A fleet of seven cash-only taco trucks across L.A. that serve some of the best al pastor tacos in the city. Though they also offer burritos, mulitas, huaraches and other Mexican street food specialties, your eyes will likely be drawn to the trompo–a rotating spit of tender, marinated al pastor topped with a shaved, juicy hunk of pineapple.
Why we love it: Tacos on late nights! Tacos in the afternoon! Although Leo's draws its largest crowds on weekend nights from the going out set, this isn't just your average drunchie. Operating like a well-oiled machine, the staff at each Leo's location deftly serves each customer's tacos, calling out numbers in both Spanish and English. Upon receiving your order, you can ask them for pre-packaged little plastic baggies of onions, cilantro and salsa—a pandemic-era safety and hygiene upgrade. Whether eaten in open air or taken home, the thin slices of al pastor, topped with a bit of pineapple, are a beautiful sight to behold—and consume.
Time Out tip: Though it may be tempting to only order their tacos al pastor, Leo's is no slouch in the offal department either. To diversify your taco order, order their buche (pork), cabeza (beef) and tripas (beef).
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- Restaurants
- Trucks
- Boyle Heights
price 1 of 4
What is it? A quartet of trucks (Boyle Heights, Downtown, Pomona, La Cienega) slinging Jalisco-style seafood across the Southland. It's one of L.A.'s most old-school taco players, and known for its deep-fried shrimp tacos, but Mariscos Jalisco also serves fresh-to-death ceviches, tostadas and oysters on the half shell.
Why we love it: In essence, everything is good. Their signature tacos dorado de camaron live up to the hype, with flavorful and fresh shrimp folded into a corn tortilla that's then fried to a golden brown and topped with thick slices of avocado and a vibrant and complex salsa roja. You'll also want to save room for their legendary tostadas such as the Poseidon, which comes topped with shrimp ceviche, octopus and a fiery red aguachile of shrimp.
Time Out tip: This spot is cash-only, so come prepared. Speaking of prepared, if you're eating then and there you can request the tacos be fully loaded on the truck for you; if they need to travel, assemble the components yourself so the taco shells stay perfectly crunchy until they're ready to be eaten.
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- Restaurants
- French
- Downtown Arts District
price 3 of 4
What is it? A Michelin-starred, Asian-inflected bistro in the Arts District offering a new-school take on fine dining—and a delightful, au courant destination for special occasions or those who don’t bat an eye at dropping $300 on dinner for two.
Why we love it: Within its airy white and blue dining room, up-and-coming young(er) chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George find plenty of creative freedom within the confines of a traditional French bill of fare. A delicate amuse bouche pays homage to the South Asian street snack pani puri, while the gunpowder-spiced anchovies call to mind the tiny, salty fried fish favored in the Philippines and South Korea. No detail in service and atmosphere goes unnoticed, from the first-rate co*cktails to the selfie-ready bathroom. Dessert is top-notch as well; the pastry-inclined Boonthanakit showcases beautiful, delicate creations like a chocolate soufflé and icy-sweet kiwi sorbet.
Time Out tip: Note that restaurant is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it only takes online bookings 14 days out. As of late, Camphor has begub hosting Steak Frites nights. Usually held the first week of the month on days it's closed, the evenings feature a $65 set meal of salad, steak and unlimited fries, plus special desserts.
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5 out of 5 stars
- Restaurants
- Japanese
- Little Tokyo
price 4 of 4
What is it? From our humble point of view, the best sushi omakase experience in L.A. (Accordingly, it’s also one of the most difficult bookings in town.) Hidden in the basem*nt of a Little Tokyo office building and run by longtime L.A. sushi veteran Yoshiyuki Inoue, Kaneyoshi outranks the city’s other high-end sushi bars in luxury, refinement and overall wow factor.
Why we love it: The exact seafood used in Kaneyoshi’s 20-odd courses will vary on a seasonal basis, but we’ve yet to taste a better preparation of nodoguro (blackthroat sea perch) and ankimo (monkfish liver), both of which remain constants on the menu. When it comes to ultra-premium sushi, which we define as $250 per head and above, we believe Kaneyoshi provides the best bang for your buck—provided you can get a reservation. For less than what you'll pay at Atwater’s Morihiro or West Hollywood’s Ginza Onodera, you’ll leave this Little Tokyo sushi bar feeling absolutely divine.
Time Out tip: Bring cash for the parking attendant if you plan to park on-site, and try to be on time; the 7pm nightly seating doesn’t begin until all diners are present.
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- Restaurants
- Filipino
- Hollywood
price 2 of 4
What is it? A fast-casual storefront in East Hollywood hawking rice bowls and family-style trays that add a chef’s twist to Filipino classics. Though parking remains a huge hassle and weekend lines can get long, Lord Maynard Llera’s mouth-watering lucenachon, buttery hiramasa collar and garlicky prawns will leave pork and seafood lovers on cloud nine.
Why we love it: Unlike many other places in Los Angeles, this place is worth the hype. Whether you’re ordering off the ever-changing specials menu or sticking to the signature trays (which easily feeds two), Bestia’s former sous chef knocks it out of the park with gourmet flourishes like housemade pickled veggie and flavorful palm vinegar aged by Llera himself. Though prices run somewhat high for a fast-casual meal, the quality and flavor of every dish makes sure a trip to Kuya Lord is worth every penny—and there’s even a vegan-friendly grilled oyster mushroom rice bowl.
Time Out tip: For slightly easier parking, head here right at 7pm (Kuya Lord closes at 9pm), when the rush hour no-stopping signs no longer apply on this stretch of Melrose Avenue.
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5 out of 5 stars
- Restaurants
- Japanese
- South Bay
price 4 of 4
Closed May 31 to June 2 (so don't stay up May 2 to 4 hoping to book at midnight).
What is it? A standout South Bay omakase ($230) with thoughtful, warm service and unique Korean influences.
Why we love it: For those who can regularly afford it, there’s an omakase in L.A. for every whim, reason or predilection—making it all the more remarkable that Daniel Son’s newer weekend-only sushi experience has dazzled L.A.'s myriad high-end sushi lovers. Right now, it's our favorite omakase in the city under $250. The second-generation Korean American chef first worked at Kura, his father’s now-closed West Hollywood restaurant. At Sonagi, Son distills years of culinary training, including Spago and Tokyo’s three Michelin star Ryugin, into an array of flawlessly constructed appetizers, nigiri and other dishes that never fail to delight. The chef uses the same sought-after fish supplier used by Morihiro and Shunji, but Son fuses traditional technique with hints of bold Korean flavor and fresh produce from the Torrance Farmers’ Market in a way that feels fresh and memorable.
Time Out tip: Like most of the city’s top omakases, Sushi Sonagi is typically completely booked out on Tock. Set a reminder for your next free weekend evening next month—Son releases reservations on a 30-day rolling basis at midnight.
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- Restaurants
- Italian
- Beverly Hills
price 4 of 4
What is it? The Beverly Hills crown jewel of Evan Funke’s city-spanning pasta empire, complete with glass-encased pasta workshop, walk-in rooftop bar and priceless works of art on the walls.
Why we love it: While we’ve had great experiences at the chef’s other restaurants, it’s clear Funke and his pastry chef, Shannon Swindle, have switched their focus to this glitzy multi-level restaurant, where a brand-new section of hand-rolled pastas (“fatta a mano”) and an absolutely delicious sfincione palermitano ups the ante on the plush focaccia loaf first made famous at Felix in Venice. The ambience may not be as fun as Mother Wolf in Hollywood, but the quality of the food and service are far more consistent here at the moment.
Time Out tip: Reservations, which are released seven days in advance at 9am on Resy, are practically required, so plan ahead. For a meal with less booking hassle, head to Felix or Mother Wolf instead for a pan-Italian menu that never fails to please, but be warned: We’ve found the latter somewhat inconsistent lately.
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- Restaurants
- American creative
- Santa Monica
price 3 of 4
What is it?Santa Monica’s most destination-worthy restaurant—and believe us, we tried every single possible candidate twice.
Why we love it: The newest member of the area’s prolific Rustic Canyon Family, Birdie G’s deftly blends farmers’ market seasonality with Midwestern and Jewish culinary influences. Though founding chef Jeremy Fox is back in the kitchen at the hospitality group’s original namesake, it’s Birdie G’s—named for Fox’s daughter and grandmother—that offers a more satisfying, thrilling blend of comfort and delight. Signatures like the carrot miso matzo ball soup, lamb “à la Saless” and the ever-changing relish tray form the backbone of every pricey (but worth it) meal here, but newer menu additions by other chefs in the kitchen keep things fresh and interesting. One recent example? Executive chef Matthew Schaler’s vegan, gluten-free persimmon “terrine” dessert. Plus, the co*cktails here are excellent, from the creamy, well-balanced Not Your Grandmother’s Grasshopper to seasonal creations like the Sweater Weather.
Time Out tip: In the mood for a steak and martini? Birdie G’s might not be a steakhouse in the traditional sense, but the koji-marinated steaks here are truly excellent, as are the crispy, thick-cut fries.
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- Restaurants
- Pizza
- Westside
price 2 of 4
What is it? A spartan storefront along Pico Boulevard serving impeccable Tokyo-style Neapolitan pies—and in our humble opinion, after trying 45 different leading pizzas across L.A. in the last year and a half, the best pizza in the entire city. (And yes, before you can even ask: We’ve tried the famous Pizzeria Bianco in the Arts District.)
Why we love it: Made with San Marzano DOP and other high-quality ingredients, the heavenly circles of thin, blistered dough possess crusts with an addictingly mochi-like consistency. Though pricey for their size, these wonderfully delicate pies are as delicious as they come. Factor in the tiny antipasti selection and a perfectly airy tiramisu, and it’s easy to understand why Pizzeria Sei sometimes sells out early—a reflection of the fact that Angelenos are willing to pony up for quality when they see it. Just note that they’re better fresh out of the oven (i.e. while dining in), but you can also order takeout on weekdays.
Time Out tip:Love a garden on your pizza? Ask for the latest version of the Hailey—a vegetable-covered item chef-owner William Joo is testing out before he debuts an eight-slice tasting menu this summer.
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- Restaurants
- French
- Hollywood
price 3 of 4
What is it? Ludo Lefebvre pays homage to simplicity with his L.A. take on a Parisian bistro, whether at his original strip mall space in Hollywood—now with a newly opened dining room next door— or the larger, fancier sibling location in Sherman Oaks.
Why we love it: The menu is a list of iconic French dishes—steak frites, mussels marinières, chicken leg—but the playlist is '90s hip-hop and classic rock, which furthers Lefebvre's ethos of this being a casual and extremely cool French spot, a place to indulge in at times highly technical food but enjoyed without pretense. At L'Original (Hollywood), you'll find slightly tighter execution of dishes, at least on average, but the Valley location boasts a larger menu, including an excellent chocolate soufflé.
Time Out tip:Order the Big Mec. It's an absolute tank of a burger that may knock you out for the rest of the day—but come on, are you really going to skip the best bordelaise sauce in town?
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- Restaurants
- Indian
- Silver Lake
price 2 of 4
What is it? A buzzy Indian-inspired pizza parlor that's a razor-sharp distillation of everything great about L.A.’s food scene. We think this delicious, game-changing and most importantly, unpretentious dining experience is worth the hype.
Why we love it: Every simple-but-complex South Asian-inspired dish tastes fresh and exciting, from the adorable rickshaw-shaped saffron pasta to the newer pan-style pizzas. The minimalist bleached wood and white interiors add a bit of flair to the restaurant’s modern sports bars vibe, and the playful house drinks—alcohol-laced and booze-free alike—and delicious soft-serve are just icing on the cake to one of the most fun meals out, culinarily speaking, we’ve had in the last year.
Time Out tip: Order the tandoori spaghetti. It’s not as showy as the malai rigatoni or the kesar rickshaws, but the subtle mix of smoked chili, charred lime and breadcrumbs is an only-in-L.A. blend that can’t be beat.
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- Restaurants
- Soul and southern American
- Inglewood
What is it? A Black-owned South L.A. staple for over two decades with three locations (Inglewood, Westmont and a newly reopened Crenshaw flagship) that serves the city's best platters of Southern comfort food favorites like fried chicken, smothered pork chops and a variety of sides, including excellent cornbread. You can also find the Dulanville food truck servin Kim Prince's Nashville-style fried chicken roving around town.
Why we love it: The generous homestyle portions and no-frills feel of the place are a welcome antidote to the city's more pretentious eateries. Each component of a choose-your-own plate—whether you opt for Dulan's much-loved macaroni and cheese or the corn and okra—blends perfectly with the others. Founded by the late self-proclaimed "king of soul food" Adolf Dulan and currently run by his sons Terry and Greg, the restaurant's Inglewood location is particularly convenient for visits after trips to and from LAX and game days at nearby SoFi Stadium.
Time Out tip: To skip the lines that run heavy on weekends or event days, order online for pickup—there's a separate window just for pre-orders.
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5 out of 5 stars
- Restaurants
- American creative
- Alhambra
price 2 of 4
What is it? A new-school San Gabriel Valley dining destination serving the farm-to-table Chinese-inspired dinner of our dreams (plus an excellent brunch).
Why we love it: Highly inventive yet tinged with nostalgia, Yang’s Kitchen is the new-school Chinese restaurant we’ve been searching high and low for. No matter how you order, you’ll find a memorable dish, from the vegan-friendly dan dan campanelle to the ever-present Hainan fish rice, which features dry-aged barramundi atop a wonderfully silky chicken fat rice and a side of ginger-scallion sauce. The fried chicken wings, which come naked-skinned and served with a side of salt and white pepper and a lemon wedge, get at the heart of what Yang’s Kitchen does best: flawlessly executed Asian-inflected comfort dishes that are far more complex than they look. Plus, the restaurant offers aninteresting, highly varied wine and sake list and a wealth of non-alcoholic beverage options.
Time Out tip: Entrée options are limited (there are usually no more than five), so be sure to ask your server for the daily specials if you’re in search of variety.
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- Restaurants
- Korean
- Koreatown
price 3 of 4
What is it? The city's premier Korean BBQ gem and one that takes meat more seriously than most, serving prime and American Wagyu beef in a sleek modern space that's stood the test of time.
Why we love it: Angelenos may be divided on their favorite Korean BBQ, but Park's seems to be the one unifying constant, at least for special occasions. That's because it all comes down to quality: The meat here is premium, so in addition to the requisite kimchi pancakes, tofu stews and banchan galore you can find exquisite cuts of beef and pork, which get grilled at your table—there's even an entire section of the menu devoted to Wagyu, if you really want to go big. For best results, order some of everything: There's boneless Wagyu short rib, seasoned pork belly, succulent house galbi, beef tripe and nearly anything else you can imagine throwing onto the grill, plus an array of banchan—and a full menu of entrées such as spicy black cod, stone-pot octopus, soup with rice cakes, and requisites like expert kimchi pancakes.
Time Out tip: Not a fan of mustardy French beef tartare? Order Park's milder Korean beef tartare. Seasoned with pine nuts and slices of Asian pear, this dish is a gamechanger for omnivores skeptical about eating raw beef.
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- Restaurants
- Thai
- Hollywood
price 1 of 4
What is it? A funky, casual women-owned Hollywood restaurant (with a second outpost in Beverly Grove named Noree Thai) run by a pair of Thai American immigrants serving family recipes and a dose of serious Southeast Asian heat.
Why we love it: Fern Kewathatip and Noree Pla offer all the takeout classics, but the fiery phu*ket-style crab curry and other chef's specials items provide the backbone of a truly spectacular meal at Luv2Eat Thai. For people with a lower tolerance for capsaicin, try their elegant jade noodles topped with fish balls, roast duck and red barbecue pork. This is the Thai takeout worth going out of your way for.
Time Out tip: Beyond all things crab, order the moo-ping (grilled pork skewers) and kua gling (stir-fried ground pork in curry paste)—both of these dishes deliver complex Southeast Asian flavors indeceptively simple-looking packages.
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- Restaurants
- Mediterranean
- Glendale
price 2 of 4
What is it? A tiny, takeout-only shop selling phenomenal, succulent Armenian-style grilled meats, creamy hummus, hearty combo plates and well-spiced falafel. It's also one of L.A.’s best family-run small-scale operations—and now, it's also available at Westfield's Topanga Social, albeit with a smaller menu.
Why we love it: Chef-owner Ovakim Martirosyan; his wife, Alvard; and his son, Armen, run this tiny kabob house together, turning out flawless, soulful food fueled by decades of skill and a lot of love for each other and their ancestral cuisine. There are generational recipes at play here, resulting in perfectly spiced lamb chops, chicken thighs, beef lule skewers and beef shish, all perfectly cooked over the stovetop grill in the pint-sized Glendale kitchen. Combo plates are exceptional and often large enough for two meals, but Mini Kabob also offers catering trays, if you really want to go big—and with one taste, we're sure you'll want to from here on out.
Time Out tip: Don't let the nonexistent seating scare you away. Some of our favorite Mini Kabob moments were picnics in the park, and even a quick dinner seated on the curb outside the restaurant.
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- Restaurants
- Seafood
- Little Tokyo
price 2 of 4
What is it? A Little Tokyo neighborhood favorite since 1980, this L.A. legend draws late-morning crowds for its affordable sashimi lunch special and provides an equally excellent, moderately priced sushi experience at night.
Why we love it: The sashimi lunch deal might get all the glory, but Sushi Gen's slightly pricier dinner menu is the perfect happy medium between an eye-poppingly expensive omakase and questionably cheap sushi. For those who stop in later in the day, nigiri and gunkan pieces topped with fresh halibut, fatty tuna, sea urchin, monkfish liver and oysters await, all in a wonderfully serene, wood paneled old school sushi bar setting.
Time Out tip: Take advantage of the à la carte menu to get out of your comfort zone—the restaurant typically carries less commonly offered cuts like engawa (halibut tail fin), gizzard shad (a type of herring) and geoduck (giant Pacific clam).
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- Restaurants
- Persian
- Westwood
price 2 of 4
What is it? A tiny fast-casual spot along Westwood Boulevard serving the best Persian-style kebab in the city, minus the extra frills. There's also well-executed homier dishes like tahdig—a pan-sized sheet of crispy rice, typically eaten with stew—and ash reshteh, a traditional herbaceous chickpea and white bean soup.
Why we love it: This year, we sampled kebabs of all stripes from over a dozen L.A. restaurants, and while other places offer more opulent ambience—or, in the case of Saffy’s, cool-kid vibes—the main focus at Taste of Tehran speaks for itself. Served with rice and a grilled tomato, cuts like beef and chicken koobideh (ground meat kebabs) always come juicy, well-marinated and perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of onion. Best of all, Saghar Fanisalek’s fast-casual eatery is relatively affordable.
Time Out tip: On Wednesdays and Thursdays, pairs can share the generously portioned Tehran plate special, which combines beef koobideh, chicken and filet mignon shish kebab and full plates of rice and salad.
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- Restaurants
- Korean
- Downtown Arts District
price 3 of 4
What is it? An upscale-casual Arts District restaurant that showcases a bold new side of Korean American cuisine. Inspired by Korean flavors, Jewish delis and California seasonality, Napa Valley-trained chefs Katianna and John Hong upend all notions of hard-line culinary tradition with an à la carte dinner menu that surprises and comforts in equal measure.
Why we love it: From starters through dessert, every unique dish offers a balanced blend of ingredients, flavors and textures that just work, against all odds. We love the ultra-cozy congee pot pie, refreshing chilled acorn noodles and biscuits smothered in a mouthwatering curry gravy. Koreatown’s traditional mom-and-pop restaurants will always have a place in our hearts, but Yangban’s new-school fare nods to an exciting culinary future in L.A. we can’t wait to see—and taste.
Time Out tip: If it’s your first time, order the Yangban-style set menu—a more casual tasting experience that might encompass anything from the luscious congee pot pie to new dishes built around what’s in season.
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- Restaurants
- Chinese
- Alhambra
price 2 of 4
What is it? An all-day dim sum destination in Alhambra, Pasadena, Cerritos and Torrance serving some of the plumpest dumplings, the most comforting Cantonese classics and the most luxurious high-end Chinese dishes.
Why we love it: No, you won't always find the classic pushcarts, but Lunasia offers a fresh refined take on dim sum served late into the evening—refreshing news for dim sum fans who can often only find it during weekend mornings and afternoons. Many of these dumplings—such as the massive shrimp har gow and the shumai—are larger and heftier than your average dim sum spots, and the options to splurge with regional specialties, dried specialty seafood, and dishes such as braised abalone and truffle-topped dumplings makes for a unique and heightened dim sum experience.
Time Out tip: There are other locations, in Torrance, Pasadena and Cerritos, but if you want the fuller spread of items head to the original Alhambra outpost, which offers the larger menu.
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- Restaurants
- Chinese
- Alhambra
price 2 of 4
What is it?The casual Alhambra restaurant that put Sichuan food on the map for both everyday Angelenos and the food blogger-slash-critic set alike in 2013. With several dishes that capture the unique spicy, numbing mala quality Sichuan cuisine is famous for, Chengdu Taste is a destination restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley that continues to draw new, heat-chasing fans even as it rounds out a decade of business.
Why we love it: Although owners Tony Xu and Sean Xie have expanded theirMiannoodle concept into a mini-chain, it's their original restaurant, Chengdu Taste, that still sets our hearts—and taste buds—on fire. The cumin toothpick lamb, the cold mung bean noodles in chili paste, the boiled fish with green pepper sauce: just three of the dishes that have made its way into the everyday culinary lexicon in L.A. Though Chengdu Taste also offers more exotic meats like rabbit and frog legs, as well as a show-stopping lion-carved fish, the restaurant's more everyday level fare, like the toothpick lamb, are what have kept this restaurant on our shortlist whenever we find ourselves craving a touch of Sichuan mala on the tongue.
Time Out tip: You might be able to order ahead for pick-up, but a sit-down dining experience, complete with white tablecloth, is what truly captures the essence of Chengdu Taste. Lines at this no-reservation spot can get long, but food comes out quickly once you're seated—so be prepared to wait a bit if you're arriving at peak hours for dinner and on weekends.
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- Restaurants
- Italian
- Downtown Arts District
price 3 of 4
What is it? A refined, multiregional tour through Italy via the mind of one of L.A.'s best chefs. Always in style—and always full of clientele—Bestia still requires reservations on weekends a decade and change after its splashy 2012 opening, and for good reason.
Why we love it: Chef and co-owner Ori Menashe's menu highlights still manage to wow, no matter how many times we've ordered them. The chestnut and mushroom agnolotti, for instance—tinyfilled pockets full of marscapone cheese topped with fried sage and fennel pollen—is alarmingly simplistic but still shockingly good. Paired with the industrial-modern digs and the sleek ambience, it's a place where we're likely to linger until the staff starts bussing our dessert plates and wine glasses.
Time Out tip: Order your own dessert. Pastry chef and co-owner Genevieve Gergis's sweets are all memorable, even on repeat visits, and god help anyone who tries to get in between us and a forkful of chocolate budino tart.
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- Restaurants
- Californian
- Beverly Hills
price 4 of 4
What is it?A Wolfgang Puck and L.A. classic known for its power lunches and celeb sightings, as well as a fine dining institution still serving haute bites that will please a crowd for any special occasion.
Why we love it: After 41 years, Spago is an old upscale standby that's constantly tinkering to make things feel fresh.The bar area's newly renovated, and beverage directorAdam Fournier is livening up the drinks menu with non-alcoholic options and a whimsical martiniinspired by Lewis Carroll. The smoked salmon pizza, spicy tuna cones and the Austrian-American chef's famous wienerschnitzel still hit like it's 1982, but what really distinguishes Spago is its approach to service—the likes of which you'd be hard-pressed to find outside of tasting menus these days.
Time Out tip: If it's your first visit you can order Spago's iconic tasting menu for the classics, but if you're a repeat guest, the most fun you can have is off-roading with the fleeting and hyper-seasonal specials, especially when it comes to dessert.
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- Restaurants
- Seafood
- Malibu
price 2 of 4
What is it? A little bit coastal and a whole lot of a party, this pop-up turned permanent fast-casual Malibu restaurant is exactly the kind of refreshing, modern take on a seafood shack that L.A. needed. They also serve at Grand Central Market, pop up at Smorgasburg on Sundays, 10am–4pm, and can also be found in Huntington Beach and Santa Barbara.
Why we love it: Where to even begin? Broad Street is serving the city's best lobster rolls, which can come served New England-style or warm and buttered, plus loaded with caviar and uni add-ons. They've got steamed mussels and fried clam strips and all the other requisites, but the natural wine, cheap beer, daily specials and copious caviar make the meal fun—and manage to turn a corner of a high-end strip mall into a surfy destination.
Time Out tip: Order ahead for pickup to beat the lines, especially on weekends. If you want to splurge, go for the "horizontal seafood tower," which offers up oysters, in-shell uni, ceviche, caviar, peeled shrimp and crab claws for casual decadence—or just order multiple lobster rolls for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
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- Restaurants
- Mexican
- Koreatown
price 2 of 4
What is it?This Oaxacan-cuisine Koreatown institution, also a recipient of a James Beard Award, is a national destination for its best-in-class moles, vibrant setting and warm hospitality from its founding owners and operators, the Lopez family.
Why we love it:Family recipes and imported Oaxacan ingredients make this one of the strongest regional Mexican restaurants in not only Los Angeles but the country, and the fact that it's family-run will extend to you, too: Service is so congenial here, you'll never feel like a stranger. Live music usually accompanies your meal (and breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available), and it's not unusual to see diners get up and dance.
Time Out tip:Want to try and replicate your dish at home? An attached store sells Guelaguetza's mole—red, black and coloradito—along with ingredients to make their fantastic micheladas.
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- Restaurants
- Delis
- Westlake
price 2 of 4
What is it? Operating out of the same storefront since 1947, this James Beard Award-winning Jewish deli always hits the spot thanks to hot, hand-cut pastrami from recipes that have been passed down for generations. There are plenty of other deli classics here, too, but at Langer's it's all about the pastrami.
Why we love it: New York may have Katz's, but we've got our own legend-status pastrami shop and it could very well be the best in the country. The #19 is in and of itself a local icon, and is easily one of the most quintessential sandwiches in the city: hot pastrami with Swiss, slaw and Russian-style dressing on rye, stacked and thick and juicy. The deli is a bit of a time warp, only adding to the charm of recipes that haven't changed in decades.
Time Out tip: Parking is a nightmare around the deli, but Langer's actually operates its own lot—it's just small, across the street and a block away. Park here and be sure to get your ticket validated because the first 90 minutes are free.
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