Los Angeles is not just the entertainment capital of the world; it is arguably one of the most dynamic and diverse food cities on the planet. With its sprawling geography and rich immigrant history, the city offers an unrivaled culinary landscape that spans every price point and cuisine imaginable.
From the smoky taco trucks of Boyle Heights to the high-gloss omakase counters of Beverly Hills, eating out here is a sport. The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming for both first-time visitors and long-time locals looking to break out of their neighborhood rut.
Because LA is so vast, defining the "best" restaurant often comes down to more than just the food on the plate. The top dining destinations master the full package: impeccable service, a distinct sense of place, cultural authenticity, and an ambiance that captures the unique energy of Southern California.
This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the establishments that consistently define the LA dining scene. Whether you are chasing Michelin stars, hunting for the perfect bowl of ramen, or simply looking for a legendary burger, this curated list has you covered.
We have prioritized restaurants that offer not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience. These are the places where the ingredients tell a story, the chefs push boundaries, and the rooms buzz with the electric energy that only Los Angeles can provide.
To compile this list, we considered culinary consistency, cultural significance, and the overall value of the experience. We looked beyond the hype to find the spots that locals swear by and critics continue to praise year after year.
Whether you are planning a special occasion or just want to know where to book your next Friday night reservation, keep reading. Below, you will find the definitive guide to the 15 best restaurants in Los Angeles right now.
JOEY DTLA
| Address | 700 W 7th St Ste S430, Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (213) 372-5335 |
First of all, Reem is THE TRUTH! I am 100% sure I'm only coming back if she's here because she made the experience so easy.
I was struggling to decode what to eat and she came in an helped me make the best decisions.
Literally, everything was amazing!
The lobster spaghetti, the Chilean sea bass (my friend Dawnika got that), the seared sushi roll, the salad, the apple pie, the cheesecake. Dear GOD!
From the moment we walked into the restaurant, the ambiance enveloped us and quickly activated our vacation mode. We were offered complimentary champagne.
The music isnt too loud. The tables are perfectly sized (even for a big girl like me). Hello!
I absolutely love this place! We need one in Atlanta! And bring Reem with you!
We're only here in LA for 4 days and this might be the only spot we eat at.
Ola genuinely embodies world-class customer service. She was patient, friendly warm and she convinced our party to sample nearly the entire happy hour menu. From the espresso martini and peach bellini to the tempura shrimp, seared salmon sushi, truffle fries, and French dip ribeye sliders...everything was amazing. Im in town from Georgia visiting my two daughters. We'll be back to Joey's DTLA for sure! Joy, Brittany and Alexis, Ola's Habbibis
What a great first experience. Duanny was great and we went with all of his recommendations and they were fantastic - we started with Guacamole Corn salsa - out of this world. Burger to follow was out of this world. Main dishes Steck and Chicken Ravioli and chicken fajita was tender and juicy. Unmatched service and atmosphere. Thank you Duanny - we’ll be back. !
This was a great first meal in LA while on vacation! Betsy was amazing, clean, clear communication, fun, and helpful!
+ GREAT drinks! We loved the low alcohol coconut smash!
+ customer service from all the waiters and waitresses (just want to be specific that the hostesses were kind of chit-chatty, and not to customers lol they were talking to each other and when my table was ready they called me Alan? Lol)
+ good ambiance, music, vibes
+ high quality food
+ I appreciated that all servers help out as needed instead of the traditional 1 server to 1 table.
- very pricy. My lobster spaghetti was 90% spaghetti 5% tomatoes 3% lobster and 2% shrimp lol
- hostesses as mentioned above
Celebrated our girl for her birthday here and it was also our first time here. To say our experience was perfect is actually an understatement. Their service and their food was amazing. Our waiter was Farshid J he was a perfect waiter, very attentive, very informative, and sweet! Ashlen was also a joy to be around she recommend my new favorite forever drink. If you do anything right in life, it’ll be stopping by here and grabbing a drink and a bite. The staff alone made it worth the experience.
Bottega Louie
| Address | 700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 802-1470 |
My partner and I had a reservation for this restaurant and as soon as we walked in, we were greeted with the smell of desserts and snacks. The style of the restaurant is immaculate as there's a golden/white sparkling when entering, similar to marble type environment, super modern and well designed.
Parking is a bit limited, no designated structure or lot but plenty of paid parking lots across/nearby to accommodate, not too expensive.
Since we had a reservation, we were seated super quick even though it was quite busy. Service was great, our server checked up on us on our order and refills very often along with ordering speed.
We ordered a margarita pizza, omelette, and a "must try" Portobello Fries, all shareable dishes. Pizza was bigger than expected but it was super delicious with a nice crunchy crust. Omelette is well cooked and has good portions.
Although I feel like there was too much veggies and less of the omelette, nonetheless, still pretty yummy. Lastly, the Portobello Fries were an absolute treat, as someone who loves mushrooms and fries, this was a perfect combo.
Highly recommend even for non mushroom lovers. Only downside to the fries is the container that it comes in, although great aesthetic, the pieces that fall off can easily make a mess on the table, not a huge downside but one to look at.
After the meal, we took a look at the bakery and we were enamored with the amount of macaron choices, a huge variety and super affordable. There were plenty of other desserts but we were too full to continue! We will definitely be back to try other menu items and bakery catalogs. Food was amazing, dessert is plentiful, service is great, and environment is perfect for a date setting.
Very nice restaurant. The service was great and food was pretty good. Good size servings. I had the Matcha Latte and a Hamburger with Cheese. All was good except you do have to sweeten the Latte, which they accompanied with a Raw Sugar packet and alternate sweetener packet. And the burger I just wish was a bit for flavorful but overall good enough. Definitely enough to make me full. And our server was very pleasant and attentive. I would definitely return. I also got a dessert on the way out, a Peanut Butter Chocolate cheesecake that looks delicious but haven't tried it yet. But when I do I'll update my review. And prices were pretty reasonable on everything.
There is a parking structure across the street and being at the restaurant for 2 and 1/2 hrs cost $9 for parking in the structure.
Whaaaattt!? This restaurant is next level!!!! I went to have a Sunday brunch and the experience was outstanding! I loved the atmosphere, the personnel was super friendly and the food was above delicious! Every detail is beautifully thought! Even the fresh roses on every flower pot!
This is definitely a must for a brunch experience. Our friendly waitress Jessy was super nice too! Thanks for this beautiful time!
I used to eat here regularly about fifteen years ago, when my uncle lived across the street. This Bottega Louie was always incredible. It has not changed! We came in on a Saturday night for a late dinner and were surprised because it was rather quiet. We were seated immediately and the service was exceptional. Michael was our waiter and he was friendly and even offered a great suggestion to my coworker who was torn between two dishes. Serving the bread directly on the table was genius. Saves space and the disposable table top paper is changed between each sitting. More restaurants should do this! Our food was delivered very fast, and did not disappoint! The meals were very filling and at a great price for downtown! We spent less on two meals than we would at most restaurants, but the food was much higher quality! This is a great restaurant for any event. I really like the open kitchen concept where you can see the cooks working and even the pizza oven with the chef making pizza dough.
The menu offered a great variety, and everything lived up to expectations. The Margherita Pizza was a standout, and both the Classic Cheeseburger and Chicken Parmesan were delicious. They also have excellent dessert options.
The entry is stunning, with a charming cafe and a beautiful pastry area. The dining area is elegant and upscale with a modern touch. The service was amazing, with a special shout-out to the talent behind the pizza oven.
It's a great spot perfect for any time of day. It’s a must-visit when in LA.
71Above
| Address | 633 W 5th St 71st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 712-2683 |
It had been far too long since my last visit to 71Above, and it was every bit as wonderful as I remembered. The breathtaking panoramic views, beautifully crafted dishes, elegant atmosphere, and warm, attentive service are still as impressive as ever.
We watched Los Angeles transform from a glowing sunset into a sea of sparkling city lights while enjoying each thoughtfully prepared course. The steak was cooked perfectly, and the dessert was a lovely finish to a truly memorable evening with friends.
71Above remains one of those rare places where the view, food, atmosphere, and service all live up to the occasion. So happy to be back!
We visited this restaurant because it is included in the Amex Platinum Dining Statement program and we were blown away by food, wine, service and views. We were seated on a semi-private window table. The service was quick, friendly and proactive. The food was delicious and presented brautfully. The real standout however was the wine list, which could rival many Michelin starred restaurant. We found many options off the beaten track (many by the half bottle) like a wonderful 2000 Chateau Musar which is very difficult to find and was absolutely singing at the moment and was also really well priced! The wine pairings for the desserts were also a beautiful match and the staff was very knowledgeable. Would definitely visit again and highly recommend anyone visiting LA to stop by!
The entire experience was a 10 out of 10. I recently went here for my birthday and let me tell you food is an art and the chef was an artist who takes their craft seriously. Every dish had amazing flavor and had me truly appreciating the perfect flavor components. I got the raw oysters as a side order that had a perfectly balanced brine of ocean and savory taste that takes your taste buds on an amazing ride containing Fresno Chili Escabeche Mignonette,
Tomato Granita, Cilantro, Black Lime. I then had a nice amuse bouche compliments of the chef. For my first course i got the grilled octopus that far exceeded my already high expectations which is always a plus because sometimes the opposite can happen when you expect too much but it was more than i imagined containing Smoked Chimichurri, Sunflower Seed Dukkah,
Lemon, Sweet Peppers, and Squash. It had the perfect crisp and and tenderness to it that lets you know it was cooked to perfection with vegetables so perfectly balanced, flavorful, and aromatic. For my second course I had the a5 waygu strip sirloin and when you hear someone say its the best steak you will ever have its no exaggeration. It was buttery perfection that melts in your mouth leaving you want to savor every taste with a sauce,garlic, and vegetable filled garnish that was worth every cent. For dessert I had strawberries and cream which includes
Chiffon Cake, Crème Fraîche, Raspberry,
Sesame Crumble, Vanilla-Rose Ice Cream
, Citrus Po with very ripe and flavorful berries and I left feeling extremely satisfied and full. Something you should experience at least once and you'll definitely want to come back for more
Great restaurant on top of Bank of America Building in downtown LA. It is very fancy and chic. You need to book ahead of time. They are very communicative leading up to the day and time of reservation to make sure you are ready for the reservation. I thought that was a great touch on their part. They do not guarantee window tables at all. However when we went they give us a window table. The menu is a 3 course menu. You pick one item for each course. The service is fast and actually the portions are reasonable. We felt full after the 3 courses. The staff is super friendly and nice. It’s a perfect location for a special occasion or date night. They have valet parking or you can find parking in any of the public Parkings in downtown LA. Highly recommend them.
This is a 3 course dine-in experience. There is a small list to choose from for each of the 3 courses. To start, yellowfin tuna tartare and grilled octopus were both very flavorful, I had no textural issues with the octopus.
For the 2nd course the ribeye with beef croquet and the barramundi filet were also both very good and flavorful. I could eat a whole bowl of the broccolini/mushroom veggies that came with the beef. So delicious.
Citrus (orange) pound cake and the chocolate ganache one with green tea dust were also both very good.
Drinks, if you imbibe, were unique and well balanced.
Valet parking was easy and from the time you walk into the 1st floor lobby to the time you leave, going to 71Above is a lovely experience.
Holbox
| Address | 3655 S Grand Ave c9, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 986-9972 |
everything was good- nothing blew my mind 😩 i think a huge reason of that was because the staff didn’t tell us about their hot sauces they had in another area and we discovered them only whenever we had finished all of our food. this food was probably designed for a more delicate palate than mine- i missed the bold spicy flavors that the hot sauces would have provided for the food. everything was a little bland for me, even if the fish quality was excellent. could have used more limes for everything- so if you’re getting ceviche or any of the tostadas or the tacos, try asking for more limes, and UTILIZE THEIR HOT SAUCES!! tortillas are excellent. churros are also a must get. all in all, not a bad experience, just wish we had known about the hot sauces so we could have elevated our dining experience.
This was definitely an experience.
As someone not from the West Coast, driving into the area felt a little unexpected for a Michelin-recognized spot. It’s tucked inside a food hall with minimal signage, so just look for the line on the right when you walk in.
I went on a weekday about an hour before closing, so the wait was pretty minimal.
The menu is so good it’s hard to choose, so I didn’t. I ordered one of each type of dish. Tacos (the kanpachi taco was the standout), tuna tostada, scallop aguachile, yellowtail ceviche, coctel de camarón, and sea urchin. The uni wasn’t for me, and just a heads up, it’s served very fresh, like still moving when it hits the table.
Everything tasted incredibly fresh and well executed. It felt authentic without trying too hard, which I appreciated.
The staff was friendly and the whole process ran smoothly, even in a busy food hall setting.
★★★★☆
Holbox delivers exceptional seafood, and the food is unquestionably the reason to come. The grilled lobster was the highlight - incredibly fresh, tender, sweet, and perfectly cooked. Dipped in warm butter with grilled lemon, it was outstanding. The black beans, rice, avocado, and accompaniments complemented the seafood perfectly.
The quality and freshness of the ingredients really stand out. The preparation lets the seafood speak for itself without unnecessary sauces or overcomplication. Food is an easy 5/5.
Where the experience fell short was the service. At 3/5, it didn’t match the level of the food. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and unpretentious inside Mercado La Paloma. It’s enjoyable, but definitely more about the food than the overall dining environment.
Food: 5/5
Service: 3/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Holbox is absolutely worth visiting if you love fresh seafood. The kitchen is producing something special, and the lobster alone is worth the trip. With stronger service, this could easily have been a five-star overall experience.
TL;DR: Worth the hype, the line, and possibly a small emotional commitment.
We finally made it to Holbox this past weekend, and wow—consider us officially late to the party and very glad we showed up. We rolled up to Mercado La Paloma around 6:30 pm on a Friday, mentally preparing for a “stand here and question your life choices” kind of line… but plot twist: it moved fast! We were inside in about 15 minutes, which was just enough time to stare intensely at the menu and pretend we’re decisive people.
We went all in and ordered Scallop Aguachile, Bluefin Tuna Tostadas, Baja Fish Tacos, Grilled Branzino, and Grilled Octopus. Everything was fantastic. If I had to crown a winner (and I do), it’s the Grilled Octopus with Almond Pipian sauce. It was so good I briefly considered ordering a second one “for research.”
The market vibe is super chill—casual, lively, and just chaotic enough to be fun. The staff from all restaurants, not just Holbox, do a great job clearing tables, so finding a place to sit wasn’t an issue. We never had to awkwardly hover behind diners, making intense eye contact and willing them to leave.
Bonus perk of the food hall situation: snack diversification. We grabbed a couple of aguas frescas from Oaxacalifornia because hydration is important when you’re this committed to eating everything in sight.
Service was friendly and efficient, with staff constantly circulating, making it easy to ask questions and—most importantly—secure dessert. Speaking of which: chocolate and churros were ordered with zero hesitation, plus two more orders to go!
Final verdict: We will definitely be back to try more of Holbox’s menu!
All the seafood = super fresh. I don't even like mussels much but the ones they used in the seafood soup were great. We all loved the tacos, tostadas, and ceviche. The scallop aquachile was excellent as well. Would definitely come back again. I recommend you visit on a weekday rather than a weekend.
Bavel
| Address | 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 232-4966 |
what an incredible dinner! Everything was 10/10. The food was absolutely delicious, the hostess was so warm, welcoming, and helpful, and our waitress provided excellent service throughout the evening. The ambiance was beautiful. Every detail was on point.I can’t wait to come back—highly recommend!
I have to mention the lamb because I normally don’t like lamb at all, but this was the first time I’ve ever had lamb that was cooked to perfection. It completely changed my mind. The spreads were outstanding, the drinks were fantastic, and every dish we tried was full of flavor.
A friend told me about Bavel 4+ years ago, and ever since then, I’ve continued to hear people rave about it. My boyfriend and I finally decided to see what all the hype was about, and somehow it still exceeded expectations.
We made our reservation a month in advance and visited on a Sunday at 5 PM. We arrived a little early, so they seated us at the bar, which ended up being perfect. The bartender was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive. The space is cool, with lush greenery throughout and a large outdoor patio. By 6 PM, the restaurant was packed, so reservations are definitely recommended.
As for the food- WHOA. We started with the Duck ‘Nduja Hummus, which was easily one of the best spreads I’ve ever had in my life. We also ordered the mushroom kebab, and as someone who doesn’t eat red meat, I loved the creative twist and rich, satisfying flavors.
The real star, however, was the half duck. I can honestly say it was the BEST Poultry dish I have ever eaten. The flavor, texture, and preparation were exceptional—easily a top-five dish of my lifetime.
We drove about 35 minutes to get here, and I’d gladly do it again. If you’re visiting LA, make the trip to the Arts District and put Bavel on your list. You will not be disappointed.
Delightful meal, all around top notch dining experience. I love the vibe with the hanging greenery inside and service was not rushed at all. Favorite dish was surprisingly the fried quail, but all were excellent. Smoothest hummus around. Calamari was tasty and smoky, as was the oyster mushroom kebab. Chicken tagine was very lightly spiced, a nice way to end a flavorful meal, with meat falling off the bone. They sold out of lamb shawarma by 9:30 pm though. Two thumbs up!
Absolute perfection! I have an eggplant allergy and my friend has Celiac--and they were so kind to augment the menus for us so we knew what was safe for our individual needs. The lamb was butter, the crudo was divine, the octopus was grilled expertly, the grilled peach salad with rosemary delighted by senses. I mean who says, oh my, this salad smells amazing?!? (We did.)
Also service 10/10.
Can't wait to go back!
Based on the photos, I’d incorporate them like this:
★★★★☆
I was very pleased with both the food and the atmosphere. Bavel has an energetic vibe, beautiful design, and every dish that came to the table was thoughtfully presented.
We started with the appetizers, and the duck hummus was the star of the night. It was so unbelievably good that we ordered a second one. Paired with the warm, house-made pita, it was hands down my favorite dish of the entire meal. The grilled octopus was another standout—perfectly tender with a delicious smoky char.
For the main course, every dish was outstanding. The crispy quail had an incredible crunch while remaining tender and juicy. The lamb neck literally melted in your mouth and was one of the most memorable dishes of the evening. The bone-in ribeye was cooked perfectly, with a beautiful crust, rich marbling, and deep, beefy flavor that made it ideal for sharing. The grilled shrimp were large, fresh, and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of char, complementing the other dishes without overpowering them.
Dessert was the perfect ending to the evening. The sticky date cake was warm, rich, and paired beautifully with the ice cream. The pavlova was light and airy with fresh berries that balanced the sweetness perfectly. We also had the warm chocolate-filled doughnuts with caramel ice cream, which were decadent, indulgent, and impossible not to love. Every dessert was beautifully executed and absolutely worth saving room for.
The only disappointment was the service. While everyone was friendly, the service was below expectations for a restaurant of this caliber. Throughout the evening, the servers consistently seemed to rush us, making us feel like they were trying to turn the table rather than allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
Overall, Bavel serves some of the best food I’ve had in Los Angeles. The duck hummus alone is worth the visit, and I’ll definitely be back for the incredible cuisine and atmosphere. I just hope the service becomes more focused on letting guests enjoy the experience at their own pace.
Bestia
| Address | 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 514-5724 |
Bestia is a must-visit every time I’m in Los Angeles. It’s one of my favorite Italian restaurants, and the quality has been consistently outstanding on every visit.
The food is always creative, flavorful, and beautifully executed. Their wood-fired pizzas are incredibly thin and perfectly crisp. My favorite dish is the bone marrow appetizer—it’s something I order almost every time. They also have a strong wine list, which is great if you enjoy pairing wine with your meal.
One thing I appreciate is that when ordering wine by the glass, the sommelier is willing to bring one or two samples for guests to taste before deciding. However, I wish there had been a little more explanation behind the recommendations. Since we were ordering glass by glass and pairing wines with different dishes, it would have been helpful to hear why those specific wines were suggested and how they would complement the food we ordered. For guests like me who enjoy learning about food and wine pairing but are not wine professionals, that extra guidance would make the experience even better.
The pacing of the food service can be a little slow at times, but it’s still acceptable and doesn’t take away from the overall experience.
Overall, Bestia continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in LA, and I highly recommend it. Be sure to make reservations well in advance—about two weeks ahead for a small group, and at least three weeks ahead for larger parties if you’re hoping to dine during prime dinner hours around 6:00–7:00 PM.
Bestia continues to live up to the hype. Every dish we ordered was excellent and packed with flavor. It’s one of those places where there really wasn’t a weak item on the table.
The atmosphere is amazing—energetic, lively, and perfect for a night out. The service was top notch from start to finish. Everyone on the staff was attentive, friendly, and made us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the entire meal.
This is a great restaurant to visit with a small group so you can share multiple dishes and experience more of the menu. Between the food, service, and atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Bestia remains one of the standout dining spots in Downtown LA. I’d happily come back again
If you plan to dine here, extremely cautious when ordering wine from the sommelier！！ Food at Bestia is undeniably good, but their wine presentation and customer service leave a lot to be desired.
During our visit, the wines were displayed in a line ( picture 1) . We started with a first bottle priced around $60+.( picture 2 ) When it came time for a second bottle, the restaurant was incredibly noisy. We asked for the white Burgundy he showed to us and then he verbally mentioned the price—however, he spoke so softly in the loud environment that it was almost impossible to hear. Crucially, the sommelier never handed us a physical wine menu to verify the price.
When the bill arrived, we were shocked to find that the second bottle (a white Burgundy) was charged at $650. While Burgundy can be expensive, this mark-up is beyond reason—online retail for the exact bottle is around €280, yet Bestia marks it up to $650.
When we emailed Bestia privately after returning home—simply suggesting that they improve their process by showing guests a physical menu, especially in such a noisy setting—their response was condescending and dismissive. They took zero responsibility, brushed it off entirely, and blamed us for "not checking the menu."
When a sommelier is guiding your selection, it’s natural to rely on their recommendation rather than demanding a physical book that wasn’t even offered. Judging by how rehearsed and indifferent their customer support was, this feels like a well-practiced tactic to push high-margin bottles onto unsuspecting guests in a loud room.
Easily one of the best, if not the best, Italian restaurants I have been to outside of Italy. They’re called BESTia for a reason! I recommend trying everything I ordered in my photos—every dish was delectable. The scallop crudo was so light and refreshing. The charred snap peas was the best vegetable dish i’ve ever had. Can’t go wrong with oxtail ravioli! And the perfectly cooked lamb was a great choice for protein. Will be back to try everything eventually.
Absolutely loved Bestia❤️ The Caesar salad with tarragon was such an unexpected and brilliant combination. Whoever thought of that must be an angel in human form. The branzino was a perfect 10/10, and the panna cotta was incredible.
Just as wonderful as the food were the people, so genuinely warm and welcoming. Beautiful food, beautiful people. Can’t wait to come back.
Chi Spacca
| Address | 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 297-1133 |
After trying Pizzeria Mozzarella and loved it, we decided to try chi Spacca. It didn’t disappoint! Everything we ordered from the menu was exceptional! Servers were all very friendly and attentive. We had one of the earliest reservations, and the restaurant was full midway through our meal. I definitely recommend making a reservation otherwise it might be impossible to get a table. Next time I’d like to sit at the counter to see the chefs preparing our meal!
What can I say that hasn't already been said? I hope whoever reads this accepts that the only take I can offer is that the beef and bone marrow pie might have been the most succulent savory dish I've had the privilege of eating. Accompanied by a rich bright broccoli dish, surprisingly interesting carrots, and weirdly the best onion rings I've had...this is very well the greatest meal I've ever had. Appetizers galore and a butterscotch pudding to end the night, I found myself depressed knowing my next meal would be a continental breakfast. I look back and cherish the bites, excited to come back and challenge my pallet once again.
We came here for our triple anniversary. My parents, my sister and her husband, and myself and my wife. We ordered the broccolini, the carrots, the peas, the beef and bone marrow pie, the lamb, grilled octopus, the bistecca fiorentina, the Focaccia de Recco, Caesar salad, and citrus salad. For dessert, we got the cheesecake, the apple pie, and we were treated to a passion fruit sorbet.
I would say our favourites were:
- the Caesar salad
- the carrots
- the broccolini
- the bistecca fiorentina (New York on one side, fillet on the other)
- focaccia de recco
- grilled octopus
I think for seven people, this was more than enough food for everybody to try a little of everything. Nobody was left hungry or wanting for more at the end. This was plenty.
The bistecca fiorentina took an hour and a half. It's a huge cut of meat, so that's fully understandable and well worth the wait.
Service was very, very good, some of the best that I've ever had and quite enjoyable. Everybody was very polite, very nice, had lots of information for us, and was very attentive.
I'm definitely looking forward to coming back and trying even more from their menu. It is very pricey, but I think it's worth it. It's quite the experience.
We all enjoyed the food and enjoyed the experience quite a lot. I highly recommend.
- the beef and bone marrow pie
Service is amazing. One of the best. They're busy;yet, they always find ways to come to you to make sure you're not needing anything. They are very accommodating. Focaccia is on a league of its own. The wine is a must. I think this place only carries Italian wine and they are superb.
The big disappointment is their dry aged bone in New York 36oz. I ordered medium rare and it was so tough to chew. It felt like USDA choice. For $215 I expect a lot higher quality.
I would not go back despite all the great things about this place because the main course was a let down. At the end of the day, I come to these restaurants to enjoy a good steak.
Food was a bit on the salty side (so I dinged -1 ⭐), particularly the chicken pot pie and the hangar short rib, but overall still enjoyable and well prepared. Porchetta was very yummy! The flavors were rich and hearty, fitting for an Italian steakhouse. A lighter hand on seasoning would have made the dishes even better.
Service was excellent! Sitting at the counter ended up being a highlight of the experience. It was fun and engaging to watch the chefs pull out the giant bistecca steaks. They gave us a little birthday treat at the end which was very cute. Overall, it was a solid dining experience with great service and a lively atmosphere.
Redbird
| Address | 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 788-1191 |
I never really make it to DTLA anymore but if one does, Redbird is pretty great for an intimate dinner, drinks at the bar, celebration with friends, etc.
Their menu is pretty solid and they seem to do their basics very well. The porkchop was my favorite. The lamb shank was decent and the curry sauce was excellent. The pastas and salads are always on the mark.
What they also do well are cocktails, classic and new fusion and love the night cap menu where they seal a cocktail for you to-go. The wine and desserts are pretty mediocre. Better to just get another cocktail in my opinion.
I found the service wonderful. Efficient and friendly. They are run by professionals, which are hard to find these days.
The thing I really enjoyed was the atmosphere, especially in the main dining room with open roof. Really sets the ambiance apart from other restaurants.
Redbird delivered one of those rare group dining experiences where everything actually works, even with a party of 13. We came here for a birthday, and from the moment you walk into that stunning former cathedral space, it feels elevated but still warm and inviting. The lighting, the architecture, the energy, it all sets the tone for something special without feeling overly formal.
Chef Neal Fraser’s menu is thoughtful and really well executed, and we went deep into it. The hamachi crudo was my favorite, bright, citrusy, with that perfect sweet and sour balance and just enough crunch to make every bite interesting. The branzino was a standout, clean, delicate, and beautifully cooked. The burrata was another highlight, served over arugula with a balsamic glaze and nuts that added the right amount of texture. Even the brussels sprouts surprised us, a little kick to them and full of flavor. The steak frites were solid, and the fries across the board were fresh, crisp, and addictive.
Dessert sealed it. The pavlova, which I don’t usually gravitate toward, was incredible, light, balanced, and the grapefruit brought a brightness that made it memorable. The s’mores dessert was also a hit, fun, indulgent, and done really well.
Service and pacing, especially for a group this size, were seamless. Everyone felt taken care of, dishes came out smoothly, and the entire experience felt intentional from start to finish. Overall, food, service, and ambience were all excellent.
More on social media: @ratedbymaryam
Redbird continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, and after more than a decade, it still delivers an exceptional experience. The black cod was perfectly prepared, and the New Caledonian prawns were outstanding—sweet, tender, and cooked flawlessly. I finished with a decadent chocolate dessert that was the perfect ending to the meal.
What impressed me most was the service. Even late in the evening, near the end of the shift, the staff remained attentive, welcoming, and genuinely hospitable. The food, service, and overall experience were all top-notch. Redbird has remained remarkably consistent over the years and continues to set the standard for fine dining in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles RoadTrip Episode 5
Spinning like a girl in a brand new dress..
We have this big wide city all to ourselves..
We blocked the noise with the sound of "I need you"..
And right there where we stood was holy ground..
Sitting, on holy ground (Frmr. Cathedral Bldg.), at the "Redbird"..
We drank cold glasses of luscious Chardonnay...
The Lass ate a "Grilled Branzino" perfectly cooked..but, somewhat sad, that the sauce the maitre d kindly poured on the Fish, softened the crisp skin. (in the old days, you would be flogged for that..:). All in all it was enjoyable.
The Lad, ate a Wagyu Burger, that was superbly cooked "Rare-Med. Rare) juicy deliciousness, This Burger was the most unctuous burger ever tackled in these Americas..:)
Then dropping out of the sky on to our table (by friends) was a plate of "Caramelised Banana French Toast"...Yes, nicely sweet, just missing whip cream (it's 5'O'clock somewhere..:)
A very pleasant relaxing restaurant with great grub too..
"Tonight, We are gonna dance like we are on Holy Ground..:)
Best, a+b
Oh dear Redbird. My expectation for this restaurant was pretty high as I heard great things. I’ve been trying to try Redbird since Father’s Day 2025. Just a back story on that, I made a reservation for June 15 2025, I received an email from the floor manager telling me all reservations have been canceled due to an event. Mind you, I get this email on June 13th. I was annoyed because I had to scramble and find a restaurant that had availability. I’m sure they knew of this event a while ago. So that was annoying. In September of 2025, I reached out to the floor manager, Ani, and tried to make a reservation for September 14th. She informed me that they will be closed for an event. So I reached out to Ani one last time to get a reservation for my anniversary on April 21st. We finally got in!
So with all of the back and forth with Ani, I kind of expected them to go above and beyond. But unfortunately, I felt we were treated not so great. When we arrived, we waited a good 10 mins until the hostess greeted us. The time we were there, no one acknowledged our presence. When she finally came, she did apologized and walked us over to a big table in the farthest corner in the restaurant. Now mind you, it was only 3 of us, and they tried to sit us at a table that can seat 6, in a corner. No no, I’m not sitting there. I’ve literally been trying to come here for the past 9months and it’s my anniversary. So I asked to be sat at a smaller table in the middle of the restaurant. Now, I’m familiar on how the seating works as it really comes down to the amount of servers you have and the amount of tables are within their section. But again, the manager Ani, was fully aware of my reservation and I felt that she should’ve provided better hospitality for us.
So, once we were seated, we waited awhile for our waiter. When he finally showed up, we placed our order. We had drinks, appetizers, and our main meal. The menu is on the smaller side, so I expected the food to be overly delicious. But it was just ok. It was good, but not mind blowing. After dinner, I asked the waiter if I can speak with Ani. She came and I reminded her who I was and the back and forth emails we’ve had since July 2025. She knew right away. I told her I was a bit disappointed that the hostess was trying to sit us in the far corner. All she said was “oh sorry about that”. That was it, no complementary dessert, or anything. Like wow! We’ve been treated so much better at other restaurants. It was real disappointing. I would not recommend this spot nor would I come back. I suggest the managers do more hospitality trainings.
Maccheroni Republic
| Address | 332 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (213) 346-9725 |
I feel so lucky to have found such a delicious pasta place! The food wasn't salty, which I really appreciated. The pasta was especially amazing—the texture was perfect. The risotto was excellent as well. I think I'll be coming back often!
If you park in the nearby public parking garage, they offer parking validation, so be sure to ask for it.
It has been 10 years since we were last here. The food is still outstanding. We came here on a Saturday afternoon and we were able to get in right away. The restaurant was full, but we timed it just right
The food was great, starting with the Friti Misti. We then had the Caesar salad. Also good. For our mains, I had the Cacio Parpadelle with Chicken, and my wife had the Bianchi and Neri Pasta (Black and White pasta).
We really enjoyed the food. The service was great and the outdoor patio was really comfortable and pleasant.
Michelin bib gormad restaurant. Extremely affordable. I'll be blunt. Their first pasta, the one on top of the menu is the best pasta I've ever had (and I've been to Italy). I praise that pasta so much. I sadly didn't take a pciture of the pasta. You are just gonna have to take my word for it. However the three images I posted. All of them were ordinary and you don't need to order. It's their most popular pasta you need.
Came here around 5pm and got seated right away, but by the time we left there was a line. Definitely recommend coming early ⏰
First off, the vibe. Outdoor seating with this slightly European feel, which I honestly did not expect in Downtown LA 🇮🇹✨ It just felt really nice and relaxed.
Food came out super fast, which we appreciated.
We got the calamari in zimino and the meatballs, and both were great — but also really good value.
The calamari portion was generous (lots of squid 🦑), and the meatballs came in a solid portion too, like around 8 pieces. Not small at all.
The house salad was kind of a last-minute order because we saw it at the next table and it looked so good… and yeah, no regrets 🥗 Really fresh, nice mix of veggies, just very well put together.
For mains, I got the gnocchi and my partner got the frutti di mare pasta 🍝 The flavors were honestly so good. Rich, well-balanced, and just satisfying.
I have to say — the seafood pasta was loaded. If you have eaten around LA, you know how rare that is 😭 They were not holding back at all, especially for the price.
As for the gnocchi, it was more on the softer side rather than super chewy, but it worked really well with the mushroom ragu. Paired it with house wine and it just made sense 🍷 Finished the whole plate without even realizing.
Dessert was the cannoli, and wow… crispy shell, super creamy filling, not too sweet. I almost ordered another one 🥲
Overall, great vibe, great food, and really good prices. Definitely adding this to my “come back and run it again” list 💯
Amazing food! The calamari was the best I’ve ever had (I only remembered to take a picture when we were almost finished with it), and the pasta dishes were excellent. You can really tell they use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The only downside is that there is just one restroom, but overall it was a fantastic dining experience.
Philippe The Original
| Address | 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 628-3781 |
First time here, and I've been wanting to come for quite a while.
I came at an off-hour, 3pm on a Wednesday so parking was fine and no line. And it's free parking too, which is a great plus for LA. Got take out and got only beef dips.
The beef was tender, savory, and delicious. The french roll was fresh, soft, and chewy. Gravy really added a lot of flavor to it. I added mustard and it definitely has a good kick.
Unfortunately what really holds it back is the amount they give you. I seemed like they gave me about a 1/5 pound or so of beef per sandwich. For the $14.69 they're charging at the moment, I would want more than that. Extra meat is over $10 too. I know beef and things are expensive, but that just seems too high of a price tag to me. The french roll is around 6 inches. And remember that it's really just bread, meat, and gravy. Nothing else in there.
While the sandwich was great, there are plenty of places that can do better and/or cheaper.
This was amazing. I knew they invented the French Dip, but I didn't know that I could get my sandwich with lamb and then their homemade Blue cheese was the creamest that I ever had. From the phone booths to the nostalgia of each wall. Incredible.
Food was decent! Maybe I am just not a French dip fan, but it was just okay. Service was great and the lady who took my order was very sweet. I love the layout of the restaurant as well. Vintage cafeteria vibes with plenty of seating and AC to cool you off during the summer heat.
This iconic place is always on its game! For more than 40 years I have been able to visit. Their French Dip and potato salad are always mind-blowing great. You have to order a side of pickles to complete a perfect lunch meal.
Could be crowded at lunchtime, so I typically wait until 2:00 PM for easy parking and a far less crowded experience.
A high recommendation here; especially for out of town guests!!
Philippe's is an iconic LA diner/cafeteria and a must-visit for an old-school authentic Los Angeles experience. The menu is simple and simple works great! It has continuously operated since 1908 and claims to be the inventor of the French dip sandwich.
A variety of sandwiches are available, mostly meat--beef, pork, pastrami, etc. and they all come with the jus for dipping. If you're not a meat fan, they have some vegetarian options: tuna, cheese, or peanut butter and jelly. Sides are all separately purchased and include options such as potato salad, whole pickle, cole slaw, etc. We came for dinner, but they also have a separate breakfast menu.
You order at the counter like in a cafeteria and all the workers are efficient and friendly and dressed in diner-style outfits. There is a free parking lot behind the building for Philippe's customers.
This is a great place to visit and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience and a touch of nostalgia.
NIKU X
| Address | 900 Wilshire Blvd Ste 212, Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 894-3638 |
Stopped here for dinner on a Friday night and couldn't be more happy with the experience.
Sat at the bar, ordered a cocktail and the weekend buffet, and ate my fill of the most decadent steaks I've had in a long time. The additional smaller plates were also fantastic. Would highly recommend the oxtail potsticker.
Note that while sitting at the bar, the chefs will grill your steaks as you order. While I recognize that this is a yakiniku spot, if you just want perfectly cooked high grade cuts of steak, then eating at the bar is absolutely the move. I genuinely don't think I could have done the meat the same justice.
Additional shout-out to Aidan and Joseph. They took great care of me and ensured I had a premium meal.
This is my second time coming to NikuX in LA and it was just as amazing as the first time but even better. Our server the first time was ok and did a good job but our server this time around was 10x better. His name was Roman and he took the time to really listen to what we wanted and gave us great suggestions. He explained everything to us in detail and was super friendly and took great care of us.
The food of course is incredible. I loved all the sashimi, the amazing meats, lobster, shrimp, and all the buffet items which was AYCE. I think the value for what you pay is super good and totally worth it. We came here for my birthday and had an amazing time. Join the chubby cattle club! Totally worth it. My pictures don’t do justice. You got to try it!
Niku X is such a cute little upstairs spot tucked inside a fancy restaurant—definitely gives that elevated, special-occasion vibe right when you walk in.
I really appreciated how the staff took the time to clearly explain my Chubby Cattle membership. Turns out it only applied to one location, so I had to upgrade—but honestly, the upgrade worked out in my favor since it gave me a better discount than the other offer I had been texted. That level of transparency was a huge plus.
Service across the board was amazing. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and on top of everything all night. They absolutely do not lack in service by any means.
That said… I was a bit let down by the seafood. Based on reviews and Instagram photos, I came in with high expectations. The king crab legs were noticeably smaller than expected and unfortunately a bit dry when eating them. The standout for me was definitely the colossal shrimp—those were excellent. The steamed lobster was good, but not quite great.
One small suggestion: it would really improve the experience if they either trimmed the underside of the lobster shell so it’s easier (and safer) to hold, or pre-loosened the meat from the shell after slicing it open. It was a bit of a struggle to get to the meat, even though the flavor itself was solid.
Since I went on my birthday, I did get a larger discount, which was a big win and honestly one of the main reasons we chose to go tonight.
Overall, I’d say it’s worth trying—especially for a celebration—but probably not somewhere I’d go just for a casual night out.
Food and service were excellent. The table was a great size. The ambiance was perfect. Drinks were delicious. Everything was perfect. The service though, was next level. Stella and Roman were the best!! We are from out of town so it was our first time but we do come to LA fairly often and will definitely be back. Roman was fantastic. He really took care of us and was great overall. Stella checked up on us and she was amazing. She checked up on us and made sure everything was going well and even asked if there was anything she or the team could do to make the experience even better. I didn’t feel rushed by either of them especially Stella she took her time to really hear us out and check on us and was really something else!
(SCAM ALERT) run by Chubby Group. I feel as thought i put my expectations too high for this place. I had a reservation for 9:30pm and the restaraunt was set to close at 12am. Foolishly i thought i had within my 2 hr window to eat food. They stopped the kitchen promptly at around 10:15pm (on a friday no less) and cut service for the items that made the buffet more worth it. There was No Oysters, Hardly any crabs, The advertised and labeled Wagyu was not actually wagyu, the lobster had a heavy fishy taste, which tells me they sit around alot, But the main reasons i came for this place either was unavailable, false advertising or tiny. The king crab legs i received were half the size if that of a small snowcrab leg. There was no apology or effort to fix that i paid and only ate for half of the time that was paid for. Definitely not worth 140$ a person.
Abernethy's
| Address | 220 N Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (213) 962-4867 |
Overall 5 stars! Delicious and beautiful food! Great atmosphere! First time trying Cameroonian food, we will be back!
The resident chef, Andy Allo is amazing! Her
take on traditional Cameroonian cuisine is next level goodness without sacrificing the traditional spices and taste of her homeland. The dishes were presented in a way you would expect from a chef of her caliber-but not in a pretentious way at all. You could see, feel and taste the genuine love she has for traditional food and flavors from Cameroon in every dish. I highly recommend a visit to experience her culinary skills!
Dinner and a show stopper! What a lovely restaurant! We came back 5 days later for a 2nd visit and I loved it even more. All of the dishes were worthy. But, my favorite was the charred broccolini and pane. I would eat both as an entree! My husband wouldn't let me take a pic of the broccolini because he was too hungry...Men!
First time dining here, sat at the bar. Service was great, Jason and Will were very attentive and friendly and took great care of me. Tried the agnolotti (stuffed with short rib) and it was delicious. Everyone from the host to the manager were very nice. Food came out quick! 10/10!
Here's what I sampled:
• blue corn cookies and coconut dulce de leche cookies -these cookies had a great texture. A more masa-like taste than a dessert or cookie, similar to a tamale. I was craving some milk after eating this. I drank all of my water.
• Déjà vu mocktail was prickly pear shrub, ginger beer, lime, and bitters blend. It was heavier on the bitters end. I'm not sure I'd order this again.
I am posting pictures of the Dark Winds cocktail- which is rum, rum fire, allspice dram, creme be banana, horchata, and pineapple. I did not drink this but my friend did. They do recommend it.
• Duck ham was smoked duck breast, duck skin chicharron, water cress and sorrel with radish and an orange and honey vinaigrette. small dish and big on taste and yum factor. I'd love to make an entire deli sandwich out of this duck ham. I should find their duck ham supplier.
• Tuna salad was a corn tostada served with pico de gallo, bell peppers, sesame seed and avocado (mushed up like guacamole). This tuna salad was served reminiscent of a ceviche, where you load up your own tostada.
• The corn husk steamed cod was a satisfying entree. Served with pickled corn puree, nopal pico de gallo, cilantro and lemon. A sort of sweet punch, versus spiciness. I think nopales/cactus is an underused dish in a lot of Mexican food.
• Roasted sweet potatoes are served up like giant French fries. Which is much more satisfying than pathetic thin sweet potato fries at so many other restaurants. The salsa macha the potatoes were paired with was dark and delicious, with a spicy kick that wasn't overpowering. I like the garlic and peanut kick of this particular salsa.
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According to our server, menus are rotated every 6 months and curated by a featured chef. Right now the feature chef is Pyet Despain, serving foods that are indigenous and native to the Americas. Bison, salmon, cod, quail, duck, etc. and no steak, chicken, or eggs. That's a good way cut out expensive eggs from a menu! A tip from our server was that everything on the dinner menu is in order of size, top-to-bottom and small-to-large. So the cod and bison meals are entrees that can be shared, although I feel like everything could be shared.
Good service here, too! Our server was attentive and mindful of time constraints. Our reservation was at 6:15PM, and we were on our way out of there by 7:35PM. Plenty of time to walk across the courtyard to the Mark Taper Forum for a performance of Fake It Until You Make It at 8:00PM.
The heaters in the outdoor seating tent are on full blast above each table, making the space warm and inviting. In fact, the table got hot to the touch and I started sweating at some point. I couldn't believe other patrons were wearing coats and scarves.
Bottom line: what a cool restaurant! It is inside of the Music Center on Grand. If you're attending a play, opera, or musical at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum, or the Ahmanson, then you should make a reservation for Abernethy's.
Lielle
| Address | 9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 376-6574 |
Dinner at Lielle in Beverly Hills felt special before the first course even hit the counter.
We sat at the chef’s counter overlooking the kitchen, and honestly, I could’ve watched that team work all night. No chaos. No shouting. Every movement was sharp, calm, and deliberate. You could feel how much pride went into every plate.
The meal opened with crisp radishes and warm sourdough with egg yolk butter that was so rich and silky it almost stole the show immediately.
Then the lineup started rolling out.
The dry aged bluefin tuna was clean, delicate, and deeply flavorful. The N25 Kaluga caviar felt indulgent without being over the top. The tilefish was poached perfectly, soft and buttery with incredible balance.
The dish I keep thinking about was the Spaghetti All’assassina with sea urchin and prawns. sweet prawns, rich uni. Every bite got better than the last. Easily one of the best pasta dishes I’ve had anywhere.
The California spring lamb was cooked beautifully and packed with flavor. Harry’s strawberries reset the palate perfectly, bright and fresh without trying too hard. Then the 30 month Comté closed everything out with this deep nutty finish that lingered in the best way.
What made the night stand out even more was the service. Fine dining without the stiffness. Everyone was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about the food. It never felt rehearsed or forced.
Lielle doesn’t feel like a restaurant chasing hype. It feels like a restaurant operating at a level most places never reach. One meal in, and I already want to go back. Michelin stars feel inevitable here.
How wonderful to get such a super star chef Marcus Jernmark who created several 3 star Michelin restaurants like Frantzén and Zen. This menu is such a bargain and the wines were very reasonable. The atmosphere was very warm and loved the long stem candles. Waiters were all friendly warm and cheerful which made the evening more fun. Each dish was perfection and plated beautifully. The highlight was that Marcus was there and we got to meet him. Will defiantly return.
Absolutely loved Lielle! I went before the Star and Best of. I’ve always loved every restaurant in this space since growing up in LA. But it’s clearly home to Lielle and I am so glad they’re here.
Lielle has perfected a unique beat of a tasting menu for Los Angeles. From the entryway to the dessert — every second is well paced, delicious and quite chill; given how luxurious and intimately face-to-face the main dining room feels.
Champagne and wine list also slap! Honestly, 10/10. Can’t wait to visit again!
Overall, a fantastic dining experience! Although just newly opened, Lielle has the potential to be a Michelin star establishment in the next cycle so I highly recommend getting in before they get big! The quality of ingredients and flavor combinations were fantastic and created well balanced dishes. I appreciated the technique behind the squab and abalone preparation, but the artichoke in the first course and the chewy beet in the third course was just next level chef wizardry.
Service was wonderful and accomodating. I really appreciate when the whole staff is knowledgable and excited about the dishes they put out. I could feel their passion about their food. Bruce Lee gave us amazing service and it was a huge honor and delight to have Chef Jernmark spend time at our table and serve us as well.
Restaurant is beautiful, elegant, warm, and romantic. The space is very inviting and you can tell every detail was handpicked and well thought out. The only thing I would point out is the music is a little too loud. It was difficult to have a conversation with friends seated across the table and also hard to hear the descriptions of the dishes being presented.
I thought I reserved online but it did not go thought, fortunately the staff saved the day.
We got a spot.
The dishes are excellent. The planting is creative and each dish delicately brought out the flavor.
Did I mention thr staff were awesome?
Bill for 2 with glasses of wine was about $400-500.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
| Address | 800 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 228-4300 |
We had an exceptional experience on an ordinary Monday evening. A.D. was personable, funny,
And Friendly. The food was excellent! Grace made dresser even sweeter and Crystal was a gem. I wanted to return Tuesday but we had to head home to Sacramento. I will definitely visit again and again!
Good for special occasions. With such a wide variety of food choices there is something for everyone (who likes to eat meat). I must have tried a dozen different types of meat and they were all so good. Even the basics were amazing, probably the best chicken leg I have ever had. We had a private dining room for our large party which was nice. The staff was very friendly, it took a little long to get drinks out but as I said we had a big party so it's understandable.
What a great experience! I absolutely love this place—it always makes me feel right at home. The filet mignon is my go-to, and the caipirinhas are incredibly refreshing.
Most importantly, Deborah is an absolute sweetheart. She always takes such great care of me and makes sure everything is just right. I’m also sad that Mauro is leaving, as he has been such an important part of my experience here. I wish him all the success in the future! Cheers to Fogo for the amazing food, welcoming atmosphere, and wonderful service!
Outstanding experience at Fogo de Chão! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was elegant, and the service was exceptional. A special thank you to Jordan for his kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail. He made us feel truly welcome and helped make our visit memorable. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s a great place to celebrate any special occasion. TJ was awesome, and we loved Brenyan, who walked around serving the beef picanha. He was very friendly and made the experience even better. We loved all the steak they served us! The sausage was tasty too, although a little salty for our preference.
I highly recommend the Chilean sea bass — it’s light, healthy, and soooo good. Also, try the white sangria! It was my first time having it, and I really liked it. It was a little funny how they served it with all the fruit inside — you’ll see in the photo. It didn’t look very appealing at first, but surprisingly, it tasted really good.
The Little Jewel of New Orleans
| Address | 207 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: 12:15 – 8:00 PM, 8:15 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:15 – 7:00 PM, 7:15 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (213) 620-0461 |
My friend and I were in LA for a few hours, and he took me to this New Orleans–style Cajun spot. The place looked really cool from the moment we walked in. The interior had a great vibe, and the staff at the front greeted us right away. Customer service was excellent from the start.
I ordered the surf and turf po’boy, which came with shrimp and roast beef, and we also got some fried pickles on the side. I have to say, when it comes to the roast beef, they definitely don’t skimp on it. They really load it up. It felt like a homemade sandwich where you get generous portions instead of being stingy. Everything tasted great.
The atmosphere was calm when we first arrived since it seemed like they had just opened, but it slowly started to get busier and more lively as people began coming in.
Overall, the food was great, the service was on point, and the experience was solid. I’d definitely recommend this place if you’re in the area. I’m already planning to come back and try something different next time.
Absolutely loved this place.
The New Orleans–style food was on point — everything we ordered was flavorful and comforting, especially perfect for sharing. You can tell a lot of care goes into the food.
The vibe is what really makes it special though. Cozy, lively, and genuinely feels like a little slice of New Orleans tucked away in LA. Great spot to hang out, eat, and actually enjoy your time without feeling rushed.
Cocktails were also very reasonably priced for the quality and atmosphere, which is rare these days. Solid drink selection, well made, and easy to enjoy more than one.
We’ll definitely be back — this place is a gem.
Nothing can capture the real essence of being in and indulging in the food and treats of NOLA, but the Little Jewel of New Orleans comes quite close! The food is delicious and staff are welcoming and stay true to French Quarter hospitality. They have a huge variety of po’ boys, fried seafood, jambalaya, and other creole classics. I always enjoy the crispy and spicy fried catfish platter when I visit! They also have a little market section where you can shop goodies or take items home to make your own dishes.
Had the catfish poboy, shrimp poboy, beignets, and fried okra. Poboys are great and tasty. Beignets excellent, done in the more substantial Cafe Beignet style. The fried okra is okay, breaded in a hush puppy coating that kind of overpowered the okra inside.
First time. Satisfying. I had the oyster Po-Boy with coleslaw. The first bite was a Satisfying taste of fresh oysters, with perfect spice and flavor. The coleslaw slaw was equally as flavorful. The staff seem welcoming. The environment is casual and chill vibes with music. Decorated with a cozy relaxed old style vibe. Overall, Flavor 10/10. Freshness and quality 10/10. Portion size 10/10. I eat a lot and this seemed appropriate. Atmosphere 10/10. Great little place. I'd recommend trying.
Tips for Choosing the Right LA Restaurant
While the list above represents the best of the best, the right choice for you depends heavily on your mood, budget, and location. Los Angeles traffic is notorious, and a restaurant that is perfect for a Saturday night might not be ideal for a quick Tuesday lunch. Here are a few strategies to help you navigate the city’s culinary scene like a pro and ensure you have the best possible dining experience.
First, always consider geography and timing. A restaurant in Santa Monica might be technically in Los Angeles, but if you are staying in Downtown LA, the drive can take over an hour during rush hour. Map out your reservation before you book to avoid arriving stressed and late.
Second, embrace the casualness. While LA has plenty of fine dining, some of the best meals are found in strip malls and unassuming storefronts. Don’t judge a book by its cover; the taco stand with a line down the block is often a better bet than a trendy rooftop bar with empty tables.
Third, research the reservation policy. Many of the top-tier restaurants on this list release reservations weeks in advance and book up within minutes. Set alerts on reservation apps and be prepared to eat at off-peak hours if you want to snag a table at a hotspot.
Fourth, lean into the local produce. California’s agricultural bounty is the backbone of LA cuisine. Look for menus that highlight seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and citrus. You will often find that the salads and vegetable sides are just as impressive as the main proteins.
Finally, don’t skip the neighborhoods. Some of the most authentic dining experiences are located in areas like Koreatown, Thai Town, and the San Gabriel Valley. Venturing slightly outside the main tourist corridors will reward you with deeper flavors and often better value for your money.
The Los Angeles food scene is in a constant state of evolution, with new concepts opening weekly and established icons continuing to refine their craft. Exploring this city through its food is one of the greatest joys of living in or visiting Southern California.
Whether you choose a historic steakhouse or a modern tasting menu, the key is to arrive hungry and keep an open mind. The magic of LA dining is that there is always something new to discover, even in a city you think you know.
