Collection: My Favorite Resurants in LA
I’m so excited to share with you all some of the most incredible restaurants Los Angeles has to offer! From world-class sushi spots and award-winning fine dining to hidden gems serving bold street food, this list includes some of my personal favorites and must-visit places around the city. Whether you're a local foodie or planning a trip to LA, these restaurants represent the best of the city's diverse and vibrant culinary scene. I’ll be sharing more details and highlights soon—so get ready to explore, eat well, and discover new favorites with me!
1. Holbox – 3655 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007
Holbox, located inside Mercado La Paloma, is a celebrated seafood counter offering Yucatán-style ceviches, octopus tacos, and grilled lobster. Chef Gilbert Cetina, formerly of Chichen Itza, emphasizes simplicity and freshness, making it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Star and was ranked as the top must-visit restaurant in America by Yelp for 2025. Better Homes & Gardens+2SFGATE+2MICHELIN Guide+2MICHELIN Guide
2. Kismet – 4648 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Kismet offers a modern take on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on seasonal, local ingredients. Dishes like lamb belly with roasted cabbage and broccoli toast are designed for sharing. Chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson create a vibrant atmosphere with pastel decor and natural wines. Los Angeles Times+550B - Restaurants - GLOBAL+5Bon Appétit+5
3. Pizzeria Bianco – 1320 E 7th St #100, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Located in ROW DTLA, Pizzeria Bianco brings Phoenix's famous wood-fired pizzas to Los Angeles. Chef Chris Bianco emphasizes relationships with local farmers and producers, offering signature pies, small plates, and a curated selection of wines and beers. Pizzeria Bianco
4. La Diosa de los Moles – Bell Gardens, CA
La Diosa de los Moles specializes in an extensive selection of moles, each crafted with precision and paired with various meats and seafood. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine.
5. Nok's Kitchen – Westminster, CA
Nok's Kitchen offers authentic Laotian cuisine, including dishes like sai kok (pork sausage) and khao piak gai (chicken soup). The restaurant provides a taste of traditional Lao flavors in a welcoming setting.
6. Sun Ha Jang – Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
Sun Ha Jang specializes in duck barbecue, providing a unique dining experience with its signature dishes. The restaurant is known for its flavorful and tender duck preparations.
7. Tacos La Carreta – Long Beach, CA
Tacos La Carreta is renowned for its carne asada tacos, particularly the torito and chorreada varieties. The food truck offers a taste of authentic Mexican street food, with freshly prepared tacos and other specialties.
8. Ngu Binh – Westminster, CA
Ngu Binh offers dishes from Thua Thien Hue, including bún bò Hue and bánh bèo, showcasing central Vietnamese flavors. The restaurant provides an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy setting.
9. Poltergeist – Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA
Poltergeist, located inside Button Mash, offers a wildly inventive menu blending Mediterranean, Italian, American, Southeast Asian, Latin American, and European flavors. Dishes like Thai Caesar salad and Panang lamb neck showcase chef Diego Argoti's bold culinary vision. Los Angeles Times+2Resy | Right This Way+2Los Angeles Times+2Resy | Right This Way+2Los Angeles Times+2Los Angeles Times+2
10. Route 3655 S. Grand Ave., Unit C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007
This location houses several top restaurants, including Holbox, offering a diverse culinary experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options within the same venue.
11. Providence – 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
A two Michelin-starred restaurant, Providence focuses on sustainable seafood with refined, artful presentations. Chef Michael Cimarusti's tasting menus highlight the purity of ingredients, offering an elegant and serene fine dining experience.
12. Urasawa – 218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
One of the most exclusive sushi restaurants in the country, Urasawa serves a meticulously crafted omakase menu. With only a handful of seats, it offers an intimate and immersive journey through traditional Japanese cuisine.
13. Spago Beverly Hills – 176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant delivers a luxurious take on New American cuisine with global influences. Known for its celebrity clientele and signature smoked salmon pizza, Spago is an icon of LA fine dining.
14. Pizzeria Mozza – 641 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A collaboration between Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joe Bastianich, Pizzeria Mozza offers gourmet pizzas with a perfectly blistered crust and inventive toppings. It's a must-visit for pizza lovers.
15. Kogi BBQ Truck – Various locations, Los Angeles, CA
Started by Chef Roy Choi, Kogi redefined street food with its Korean-Mexican fusion. Their Korean BBQ tacos have a cult following and helped shape LA’s modern food truck culture.
16. Lucques – 8474 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Founded by Suzanne Goin, Lucques offered seasonal, farm-to-table California cuisine with Mediterranean flair. While now closed, it remains a legendary name that helped define modern LA dining.
17. Animal – 435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A pioneer in nose-to-tail dining, Animal is bold, meat-centric, and unapologetically flavorful. Chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo created a menu that balances indulgence with innovation.
18. CUT by Wolfgang Puck – 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Located inside the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, CUT offers prime steaks, a sleek modern design, and exceptional service. It's a power-dining destination that matches fine meats with a world-class wine list.
19. Jitlada Thai Restaurant – 5233 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
A beloved Thai restaurant in East Hollywood, Jitlada is known for its deep menu of Southern Thai specialties, fiery heat levels, and bold, uncompromising flavors. It’s a favorite of locals and food critics alike.
20. Shunji Japanese Cuisine – 3003 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
An elegant sushi and kaiseki-style restaurant by Chef Shunji Nakao, offering omakase menus with seasonal delicacies. It's revered for its artistic presentation and use of unique, often rare ingredients.
21. Bestia – 2121 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
A modern Italian restaurant in the Arts District, Bestia offers house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and creative charcuterie. It’s a lively spot known for bold flavors and its industrial-chic setting.
22. République – 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Located in a historic building, République serves French-inspired cuisine with California ingredients. The bakery and all-day café transition into an upscale dinner spot at night under Chef Walter Manzke.
23. n/naka – 3455 S Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
A two Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant led by Chef Niki Nakayama. Known for its beautifully choreographed tasting menus, n/naka is one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the country.
24. Jon & Vinny’s – 412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
This hip, all-day Italian-American spot offers pizza, pasta, and breakfast dishes in a cozy, casual environment. It's also beloved for its connected wine shop, Helen’s.
25. Bavel – 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
From the team behind Bestia, Bavel serves modern Middle Eastern cuisine with standout dishes like lamb shawarma and grilled prawns. The vibrant, plant-filled space is as memorable as the menu.
26. Guelaguetza – 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
A family-run Oaxacan restaurant known for its rich moles and tlayudas. Guelaguetza has earned a James Beard Award and is a cornerstone of LA’s vibrant Mexican food scene.
27. Felix Trattoria – 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Chef Evan Funke’s pasta temple focuses on traditional Italian techniques, handmade pasta, and regional dishes from across Italy. It’s a Venice must-visit with rustic charm and major flavor.
28. Gjusta – 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291
A modern deli and bakery offering everything from smoked fish platters to sourdough sandwiches. Gjusta is known for its casual cool atmosphere, artisanal quality, and long lines.
29. Rossoblu – 1124 San Julian St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
A sophisticated Italian restaurant inspired by the cuisine of Bologna. Known for handmade pasta, house-cured salumi, and a chic dining space downtown.
30. Majordomo – 1725 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
David Chang’s Los Angeles debut blends Korean, Chinese, and California flavors in inventive ways. Dishes like the Bing with eggplant or short rib ssam are cult favorites.