20 Must-Try Restaurants in Los Angeles

© The Anchor

It’s New York meets Venice Beach at popular hangout, The Anchor, where seafood is the main focus of the menu. Stop in for dinner and try the signature Lobster Roll or Ceviche.

The weekend brunch menu is amazing, with dishes like Lobster Benedict. Be sure to save room for one of their renowned desserts. Owners, Kristin Ciccolella and Sandy Ames, opened The Anchor in 2014.

You’ll find this chic eatery on Main Street in Venice.

235 Main Street, Venice, California, Phone: 310-664-9696

© Craft Los Angeles

Dine in elegance at the award-winning Craft Los Angeles, which serves spectacular, farm-to-table New American cuisine.

With only the finest seasonal ingredients, the menu offers delicious eats, like the Smoked Wheat Orecchiette with Lamb and English Peas, Alaskan Halibut with Roman Bean Soffrito, or Roasted Quail. Craftbar, located inside the restaurant, also has a menu of small dishes, as well as a vast selection of wines, beer, and craft cocktails.

Owner and Chef, Tom Colicchio, opened Craft in 2007, after six successful years of operating the original Craft restaurant in New York. You’ll Find Craft in the Century City area.

10100 Constellation Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 310-279-4180

© Alimento

Alimento is a creative Italian restaurant where the menu draws inspiration from Italy’s regional traditions. Your mouth will water when you smell amazing dishes, such as the Lamb Belly (with chickpea pancake, fennel, mint, tomato, and fiore sardo), the Maccheroncini (smoked brisket carbonara), or the Fennel-Dusted Pork Spare Ribs.

They also offer an eclectic wine list (all organic and/or biodynamic) and microbrews from the US and Italy. Owner, Chef Zach Pollack, opened Alimento in 2014, bringing his intense passion for food from all of Italy’s regions.

You’ll find this sophisticated restaurant in the historic Silver Lake neighborhood.

1710 Silver Lake Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 323-928-2888

© Providence

Providence is an award-winning, modern American seafood restaurant that is passionately committed to sustainability, serving only wild-caught products, mostly from American waters.

Treat your taste buds to spectacular dishes, such as the Main Lobster (with summer greens and truffle vinaigrette), Hokkaido Scallop (with Brentwood sweet corn, Haricot vert, and lemon verbena), Wild King Salmon, or Josephine’s Clam Fritters. This two-Michelin-star restaurant is co-owned by respected restaurateur, Donato Poto, and award-winning Chef Michael Cimarusti.

They opened the place in 2005 and are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year. Providence is located in Hollywood, right next to Paramount Pictures.

5955 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 323-460-4170

© A.O.C. Wine Bar

A.O.C. Wine Bar is a charming, chic hangout that offers inspired wines by the glass and a small plates menu with European influences.

Enjoy the beautiful outdoor garden seating while savoring incredible dishes, like Brioche with Melted Gruyere, Grilled Quail with Panzella, and Arroz Negro with Squid.

The impressive wine list features sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines, while handcrafted cocktails are also available. A.O.C. Wine Bar opened in 2002 is located in the Beverly Grove area, adjacent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

8700 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 310-859-9859

© Tatsu Ramen

Tatsu Ramen is advertised as “Ramen with Soul,” although it could also be called “Ramen with an iPod.” This small shop on Sawtelle Boulevard is one of two in Los Angeles and the line for a bowl of hot soup is as long as for concert tickets. While they wait, the customers have access to an iPod, which they use to place their order, pay with their credit card, and even get a receipt. It is fun to have so much freedom in designing your own bowl of noodles. You first choose tonkotsu, standard “naked ramen,” or cold dry noodles without soup, drenched in sesame oil. Then you choose your protein – pork, chicken, or tofu. Add the spiciness and garlic level, whether you want green onions, corn, seaweeds, or boiled egg, and what you get is a hot, delicious, super-fresh, fairly intense, and dark bowl of noodles. Seating inside is around the counter and there are also a few tables outside.

2123 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, Phone: 310-684-2889

© Top Round Roast Beef

If you’re in the mood for genuine, old-fashioned fast food, you’ll want to try gourmet sandwich shop, Top Round Roast Beef.

Stop in and try the Beef on Weck Sandwich, Hand-Breaded Chicken, or a gourmet hot dog. And save room for the incredible frozen custard or custard combination, like the Grasshopper.

Top Round Roast Beef was founded in 2013 by four chef and foodie friends: Anthony Carron (of 800 Degrees), Noah Ellis (of Red Medicine), Steven Fretz (of XIV and Curtis Stone), and Jaime Tiampo. You’ll find their joint in La Brea, not far from the Miracle Mile.

1000 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 323-549-9445

© Water Grill

Water Grill is a long-standing, upscale seafood restaurant. Enjoy the elegant, relaxed atmosphere, while dining on exquisitely prepared dishes, such as the Wild Jumbo Mexican Brown Shrimp Banh Mi, Squid Ink Pasta with Local Market Squid, or Wild Alaskan Red King Crab Legs.

They also offer an impressive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. Water Grill first opened in downtown Los Angeles in 1989 and has since expanded to two additional locations. Owner, Sam King (a well-known restaurateur) has brought in Executive Chef Damon Gordon to man the kitchen.

544 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 213-891-0900

© The Beignet Truck

The Beignet Truck brings a taste of New Orleans to Los Angeles with its fresh, hot, made-to-order beignets and chicory coffee. A beignet is a French pastry made with wonderful spices, a treat that is most widely recognized in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Order as many as you want and the three-man crew will sprinkle them with confectioner’s sugar and serve it to you with a delicious dipping sauce, such as salted caramel or a whiskey dip. Founder, Chris Bautista, got this fabulous NOLA-style truck on the streets in 2013. It became a big hit. (888-765-5503).

© naka

n/naka specializes in their own interpretation of kaiseki, a traditional Japanese culinary art that focuses on capturing the ever-changing rhythms of the earth with exquisite presentations of the freshest seasonal ingredients.

The vegetables served are actually grown in their own organic garden. You won’t be disappointed with incredible creations, like the Yakimono (a fried seabass dish) or the vegetarian Agemono (fried zucchini, sweet baby bell peppers, and green onions).

Chef Niki Nakayama opened n/naka in 2011 and also owns Azami Sushi Café and Inaka. You’ll find n/naka in the Mar Vista area of West Los Angeles.

3455 South Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 310-836-6252

© Little Beast

Located in a quaint little Craftsman bungalow in Los Angeles’ Eagle Rock neighborhood, Little Beast is a popular neighborhood eatery suitable for all occasions: You can bring the love of your life for a romantic dinner on the patio, family for a lunch, or a bunch of friends for an evening out. There are plenty of cozy nooks in the bungalow rooms for any mood. The food is modern American, changing with the seasons, offering something from everyone, from interesting fresh salads and comfort food to chicken liver mousse and roasted lamb meatloaf. There is a nice selection of craft beers and wines from all over the world.

1496 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90041

© Philippe The Original

Philippe The Original is one of Southern California’s oldest and best known restaurants, and is the home of the original “French-Dipped” Sandwich – Philippe’s specialty.

Get yours made with beef, pork, ham, lamb, or turkey. Or, if you’re not in the mood for a French Dip, they also offer soups, salads, and desserts.

Classic American breakfast is served daily, as well. Philippe’s has a rich history that dates back to 1908, when Philippe Mathieu founded the place and later accidentally invented the French Dip Sandwich. Philippe The Original is located in downtown Los Angeles, a block away from Union Station.

1001 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 213-628-3781

© Q Restaurant

Q is one of Los Angeles’s most popular sushi spots, only it’s not your average sushi. They offer a 20-course Omakase experience, featuring sashimi and nigiri expertly prepared in traditional Japanese ‘Edomae’ style. At Q, the menu is determined by the day’s fresh catch.

Expect incredible dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, like Black Sea Bass or Scorpion fish. Or a Miso-marinated Santa Barbara Urchin. Chef Hiroyuki Naruke has over 25 years of experience specializing in Edomae-style cooking and opened Q (his second restaurant) in 2013.

You’ll find this amazing sushi bar in LA’s Financial District.

521 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 213-261-3479

© Langer's Deli

Langer’s Deli is an old-time favorite, where they specialize in hot pastrami sandwiches. Their pastrami is a select cut of beef that’s been sugar-cured, seasoned as corned beef, and then slowly smoked for tenderness and flavor, before being spiced.

They have a variety of hot pastrami and non-pastrami sandwiches, as well as other dishes like Grilled Liver and Onions, Langer’s Beef Stew, and the Alvarado Omelette.

Langer’s Deli was founded in 1947 by Al Langer and his family. His son, Norm, runs the place today, along with his wife, Jeanette, and daughter, Trisha. You’ll find them directly across from MacArthur Park.

704 South Alvarado, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 213-483-8050

© Escuela Taqueria

Don’t let the small, modest dining room of Escuela Taqueria fool you. It is deliberately designed to resemble a typical Mexican cantina and the food they serve is not your average taqueria fare available all over Los Angeles. Chef Steven Arroyo plays with ingredients like an artist, so his tacos come with baby back ribs, sea bass, or pork belly. All ingredients are area-sourced, fresh, and seasonal. Even the drinks are freshly made – they juice their fruits and vegetables fresh daily for their aqua fresca. Try the delicious guacamole or green chili nachos, piled with braised pork, refried beans, green chili, jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and crema Mexicana.

7450 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, Phone: 323-932-6178

© The Magic Castle

Magic Castle is an exclusive, private clubhouse, where you can enjoy performances by some of the world’s best magicians, while dining on classic American fare.

Try the Beef Wellington or the Portabello & Porcini Mushroom Ravioli from the dinner menu or, perhaps, a Magic Burger from the bar menu. They also serve weekend brunch. Wine, beer, and a full bar are always available, as are drinks at the in-house Hat & Hare Pub.

You must have either a club membership or a valid guest card to dine here and reservations are required. You’ll find the Magic Castle near Hollywood Heights.

The Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, 323-851-3313

© Culina

Culina restaurant is a popular eatery serving classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

Savor amazing flavors in dishes like the Honey Biscuit Breakfast, Open Face Meatball Sandwich, or Angnello (a ciabatta- and herb-crusted lamb rack). Culina also offers handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and an impressive wine list.

Mette Williams, winner of Food Network’s ‘Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell’, has recently been hired as Executive Chef, bringing her vast knowledge and intense passion to the kitchen.

Eat inside or enjoy the incredible outdoor dining area, set against the beauty of Beverly Hills. Culina is located inside The Four Seasons Beverly Hills.

300 South Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 310-860-4000

© Vibrato Grill, Jazz, Etc.

Vibrato Grill, Jazz, Etc. is a restaurant as well as the city’s prime jazz space. Serving the best contemporary American cuisine, the establishment believes that great music should be accompanied by great food.

Savor extraordinary culinary creations, such as the Grilled New Zealand Lamb Lollipops, Roquefort Filet, or Pan-Seared Diver Scallops. Vibrato Grill, Jazz, Etc. is the brainchild of nine-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Herb Alpert.

Executive Chef Carlos Gonzalez is at the helm, bringing his intense passion for food to the kitchen. Vibrato Grill, Jazz, Etc. is located off Mulholland Drive, near the Beverly Glen Park.

2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 310-474-9400

© Night + Market

If you’re in the mood for something exotic, head to Night + Market restaurant. They serve boldly-flavored, traditional Thai street foods with a modern twist. Treat your taste buds to incredible dishes, like Larb Tofu (a spicy salad), Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles with stewed short rib), Peek Gai Hey-Ha (“party wings”), or the Catfish Tamale.

Owner and Chef, Kris Yenbamroong, grew up in his family’s restaurant, Talesai, where he gained the experience and passion needed to open Night + Market in 2010. They have two locations – one in WeHo and another in the Silver Lake neighborhood.

3322 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, Phone: 323-849-0223; 9043 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, 310-275-9724