It is incredible to me that LA has nearly nothing listed on your map, as of yet. It has become such an amazing food town over the past few years although even fantastic food spots like Bicyclette and Manzke by the duo of Walter & Margarita Manzke as well as Trois Mec by Ludo Lefebvre have closed, there are still so many others that deserve a mention on the map. Let me start with some of my favorites (in no particular order):
Providence: This longstanding french seafood restaurant in Hollywood (opened in 2005) continues to provide innovative and flavorful cuisine that is well worth the reservation for a special occasion. They received their first Michelin recognition in 2009 and have maintained a 2-star status since then that is well deserved. Be sure to order the cheese course but don't be overwhelmed by options on the cart, the waiter will help you select your next favorite.
Bestia/Bavel/Saffy's: These are three different restaurants owned by the husband and wife team of Ori Menashe (an Israeli-American chef) and Genevieve Gergis (pastry chef). I think Bestia is probably one of, if not the best restaurants in LA. It's not fancy and, although I would have to answer "pizza and pasta" if you asked me what's on the menu, it's like saying "Farrari just makes cars." Everything is done to perfection. Bavel and Saffy's are both middle eastern restaurants with a creative twist on most dishes (some are more traditional). Reservations are hard to snag at any of these restaurants (I've been eating at Bestia at 9:30pm on a Tuesday and it is still packed with new diners being seated), but well worth it. Pro-tip for a party of 2 at Saffy's is to just show up and wait. They specifically reserve more tables for walk-ins. However, at Bestia I recommend going with a bigger group so that you can order and sample more of the dishes.
Orsa & Winston: This place is tiny (something like 6 tables) and has a Michelin star, but getting a reservation isn't as hard as you'd think. Talk about innovative, this is Italian-Japanese cuisine. They only serve tasting menus with two seatings a night but at a reasonable price (for LA :)). I love letting the chef decide what I'm going to have, but typically I don't expect to love every dish. That wasn't the case when I've dined here. Each course was not just a surprise, but a delight and, although adequately satiated at the end of the meal (not always the case with tasting menus), I wasn't stuffed.
République: Not only is the fare in this restaurant delectable, the location itself, in a historic, airy building in the Miracle Mile area is equally enrapturing. In the front is a bakery and cocktail bar, but the main attraction is the dining area with communal tables and an informal French-inspired menu. This is also reliably one of the top places listed when people are asked where to get the best brunch in all of Los Angeles.
Jitlada: Jonathan Gold put this spot on the public's radar many years ago, but local chefs have known about it for years. The menu can be a bit daunting with around 300 dishes listed, but well worth diving into. You will find the traditional american-style Thai dishes, but you'll also find a lot of items on the menu that you're unlikely to find many other places outside of Thailand like beef pizzle soup and curries made with dried mudfish, sour tamarind shoots, or fresh fish kidneys. The prices are a bit steep when you consider other Thai restaurants, but once you've finished your meal, you'll agree it's worth it.
Osteria Mozza: Nancy Silverton is an LA icon with numerous restaurants and awards to her name that are all well deserved. This is her traditional Italian spot located in Hancock Park on the corner of Melrose Ave and Highland Ave (and not too far from Providence), right next to Pizzeria Mozza (also probably should be on this list). The menu varies with our California seasons, so return visits are always good for new experiences. This is also a restaurant recognized by Guide Michelin with a star which not only supports the high quality of the food, but also the impeccable service.
Pijja Palace: This is a sports bar with televisions all over the place, but the thing that makes it truly special is that the dishes all have an Indian twist. Your chopped salad has a chaat vinaigrette and your chicken wings are coated with Kashmiri red chili, garam masala, ginger and garlic. How about tandoori spaghetti or select a pizza (pijja) style from "Northern Makhini / Peri Peri Vindaloo / White Korma." Good luck getting a reservation if there's a big sports event, but on other nights, show up early and get on the list. They hold back some tables for walk-ins.
The Rose Venice: Sitting in the courtyard of The Rose is exactly the feeling you'd expect to have in Los Angeles. Perfect temperature, slight breeze, the faint smell of the ocean and palm trees gently swaying, all as you sip a cocktail from a tiki glass and enjoy southern California farm-to-table cuisine. I think this is one of the best brunches in town (Saturday and Sunday only), but a late lunch on a peaceful summer afternoon will satisfy every one of your senses.
Girl and Goat: This Chicago transplant has thrived since opening in 2021. Parking is a bit tough, but in LA, valet is your friend. The space is beautiful, open and both modern and traditional at the same time. Similarly, the food is new traditional american, meaning they take advantage of the local California produce that is fresh at the moment and highlight it in dishes that sound traditional but come with a modern twist. Again, I recommend going there for brunch where you might have a DJ playing upbeat music while you sip a signature cocktail and just feel happy inside.
Gjelina: This has been a Venice staple on Abbot Kinney since 2008. Fresh ingredients, well prepared in a nearly traditional farmhouse kitchen setting. You will smell the smoke from the pizza oven and would be well off to sample some of their fantastic charcuterie. This is more sandwich, salad and pizza, but you'll also find duck confit and beef tartare if you want something fancy. If you can't get a reservation, try stopping in off-hours but the menu changes through the day, so be aware you may have more limited options at some times. If you're a vegetarian, you'll find a ton of options on the menu that are all delicious.
Fia: OK, I have to say that it kills me to pay $67 for brunch, but this is sooo worth it for a special occasion. You'll be directed to a beautiful garden patio where you'll quickly forget you're in one of the most populous cities in the country and then dive quickly into their bottomless mimosas, margaritas or rosés as you tousle with your dining partners over which pastry you get from the shared basket. Then, prepare to argue with yourself as you choose from the lobster croque madame, black truffle cheesy scramble, asparagus toast with poached egg and prosciutto or several other options, each sounding better than the next. This was the rare occasion where I actually couldn't finish my entire meal, but oh boy, did I try.
Cobi's: Every time I recommend Cobi's a shudder a little knowing that it will be just that much harder to get a reservation. It didn't help that Michelin recognized them with a bib gourmand recommendation last year, but they were so right. The menu is best defined as Southeast Asian with Thai, Indonesian and Indian influences scattered and mixed across the page. I highly recommend dinner on the patio which feels like you're in an exotic garden, far away from the activity of the Santa Monica pier and Venice Beach just a few blocks away. When you can't decide what to order, they've recently been so kind as to add a "Feed Me" section on the menu where you can get their most popular classics or the chef's choices with just one selection.
Margot: Yes, this rooftop restaurant is right next to the elevated tram tracks running through Culver City, but you'll barely notice the infrequently passing trains as you enjoy their coastal mediterranean cuisine (leaning toward Italy and Spain) and craft cocktails. The dishes are well prepared, so you can't go wrong with whatever you select. They also have a great wine menu. My only issue is that the menu doesn't change much over time, although they have been having a series of wine dinners that are well worth seeking out.
Bianca: Not too far away from Margot in Culver City is the street-level restaurant with a quaint patio and small interior that enjoys a connected bakery. The food is mostly Italian, but also has French and Argentinian influences (the latter is mostly reflected in the fantastic desserts that are a must to order). The food is more traditional but well crafted. I think it is still under-appreciated, so getting a reservation is still possible if you suddenly get a craving to dine out during the weekend. You won't be disappointed.
It is incredible to me that LA has nearly nothing listed on your map, as of yet. It has become such an amazing food town over the past few years although even fantastic food spots like Bicyclette and Manzke by the duo of Walter & Margarita Manzke as well as Trois Mec by Ludo Lefebvre have closed, there are still so many others that deserve a mention on the map. Let me start with some of my favorites (in no particular order):
Providence: This longstanding french seafood restaurant in Hollywood (opened in 2005) continues to provide innovative and flavorful cuisine that is well worth the reservation for a special occasion. They received their first Michelin recognition in 2009 and have maintained a 2-star status since then that is well deserved. Be sure to order the cheese course but don't be overwhelmed by options on the cart, the waiter will help you select your next favorite.
Bestia/Bavel/Saffy's: These are three different restaurants owned by the husband and wife team of Ori Menashe (an Israeli-American chef) and Genevieve Gergis (pastry chef). I think Bestia is probably one of, if not the best restaurants in LA. It's not fancy and, although I would have to answer "pizza and pasta" if you asked me what's on the menu, it's like saying "Farrari just makes cars." Everything is done to perfection. Bavel and Saffy's are both middle eastern restaurants with a creative twist on most dishes (some are more traditional). Reservations are hard to snag at any of these restaurants (I've been eating at Bestia at 9:30pm on a Tuesday and it is still packed with new diners being seated), but well worth it. Pro-tip for a party of 2 at Saffy's is to just show up and wait. They specifically reserve more tables for walk-ins. However, at Bestia I recommend going with a bigger group so that you can order and sample more of the dishes.
Orsa & Winston: This place is tiny (something like 6 tables) and has a Michelin star, but getting a reservation isn't as hard as you'd think. Talk about innovative, this is Italian-Japanese cuisine. They only serve tasting menus with two seatings a night but at a reasonable price (for LA :)). I love letting the chef decide what I'm going to have, but typically I don't expect to love every dish. That wasn't the case when I've dined here. Each course was not just a surprise, but a delight and, although adequately satiated at the end of the meal (not always the case with tasting menus), I wasn't stuffed.
République: Not only is the fare in this restaurant delectable, the location itself, in a historic, airy building in the Miracle Mile area is equally enrapturing. In the front is a bakery and cocktail bar, but the main attraction is the dining area with communal tables and an informal French-inspired menu. This is also reliably one of the top places listed when people are asked where to get the best brunch in all of Los Angeles.
Jitlada: Jonathan Gold put this spot on the public's radar many years ago, but local chefs have known about it for years. The menu can be a bit daunting with around 300 dishes listed, but well worth diving into. You will find the traditional american-style Thai dishes, but you'll also find a lot of items on the menu that you're unlikely to find many other places outside of Thailand like beef pizzle soup and curries made with dried mudfish, sour tamarind shoots, or fresh fish kidneys. The prices are a bit steep when you consider other Thai restaurants, but once you've finished your meal, you'll agree it's worth it.
Osteria Mozza: Nancy Silverton is an LA icon with numerous restaurants and awards to her name that are all well deserved. This is her traditional Italian spot located in Hancock Park on the corner of Melrose Ave and Highland Ave (and not too far from Providence), right next to Pizzeria Mozza (also probably should be on this list). The menu varies with our California seasons, so return visits are always good for new experiences. This is also a restaurant recognized by Guide Michelin with a star which not only supports the high quality of the food, but also the impeccable service.
Pijja Palace: This is a sports bar with televisions all over the place, but the thing that makes it truly special is that the dishes all have an Indian twist. Your chopped salad has a chaat vinaigrette and your chicken wings are coated with Kashmiri red chili, garam masala, ginger and garlic. How about tandoori spaghetti or select a pizza (pijja) style from "Northern Makhini / Peri Peri Vindaloo / White Korma." Good luck getting a reservation if there's a big sports event, but on other nights, show up early and get on the list. They hold back some tables for walk-ins.
The Rose Venice: Sitting in the courtyard of The Rose is exactly the feeling you'd expect to have in Los Angeles. Perfect temperature, slight breeze, the faint smell of the ocean and palm trees gently swaying, all as you sip a cocktail from a tiki glass and enjoy southern California farm-to-table cuisine. I think this is one of the best brunches in town (Saturday and Sunday only), but a late lunch on a peaceful summer afternoon will satisfy every one of your senses.
Girl and Goat: This Chicago transplant has thrived since opening in 2021. Parking is a bit tough, but in LA, valet is your friend. The space is beautiful, open and both modern and traditional at the same time. Similarly, the food is new traditional american, meaning they take advantage of the local California produce that is fresh at the moment and highlight it in dishes that sound traditional but come with a modern twist. Again, I recommend going there for brunch where you might have a DJ playing upbeat music while you sip a signature cocktail and just feel happy inside.
Gjelina: This has been a Venice staple on Abbot Kinney since 2008. Fresh ingredients, well prepared in a nearly traditional farmhouse kitchen setting. You will smell the smoke from the pizza oven and would be well off to sample some of their fantastic charcuterie. This is more sandwich, salad and pizza, but you'll also find duck confit and beef tartare if you want something fancy. If you can't get a reservation, try stopping in off-hours but the menu changes through the day, so be aware you may have more limited options at some times. If you're a vegetarian, you'll find a ton of options on the menu that are all delicious.
Fia: OK, I have to say that it kills me to pay $67 for brunch, but this is sooo worth it for a special occasion. You'll be directed to a beautiful garden patio where you'll quickly forget you're in one of the most populous cities in the country and then dive quickly into their bottomless mimosas, margaritas or rosés as you tousle with your dining partners over which pastry you get from the shared basket. Then, prepare to argue with yourself as you choose from the lobster croque madame, black truffle cheesy scramble, asparagus toast with poached egg and prosciutto or several other options, each sounding better than the next. This was the rare occasion where I actually couldn't finish my entire meal, but oh boy, did I try.
Cobi's: Every time I recommend Cobi's a shudder a little knowing that it will be just that much harder to get a reservation. It didn't help that Michelin recognized them with a bib gourmand recommendation last year, but they were so right. The menu is best defined as Southeast Asian with Thai, Indonesian and Indian influences scattered and mixed across the page. I highly recommend dinner on the patio which feels like you're in an exotic garden, far away from the activity of the Santa Monica pier and Venice Beach just a few blocks away. When you can't decide what to order, they've recently been so kind as to add a "Feed Me" section on the menu where you can get their most popular classics or the chef's choices with just one selection.
Margot: Yes, this rooftop restaurant is right next to the elevated tram tracks running through Culver City, but you'll barely notice the infrequently passing trains as you enjoy their coastal mediterranean cuisine (leaning toward Italy and Spain) and craft cocktails. The dishes are well prepared, so you can't go wrong with whatever you select. They also have a great wine menu. My only issue is that the menu doesn't change much over time, although they have been having a series of wine dinners that are well worth seeking out.
Bianca: Not too far away from Margot in Culver City is the street-level restaurant with a quaint patio and small interior that enjoys a connected bakery. The food is mostly Italian, but also has French and Argentinian influences (the latter is mostly reflected in the fantastic desserts that are a must to order). The food is more traditional but well crafted. I think it is still under-appreciated, so getting a reservation is still possible if you suddenly get a craving to dine out during the weekend. You won't be disappointed.