16 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a food paradise with internationally renowned chefs and down-home comfort food all in one city. One night, I can be sipping champagne and enjoying a multi-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred spot like n/naka, and then the next afternoon, I can scarf down the best al pastor tacos from a food truck for just a few dollars. Whether you want a fancy night out or a casual bite, Los Angeles (LA) has the restaurants to satisfy your cravings and budget!
n/naka
For a multi-course masterpiece blending modern Californian and traditional Japanese flavors, head to n/naka in LA. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Niki Nakayama features a 13-course kaiseki tasting menu with tiny, beautifully crafted plates that delight both the eyes and taste buds. Reservations are tough to snag, but it’s worth the effort!
Chi Spacca
Chi Spacca, meaning “she who cleaves” in Italian, is where an Italian butcher’s culinary dreams come true. Who would say no to melt-in-your-mouth steaks, a candlelit ambiance, and a touch of luxury? Located on Melrose, it’s known as one of the most expensive (and best!) Italian restaurants in the city. It’s a meat lover’s dream, famed for its dry-aged steaks like the bistecca Fiorentina. Vegetarians, don’t worry— the pasta is equally spectacular, and the roasted squash blossoms are a must-try!
Tacos La Carreta Whittier
This one may be a bit of a trek from the city, but Tacos La Carreta in Whittier is worth the drive. They serve up incredible Mexican street food with possibly the best carne asada in LA! It started as a Long Beach taco truck and now offers its famous dishes in a cozy, casual spot with tables. Angelenos line up all day for the juicy, smoky steak on fresh corn tortillas with cabbage salsa. Try the carne asada on a baked potato for a new spin on Mexican and American classics. Wash it down with their agua de cebada, a creamy barley drink like no other!
Providence
If you’re craving upscale modern American seafood, Providence offers perfectly cooked fish, creative flavors, and beautiful presentations. The duck or wagyu beef is also to die for! Don’t miss out on Chef Michael Cimarusti’s award-winning cuisine in the heart of LA. They’re super committed to using eco-friendly practices, from serving only wild-caught fish to having a beehive on their rooftop garden! The salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawns are a must-try!
Baja Sub Market & Deli
Skip the fancy restaurants and head to the valley for this unassuming hidden treasure serving up amazing Sri Lankan cuisine from a tiny counter at the back of a corner store. At Baja Sub Market & Deli in Northridge, you can walk in for a snack and leave with egg roti and string hoppers that defy expectations. Don’t judge the strip mall location—this spot is legendary for its flavorful curries, garlicky noodles, and kottu roti. Locals rave about the pineapple chutney biryani, making it a top LA food destination!
Liu’s Cafe
Welcome to comfort food heaven! Enjoy spicy wontons, Chiayi chicken over rice, and melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly—all at affordable prices at Liu’s Cafe. Finish with house-made pastries like egg tarts and pineapple buns paired with strong, not-too-sweet iced milk tea. It’s like a delicious trip to Asia without an expensive plane ticket! Don’t miss their Strawberry Rooibos Tea, which tastes just like Cap’n Crunch Berries.
Baroo
Baroo is the perfect blend of a hip date night spot and a fancy Michelin-starred restaurant serving Korean food with a twist. Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu, a chef’s choice adventure through Korean flavors inspired by Buddhist philosophy. Make sure you try the battered skate wings with sea buckthorn or the pork collar with a unique kimchi twist. Make a reservation—this popular spot fills up fast!
Amboy
Amboy in Chinatown is a burger joint like no other, serving up massive, two-handed burgers that satisfy big cravings. Enjoy the Classic Double with juicy patties, melty cheese, and tangy pickles, or spice things up with the Picante Burger. For a real challenge, try the DH Burger with a 10-ounce dry-aged patty, caramelized onions, and provolone. Don’t skip the fries—trust me! Owned by Alvin Cailan of Eggslut fame, this place is a must-visit!
République
Here’s a classic restaurant that takes you back in time, housed in a building that once belonged to Charlie Chaplin himself! République is a hot spot in LA that blends history with modern French cuisine. Enjoy a casual cafe and bakery upfront or a formal dining area in the back. Husband-and-wife chef team Walter and Margarita Manzke are top-tier, and they won a James Beard Award in 2023. It’s an upscale French bistro with a California twist—duck liver mousse, escargot, lobster campanelle, and even kimchi fried rice!
Bé Ù
Tired of fancy, overpriced restaurants? Head to Bé Ù in Silver Lake for a warm, flavorful meal that won’t break the bank. Enjoy epic bánh mì, rice paper rolls, chicken rice porridge, pork riblets, and popcorn chicken—all bursting with fresh flavor. With affordable prices and weekend specials based on family recipes, you might just find your new favorite Vietnamese dish!
Jitlada
Jitlada, tucked away in an LA strip mall, serves some of the city’s most authentic and delicious Thai food. Chef Jazz Singsanong brings her Southern Thai heritage to every dish, from fiery curries to crispy morning glory salad. They also offer unique American-Thai dishes like turmeric chicken wings. Expect a relaxed, welcoming vibe and a bit of a wait during peak hours.
Kuya Lord
Craving Filipino flavors in LA? Chef Lord Maynard Llera brings childhood inspirations from Lucena City to life with his culinary magic. Try the Lucenachon—crispy, juicy pork belly bursting with flavor. Don’t miss the Pancit Chami, a unique Lucena specialty with thick noodles in a rich sauce, topped with blue prawns or crispy lechon kawali. It’s not fancy, but it’s friendly. Grab a seat at the communal tables (limited seating) or order take-out. Portions are big and perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Sushi Kaneyoshi
This spot offers exquisite sushi crafted with centuries-old techniques (think Edomae style!), served by a passionate chef who brings his skills straight from Japan. At Sushi Kaneyoshi in Little Tokyo, you can enjoy luxurious omakase–a 20-course personalized experience featuring fresh seasonal catches like delicate Hokkaido crab chawanmushi and melt-in-your-mouth monkfish liver. Make sure to book ahead—this place is popular!
Howlin’ Ray’s
Howlin’ Ray’s might not be super upscale, but it’s a top contender for the best fried chicken in LA! Enjoy Nashville-style hot chicken with crispy, juicy meat drenched in a spicy, sweet sauce. The Hot Chicken Sando is a fan favorite. Don’t be afraid to ask for the spice level that suits you—they have options for everyone (even spice wimps!). Lines are legendary, so be prepared to wait.
Kato
For a special occasion, Kato is the perfect choice. Chef Jon Yao’s multi-course tasting menu offers Taiwanese-inspired dishes with a fancy twist, like fish maw with Dungeness crab and caviar. Their legendary milk bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Once a casual strip mall spot, Kato is now sleek and stylish in the trendy DTLA area. Make reservations well in advance—this place gets crowded!
La Pupusa Urban Eatery
Love Salvadoran food? La Pupusa Urban Eatery in Pico offers delicious, authentic, and affordable dishes straight from El Salvador in the heart of LA! This family-owned spot serves up perfect pupusas with a crispy outside and cheesy inside, plus other Salvadoran favorites like breakfast burritos with plantains. The cozy, inviting atmosphere feels like home. Don’t miss the La Mañanera—a cheese pupusa loaded with eggs, salsa ranchera, and curtido.
