Los Angeles is known for its diverse and innovative food scene, with everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to casual street food. To help you navigate the exponentially-growing list of newcomers and enduring foodie destinations, here are the most outstanding and unique restaurants in Los Angeles to dine at right now, based on their cuisine, atmosphere, and overall dining experience.
Secret Los Angeles relies on the team’s personal experiences, recommendations, editorial reviews, and customer feedback before choosing our favorite places to grab a bite or sip cocktails in LA. This list is constantly evolving, so please check back regularly.
1. Damian
Since its debut in the area during the lockdown, Enrique Olvera’s Damian has quietly risen to prominence as one of the best upscale Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. The restaurant is renowned for its stylish ambiance and seafood-centric small plates, grilled meats, and inventive vegetable mains. Every bite reflects Damian’s commitment to traditional Mexican cooking, with standout dishes like the unforgettable duck al pastor and artful hibiscus meringue showcasing its culinary excellence.
Recommended by Sofía Delpueche, Secret LA staff writer.
📍 Location: Arts District – 2132 E 7th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021.
2. Bestia
Right: By Ren Fuller.
Renowned for its culinary excellence, one of the best restaurants in L.A. boasts Chef and co-owner Ori Menashe’s consistent ability to impress with his Italian delights in the menu. The chestnut and mushroom agnolotti, for instance, are tiny pockets filled with mascarpone cheese, topped with fried sage and fennel pollen. Paired with the industrial-modern ambiance, Bestia it’s a place where we’re inclined to linger until dessert plates and wine glasses are cleared.
📍 Location: Arts District – 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
3. Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Nestled in Beverly Hills, Lawry’s stands as one of the best L.A. steakhouse restaurants, offering an unparalleled dining experience. When you order a premium cut of roasted prime, it arrives at your tableside aboard a gleaming silver cart, allowing you to season it with a generous sprinkle of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Whether you opt for the charbroiled filet mignon, New York Strip steak, or the signature spinning bowl salad, you can anticipate impeccable table service that perfectly complements the establishment’s business-casual dress code.
📍 Location: Beverly Hills – 100 La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
4. n/naka
n/naka offers an intimate and immersive dining experience, with a tasting menu that showcases the best of Japanese cuisine. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by Chef Niki Nakayama, who presents her interpretation of kaiseki with a California twist. Enjoy a multi-course meal with carefully-balanced aromatic broths, grilled fish, and house-infused sake.
📍 Location: Culver City – 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
5. Mélisse
Nestled within Citrin restaurant is Mélisse, recognized as one of the best restaurants in L.A. and a Michelin-starred destination. Led by Chef Josiah Citrin and Chef/Partner Ken Takayama, this intimate 14-seat dining room offers a culinary journey of modern French cuisine. Using premium ingredients sourced from local suppliers, dishes like rosemary sunchoke soup and hay-baked golden chicken showcase a fusion of Californian and French culinary techniques, delivering an unparalleled dining experience.
📍 Location: Santa Monica – 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
6. Water Grill
In this unique LA restaurant franchise, whether you’re amidst the hustle of DTLA or enjoying the seaside breeze in Santa Monica, you’ll encounter an array of delectable seafood options. Chef Jonathan Moulton crafts culinary delights such as grilled Hawaiian swordfish, buttery soft-shelled crab paired with refreshing watermelon salad, and sea bass accompanied by squash gnocchi. Indulge in pre-dinner snacks from the raw bar and sip on drinks to unwind after a day’s work.
📍 Locations:
- Downtown LA – 544 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
- Santa Monica – 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
7. Mírate
Mírate is a contemporary Mexican restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. The menu changes frequently, but standout dishes have included Tostadas Especiales featuring crab esquites and the Cochinita Pibil pork sandwich with plantains, quesillo, and yucca fries. The restaurant’s bright and colorful decor adds to the lively atmosphere.
📍 Location: East Hollywood – 1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
8. Providence
This two Michelin-starred restaurant offers a tasting menu that showcases the best of sustainable and seasonal seafood, with inventive and flavorful dishes that are sure to impress. Michelin called out their Pacific oyster and lobster canapés as must-tries.
📍 Location: Hollywood – 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
9. Musso & Frank Grill
A whil ago we consulted our Facebook followers about the best restaurants in Los Angeles, and Musso & Frank was easily one of the most-recommended locations. The historic grill has been a Hollywood staple for over a century, and everything from the decor to the menu makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time to dine with the likes of Charlie Chaplin.
📍 Location: Hollywood – 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
10. Bar Chelou
This cozy wine bar in the Silver Lake neighborhood features a curated selection of natural wines and small plates. The menu changes regularly, but guests can expect to find dishes such as grilled octopus, beet salad, and cheese plates. The ambiance is laid-back and intimate, making it a great spot for a date or catching up with friends.
📍 Location: Silver Lake – 2500 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
11. Sushi Inaba
Nestled discreetly behind a secret wooden door within I-naba Japanese Restaurant, you’ll discover Sushi Inaba, a hidden gem among cool restaurants in L.A. Managed by Chef Yasuhiro Hirano, this cozy sushi haven seats only six guests and is renowned for its meticulously crafted sushi. The omakase experience here is unparalleled, offering a chance to savor sushi at its finest. For those unable to dine in, the “jewelry boxes” available for takeaway provide a splendid sampling of Chef Hirano’s culinary artistry.
📍 Location: Torrance – 20920 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
12. Majordomo
This modern Korean-inspired spot is one of the most unique restaurants in Los Angeles that offers bold and flavorful dishes that are sure to impress. With its hip and trendy vibe, Majordomo is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and memorable dining experience.
📍 Location: Chinatown – 1725 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
13. République
Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke helm this jaw-dropping French restaurant in the center of Los Angeles. If the restaurant’s 4.8 rating out of over 10,000 Google reviews isn’t enough to convince you, then just take a look at their Instagram for snapshots of charcoal-grilled prawns, wood-fired paella nero, and delicate pastries. We’re also obsessed with the vaulted dining room and its storied history — not everyone knows that the historic building was built by Charlie Chaplin in 1929.
Recommended by Jamie Ferrell, Secret LA senior staff writer.
📍 Location: Wilshire – 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
14. Orsa & Winston
Orsa & Winston is a Michelin-starred restaurant in DTLA by Chef-Owner Josef Centeno, featuring rotating tasting menus. The restaurant incorporates sensibilities of both Italian and Japanese cuisines with special focus on seafood and vegetables. Reserve a table up to 3 months in advance to enjoy one of LA’s most upscale dining experiences.
📍 Location: Downtown LA – 122 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
15. Yang’s Kitchen
Yang’s Kitchen became an instant hotspot after opening in 2019, serving colorful Asian-fusion dishes in a clean, minimalist setting. They compose creative dishes showcasing seasonal fresh produce for a delightful farm-to-table experience. Popular items include the cold sesame noodles, roasted squash and kale salad, and smoked salmon hash.
📍 Location: Alhambra – 112 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801
16. 715 Sushi
715 Sushi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant located in Downtown LA with an extensive menu offering a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and small plates. Popular dishes include the yellowtail jalapeño roll and the spicy tuna crispy rice. The restaurant’s sleek and modern decor makes this upscale dining experience truly memorable.
📍 Location: Arts District – 738 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
17. Bavel
In LA’s Arts District, this upscale Middle Eastern eatery stands out for its top-notch Mediterranean fare. With consistent quality and impeccable service, it offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu boasting indulgent dishes like spicy duck ‘nduja hummus and succulent whole roasted lamb neck on laffa bread.
📍 Location: Arts District – 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013
18. Little Fish
You’ve got to try the cult-favorite Fried Fish Sandwich at this beloved Echo Park restaurant. Little Fish began as a seafood pop-up before finally opening this brick-and-mortar location last year, and its steady rise in popularity led to a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation. Just keep in mind that they’re only open for breakfast and lunch.
📍 Location: Echo Park – 1606 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
19. All’Antico Vinaio
All’Antico Vinaio is perhaps Italy’s most popular sandwich shop, drawing huge crowds to its Florence location for over twenty years. We’ve been lucky to welcome two locations right here in LA in recent years, where customers line up to taste the globally-famous La Paradiso sandwich with mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream, and pistachios.
📍 Locations:
20. Daikokuya
Daikokuya is one of LA’s most popular no-frills ramen restaurants, nestled in a 100-year-old building in Little Tokyo. Some popular orders at the old-school shop include the signature Daikokuya Ramen with a tonkotsu base and pork belly chashu, as well as the Spicy Miso Ramen with a rich Kotteri flavor.
📍 Locations:
- Little Tokyo – 327 1st St and 321 1/4 1st St, Los Angeles, CA
- Sawtelle – 2208 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Written by Ashlyn Davis and Jamie Ferrell. Edited by Sofía Delpueche.