10 Best Los Angeles Restaurants
The top restaurants in LA are Somni, Hayato, Mélisse, n/naka, Sushi Kaneyoshi, Orsa & Winston, Camelia, Providence, Bestia, and Guelaguetza. The City of Angels is known for iconic street tacos, the French dip sandwich, and California-style pizza. Philippe The Original, one of two restaurants that claim to have invented the French dip, has been a local landmark since 1908. The Michelin Guide has awarded stars to 25 restaurants in LA.
The city's reputation as a food destination has long been associated with its multicultural population. Neighborhoods like Koreatown, with its array of Korean BBQ spots, and East L.A., the heart of the city's Mexican food culture, are some of the best places to eat in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a major city in Southern California, located on the Pacific coast. This location provides access to fresh seafood and an abundance of high-quality produce year-round, which are staples on local menus. LA is shaped by this access to fresh ingredients, its entertainment industry glamour, and vast collection of international communities, making it a top-tier destination for food enthusiasts.
10 Best Los Angeles Restaurants are listed below.
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1
Orsa & WinstonOrsa & Winston is an intimate fine-dining restaurant from chef Josef Centeno that offers a multi-course tasting menu blending Japanese and Italian influences. The setting is minimalist and elegant.- Item Prices 18
- Average Item Price $13.94
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Japanese-Italian Fusion
Signature Dishes:The tasting menu is the main offering and changes frequently. Past dishes have included handmade pastas with Japanese ingredients and seafood crudos.
Location:122 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Special Feature:The restaurant is named after the chef's two dogs, adding a personal touch to the high-end concept.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant holds one Michelin star and is celebrated for its unique and seamless fusion of Japanese and Italian food.
What Sets It Apart:Its specific culinary point of view, born from the chef's personal style, creates a distinct menu that is both creative and cohesive.
Operating Hours:Monday: ClosedTuesday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:Tasting menus start at $150 per person.
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2
GuelaguetzaGuelaguetza is a landmark Oaxacan restaurant in Koreatown, famous for its authentic, traditional dishes from the southern Mexican state. The atmosphere is colorful, festive, and family-friendly.- Item Prices 137
- Average Item Price $16.57
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Mexican, Oaxacan
Signature Dishes:Mole Negro, Tlayuda Guelaguetza, Festival De Moles, and Chapulines
Location:3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Special Feature:The restaurant has an on-site market that sells Oaxacan ingredients, including their famous bottled mole pastes.
What Makes It Special:Guelaguetza won a James Beard America's Classics Award for its role as a cultural institution and its importance in preserving Oaxacan food traditions in Los Angeles.
What Sets It Apart:Its singular focus on the rich and complex food of Oaxaca, especially its variety of moles, makes it a vital culinary resource in the city.
Operating Hours:Monday: ClosedTuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:Entrees range from $20 to $30.
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3
SomniSomni is an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant from chef José Andrés that offers a multi-course tasting menu in an intimate, theater-like setting.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Avant-Garde, Contemporary
Signature Dishes:The restaurant served a single, evolving tasting menu with more than 20 courses.
Location:9045 Nemo St West Hollywood, CA 90069
Special Feature:A 10-seat counter wrapped around a central kitchen, creating a highly interactive and immersive experience.
What Makes It Special:Somni has two Michelin stars and is celebrated for its highly creative and technically precise dishes.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on avant-garde techniques and theatrical presentation make it a unique, modernist dining destination.
Operating Hours:Monday-Tuesday: ClosedWednesday–Sunday: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:The tasting menu was over $250 to $645 per person.
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4
HayatoHayato is an intimate restaurant that offers a traditional Japanese washoku tasting menu. The experience is formal and highly structured, focusing on seasonal ingredients and classic cooking techniques.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Japanese, Kaiseki
Signature Dishes:The restaurant serves a single, multi-course kaiseki menu that changes seasonally.
Location:1320 E 7th St, Suite 126, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Special Feature:The restaurant has only seven seats at a counter, providing an extremely personal and focused dining experience.
What Makes It Special:Hayato holds two Michelin stars and is recognized as one of the best Japanese restaurants in the country for its dedication to traditional washoku.
What Sets It Apart:Its singular focus on the formal kaiseki tradition, a multi-course meal that balances taste, texture, and appearance, distinguishes it from sushi-focused restaurants.
Operating Hours:Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday–Sunday: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:$350 per person for the tasting menu.
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5
MelisseMelisse is a fine-dining restaurant from chef Josiah Citrin that offers a multi-course tasting menu. The restaurant was redesigned to create a more intimate experience with only 14 seats.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Contemporary French-American
Signature Dishes:The tasting menu changes seasonally. Past signature dishes include a tableside truffle-scented egg and premium seafood preparations.
Location:1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Special Feature:The dining room is designed as a single, elegant space where all guests are served at the same time, creating a communal fine-dining event.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant holds two Michelin stars and has a long-standing reputation as one of Los Angeles's premier fine-dining destinations.
What Sets It Apart:Its evolution from a larger restaurant to a small, 14-seat format created a more focused and personal expression of the chef's vision.
Operating Hours:Monday-Tuesday: ClosedWednesday: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PMThursday–Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$399 per person for the tasting menu.
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6
N/NakaN/naka is a highly acclaimed restaurant offering a modern interpretation of Japanese kaiseki. The multi-course tasting menu is structured to follow the traditional progression of a kaiseki meal, using seasonal California ingredients.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Japanese, Kaiseki
Signature Dishes:A 13-course modern kaiseki menu is the only offering. A signature dish is the "Shiizakana," a pasta course that blends Japanese and Italian influences.
Location:3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Special Feature:The restaurant gained international fame after being featured on the Netflix series "Chef's Table."
What Makes It Special:N/naka holds two Michelin stars and is celebrated for its thoughtful, artistic, and personal approach to the kaiseki tradition.
What Sets It Apart:The menu is a unique reflection of the chef's personal journey and her Californian perspective on a traditional Japanese art form.
Operating Hours:Monday-Tuesday: ClosedWednesday–Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$365 per person for the tasting menu.
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7
Sushi KaneyoshiSushi Kaneyoshi is a high-end, traditional Edomae-style sushi counter located in the basement of a Little Tokyo office building. The experience is intimate and focused on seasonal, high-quality fish.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Japanese, Sushi
Signature Dishes:The restaurant serves a multi-course omakase menu that changes daily based on fish availability from Japan.
Location:250 1st St B1, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Special Feature:Its hidden, subterranean location provides a speakeasy-like feel, adding to the exclusivity of the experience.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is recognized for its commitment to traditional sushi techniques and the exceptional quality of its ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of its hidden location and its strict adherence to Edomae-style sushi creates a transportive and authentic experience.
Operating Hours:Monday: ClosedTuesday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$300 to $400 per person for the omakase menu.
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8
CameliaCamélia is a French-Japanese bistro located in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. It is the creation of restaurateurs Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan, known for the popular izakaya Tsubaki and the sake bar Ototo. The menu integrates Japanese ingredients and sensibilities into French dishes.Type of Restaurant:Bistro, Fine Dining
Type of Food:French-Japanese Fusion
Signature Dishes:Traditional Pot Pies, Beef Cheek, Spaghetti Bolognese, Sweet Potato Gratin, Black Sesame Parker House Rolls, Chicken Liver Mousse Toast.
Location:1850 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Special Feature:The restaurant's design is inspired by Japanese kissaten (coffee shops) and Parisian charm, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:Camélia successfully merges French and Japanese culinary traditions, offering a unique and thoughtfully executed menu. The cocktail program is also a highlight, featuring creative and well-presented drinks.
What Sets It Apart:The collaboration between the experienced owners and the culinary team results in a dining experience that is both sophisticated and convivial, distinguishing itself in the Los Angeles food scene.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday, Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:A meal costs $50 and over per person.
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9
ProvidenceProvidence is a fine-dining seafood restaurant. It is one of Los Angeles's most acclaimed restaurants, offering a multi-course tasting menu in a sophisticated setting.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Seafood, American
Signature Dishes:Santa Barbara Sea Urchin, Bedford Sea Scallops, Foie Gras Ravioli, and Cigar Amuse Bouches
Location:5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Special Feature:The restaurant has a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing practices for all of its seafood.
What Makes It Special:Providence holds two Michelin stars and has a long-standing reputation as the best seafood restaurant in Los Angeles.
What Sets It Apart:Its unwavering focus on seafood, combined with its fine-dining execution and commitment to sustainability, makes it a singular institution.
Operating Hours:Monday: ClosedTuesday–Thursday: 5:45 PM – 9:15 PMFriday, Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:15 PMSunday: Closed
Price:Tasting menus start at $295 to $300 per person.
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10
BestiaBestia is a bustling, industrial-chic restaurant in the Arts District serving a menu of modern Italian food. It is known for its house-made charcuterie, handmade pastas, and pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.Type of Restaurant:Casual Elegant
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:Cavatelli Alla Norcina, Squid Ink Spaghetti, Roasted Marrow Bone, and Slow Roasted Lamb Neck
Location:2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Special Feature:The restaurant is located in a converted warehouse, with a design that blends industrial elements with a warm, energetic atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:Bestia is one of the most influential and consistently popular restaurants in Los Angeles, credited with helping to revitalize the Arts District.
What Sets It Apart:Its combination of a high-energy, see-and-be-seen atmosphere with rustic yet refined Italian cooking creates a quintessential L.A. dining experience.
Operating Hours:Monday–Sunday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:Price per person: $100 and up
What Food is Los Angeles Famous For?
The Los Angeles food scene is famous for street tacos, the French dip sandwich, and health-conscious food. The city's taco culture is a defining feature of LA food, with countless trucks and taquerias serving every style imaginable. The French dip sandwich, a beef sandwich served on a French roll with a side of jus for dipping, was invented in downtown L.A. The abundance of fresh produce also makes salads, grain bowls, and smoothies a central part of the food in Los Angeles.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Los Angeles?
The average cost of a meal at restaurants Los Angeles offers depends on the restaurant type. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant or taco stand costs between $15 and $25. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant averages between $80 and $150. At fine-dining establishments, tasting menus or multi-course meals can cost $200 to over $400 per person. A fast-food meal is under $15.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in Los Angeles?
The most popular fast food in Los Angeles is listed below:
- In-N-Out Burger: A California icon with a cult following, famous for its simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes, along with a not-so-secret menu.
- Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles: A local soul-food chain that serves its signature combination of fried chicken and waffles in a casual setting.
- Zankou Chicken: A local chain famous for its Middle Eastern rotisserie chicken, garlic sauce, and shawarma wraps.
- Randy's Donuts: A landmark donut shop known for the giant donut on its roof and its classic, no-frills donuts.
How Many Michelin-Star Restaurants are There in Los Angeles?
There are 25 Michelin star restaurants Los Angeles has in total. This includes restaurants with one, two, and three stars. The list of Michelin restaurants Los Angeles includes acclaimed establishments like the two-star Hayato, Mélisse, n/naka, and Providence, as well as one-star spots like Kato, Orsa & Winston, and Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura. These restaurants showcase a range of food styles, from Japanese kaiseki to modern French and Italian.
Is it Hard to Get a Reservation at a Michelin-Star Restaurant in Los Angeles?
Yes, it is hard to get a restaurant reservations at a Michelin-star restaurant in Los Angeles. For the most acclaimed Michelin star restaurants in Los Angeles, especially those with two or three stars like Hayato or Mélisse, reservations are released on a specific day and time once a month and are booked within seconds. Other factors include the size of the restaurant, with smaller counters being harder to book, and the restaurant's popularity on social media.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Los Angeles?
The new restaurants in Los Angeles are listed below:
- Stella West Hollywood: An upscale Italian restaurant located in the West Hollywood neighborhood, serving handmade pastas and entrees in a stylish setting. Located at 8899 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048.
- Golden Owl: A modern Vietnamese restaurant in East Hollywood from the co-founder of Button Mash, offering classic dishes like pho and shaking beef. Located at 4858 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
- Irv's Burgers (Malibu): A new location of the classic Los Angeles burger stand, bringing its simple burgers, fries, and milkshakes to the Malibu Country Mart. Located at 23235 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
- Funke: A multi-level Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills from chef Evan Funke, focusing on handmade regional pastas. Located at 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Are There Any Restaurants in Los Angeles with a Unique Dining Experience?
Yes, there are many unique restaurants Los Angeles offers. These places provide unique dining experiences Los Angeles is known for.
- For a thematic experience, Beetle House LA is a year-round Halloween-themed bar and restaurant inspired by the works of Tim Burton.
- For an interactive meal, Korean barbecue restaurants like Parks BBQ in Koreatown allow guests to grill their own high-quality meats at the table.
- For a hidden setting, The Varnish is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located in the back of Cole's French Dip, offering classic cocktails in a dark, historic room.
Which Restaurants in Los Angeles Serve Vegan Food?
Los Angeles has a large number of restaurants serving vegan food. Crossroads Kitchen is an upscale vegan restaurant in West Hollywood serving a sophisticated menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Sage Vegan Bistro has multiple locations offering a large menu of plant-based comfort food. Gracias Madre is a popular spot for organic, plant-based Mexican food in a stylish setting.
Which Restaurants in Los Angeles Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Many Los Angeles restaurants serve gluten-free food. Honey Hi in Echo Park is a casual cafe with a 100% gluten-free menu of bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Rice, a Japanese restaurant in Manhattan Beach, has a completely gluten-free menu, including sushi and other dishes. Many health-conscious restaurants like Cafe Gratitude offer extensive gluten-free options.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Los Angeles?
The most famous Los Angeles cuisine styles are listed below:
- Mexican: This is the city's most important food style. Landmarks like Guelaguetza in Koreatown showcase regional Oaxacan food, while legendary trucks like Mariscos Jalisco define the street taco scene.
- Korean: The Koreatown neighborhood is a hub for authentic Korean food. Restaurants like Parks BBQ are famous for high-quality Korean barbecue, while spots like BCD Tofu House are hubs for soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew).
- Japanese: Los Angeles has one of the country's best Japanese food scenes. This ranges from two-Michelin-star kaiseki at n/naka to the perpetually long lines for ramen at Daikokuya in Little Tokyo.
- Health-Conscious/Californian: This style focuses on fresh, local, and organic produce. Restaurants like Gjelina in Venice exemplify this with their vegetable-forward, seasonal menus, while places like Cafe Gratitude focus on organic, plant-based meals.
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