Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
We've compiled the best of the best in Mid-Wilshire - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Along Fairfax Avenue in the Little Ethiopia neighborhood locals and visitors can enjoy Ethiopian signatures like tofu tibs; spicy chicken dorowat; and potato, green bean, onion, and carrot atkilt. Chef-owner Genet Agonafer transports diners to Addis Ababa.
This stunning expansive restaurant was originally built for Charlie Chaplin back in the 1920s. Now there is a line of fans waiting to enter and smell the enticing scent of handmade croissants by award-winning pastry chef and owner Margarita Manzke. In 2023, Chef Margarita won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker for her work at République. Her French delicacies and baguettes are better than most in the city. Her husband and co-owner Walter is known for his Dover Sole A La Meunière, beef short ribs, and roasted Liberty duck. A full bar keeps things buzzing throughout the evening.
The fresh pasta inside this small counter restaurant is flown in weekly from Bologna, then cooked and sauced right in front of your eyes. Order one of the tastings menus to try their various pastas. When you order the Cheese & Truffle menu you will receive a yellowtail crudo for a starter, then Tagliatelle in a truffle sauce, Pomodoro sauce pasta, creamy cacio e pepe, and finish with tiramisu al cucchiaio. After your first visit, you'll become an instant fan. It's close to museum row, for a steaming bowl of bucatini before or afterwards.
For an authentic Ethiopian experience, you will enjoy dining at the family-owned Merkato. Classics like spongy injera bread, spicy beef, and grilled fish are meant to be enjoyed with your hands. The market has Ethiopian ingredients to purchase to make at home.
Some of the spiciest and most succulent tacos in L.A. are made at Sky’s. This quaint taco joint offers up beef, chicken, turkey, seafood, and vegan options that will leave your mouth on fire and your belly full. Chef-owner Barbara “Sky” Burrell also dishes out steaming breakfast tacos and has an enormous vegan and vegetarian menu.
