58 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

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Los Angeles may be known for its beach living and celebrity-infused backdrop, but it was once a farm town. The hillsides were covered in citrus orchards and dairy farms, and agriculture was a major industry. Today, even as L.A. is urbanized, the city's culinary landscape has re-embraced a local, sustainable, and seasonal philosophy at many levels—from fine dining to street snacks.

With a growing interest in farm-to-fork, the city's farmers' market scene has exploded, becoming popular at big-name restaurants and small eateries alike. In Hollywood and Santa Monica you can often find high-profile chefs scouring farm stands for fresh produce.

Yet the status of the celebrity chef continues to carry weight around this town. People follow the culinary zeitgeist with the same fervor as celebrity gossip. You can queue up with the hungry hordes at Mozza or try and snag a reservation to the ever-popular Trois Mec that’s much like getting a golden ticket these days. Elsewhere, the seasonally driven bakery and insanely popular Huckleberry in Santa Monica has been given a Brentwood counterpart with the rustically sweet Milo & Olive created by the same owners. In Culver City, a run-down International House of Pancakes has been turned into the ski chalet–inspired A-Frame Tavern. The Ace Hotel opened an L.A. chapter Downtown, creating a hip haven when you can enjoy cocktails and locally sourced menu items poolside or in the restaurant.

Ethnic eats continue to be a backbone to the L.A. dining scene. People head to the San Gabriel Valley for dim sum, ramen, and unassuming taco lounges; Koreatown for epic Korean cooking and late-night coffeehouses; and West L.A. and "the Valley" for phenomenal sushi. Latin food is well represented in the city, making it tough to choose between Guatemalan eateries, Peruvian restaurants, nouveau Mexican bistros, and Tijuana-style taco trucks. With so many dining options, sometimes the best strategy is simply to drive and explore.

Huckleberry Bakery and Cafe

$ | Santa Monica

Founded by Santa Monica natives, Huckleberry brings together the best ingredients from local farmers and growers to craft diner-style comfort food with a chic twist. Nearly everything is made on-site, even the hot sauce and almond milk. The light, bright space is perfect for a quick brunch. Choose from savories like huevos rancheros with black bean puree or a Niman Ranch ham and Gruyère sandwich. Breakfast is served all day. Baked goods rotate frequently according to the seasonal whims of the pastry chef; the kouign amann is always a standout. Bonito Coffee Roasters coffee tempts from the extensive drink menu.

Intelligentsia Hollywood Coffeebar

$ | Hollywood

Drop in any day from 7 am to 5 pm to use the free Wi-Fi and score a quick cold brew or strong pour-over made from freshly roasted beans at this corner location. There’s indoor and outdoor seating where you’ll find a respite from Hollywood Boulevard. The small bites menu includes locally made pastries, oatmeal, and quiche.

6401 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028, USA
213-277–9095
Known For
  • Strong freshly brewed coffee drinks
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Patio seating

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John's Garden

$ | Malibu

Assemble a beach picnic like a Malibu local at this humble, health-conscious spot where sandwiches include the Surfer Princess (turkey and avocado) and the salads include the Quinoa Queen. You can also choose from smoothies and juices, salads, acai bowls, snacks, drinks, and more.

3835 Cross Creek Rd., Los Angeles, CA, 90265, USA
310-456--8377
Known For
  • Popular post-surf or beach-snacks spot
  • Killer juices and smoothies
  • Ever-changing weekly specials

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Joy

$ | Highland Park

Bringing Taiwanese food made with California ingredients to a Central American--dominated neighborhood may sound ambitious, but Joy has long made it work by keeping close ties with the community, preserving its building's history, and serving comforting, affordable classic Taiwanese dishes. Pine & Crane's sister restaurant uses spices and flavors that are more accessible to less adventurous food lovers, but the unfussy dishes on its small menu are still comforting, wholesome, and familiar to those who grew up eating some versions of them. Prepare to share small bites and mains with a small group; Joy's dan dan Noodles and pork belly rice are must-have items. Expect modest lines during the weekends, but the food rolls out quickly. 

5100 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90042, USA
323-999--07642
Known For
  • Dan dan noodles
  • Mince pork and rice
  • Fast service

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Link N Hops

$ | Atwater Village

It may feel like your typical sports bar, but a couple of things elevate the Link N Hops experience, such as the excellent hot dog sandwiches and 24 craft beers on tap. And about those signature links: there are around 20, some of which are made with less commonly seen ingredients like rattlesnake, duck, and bacon. Link N Hops is an ideal place for a quick bite on the cheap. 

3111 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90039, USA
323-426–9049
Known For
  • Atwater knackwurst
  • Smoked Portuguese Hawaiian sausage
  • Happy hour specials

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Lodge Bread Company

$ | Culver City

Part restaurant, part bakery, and part learning annex, Lodge Bread Company beckons customers with freshly baked sourdough—the aroma of which wafts over the entire neighborhood. Inside, guests can enjoy fermented pizzas, savory sandwiches, and crisp morning toasts. For budding bread makers, the shop offers classes on baking sourdough, where you can learn how to make a starter from scratch and how to best stretch and score dough.

11918 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90066, USA
424-384–5097
Known For
  • Incredible sourdough bread
  • Fluffy pizzas
  • Bakery items and bread-making classes

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Lodge Bread Company Beverly Hills

$ | Beverly Hills

Lodge Bread in Beverly Hills brings serious sourdough game with thick-cut toasts, hearty sandwiches, and killer pastries. The vibe is casual, the coffee’s strong, and everything’s made with top-notch ingredients.

295 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90211, USA
424-302–0225
Known For
  • Perfect sourdough loaves
  • Giant cinnamon buns
  • Excellent coffee

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Milk Bar LA

$ | West Hollywood

A longtime darling for Angelenos, Milk Bar is a sweets shop that will cure any sugary cravings. The Milk Bar pie and cereal-milk soft serve are favorites, but you can also take classes with owner Christina Tosi to become your own baking master.

7150 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90046, USA
213-341--8423
Known For
  • Famous Milk Bar pie
  • Cereal-milk soft serve
  • Long lines

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Nate 'n' Al's

$$

A longtime refuge from California's lean cuisine, Nate 'n' Al's serves up steaming pastrami, matzo ball soup, and potato latkes. Big-time media and entertainment insiders are often seen kibbitzing at this old-time East Coast–style establishment. There can be a bit of a wait, so plan accordingly.

Patrick's Roadhouse

$ | Pacific Palisades

As the rooftop dinosaur and Lady Liberty statues suggest, this leprechaun-green roadhouse, tucked into the hillside of Pacific Palisades, is a maximalist ode to the past crammed with memorabilia ranging from British railway signs to cheeky bronze statuettes. An Old World portrait of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in epaulets lords over the proceedings, along with Arnold's throne, which you can request to be seated in. Solid breakfast options include the chilaquiles with a generous topping of sliced avocado or the beyond-immense breakfast burrito. For lunch or dinner, come for the just-right fish and chips or the Pot of Gold burger, and try to resist adding the house-made potato chips and banana cream pie. Waitstaff are brisk and friendly and big band and Great American Songbook tunes keep the atmosphere lively.

Petit Trois

$$$ | Hollywood

With a modest, you’ll-hardly-notice-it’s-there exterior, counter seating, a very European-styled dining room, and classic French dishes, a meal at Petit Trois recalls a trip to Paris. The steak tartare or lighter-than-air omelet will make you forgive the restaurant's strip mall location off busy Highland Avenue.

718 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90038, USA
323-468--8916
Known For
  • Parisian ham and honey butter sandwich (lunch only)
  • Steak frites
  • Cozy atmosphere

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Philz Coffee

$ | Beverly Hills

Philz Coffee in Beverly Hills is all about custom pour-over brews and a laid-back vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a Mint Mojito Iced Coffee or a smooth cardamom-filled Tesora, every cup is made just for you. It’s a relaxing spot to fuel up between shopping sprees or just for hanging out.

233 S. Beverly Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90212, USA
424-305–6800
Known For
  • Original coffee creations
  • Chill vibes
  • Unique cold brews

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Proof Bakery

$ | Atwater Village

Open in 2010, Proof Bakery has stood the test of time as it continues to serve the flakiest, butteriest croissants in Atwater Village. The worker-owned cooperative also produces small batches of thin European sandwiches and refined desserts sourced from high quality seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets. Make someone’s day by ordering one of their gorgeous Basque cheesecakes or rich chocolate Earl Grey cake.

3156 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90039, USA
(323)-664–8633
Known For
  • Pain au chocolat
  • Basque cheesecake
  • Flourless chocolate cake

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Randy's Donuts

$

An iconic 24/7 Inglewood landmark since 1952, Randy's Donuts is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Instantly recognizable by its giant 32-foot doughnut sign perched atop the building, this walk-up stand has become a beloved photo op and a must-visit Los Angeles attraction, featured in countless movies and TV shows. But it's not just about the spectacle—Randy's really does serve up some of the best doughnuts in town. From classic glazed to inventive flavors like Nutella or s'mores (though we're partial to the cherry iced), these handmade, doughy delights are consistently fresh, toothsome, and irresistible. The no-frills service is quick and friendly, perfect for grabbing a sweet bite on the go (or smuggling into a Beyoncé concert). Try the Texas-sized options if you're with a group. Don't leave Inglewood without trying this delicious piece of local history.

805 W Manchester Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90301, USA
310-645–4707
Known For
  • Glazed deliciousness
  • Inventive flavors
  • Instagram cred

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Santa Monica Seafood

$$ | Santa Monica

A Southern California favorite that seems like a tourist trap at first blush but decidedly isn't, this Italian seafood haven has been serving up fresh fish since 1939. This freshness comes from its pedigree as the largest seafood distributor in the Southwest. Come for lunch or dinner, but make sure to take time to stroll around the market, read up on the history, and enjoy free tastings of the specials. The simple menu lets the freshness speak for itself, with options including pan-roasted branzino with butternut squash curry, as well as sandwiches (try the gorgeous Maine lobster roll on butter-toasted brioche), soups, plates for kids, and an oyster bar.

Sip & Sonder

$

Sip & Sonder is a trendy, Black women–owned coffee shop and community space in downtown Inglewood. Founded by two local entrepreneurs, it's more than just a café—it's a cultural hub. The shop serves high-quality coffee and teas, alongside a selection of pastries and light bites like bagels and a turkey and brie sandwich. With its sleek, modern interior, incredible music, and welcoming atmosphere, it attracts remote workers and creatives alike. The space often hosts events, workshops, and exhibitions, emphasizing its commitment to fostering community and celebrating Black culture. As Inglewood's first true specialty coffee house, Sip & Sonder exemplifies the neighborhood's swiftly rising star while staying true to its roots.

Spoon and Pork

$$ | Echo Park

It’s no surprise that Spoon and Pork has found its rightful place in the neighborhood with its comforting Filipino cuisine. With a name that cleverly plays on the traditional Filipino way of eating (using both spoon and fork), this modern spot is the perfect introduction to the cuisine's beloved dishes such as lechon and adobo pork belly.

3131 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90026, USA
323-922–6061
Known For
  • Adobo pork belly
  • Lechon kawali
  • Filipino comfort food
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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Sprinkles Cupcakes

$ | Beverly Hills

The haute cupcake craze isn't going away, so expect lines that extend out the door and down the block here. If you need an after-hours fix, not to worry: Sprinkles also has the world's first cupcake (and cookie) ATM, open round the clock. The most popular flavor? Red velvet, of course.

9635 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90210, USA
310-274–8765
Known For
  • Red velvet cupcakes
  • Banana peanut butter cupcakes
  • Long lines

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Stereoscope Coffee

$ | Echo Park

There’s a reason Stereoscope has a line out the door on any given day of the week. With a staff that loves to see its regulars, this coffee shop is warm while also feeling very modern with all of its modular furniture. Stereoscope is for the serious java-lovers; just the hand-drip coffee alone has an aroma and unique flavor profile that will soothe the soul.

1501 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90026, USA
213-265–7099
Known For
  • Madagascar vanilla latte
  • Ganache mocha latte
  • Single origin coffee

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Tacos Villa Corona

$ | Atwater Village

You likely won't notice this cramped little spot on Glendale Boulevard unless there's a line or you're a fan of the late, great Anthony Bourdain (he was a big fan). But trust that line to mean that Tacos Villa Corona serves some of the best no-fuss tacos, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos in the neighborhood, especially on weekend mornings when the locals come to nurse their hangovers. 

3185 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90039, USA
323-661–3458
Known For
  • Chorizo and potato burrito
  • Breakfast burritos
  • Long lines
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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TAO Los Angeles

$$$$ | Hollywood

Feast on Pan-Asian fare and dark and atmospheric faux-Asian decor in this dramatic 300-seat two-level restaurant and lounge next to the Dream Hotel. It's all about vibes here, and it definitely attracts celebratory groups for the sharing plates, DJ, moody candle- and red-lamp light Asian-themed decor (including a giant Quan Yin statue looking out over the ornate main dining room), and the lively patio, lounge, and bar. The menu focuses on Japanese, Thai, and Chinese ingredients. Lobster wontons, Peking duck for two, and fresh sushi are popular offerings.

6421 Selma Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90028, USA
323-593--7888
Known For
  • Fun Mon.–Thurs. happy hour in the TAO lounge
  • Fresh sushi and dim sum
  • Clubby setting and scene

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Tropicana Bar

$$ | Hollywood

Despite being set in the middle of Hollywood’s mad dash, the surprisingly serene oasis that is the Tropicana Bar is where California fare meets refreshing tropical cocktails in a vintage Hollywood setting. While the poolside loungers are technically restricted to hotel guests, visitors are welcome (at the hotel's discretion) to take advantage of the bar and kitchen service in view of that glorious heated pool with its David Hockney mural. Summer events include movie nights and daytime DJs, so plan accordingly if visiting during the warmer months. On the menu are crowd favorites like fish tacos, sliders, and the ever-present avocado toast, here on house-made sourdough and topped with pickled onions.

Urth Caffé Melrose

$ | West Hollywood

The ultratrendy Urth Caffé is full of beautiful people refueling on organic coffee and tea with a range of health-conscious sandwiches, salads, and juices. The outdoor patio is a great place to take in the scene or spot celebrities.

Valerie Echo Park

$ | Echo Park

Coffee and light foods are the main event at Valerie Echo Park. Different varieties of tea take over half the menu and many of the morsels advertised only serve to complement the hot beverages; the desserts, though, are the unique kind that only a celebrated chocolatier like co-owner Valerie Gordon could produce. Even those who don't enjoy tea may find themselves perfectly delighted.

1665 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90026, USA
213-250--9365
Known For
  • Homemade chocolates
  • Petit fours
  • Excellent tea
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.

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Volcano Tea House

$ | West L.A.

Join the line of UCLA students at the venerable Volcano Tea House, where you can sample from a huge range of delectable bubble drinks. Stick with the house milk tea or brown sugar latte, or get adventurous with sakura jelly or matcha. Seasonal flavors like watermelon slushy will delight, and there are endless toppings and customizations. Volcano also offers a michelada-inspired seasonal option, reflecting the multicultural spirit of Los Angeles. If you're hungry, try the popcorn chicken with add-your-own spices.

2111 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90025, USA
310-445--5326
Known For
  • Massive menu of flavors and customizations
  • Cult-favorite house milk tea
  • Addicting popcorn chicken

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Wanderlust Creamery

$

This travel-inspired artisanal ice cream brand famous for its use of malted crunch may have nine outposts across Southern California now, but this is the scoop shop that started it all. The brainchild of an American-Filipino food science major/former mixologist/native daughter of the S.F.V. packs a bag for your palette, taking you to the four corners of the Earth, one creamy sphere at a time. On any given trip to Wanderlust, you could find yourself in New Zealand (Hokey Pokey), Japan (Sakura Crunch), Brazil (Passionfruit Cacao), or the Pacific Northwest (Smoky Road).

Wax Paper

$ | Echo Park

While Wax Paper has a few outdoor tables set up for dining, this tiny sandwich place in Frogtown is tailor-made for to-go orders. The modest selection of brilliantly prepared sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and named after NPR hosts; they're best enjoyed along the river or at a nearby park. They come in hearty helpings, so bring your appetite.

2902 Knox Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90039, USA
Known For
  • Creative to-go sandwiches
  • Kai Ryssdal tuna sandwich
  • Friendly, low-key atmosphere

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Clementine

$$ | Century City

In fast-paced Century City, this quaint restaurant pays homage to comfort food classics. Look for chicken potpie, macaroni and cheese, roast beef sandwiches, and a slew of hearty salads. A great breakfast or lunch detour as you make your way to the beaches, Clementine has a bakery case that's filled to the brim with slices of banana bread with cream-cheese frosting, oatmeal raisin cookies, and freshly made cinnamon rolls (Saturday only).