Finding incredible places to eat in Los Angeles feels like a full-time job. The city is a sprawling, sun-drenched mosaic of flavors where a life-changing taco stand can sit right next to a groundbreaking fine-dining temple.
This list cuts through the noise. We’re giving you the inside track on the absolute best restaurants in Los Angeles, from iconic staples to the latest hotspots you need to know about. Get ready to bookmark these spots and start planning your culinary calendar.
1. Majordōmo
David Chang’s LA outpost in Chinatown is a must-visit Los Angeles restaurant that defies easy labels. It’s a vibrant, warehouse-style space where Korean and Italian influences crash into American ingredients with spectacular results.
Think handmade noodles with spicy lamb ragu or a legendary bing bread served with savory spreads. The energy here is always buzzing, making it perfect for a group eager to share a bunch of wild dishes.
Just trust the kitchen. They know what they’re doing, turning every meal into a fun, flavorful adventure. Securing a table feels like a victory, but it’s one worth fighting for.
This spot consistently ranks high on any credible list of top Los Angeles dining destinations.
2. Guelaguetza
For over 25 years, this Koreatown institution has been the heart of Oaxacan cuisine in LA. Walking into Guelaguetza is a sensory celebration, filled with the rich, complex aromas of moles—their signature dish.
The vibe is pure fiesta, with live music often filling the air. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their colorful, complex mole negro over tender chicken.
It’s a family-run place that feels like a community hub. For an authentic taste of Mexico that’s miles away from your average taco shop, this is your spot.
It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles for a joyful, unforgettable meal.
3. Providence
If you’re dreaming of a flawless, magical fine-dining experience, make a beeline for Providence. This two-Michelin-starred gem in Hollywood is the city’s premier destination for spectacular seafood.
Chef Michael Cimarusti’s tasting menus are like edible art, featuring treasures from the Pacific. Imagine spot prawn crudo or abalone cooked to perfect tenderness.
The service is impeccable but never stuffy. You’ll leave wondering how a meal could feel so special and so relaxed at the same time.
For a true splurge, this Los Angeles fine dining establishment is in a league of its own. It’s the definition of a special-occasion spot.
4. Apple Pan
Step back in time at this legendary West LA counter-service joint, open since 1947. The Apple Pan is a no-frills, cash-only temple to the classic American burger and pie.
You’ll belly up to the U-shaped counter and watch the cooks work the grill in a timeless dance. The Hickory Burger, with its secret sauce, is a thing of beautiful, messy perfection.
Save room for a slice of their banana cream pie. It’s the real deal. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a living slice of LA history.
Every food lover needs to experience this iconic Los Angeles eatery at least once. It’s pure, unfussy joy on a plate.
5. n/naka
Chef Niki Nakayama’s exquisite restaurant in Palms offers a once-in-a-lifetime modern kaiseki experience. This is more than dinner; it’s a 13-course poetic journey through seasonal Californian ingredients, presented with Japanese precision.
Each plate is a stunning masterpiece. The menu tells a story, moving from delicate sashimi to tender, slow-cooked dishes.
Scoring a reservation is famously tough, but the effort is part of the lore. The entire evening feels like a privileged peek into a culinary artist’s mind.
For those seeking the pinnacle of Los Angeles dining, n/naka is a non-negotiable destination. It redefines what a meal can be.
6. Jon & Vinny’s
This hip Italian-American spot on Fairfax is the ultimate cool-kid hangout with food that absolutely delivers. Jon & Vinny’s mastered the art of being both trendy and genuinely delicious.
The LA Woman pizza, with its creamy burrata and spicy tomato sauce, has a cult following for good reason. Their pasta, like the rich rigatoni, is pure comfort.
It’s loud, it’s lively, and you will probably spot someone famous. But the real star is the food that makes you want to order one more thing.
This is a top-tier Los Angeles restaurant for when you want amazing food without any pretense. Just come hungry.
7. Holbox
Tucked inside the Mercado La Paloma food hall south of downtown, Holbox is a seafood lover’s secret paradise. Chef Gilberto Cetina’s Michelin-starred Mexican mariscos will blow your mind.
Forget everything you know about fish tacos. The tostadas here are life-changing, piled high with vibrant ceviche or smoked kanpachi. The flavors are so bright and fresh.
The setting is super casual—you order at the counter and grab a table. But the craftsmanship is anything but. It’s proof that the best Los Angeles eateries can be found in unexpected places.
Your search for incredible, authentic Mexican seafood in LA ends right here.
8. Pizzana
This Brentwood hotspot started LA’s crave-worthy neo-Neapolitan pizza revolution. Daniele Uditi’s dough, fermented for 48 hours, is the star—airy, chewy, and with a perfect char.
The Cacio e Pepe pizza is a modern classic, brilliantly translating the pasta dish into pie form. The vibe is sleek and modern, perfect for a stylish but relaxed night out.
It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why all pizza can’t be this good. They’ve expanded, but the original location still has that magic.
For a premier pizza experience in Los Angeles, Pizzana is the gold standard. Your taste buds will thank you.
9. Kismet
Located in East Hollywood, Kismet is the sunny, vegetable-forward Middle Eastern cafe we all wish was in our neighborhood. Chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson create food that is both healthful and deeply exciting.
The menu sings with color and texture. Think roasted carrots with labneh or a perfect little gem lettuce salad that ruins all other salads.
It’s all about shareable plates in a space that feels like a warm hug. You can eat here every day and never get bored.
This is one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles for a delicious, feel-good meal that leaves you energized, not heavy. It’s a total vibe.
10. Otium
Next to The Broad museum, Otium is downtown’s dazzling culinary showpiece. Chef Timothy Hollingsworth’s open kitchen turns out stunning, inventive dishes in a breathtaking garden-like setting.
The wood-fired flavors are incredible, from grilled octopus to a simple, perfect roast chicken. It’s the ideal pre- or post-museum stop, but it’s worth a trip all on its own.
The energy is electric, the design is gorgeous, and the food consistently wows. It captures the ambitious, creative spirit of modern LA.
For a quintessential Los Angeles dining experience that combines art, architecture, and amazing flavor, Otium is a masterpiece.
11. Tacos 1986
Sometimes the best food comes from a tiny sidewalk stand. Tacos 1986 has become a citywide phenomenon for a reason. Their Tijuana-style tacos are a masterclass in simplicity and flavor.
The adobada, spinning on the trompo, is magical. Grab a taco, load it up with salsa from the bar, and take your first bite. You’ll get it instantly.
There’s often a line, but it moves fast and is 100% part of the experience. This is LA street food at its absolute finest.
No list of great places to eat in Los Angeles is complete without this taco glory. It’s essential, affordable, and utterly delicious.
12. Bavel
In the heart of the Arts District, Bavel is a dreamy, transportive experience from the team behind Bestia. This place celebrates the vibrant cuisines of North Africa and the Middle East.
The slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma is legendary, falling apart with a touch of your fork. And the hummus? You’ll want to swim in it.
The space is massive and stunning, filled with the smell of wood-fired pita bread. It’s a party for your senses.
Finding a Los Angeles restaurant with this much flavor and style is a rare thing. Bavel is a culinary destination you’ll dream about returning to.
13. Night + Market Song
Chef Kris Yenbamroong’s Silver Lake spot is a punk rock, flavor-bomb Thai restaurant. This isn’t your average pad thai joint. Night + Market Song serves up bold, spicy, and fun dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
The crispy rice salad and the garlicky wings are absolute must-orders. The vibe is loud, the walls are covered in art, and the food hits you with a wave of delicious heat.
It’s fun, it’s fearless, and it’s incredibly tasty. Be ready for flavors that pop and make your mouth happy.
For a uniquely LA take on Thai street food, this is a top Los Angeles restaurant. It’s a total game-changer.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it—a serious lineup of the best restaurants to visit in Los Angeles. This city’s food scene is always evolving, but these spots are the bedrock. They’re the places you go for a guaranteed great meal, a memorable night, or a downright legendary taco.
From fine dining to hidden gems, this list has something for every craving. Your job now is to get out there and taste it for yourself.
Don’t just read about these amazing Los Angeles eateries. Pick one, make a reservation or get in line, and dive in. Your next favorite meal is waiting. What are you doing this weekend?