Trying to find a great meal in LA can feel like choosing a lane on the 405 at rush hour. Overwhelming. There are endless options, from hidden taco stands to celebrity chef spots where you might need to book a month out. How do you know where to really spend your time and appetite?
Let’s cut through the noise. This list isn’t about the flashiest or most Instagrammed spots (though some are gorgeous). This is a curated guide to the places that consistently deliver magic on a plate.
These are the essential best restaurants in Los Angeles that locals treasure and visitors dream about. Get ready to eat very, very well.
1. n/naka
If you’re going to have one truly extraordinary splurge meal in LA, make it n/naka. Chef Niki Nakayama’s kaiseki restaurant is a masterclass in precision, seasonality, and storytelling. This is a 13-course journey that changes daily, reflecting what’s perfect at the market.
Every plate is a stunning work of art. Think abalone with liver sauce, or the most delicate sashimi you’ve ever tasted. It’s more than dinner.
It’s an experience that lasts for hours and leaves you in awe. Securing a reservation is famously tough, but it’s a quest worth taking.
For a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure, this is the pinnacle of fine dining in Los Angeles. It redefines what a meal can be.
2. Guelaguetza
Welcome to the vibrant heart of Oaxacan culture in Koreatown. Guelaguetza is a family-run institution, loud, colorful, and bursting with flavor. It’s been serving some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city for decades, and it’s always a party.
You come here for the moles. Their rich, complex sauces—like the negro or coloradito—are legendary. Get the mole sampler to experience the range.
The handmade tlayudas and enchiladas are also fantastic. The live music on weekends adds to the incredible energy.
For a truly immersive and delicious taste of Oaxaca, this is an absolute must-visit restaurant in LA. Come with a group and share everything.
3. Majordomo
David Chang’s LA outpost is a celebration of big, bold flavors and creative sharing plates.
Housed in a sleek, industrial space, Majordomo feels both cool and approachable. The menu plays with Asian and American influences in ways that constantly surprise.
The whole roasted bing bread with spreads is a famous must-order. Their rice cakes with spicy sausage and the incredible thick-cut beef ribs are dishes people talk about for weeks. Portions are generous, designed for family-style feasting.
It’s perfect for a dynamic dinner with friends where you want to try a bit of everything. This spot is a cornerstone for anyone exploring top restaurants in Los Angeles.
4. Grand Central Market
You can’t talk about LA food without talking about this downtown landmark. Since 1917, Grand Central Market has been a bustling melting pot of cuisines. It’s not a single restaurant, but a food hall where you can taste the world in one vibrant, noisy room.
Grab legendary egg sandwiches at Eggslut, perfect tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, or life-changing falafel at Madcapra. The energy is electric. You can wander, sample, and find exactly what you’re craving. It’s democratic, delicious, and deeply LA.
For a casual, affordable, and utterly essential LA eating experience, you have to walk through these doors. It’s a living piece of the city’s history.
5. Providence
For the freshest, most exquisite seafood on the West Coast, Providence is your destination. Chef Michael Cimarusti’s temple to the ocean is elegant, serene, and consistently awarded. The service is impeccable, making you feel special from the moment you walk in.
The tasting menus showcase treasures from the Pacific and beyond. Think Santa Barbara spot prawns, pristine oysters, and abalone cooked with exacting care. Their signature “Eggs on Eggs” dish is a rich, unforgettable classic. It’s a splurge, but for seafood lovers, it’s non-negotiable.
This is where LA goes to celebrate with the fruits of the sea. It remains one of the best restaurants to visit in Los Angeles for a refined occasion.
6. Pijja Palace
This place is a total vibe. Pijja Palace brilliantly mashes up Indian flavors with American sports bar classics. Imagine spicy fried chicken served with malai waffles, or a “pizza” that’s actually a saag paneer-stuffed naan. It sounds wild, and it is—wildly delicious.
The space is fun and buzzing, filled with glowing neon and good energy. It’s a fantastic spot for a group that wants something different, fun, and packed with flavor. They’ve taken creative risks that pay off in every bite.
For a breaking-the-rules meal that’s pure joy, Pijja Palace is a one-of-a-kind Los Angeles restaurant. It’s a game-changer.
7. Angelini Osteria
Sometimes, you just need perfect, soul-satisfying Italian food. For over 20 years, Angelini Osteria on Beverly Boulevard has been delivering just that. This cozy, no-fuss spot feels like a neighborhood secret, even though everyone knows about it.
The pasta is handmade and exceptional. Their green lasagna is iconic for a reason—layers of delicate pasta, béchamel, and ragù that define comfort. The seafood is also simple and superb. It’s honest cooking that focuses on flawless ingredients.
For a reliably incredible Italian meal that feels like a warm hug, this is your spot. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
8. Jon & Vinny’s
This modern LA diner from the team behind Jon & Vinny’s has become a city-wide phenomenon for a reason. It’s cool, casual, and serves food that hits every nostalgic note while tasting fresh and high-quality.
Their thin-crust pizzas are fantastic, but the real star might be the LA Woman breakfast pizza or the incredible bolognese.
The garlic knots are a mandatory order. It’s the ideal place for a breezy lunch, a family dinner, or a late-night slice.
With several locations, it’s become a go-to for a reliably cool and delicious meal. It’s a modern entry on any list of must visit restaurants in LA.
9. Vespertine
Vespertine is not just a meal; it’s a full sensory experience. Chef Jordan Kahn has created a space that feels like landing on a serene alien planet. The architecture, the soundscape, the custom ceramics—every detail is part of the story.
The food is abstract, beautiful, and pushes boundaries. Dishes are often deconstructed and reconstructed in surprising forms.
This is for the adventurous eater who wants to be challenged and amazed. It’s expensive and polarizing, but utterly unforgettable.
If you want to see the far future of dining, this is your ticket. It’s a bold statement and a unique chapter in LA’s food scene.
10. Mister O’s
For a super-tasty, no-fuss burger that folks argue is the best in the city, head to this small stand in Glassell Park. Mister O’s keeps it simple: fantastic smash-style burgers with crispy edges, melty cheese, and a soft bun. Their double cheeseburger is pure perfection.
The fries are great, the vibe is super casual, and the line moves fast. Sometimes the best things are the simplest. This is burger bliss without any pretension.
For a quick, satisfying, and iconic bite, this is a pilgrimage site for burger lovers exploring LA’s best restaurants.
11. Kismet
This sunny, all-day cafe and restaurant in Los Feliz is the epitome of California cool.
Kismet, from chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, focuses on bright, vegetable-forward Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Everything feels fresh, healthy, and vibrant.
Their roasted chicken with turmeric and dates is legendary. The pastries and breads are baked in-house and are not to be missed.
It’s the perfect spot for a long, leisurely brunch or a delightful dinner that leaves you feeling great.
For food that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing, Kismet is a local favorite and a shining example of LA’s modern cuisine.
12. Langer’s Delicatessen
History lives on a plate at Langer’s. Since 1947, this Westlake institution has been serving what is widely considered the best pastrami sandwich in America.
The #19—hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye—is a sacred text.
The dining room is pure old-school diner charm. The waitresses are pros, the pickles are crisp, and the pastrami is steamed to tender, peppery perfection. It’s a timeless experience that connects you to old Los Angeles.
For a true taste of history and a sandwich you’ll never forget, this is a non-negotiable best place to eat in Los Angeles.
13. Holbox
Located inside the Mercado La Paloma food hall, Holbox is a seafood lover’s hidden treasure.
Chef Gilberto Cetina’s Mexican seafood is stunningly fresh and brilliantly prepared. The ceviches and aguachiles are vibrant and zingy, and their fish tacos are life-changing.
Order at the counter, grab a seat at the communal tables, and prepare for some of the most flavorful bites in the city. The tostadas de pulpo (octopus) are a particular standout. It’s affordable, authentic, and absolutely phenomenal.
For incredible, high-quality seafood in a casual setting, Holbox is a secret that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.
14. Night + Market Sahm
This is Thai food dialed up to eleven. Night + Market, with locations in Silver Lake and Venice, is funky, loud, and serves explosively flavorful dishes from chef Kris Yenbamroong. It’s not your typical pad thai joint.
Think spicy larb, crunchy roti with curry dip, and their famous “Sunny Side Up” fried rice. The flavors are bold, spicy, and deeply satisfying. The vibe is energetic and perfect for a fun night out with friends who love heat.
For a thrilling, no-holds-barred taste of modern Thai street food, this is a top choice for Los Angeles dining.
15. Destroyer
In a bright, minimalist space in Culver City, Destroyer redefines breakfast and lunch.
Chef Jordan Kahn (of Vespertine) creates dishes that are almost too beautiful to eat. The menu is small, seasonal, and focuses on grains, vegetables, and perfect technique.
Their fermented potato bread with cultured butter is a masterpiece. The grain bowls are intricate and satisfying. It’s a quiet, thoughtful meal that feels like a reset. The coffee program is also exceptional.
For a meal that is both artful and deeply nourishing, Destroyer is a unique and wonderful stop.
16. Howlin’ Ray’s
The legend is real. Howlin’ Ray’s in Chinatown brought Nashville-style hot chicken to LA and started a phenomenon. The lines can be epic, but the payoff is a perfectly fried, supremely juicy piece of chicken with heat levels that range from “no spice” to face-melting.
The ambiance is friendly and fast-paced. It’s a pilgrimage for spice seekers and fried chicken connoisseurs. Pair it with their terrific sides like collard greens and beans. The hype is absolutely justified.
For a truly iconic LA food experience that’s all about bold flavor, you gotta try it at least once.
Conclusion
Los Angeles isn’t just a city with great restaurants; it’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored. From historic delis to futuristic tasting menus, every meal here tells a part of the city’s story.
Your table is ready. Book that reservation, stand in that legendary line, and taste your way through the City of Angels. The best restaurants to visit in Los Angeles are an adventure you’ll never forget. Now go eat!