Best Restaurants in Los Angeles

Bestia

A bustling, industrial-chic California-Italian restaurant in a converted Arts District warehouse, beloved since 2012 for its house-made charcuterie, wood-fired pizzas, and bone-marrow rigatoni. The energy is loud and celebratory, making it a destination dinner spot. Reservations are essential and open about a month out, so book well ahead.

Restaurants

Gjelina

The restaurant that helped define modern Venice dining, serving vegetable-forward New American plates, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal small plates in a candlelit, communal-table space. It is a quintessential Westside meal and pairs well with a stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd. It gets crowded, so reserve or grab pizza next door at Gjelina Take Away.

Restaurants

Grand Central Market

A sprawling food hall and downtown landmark since 1917, packing 40-plus vendors that span LA's cultures, from longtime stalls like Tacos Tumbras a Tomas to favorites such as Villa's Tacos, Eggslut, and Wexler's Deli. It is the ideal one-stop grazing spot for sampling the city's range in one visit. Open daily; come hungry and split dishes across multiple stands, and validate parking at the Hill Street garage.

Restaurants

Guelaguetza

A James Beard Award-winning Oaxacan institution open since 1994, known for its complex mole flights, tlayudas, and michelada-fueled weekend energy with live music. It is the definitive place in LA to taste Oaxacan cooking. Closed Mondays; weekends bring breakfast service and the liveliest atmosphere.

Restaurants

Holbox

A Michelin-recognized Mexican seafood counter tucked inside the Mercado La Paloma food hall, serving pristine ceviches, aguachiles, tostadas, and smoked-marlin tacos inspired by Mexico's coasts. It punches far above its casual setting and has become one of the city's defining restaurants. Closed Mondays; seating is limited counter-style, so go early or expect a wait.

Restaurants

Langer's Delicatessen

A 1947 Jewish deli widely regarded as serving the best pastrami in America, anchored by the No. 19 sandwich (pastrami, Swiss, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on hand-cut double-baked rye). It is a no-frills, lunch-focused LA rite of passage. Open daytime only Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays); free parking and validation at the lot on 7th and Westlake.

Restaurants

Musso & Frank Grill

Hollywood's oldest restaurant (opened 1919), a wood-paneled time capsule of red-leather booths, tuxedoed waiters, and Golden Age glamour. Come for the old-school steaks, chicken pot pie, and famously strong martinis more than cutting-edge cuisine. Closed Mondays; the bar is a great spot for a classic cocktail.

Restaurants

Night + Market WeHo

Chef Kris Yenbamroong's punchy, party-friendly take on Thai street food, with dishes like fried pork toast, crispy rice salad, and fiery larb alongside one of LA's best natural-wine lists. The vibe is fun and unpretentious, ideal for a group. Open Wednesday through Saturday evenings only, so plan accordingly.

Restaurants

République

Housed in a historic 1929 building that was once Charlie Chaplin's offices, this French-leaning cafe and bakery by chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke is famous for its pastries and weekend brunch by day and an elegant bistro dinner by night. Go for the croissants and breakfast pastries. Expect a line at the daytime counter, which is walk-in only; dinner takes reservations.

Restaurants

Sushi Gen

A beloved Little Tokyo sushi mainstay since 1980, prized for its exceptional value and remarkably fresh fish, with the sashimi lunch special drawing long midday lines. It is a traditional, no-gimmicks neighborhood sushi bar rather than a high-concept omakase. Arrive before opening for the lunch deal, as it sells out and the wait can be substantial.