Despite post-pandemic inflation and rising business costs, LA restaurants offer a wide range of innovative and diverse food options.
From traditional restaurants and street vendors to pop-ups and food trucks, the city has something for everyone, featuring everything from casual tacos to fine dining with fresh local produce and Pacific seafood.
L.A.’s food scene thrives on diversity, offering a mix of cuisines and dining styles, including omakase, upscale dining, and hidden gems in strip malls.
We actively search for the best food and insider information, focusing on flavor, freshness, and value at all price points.
We regularly update our list to keep up with changes in menus, service styles, new openings, and the evolving food landscape of the city. It’s worth your time and money if it’s on our list.
10. Soban
- Korean – Koreatown
- Price: $$
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Address: 4001 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Located on the western edge of Koreatown, Soban is a modest eatery that closes early (last orders by 8:30 pm). Still, it serves some of the best banchan and soy-marinated raw crab (ganjang gejang) in Los Angeles. If you’re used to Korean barbecue, Soban is an excellent place to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Korean cuisine beyond the grill.
Named after the traditional low tables for communal dining, Soban offers comforting, homestyle Korean dishes crafted by Jennifer Pak. While the service might be brisk, the food more than makes up for it.
The soy-marinated raw crab is a highlight, marinated to perfection with green chilies, white onion, and soy sauce, making it sweet and buttery. The assortment of banchan that accompanies each meal is a treat, showcasing everything from kimchi to seasoned acorn jelly, each bursting with flavor.
Don’t miss the galbi jjim (braised short ribs) and the spicy gochujang stew with black cod and daikon radish. While other L.A. spots offering ganjang gejang have gained popularity on TikTok, Soban’s version remains unmatched.
Make sure to call ahead for a reservation. With fans like the late food critic Jonathan Gold and Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho, Soban is popular, and you’ll likely have to wait for a table unless you visit on a weekday afternoon.
9. Bavel
- Mediterranean – Downtown Arts District
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Address: 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Bavel offers a delicious exploration of Levantine cuisine from Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the duo behind Bestia. The menu features fire-roasted meats, handmade couscous, some of L.A.’s best flatbread, and desserts that rival those at their Italian restaurant counterpart.
After transforming modern Italian cuisine with Bestia, Menashe and Gergis bring a more personal touch to Bavel. Drawing from their own cultural backgrounds and culinary skills, they deliver standout dishes like incredibly smooth hummus, spiced Persian ice cream, and must-try plates such as the crispy, spicy harissa prawns. Bavel combines authentic flavors with contemporary techniques, making it a top spot for Mediterranean food in the city.
Planning a visit during prime time on a weekend? Book well in advance, as most Friday and Saturday evening reservations are available only for late hours. For a lively and more casual experience, consider visiting Saffy’s, the Bestia team’s newer East Hollywood spot, though reservations there are also in high demand.
8. Dunsmoor
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- American – Glassell Park
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Address: 3501 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Dunsmoor is an upscale restaurant in Northeast L.A. offering a refined take on Southern cuisine with a focus on quality and flavor.
Initially, we had mixed feelings about Dunsmoor, but it has since proven itself as a top dining spot. Chef Brian Dunsmoor’s namesake restaurant excels with its standout bar-only burger, excellent live-fire cooking, and a notable dessert menu crafted by Sarah Durning, a talent from Rustic Canyon and Gwen.
The concise, ever-evolving menu showcases the best of Southern cuisine, with highlights like buttery, chile-flecked cornbread and an outstanding ribeye. Seasonal specials, such as the South Carolina-style she-crab soup, make dining here even more exciting. Be sure to save room for Durning’s desserts, including a rich chocolate cake and a delicious upside-down stone fruit cake.
To try the popular burger, arrive early, especially on weekends. It’s only served at the bar, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. With just 20 burgers available each night, they tend to sell out quickly.
7. Osteria Mozza
- Italian – Hancock Park
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Address: 6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Osteria Mozza is an upscale Italian restaurant by renowned chef Nancy Silverton, featuring delicate housemade pasta, a variety of antipasti, and a dedicated mozzarella bar. It’s part of the Mozzaplex trio of restaurants in Hancock Park.
Despite the constant influx of new Italian restaurants in L.A., few can match the refinement and consistency of Osteria Mozza. From Silverton’s iconic ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and egg yolk to the creamy, fresh mozzarella served with various accompaniments, this Michelin-starred osteria remains a standout even after more than 15 years.
For a different experience, you can also visit neighboring Chi Spacca for hearty meats and focaccia or Pizzeria Mozza for pizza—all under Silverton’s creative direction. Plus, all three spots offer access to her acclaimed, freshly made gelato.
It might be tempting to skip the vegetables but don’t overlook the antipasti menu. This section changes with the seasons and showcases the kitchen’s ability to innovate, even when Nancy Silverton herself isn’t in the kitchen.
6. Camphor
- French – Downtown Arts District
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Address: 923 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Camphor is a Michelin-starred bistro in the Arts District that blends traditional French cuisine with Asian influences. It offers a modern fine dining experience, making it a great choice for special occasions or those willing to spend generously.
In its bright, stylish white and blue dining room, chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George bring a fresh perspective to classic French dishes, infusing them with Asian flavors. Highlights include an amuse bouche inspired by South Asian pani puri and gunpowder-spiced anchovies reminiscent of popular fried fish dishes from the Philippines and South Korea.
Every aspect of the experience is carefully crafted, from the expertly mixed cocktails to the chic, Instagram-worthy bathroom. Recent standout dishes include sea bream with uni, served like a savory granita, and creamy mussels topped with matchstick potatoes.
Desserts are equally impressive, with Boonthanakit showcasing his pastry skills through creations like a kiwi trompe l’oeil and a “citrus and milk” dessert featuring vanilla mousse and citrus milk sorbet.
Camphor is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and reservations are only available online up to 14 days in advance. Keep an eye out for their Steak Frites nights, usually held during the first week of the month when the restaurant is otherwise closed. These evenings feature a $65 set menu with salad, steak, unlimited fries, and special desserts.
5. Kuya Lord
- Filipino – Hollywood
- Price: $$
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Address: 4515 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Kuya Lord is a fast-casual spot in East Hollywood serving up rice bowls and family-style trays that offer a gourmet spin on Filipino classics. Despite the challenging parking situation and long weekend lines, the flavorful dishes crafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Lord Maynard Llera make it well worth the visit.
This restaurant lives up to the hype with every dish. Chef Llera, a former sous chef at Bestia, elevates traditional Filipino fare with his unique touches, such as housemade pickled vegetables and aged palm vinegar.
The lucenachon, buttery hiramasa collar, and garlicky prawns are standout options for pork and seafood enthusiasts. While prices are on the higher side for a fast-casual eatery, the quality and flavors justify the cost. The menu also caters to vegans with options like the grilled oyster mushroom rice bowl.
For easier parking, try visiting right at 7 pm, when the no-stopping signs on Melrose Avenue no longer apply. Kuya Lord closes at 9 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meal.
4. Kato
- Taiwanese – Downtown Arts District
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: ★★★★☆
- Address: 777 S Alameda St #100, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Kato is a fine dining restaurant in the Arts District offering a tasting menu that incorporates Taiwanese influences, earning it a Michelin star.
Since moving to ROW DTLA in 2021, chef Jon Yao and his team have established Kato as one of L.A.’s premier dining experiences. Yao’s seasonal tasting menu ($325) reflects his Taiwanese heritage and San Gabriel Valley roots, offering a unique and evolving selection of dishes.
The non-alcoholic beverage pairing by bar director Austin Hennelly ($95) is one of the best in the city, thoughtfully crafted to mimic the complex notes of traditional wine and spirits without the alcohol. For a more accessible option, the bar-only tasting menu ($170) features some of Kato’s signature dishes, including their renowned milk bread.
Service is attentive yet relaxed, and sommelier Ryan Bailey’s extensive wine list is sure to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.
Consider skipping the A5 Wagyu supplemental course. While it’s tasty, it doesn’t showcase the innovation found elsewhere on the menu. Instead, save room for Kato’s exceptional trio of Asian-inspired desserts or explore more of the expertly crafted cocktails, alcoholic or not—they stand out among L.A.’s best.
3. Sushi Kaneyoshi
- Japanese – Little Tokyo
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Address: 250 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Located in the basement)
Sushi Kaneyoshi offers what many consider the best sushi omakase experience in L.A., though it’s also one of the hardest reservations to secure. Tucked away in the basement of a Little Tokyo office building, this upscale sushi spot is run by sushi veteran Yoshiyuki Inoue, known for his exceptional attention to luxury and refinement.
The seafood selection at Kaneyoshi changes seasonally, but dishes like nodoguro (blackthroat sea perch) and ankimo (monkfish liver) consistently impress. For those willing to splurge on ultra-premium sushi (starting at $250 per person), Kaneyoshi offers excellent value, delivering a top-tier dining experience for less than you might pay at other high-end sushi restaurants like Morihiro in Atwater or Ginza Onodera in West Hollywood. If you can secure a reservation, you’re in for an unforgettable meal.
If you plan to park on-site, bring cash for the parking attendant. Make sure to arrive on time; the single seating at 7 pm won’t start until all diners have arrived.
2. Damian
- Mexican – Downtown Arts District
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Address: 2132 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Damian is a fine-dining Mexican restaurant located in the Arts District, brought to you by world-renowned chef Enrique Olvera, known for his acclaimed restaurants Pujol in Mexico City and Cosme in New York City. In addition to Damian, there’s a more casual daytime taqueria called Ditroit, famous for its exceptional tortillas.
While Damian’s menu falls under the fine dining category, the carefully sourced and expertly prepared seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes, along with house-made cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), make it one of L.A.’s top Mexican restaurants.
The sophisticated yet understated ambiance provides an ideal setting for special occasions. The menu changes seasonally, but standout dishes like the duck carnitas and the pollito al pastor are consistently excellent choices.
If your budget allows, consider ordering several of the smaller plates individually, such as the sweet corn tamales and any of the tostadas, as these items can be harder to share.
1. n/naka
- Japanese – Palms
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Address: 3455 S Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
This is a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant in Palms, led by chef-owner Niki Nakayama, a student of the renowned Morihiro Onodera and featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
Chef Nakayama excels in kaiseki, a traditional Japanese culinary art that emphasizes a specific sequence of textures, temperatures, and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers a 13-course tasting menu ($365), including a vegetarian option, with thoughtfully curated wine and sake pairings.
The recent renovation has introduced a more modern dining room, but the serene and exceptional dining experience remains unchanged. Every course is meticulously crafted, making the set menu well worth it.
Reservations at n/naka are notoriously difficult to secure. Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates and monitor their Tock reservation page closely to snag a spot.