Peter’s Los Angeles Restaurant Guide
Like the song goes, I love LA! And the vibrant and vast food scene is one of the big reasons why. The City of Angels has—almost literally—every kind of cuisine served in every kind of restaurant. From Michelin-starred fine dining tasting menus to super casual laid-back market stands stretching from Venice beach to Silverlake, your taste buds will never be bored. K-BBQ, regional Mexican, omakase, Middle Eastern, vegan…you want it? It’s here and the choice is endlessly diverse. Here are a few favorites (out of many, mind you). So, put the pedal to the metal and shut up and drive to your next delicious meal in the wonder that is La La Land.
Set in a historic Mid-City building (Charlie Chaplin used it as his film studio), brunch takes on new deep feelings at this casual spot (which also serves dinner), with hungry diners queuing up to dig into indulgent flavor-packed fare such as pork belly sausage breakfast sandwiches and kimchi fried rice with short ribs.
Photo Courtesy of Republique
Housed in a soaring plant-filled former factory, this bustling Arts District aerie serves up Middle Eastern fare with the volume turned up. The menu is extensive—which only means you’ll have to come back (and you will)—but go for favorites like the Hummus Duck ‘Ndjua, Oyster Mushroom Kabob and their Wagyu Oxtail Tagine. Portions are generous, so come with a group and dig in.
Photo Courtesy of Bavel
With locations in West Hollywood and Brentwood, Carolyn Styne and Suzanne Goin’s California French seasonal small plates spots have been a hit with diners since 2002. Think Beef Carpaccio with Fried Artichokes and Soft Shell Crab with Cornbread and Shelling Beans. Don’t miss the West Hollywood location—where you can dine in the perfectly romantic laurel-tree anchored courtyard.
Photo Courtesy of AOC Wine Bar
In the first floor of the slick Edition Hotel, tucked away in a palm-laden corner, John Fraser’s Ardor is a modern jewel box serving up veg-forward, locally-sourced California cuisine with a modern twist. Nibble on signature crudos and ceviche like Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare with Quail Egg and Anchovy-Mustard and then dive into Roasted Maitake with Cauliflower Couscous or Lamb with Sunchokes and Blueberry Mostarda.
Photo Courtesy of Ardor
This Mediterranean/Middle Eastern neighborhood spot in Los Feliz is so good you will definitely travel across town to eat there. Bright fresh flavors abound at this light-filled warm minimal spot. Don’t miss the Persian Crispy Rice, Chicken Skewers and Little Gem salad.
Photo Courtesy of Kismet
Take a drive to Venice beach for a meal at this sunny setting and you’ll see why Gjelina and its offshoots (the more causal Gjusta Bakery which encompasses a full lifestyle line and Gjelina Take Away) has achieved almost cult-status fandom. Serving seasonal, local and simply elegant dishes like Braised Oxtail with Oaxacan Grits, Black Garlic Spaghetti with Uni and their signature toasts and pizzas, this spot (and their upcoming NYC outpost) is not to be missed.
Photo Courtesy of Gjelina
The new Downtown LA outpost of James Beard Award-winner Chris Bianco’s famed Phoenix-based casual pizzeria has given Angelenos a welcome spin with traditional and innovative favorites—think Margherita and the much-loved Sonny Boy with salami, fresh Mozzarella and olive. However, a must is his Alla Palla, a heavenly bite of California sunshine made with sliced meyer lemon, red onion and caciocavallo cheese.
Photo Courtesy of Pizzeria Bianco
Cantonese and Pan-Asian food reigns supreme at this modest Chinatown spot. Comfort food classics with favorites like char siu, Macao Pork Chop Bun and Pork Jowl Chow Mein are lunch and dinner favorites; but, don’t forget dessert where Bolo Bao and Strawberry Chiffon cake will satisfy your sweet tooth. And even better, wash it all down with Hong Kong Milk Tea.
Photo Courtesy of Pearl River Deli
Husband and wife team Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis have been serving up mouthwatering multi-regional Italian cuisine at their award-winning Arts District spot for hungry happy eaters since 2012—and we are all the better for it. Signature pizzas and house-made pastas, along with modern but still hearty takes on traditional Italian favorites are served in this warm modern yet rustic spot. Don’t miss the spicy lamb sausage pizza or any of their house-made charcuterie.
Photo Courtesy of Bestia
Udon heaven lives here. Hand-pulled in front of your eyes by udon masters, the bowls come brimming with the signature thick chewy and tender noodles and topped with both the traditional and the innovative (their signature miso carbonara is must-have). This Little Tokyo spot garners many fans so go early when the line isn’t too long, but don’t worry, it’ll be worth the wait.
Photo Courtesy of Maragume Monzo
A veritable minaudiere of a restaurant, Curtis Stone’s intimately elegant fine dining Beverly Hills Michelin-starred spot features a seasonally changing tasting menu.
Photo Courtesy of Maude
Helmed by Alain Ducasse vets Max Boonthanakit Lijo George in LA’s Arts District, newcomer Camphor’s Southeast Asian-infused French light-filled bistro serves up delicate mix global flavors with small plates such as Oysters with Amaretto Mignonette, Beef Tartare with Herb Tempura Chips and Poulet Farci with Jus and Vin Jaune.
Photo Courtesy of Camphor
This Downtown LA Mexican casual seafood counter run by second generation of the Cetina family has been garnering hurrahs for it’s bright and fresh Yucatán-style ceviche, tacos and more. Choose favorites like the Fried Rockfish Taco with Cabbage, Salsa Roja and Crema or the Spiced Scallop Aguachile—or have both! The gentle price point and super fun casual vibe will keep you coming back for more.
Photo Courtesy of Holbox
