Quick answers — eating in Los Angeles
- Best restaurant overall
- n/naka
- Best value
- Petite Peso ($30-$50 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Japanese, Middle Eastern, Seafood, American, Italian
- Dishes to try
- French Dip Sandwich, Street Tacos, Fish Tacos, Cobb Salad
- Booking window
- For two-MICHELIN-starred restaurants like n/naka or Providence, secure reservations 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend slots. Many release bookings on a specific date each month.
Booking well in advance, often 4-8 weeks for top-tier restaurants, is essential. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to business casual, with jackets rarely required. Tipping is customary, usually 18-20%. Dinner services generally run from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with later seatings common on weekends.
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
n/naka
Two MICHELIN StarsModern Kaiseki · Palms · $325-$400 USD
Niki Nakayama
Chef Niki Nakayama masterfully presents modern kaiseki, a multi-course Japanese dining experience that balances tradition with innovation. The tasting menu, 'Modern Kaiseki,' is a deeply personal expression, meticulously plated and seasonally driven, showcasing artful presentations and exquisite ingredients within an intimate setting.
Order: Seasonal modern kaiseki tasting menu
Hayato
Two MICHELIN StarsKaiseki · Row DTLA · $300-$350 USD
Brandon Hayato Go
Chef Brandon Hayato Go offers an intensely personal and authentic kaiseki experience, focusing on traditional Japanese culinary artistry. With only a handful of seats, the meal is an intimate journey through seasonal Japanese ingredients, prepared with meticulous technique and presented with grace, often centered around delicate fish preparations.
Order: Seasonal omakase kaiseki
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Los Angeles
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
Bavel
One MICHELIN StarMiddle Eastern · Arts District · $70-$120 USD
Ori Menashe, Genevieve Gergis
Bavel electrifies the Arts District with its vibrant, modern Middle Eastern cuisine, infused with bold flavors and fragrant spices. Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis create dishes designed for sharing, in a stunning, high-ceilinged space that buzzes with energy, making it a must-visit for dynamic dining experiences.
Order: Duck Nduja Hummus, Grilled Octopus
Kismet
Bib GourmandMiddle Eastern · Los Feliz · $30-$60 USD
Sara Kramer, Sarah Hymanson
Kismet offers a fresh, vegetable-forward approach to Middle Eastern cuisine, serving vibrant and inventive dishes in a bright, airy space. Chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson create a menu that is both healthy and deeply satisfying, making it a popular spot for flavorful, lighter fare and delicious all-day dining.
Order: Rabbit for Two, Flaky Bread
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Los Angeles
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Providence
Two MICHELIN StarsSeafood · Melrose · $225-$275 USD
Michael Cimarusti
Providence stands as a beacon of sustainable seafood excellence, where Chef Michael Cimarusti transforms pristine ingredients into refined, contemporary dishes. The tasting menu highlights the ocean's bounty with delicate precision and complex flavors, served in an elegant, understated dining room that fosters a sense of occasion.
Order: 'The Providence' tasting menu, Ora King Salmon
American
Best American restaurants in Los Angeles
Modern American cooking is regional and ingredient-driven, and it is where a lot of the world's tasting-menu formats were loosened into something more relaxed.
Kali
One MICHELIN StarModern Californian · Larchmont Village · $95-$150 USD
Kevin Meehan
Kali delivers a contemporary Californian dining experience, emphasizing locally sourced, high-quality ingredients with a clean, focused approach. Chef Kevin Meehan's dishes are inventive yet approachable, served in a stylish, minimalist space. It’s a standout for its commitment to ingredient integrity and balanced flavor profiles.
Order: Black Barley Risotto, Uni Tagliatelle
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Orsa & Winston
One MICHELIN StarJapanese-Italian · Downtown LA · $95-$195 USD
Josef Centeno
Chef Josef Centeno’s Orsa & Winston elegantly fuses Japanese and Italian culinary traditions into a unique and harmonious tasting menu. The refined dishes showcase pristine ingredients and artful presentations, served in a sleek, intimate dining room that provides a sophisticated backdrop for an innovative cross-cultural dining adventure.
Order: Daily tasting menus with evolving dishes
Thai
Best Thai restaurants in Los Angeles
Thai cooking balances sour, salt, sweet and heat in every dish. Ask for the kitchen's own level of spice rather than the tourist setting if you want it as intended.
Anajak Thai Cuisine
Bib GourmandThai · Sherman Oaks · $40-$70 USD
Justin Pichetrungsi
Anajak Thai Cuisine blends traditional Thai dishes with innovative touches, championed by Chef Justin Pichetrungsi. Beyond its acclaimed regular menu, Anajak is renowned for its specific, highly sought-after Omakase experience, offering a unique and personalized exploration of Thai flavors within a vibrant, family-run setting.
Order: Fried Chicken, Massaman Curry, Thai Taco Tuesday
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Los Angeles
Grand Central Market
A historic food hall offering diverse culinary experiences. Try tacos from Sarita's Pupuseria, ramen from Ramen Hood, or gourmet grilled cheese from Eggslut for around $10-$20 per dish.
Leo's Tacos Truck
Famous for al pastor tacos carved fresh from a trompo, served with pineapple. A true LA street food institution, offering delicious, authentic tacos for about $2-3 each. Look for the rotating meat and lively atmosphere.
Porto's Bakery & Cafe
A Cuban-American institution renowned for its pastries, cakes, and Cuban sandwiches. Indulge in cheese rolls, potato balls, or guava and cheese pastries, most items under $5, offering incredible value and flavor.
In-N-Out Burger
The quintessential California burger chain. Opt for a 'Double-Double Animal Style' with fries and a shake for a classic, satisfying meal. Fresh ingredients and consistent quality make it a local favorite, typically under $10.
Pine & Crane
A casual Taiwanese spot known for its fresh, homemade noodles, dumplings, and popular beef rolls. Dishes are consistently flavorful and comforting, providing excellent quality for around $12-$18 per main course.
Local dishes
What to eat in Los Angeles
French Dip Sandwich
This iconic sandwich, invented in Los Angeles, features thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of au jus for dipping. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. Try it at Philippe The Original, one of two establishments claiming its invention, for an authentic, historic taste of LA.
Street Tacos
Los Angeles is a haven for authentic street tacos, offering a vast array of fillings from carne asada to al pastor, typically served on warm corn tortillas with fresh salsa, onion, and cilantro. These flavorful, inexpensive bites are a quintessential LA culinary experience. Look for bustling taco trucks, especially in East LA.
Fish Tacos
A Southern California staple, fish tacos feature crispy or grilled fish, often mahi-mahi or cod, nestled in a tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. They encapsulate the fresh, vibrant flavors of coastal dining in LA. Mariscos Jalisco is celebrated for its exquisite shrimp tacos, though many spots excel.
Cobb Salad
Another dish born in Los Angeles, the Cobb Salad is a hearty composition of chopped salad greens, tomato, crisp bacon, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, chives, and Roquefort cheese, all dressed with a red-wine vinaigrette. The Ivy on Robertson Boulevard offers a classic, celebrity-spotting experience with theirs.
In-N-Out Burger
No visit to Southern California is complete without experiencing In-N-Out Burger. Famous for its simple menu of fresh, never-frozen burgers, fries, and shakes, it's a beloved fast-food institution. Order your burger "Animal Style" for a truly Californian twist with grilled onions and special sauce.
Chile Relleno
While not exclusive to LA, the city's Mexican culinary heritage means exceptional chile rellenos are widely available. This dish features a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, battered, fried, and often served with a savory sauce. El Cholo, a historic LA establishment, serves a time-honored version.
Pastrami Sandwich
Los Angeles boasts some of the country's finest Jewish delis, making the pastrami sandwich a must-try. Savor layers of hot, tender, thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often with mustard. Langer's Delicatessen in Westlake is legendary for its #19 pastrami sandwich on double-baked rye.
Korean BBQ
Koreatown in Los Angeles offers an immersive Korean BBQ experience, where diners grill various marinated meats like bulgogi and galbi at their table. Accompanied by numerous banchan (side dishes), it's a communal, flavorful, and interactive meal. Parks BBQ is often cited for its premium quality meats and vibrant atmosphere.
How to book a table in Los Angeles
- · For two-MICHELIN-starred restaurants like n/naka or Providence, secure reservations 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend slots. Many release bookings on a specific date each month.
- · Be aware that many fine dining establishments require a deposit or full pre-payment for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or weekend bookings. Check cancellation policies carefully.
- · Consider booking a weekday lunch seating at some MICHELIN-starred venues; they often offer a slightly more accessible price point and can be easier to reserve than dinner.
- · No-show policies are strict. Expect significant cancellation fees if you don't provide adequate notice, typically 48-72 hours. Confirming your reservation often helps avoid issues.
FAQ
Los Angeles restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Los Angeles?
n/naka in Palms is the benchmark table — Modern Kaiseki, led by Niki Nakayama, two michelin stars, around $325-$400 USD per person. Order the Seasonal modern kaiseki tasting menu
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles?
n/naka in Palms is the Japanese table to book in Los Angeles ($325-$400 USD per person). Other strong options: Hayato.
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Los Angeles?
Bavel in Arts District is the Middle Eastern table to book in Los Angeles ($70-$120 USD per person). Other strong options: Kismet.
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Los Angeles?
Providence in Melrose is the seafood table to book in Los Angeles ($225-$275 USD per person).
Where is the best American restaurant in Los Angeles?
Kali in Larchmont Village is the American table to book in Los Angeles ($95-$150 USD per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Los Angeles?
Orsa & Winston in Downtown LA is the Italian table to book in Los Angeles ($95-$195 USD per person).
Where is the best Thai restaurant in Los Angeles?
Anajak Thai Cuisine in Sherman Oaks is the Thai table to book in Los Angeles ($40-$70 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Los Angeles without spending a fortune?
Petite Peso is the best-value table on this list at roughly $30-$50 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Grand Central Market, Leo's Tacos Truck, Porto's Bakery & Cafe.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Los Angeles?
For two-MICHELIN-starred restaurants like n/naka or Providence, secure reservations 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend slots. Many release bookings on a specific date each month. Be aware that many fine dining establishments require a deposit or full pre-payment for tasting menus, particularly for larger groups or weekend bookings. Check cancellation policies carefully.
What food is Los Angeles famous for?
French Dip Sandwich, Street Tacos, Fish Tacos, Cobb Salad, In-N-Out Burger — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This iconic sandwich, invented in Los Angeles, features thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of au jus for dipping. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. Try it at Philippe The Original, one of two establishments claiming its invention, for an authentic, historic taste of LA.
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