The 10 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles: Essential Eats
Searching for the best restaurants in Los Angeles? You’re not alone. Los Angeles isn’t just a city; it’s a sprawling culinary universe. From Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy to legendary taco stands, navigating the options can feel like a full-time job.
That’s where we come in.
We’ve done the extensive work of analyzing critic reviews, dining reports, and local sentiment to bring you the definitive list of the 10 essential dining experiences in Los Angeles right now. This is a curated analysis of the most famous and must-try restaurants in LA, defined by their unforgettable vibe, history, and culinary prestige. Get ready to update your bucket list.
(Please note: Prices are estimates to help you budget, are subject to change, and generally do not include tax, tip, or beverages unless otherwise noted.)
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Cuisine | Price Guide | Vibe / Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | Hollywood | Fine Dining Seafood | $$$$ | A Foodie Splurge, Anniversaries |
| n/naka | Palms | Japanese Kaiseki | $$$$ | An Intimate Culinary Journey |
| Holbox | Historic South Central | Mexican Seafood | $$ | A Mind-Blowing Casual Meal |
| Bestia | Arts District | Modern Italian | $$$ | A Big Night Out, Group Dinners |
| Republique | Mid-Wilshire | French/Californian | $$$ | All-Day Elegance, Brunch & Dinner |
| Bavel | Arts District | Modern Middle Eastern | $$$ | A Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Feast |
| Dunsmoor | Glassell Park | American Heritage | $$$ | A Rustic & Romantic Date Night |
| Bottega Louie | Downtown LA | Italian & Patisserie | $$ | A Glamorous Scene, Brunch, Dessert |
| Guelaguetza | Koreatown | Oaxacan Mexican | $$ | Authentic Cultural Eats, Family Fun |
| Musso & Frank Grill | Hollywood | Classic American | $$$ | Hollywood History, Classic Cocktails |
1.Providence
When the occasion calls for a significant investment in perfection, Providence delivers. Chef Michael Cimarusti’s Hollywood sanctuary is a masterclass in sustainable, elegant seafood. The tasting menu is a breathtaking journey through the Pacific Ocean, where each dish is a work of art. The service is flawless, the dining room is a quiet haven, and the entire experience is the definition of a milestone event.
Cuisine: Fine Dining Seafood
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Price: $$$$ (Tasting menu approx. $325 per person)
Vibe: A Foodie Splurge, Anniversaries
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Pro-Tip: Reservations are essential. This is a tasting menu-only experience, so come prepared to put your trust in the chef—you will be richly rewarded.
Michelin Status: ★★★
2.n/naka
Securing a reservation at n/naka is one of LA’s great victories. Helmed by chefs Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama, this intimate restaurant offers a modern interpretation of kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal. Each of the 13 courses tells a story, balancing tradition and astonishing technique. It’s a serene dining experience that is less a meal and more an immersive, edible narrative.
Cuisine: Japanese Kaiseki
Neighborhood: Palms
Price: $$$$ (Tasting menu approx. $310 per person)
Vibe: An Intimate Culinary Journey
Google Rating: 4.9 / 5
Pro-Tip: Reservations are released on their website every Sunday at 10 AM PST. Be online and ready to click immediately as they vanish in seconds.
Michelin Status: ★★
3.Holbox
Proof that a Michelin star doesn’t require white tablecloths, Holbox is a true gem tucked inside the Mercado La Paloma. Chef Gilberto Cetina Jr. serves Yucatecan coastal cuisine of incredible value. The menu is a vibrant celebration of freshness, from raw blood clams to the legendary wood-grilled fish tacos. It’s counter service, unpretentious, and utterly world-class.
Cuisine: Mexican Seafood
Neighborhood: Historic South Central
Price: $$ (Dishes range from $10-$25; expect to spend $40-$80 for a full meal)
Vibe: A Mind-Blowing Casual Meal
Google Rating: 4.8 / 5
Must-Order: The Kanpachi & Uni Tostada (around $20) is a transcendent bite of food. Trust us.
Michelin Status: ★
4.Bestia
Bestia is the pulse of the LA dining scene. Set in a sprawling, industrial-chic warehouse, the energy here is electric. This is where you go with friends for a fun, loud, and incredibly delicious night. The menu is rustic Italian at its best: house-cured charcuterie, blistered pizzas, and some of the best house-made pasta in the country.
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Neighborhood: Arts District
Price: $$$ (Pastas $30-$40; mains $40-$60+. Expect $100-$150 per person)
Vibe: A Big Night Out, Group Dinners
Google Rating: 4.6 / 5
Must-Order: While everything is fantastic, the Cavatelli alla Norcina (ricotta dumplings with black truffles and pork sausage) is a legitimate spiritual experience.
Michelin Status: Michelin Guide Recommended
5.Republique
Housed in a breathtaking building built by Charlie Chaplin, Republique is an LA icon. By day, it’s a bustling Grand Café with a legendary pastry counter (pastries $6-$10). By night, it transforms into a romantic, brasserie-style restaurant. The grand space makes any meal feel special, whether it’s a quick coffee or a multi-course dinner.
Cuisine: French / Californian
Neighborhood: Mid-Wilshire
Price: $$$ (Brunch $20-$30; Dinner mains $40-$60+. Expect $100-$160 for dinner)
Vibe: All-Day Elegance, Brunch & Dinner
Google Rating: 4.5 / 5
Pro-Tip: No reservations for brunch, so be prepared to wait (it’s worth it). Dinner reservations are highly recommended.
Michelin Status: Michelin Guide Recommended
6.Bavel
From the creators of Bestia, Bavel is a transportive experience. The dining room is a stunning urban oasis with cascading greenery. The menu is a deep dive into the flavors of the Middle East, reinterpreted with a modern lens. The breads—especially the fluffy pita baked to order—are non-negotiable, and the shareable plates encourage a joyous feast.
Cuisine: Modern Middle Eastern
Neighborhood: Arts District
Price: $$$ (Shared plates $18-$60+; expect to spend $90-$140 per person)
Vibe: A Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Feast
Google Rating: 4.6 / 5
Must-Order: The Slow Roasted Lamb Neck Shawarma is a showstopper designed for sharing (approx. $95). Pair it with the Hummus with duck ‘nduja.
Michelin Status: Michelin Guide Recommended
7.Dunsmoor
One of LA’s most talked-about restaurants, Dunsmoor is a love letter to early American cooking. Chef Brian Dunsmoor cooks everything over a massive, wood-fired hearth, creating dishes that are rustic, soulful, and deeply comforting. The candlelit space is intimate and beautifully designed, making it the perfect spot for a date night.
Cuisine: American Heritage
Neighborhood: Glassell Park
Price: $$$ (Dishes $20-$50; expect to spend $100-$160 per person)
Vibe: A Rustic & Romantic Date Night
Google Rating: 4.4 / 5
Pro-Tip: Reservations are tough but essential. The menu changes frequently based on what’s in season, so embrace the chef’s recommendations.
Michelin Status: Michelin Guide Recommended
8.Bottega Louie
Walking into Bottega Louie is an event. The grand, marble-clad space feels like a bustling Parisian palace. While known for its rainbow of perfect macarons (approx. $3 each), the restaurant serves excellent pizzas and pastas. The atmosphere is always buzzing, making it a fantastic spot for brunch or simply to see and be seen.
Cuisine: Italian & Patisserie
Neighborhood: Downtown LA
Price: $$ (Pizzas/pastas $25-$35; expect $60-$90 per person)
Vibe: A Glamorous Scene, Brunch, Dessert
Google Rating: 4.5 / 5
Pro-Tip: You can’t go wrong with a pizza and a cocktail, but save room for dessert. Even if you’re full, grab a beautiful pink box of macarons to-go.
Michelin Status: Not Rated
9.Guelaguetza Restaurant
A true LA institution and a James Beard Award winner, Guelaguetza is the heart of Oaxacan culture in the city. This vibrant, colorful restaurant is a joyous celebration, often featuring live music. They are famous for their complex, masterful mole sauces. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural landmark offering incredible food at a great price.
Cuisine: Oaxacan Mexican
Neighborhood: Koreatown
Price: $$ (Main dishes $20-$30; expect $40-$70 per person)
Vibe: Authentic Cultural Eats, Family Fun
Google Rating: 4.3 / 5
Must-Order: The Festival de Moles to sample four of their signature sauces. Pair it with one of their incredible mezcal cocktails.
Michelin Status: Michelin Guide Recommended
10.Musso & Frank Grill
No list of LA essentials is complete without Musso & Frank. Open for over a century, stepping inside is like time-traveling to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The legendary red leather booths have hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Quentin Tarantino. The menu is classic, unpretentious steakhouse fare, executed perfectly.
Cuisine: Classic American
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Price: $$$ (Steaks $60-$90+; expect $120-$180 per person)
Vibe: Hollywood History, Classic Cocktails
Google Rating: 4.6 / 5
Pro-Tip: Sit at the bar, order a Martini (gin, stirred, with an olive), and soak in the history. This is less about culinary trends and all about the timeless atmosphere.
Michelin Status: Old-School Classic (Not Rated)
Los Angeles is a city of endless culinary adventures, and these 10 restaurants represent the very best the city has to offer. Now the only question is: which one will you book first? Let us know your favorite LA spot in the comments below!
