Los Angeles, California. Home to just about everything you could ever need, and that, of course, includes some of the best restaurants in the world. From Pasadena to Venice, the Arts District to West Hollywood, and everywhere in between, foodies flock to every corner of LA to take advantage of the delicious cuisine the City of Angels has to offer.

Diversity comes in spades in LA. People from all different cultures call this Southern California city home — over four million people, to be precise. Unique flavors from all over the world meld together in Los Angeles to create dining experiences like no other. 

Whatever you’re in the mood for, whether fine-dining on caviar and truffles with your boo downtown or picking up delicious takeout from a pop-up food truck on Melrose for a picnic, taking a dining journey around LA is an absolute must-do for the foodie in all of us. 

Let’s be real; we could list 1,500 essential dining spots and restaurants in Los Angeles, including Chinese, Thai, and Middle Eastern. It took a lot of effort to fine-tune this list to include only our absolute faves — the “crème de la crème.” 

We’ll quote Queen Bey herself: “I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.” If you think you can handle this, here are the top 11 best LA restaurants that Angelenos adore.

Amazing Dining Experiences in LA

If you’re seeking a full-on dining experience worth bragging about, Los Angeles has quite a few. Tasting menus, platters, interactive steakhouses, and vibes that bring everyone together are just a few ways to elevate going out to eat. Make your next date night unforgettable by heading to one of these dining spots.

1. Yamashiro

Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Let me tell you about Yamashiro, LA's hottest spot for delicious eats and celebrity sightings.

First things first, let's talk about the vibe. Yamashiro is located in the Hollywood Hills and boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the city. It's the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a fun night out with friends. The ambiance is both elegant and trendy, with a touch of Asian-inspired decor that gives the restaurant a unique and unforgettable feel.

Now, let's get down to the good stuff — the food! Yamashiro has a wide range of Japanese-inspired dishes that are to die for. Some of their most popular dishes include the miso black cod, wagyu beef, and out-of-this-world sushi rolls. You can find sushi boats, crispy fried chicken and waffle brunches, and steaks all in one place. Traditional Japanese dining meets Cal-Asian flair at Yamashiro, and that’s just how we like it. 

But let's be real, the real reason you're going to Yamashiro is to spot some celebs, am I right? Well, you're in luck because this place is a celebrity magnet. In the past, stars like Kim Kardashian (hey, girl!), Rihanna, and Justin Bieber have all been spotted dining at Yamashiro. So keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready; you never know who you might see!

2. Openaire

You haven’t been to Openaire yet? Where ya been?! The interior alone has us hooked. You’ll find the interior of Openaireresembling a greenhouse — with its glass walls, glass ceilings, and lush greenery. Plants hang above, decorate the tables, and line the walls. 

Openaire is a part of the Line Hotel, convenient for out-of-towners visiting the City of Angels. The American menu is courtesy of a two-time Michelin-starred chef and includes breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The meals have a very California feel, with fresh bowls sprinkled with cilantro, Mexican, Indian, and Korean-inspired dishes. 

You’re just gonna love it, guaranteed.

3. Cicada Club

If you're looking for a swanky spot to shimmy and shake in LA, look no further than the Cicada Club! First off, the atmosphere is straight out of the roaring 20s — think Art Deco architecture, chandeliers, and a live swing band that'll transport you to a bygone era. But don't let the vintage vibes fool you — this place is still hotter than a jalapeno in a sauna.

As for the food, their signature dishes are as delectable as they are inventive. The lobster bisque is rich and creamy, and the steak tartare is so good it might just make you break out into a Charleston. But let's be real; you're not just here for the food.

The Cicada Club is a favorite haunt for Hollywood's elite — rumor has it that everyone from George Clooney to Beyoncé has cut a rug on their dance floor. And who knows, you might just spot the next big thing while sipping on a vintage cocktail.

The Best Restaurants in LA Only Locals Know About

When you’re hangry, nothing is more annoying than showing up to a popular brunch spot in Silver Lake only to see that hundreds of other people have had the same idea. But we can share some hidden gems with you that will give you total hipster energy (the good kind). 

Head to one of these slept-on eateries so that you can say you knew about them before they were famous.

4. Crossroads Kitchen

Don’t scroll past when you read the word vegan; we beg you! Crossroads Kitchen is a vegan restaurant in the heart of Melrose that even omnivore locals love. From their famous artichoke oysters (yes, you read that right) to their creamy truffle risotto, Crossroads has something to satisfy every craving.

But what really sets Crossroads apart is its celebrity clientele. You never know who you might spot sipping a cocktail or digging into a plate of their famous Impossible Burger — maybe it'll be Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio, or even Oprah herself.

The vibe is upscale and chic, with sleek white tables and dim lighting that sets the perfect mood for a romantic date or a night out with friends. And if you're feeling extra fancy, be sure to check out the extensive wine list and indulge in a bottle (or two) of something special.

5. Canter’s Deli

Canter’s Deli is a staple that is a local favorite. Although visitors might not know it by name, they’ve likely seen it in shows like Entourage or Mad Men. The walls of Canter’s Deli are covered in photos of celebrities, bands, and notable public figures. 

The signature and classic sandwiches have made Canter’s a local favorite spot. Even your roughest days can be made better with one of these bomb AF sandos..

6. Philippe The Original

Philippe’s has been providing French dip sandwiches since 1918, and they do a damn good job of it, too. The story goes that Philippe accidentally dropped the bread of a sandwich into a pan filled with cooking juices, and the customer said they would take it despite the mistake. 

When the customer returned wanting more, the French dip sandwich was born. Don’t you just love an origin story? Now Philippe’s is serving LA dips of all varieties, with lamb, pork, turkey, and pastrami, to name a few.

Authentic Mexican Eats in Los Angeles

The 1910s and 1920s brought many Mexican settlers to Los Angeles due to factors such as the Mexican Revolution. Latinx heritage is thriving in LA, and the cultural representation of what that entails is important in all aspects.

Our appetites are ready to dive into some of the best Mexican restaurants in Southern California.

7. Cielito Lindo

This cozy little joint has been serving up deliciousness since 1934, so you know they're doing something right. And what's their claim to fame, you ask? The world-famous taquito, of course! These crispy, rolled-up bites of heaven are filled with shredded beef, chicken, or potato and topped with a dollop of guac and a sprinkle of cheese.

But that's not all Cielito Lindo has to offer — their menu is packed with all your Mexican favorites, from cheesy enchiladas to sizzling fajitas. And don't forget to wash it all down with one of their signature margaritas — they're strong enough to make even the toughest hombre weak in the knees.

8. Cena Vegan

Cena Vegan is the local vegan Mexican go-to spot and one of our favorite places in all of Los Angeles. Serving authentic Mexican food with imitation meats that cover carnitas, carne asada, al pastor, and more served with tortillas, rice, and beans. 

We promise you won’t even miss the meat! Their traditional style is well represented by their plant-based ingredients. Cena Vegan does pop-ups at many local vegan street fairs and has a brick-and-mortar takeout spot in Lincoln Heights.

9. El Coyote

Fans of the reality show The Hills or the movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood might recognize El Coyote. The menu of typical California Mexican food of enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas is only half of the reason for visiting. 

The inside is a cozy Mexican household vibe with walls covered top to bottom with celebrity signatures. Located near Melrose, it’s a fun stop for locals and out-of-towners alike to soak up the Hollywood journey.

New Los Angeles Restaurants To Keep an Eye On

New restaurants may have their work cut out for them when it comes to making a name for themselves in a foodie city as cutthroat as Los Angeles, but these gems are doing something right.

10. La Dolce Vita

A new addition to the Beverly Hills area, La Dolce Vita is an ambient-rich mood with its interior. Armed with its old Hollywood feel, the menu at La Dolce Vita pulls from a mostly Italian background. The antipasto and pasta sections of the menu are well-rounded and packed with flavor! 

The mains are few but cover Indian, Italian, and American cuisine. A great, classy, sit-down lounge type of restaurant with a full bar and abundant cocktails — yes, please.

11. Leona's Sushi House

Los Angeles loves their sushi, and why not pair it with a luxurious modern setting? This place is a hidden gem — tucked away in a little corner of town but serving up some of the best sushi you'll ever taste. From the classic California roll to the more adventurous spider roll, Leona's has got it all. 

But what really sets Leona's apart is the vibe. It's like walking into your cool cousin's apartment — cozy, laid-back, and full of good vibes. The staff is super friendly and always happy to recommend their favorite rolls or sake pairings.

Sake, you say? Leona's has a huge selection, from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex. Just be careful not to overdo it — you don't want to be that person slurring their words and knocking over soy sauce dishes.

The Final Bite

This list barely scratches the surface of the drool-worthy eats that Los Angeles boasts. We'd be here all day if we didn’t cut ourselves off at 11.

If you’re an Angeleno, perhaps this list turned you onto a new spot to add to your Yelp bookmarks. If you’re planning a trip to LA, now you have a place to indulge in sashimi or BBQ in between Disneyland and the Griffith Observatory. Special occasions or going out just because brings us together and brings us joy.

The experience of dining provides gratification to not just our stomachs but our minds, hearts, and connection with others. It has even been suggested that those who engage in social eating feel happier and more engaged with their local communities. 

Whether your local community means San Gabriel, Beverly Hills, or if you are visiting the West Coast from New York, dining at one of these essential spots in Los Angeles needs to be on your to-do list.