By LizzyThe bustling city of Los Angeles is a paradise for food enthusiasts. From delectable seafood to mouthwatering steaks, and from exquisite French cuisine to traditional Mexican delicacies, the city’s culinary landscape is diverse and exciting. If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants for dinner in LA, you’re in luck! This guide will lead you to some of LA’s most unforgettable culinary experiences.
Let’s discover the diverse dinner scene of LA.
LA Dining Experiences: The Elite Ten
1. Mr. T
FRENCH | Hollywood
Perfect For: Drinking Good Wine, Big Groups, Eating at the Bar
Price Range: $$$$
Address: 953 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles
Experience French dining with a unique twist at Mr. T. Situated in the heart of Hollywood, this spot offers an eclectic menu that creatively blends traditional French cuisine with contemporary gastronomic innovation. The highlight here is the flaming comte and mimolette cheese flambé, a theatrical masterpiece that’s as delightful to watch as it is to eat. For seafood lovers, the minty-sweet tuna crudo is a must-try.
2. Juliet
FRENCH | Culver City
Perfect For: Date Night, Special Occasions, Fine Dining
Price Range: $$$$
Address: 8888 W Washington Blvd, Culver City
Juliet is a breath of fresh air in the realm of French dining. The restaurant exudes elegance with its modern farmhouse design and sophisticated menu. The veal sweetbreads in a silky maitake mushroom sauce and the duck confit cigars are standouts, not to mention the small yet beautiful chicken liver tartlets topped with apple gelee. Juliet guarantees an intimate, indulgent dining experience perfect for special occasions.
3. Casa Madera
MEXICAN | West Hollywood
Perfect For: Drinking Good Cocktails, Feeling Chic
Price Range: $$$$
Address: 8440 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
Casa Madera marries Mexican cuisine with the vibrant energy of a nightclub. With a stunning patio offering panoramic views of the city, this Tulum-inspired restaurant serves up a variety of dishes. The ceviches are a burst of fresh flavors, and the tacos are a testament to traditional Mexican gastronomy. The cocktail menu, featuring a variety of margaritas, is another reason to visit this hotspot.
4. Vamos Vamos
SOUTHWESTERN | Santa Monica
Perfect For: Drinking Good Cocktails, Date Night, Eating at the Bar, People Watching
Price Range: $$$$
Address: 2917 Main St, Santa Monica
Imagine the spirit of summer packed into a lively, colorful restaurant. That’s Vamos Vamos for you. This New Mexican destination in Santa Monica exudes a relaxed, beachy vibe that perfectly complements its innovative menu. Be sure to try the nacho platter and pair it with a refreshing margarita for the quintessential Vamos Vamos experience.
5. Tonchin
JAPANESE | Larchmont
Perfect For: Casual Weeknight Dinner, Date Night
Price Range: $$$$
Address: 5665 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Larchmont, Tonchin offers a comforting, casual dining experience. The star of their menu is the ramen, featuring house-made noodles drenched in a rich, flavorful broth. The restaurant also offers a variety of small plates like tender, glazed yakitori skewers and steamed gyoza dumplings, perfect for sharing. Warm, intimate, and cozy, Tonchin is an ideal place for a quiet weeknight dinner or a casual date night.
6. Bestia
ITALIAN | Downtown LA
Perfect For: Casual Weeknight Dinner, Date Night
Price Range: $$$$
Address: 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles
Downtown LA is home to Bestia, a trendsetter in Italian dining. Boasting an industrial chic atmosphere, this eatery is celebrated for its delectable homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Their cavatelli alla norcina, a sausage and black truffle pasta, is a must-try.
7. n/naka
JAPANESE | Palms
Perfect For: Date Night, Special Occasions
Price Range: $$$$$
Address: 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles
For an elevated dining experience, n/naka offers a masterful presentation of the traditional multi-course Japanese dinner known as kaiseki. The delicately prepared dishes are a visual delight and a culinary revelation. Note: the restaurant is very popular, so be sure to book in advance!
8. Pizzana
ITALIAN | Brentwood
Perfect For: Family-Friendly, Casual Weeknight Dinner
Price Range: $$$
Address: 11712 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles
If you’re craving authentic Neapolitan pizza, Pizzana in Brentwood is the place to go. Each pizza, topped with locally sourced ingredients and a unique “slow dough” crust, has a distinct, delicious flavor. Don’t miss out on their popular Cacio e Pepe pizza.
9. Providence
SEAFOOD | Melrose
Perfect For: Date Night, Special Occasions
Price Range: $$$$$
Address: 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
For seafood lovers, Providence offers an elegant dining experience featuring delicacies from the deep blue. The restaurant is renowned for its sustainable seafood menu, complete with sophisticated dishes like the foie gras-sea urchin surf ‘n’ turf.
10. Guelaguetza
MEXICAN | Koreatown
Perfect For: Large Groups, Casual Dining
Price Range: $$$
Address: 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
As an ambassador of Oaxacan cuisine, Guelaguetza provides a colorful and festive dining atmosphere. Their mole dishes, tlayudas (Oaxacan-style pizza), and mezcal cocktails are vibrant, full of flavor, and a genuine representation of Mexican culture. This place is a must-visit for anyone seeking a lively dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Discovering the best restaurants for dinner in Los Angeles is an adventure in itself, one that takes you through a culinary landscape as diverse as the city’s own cultural blend. Each of these eateries provides not just a meal, but an experience that highlights the unique flavors of their respective cuisines.
From the delicate mastery of traditional Japanese kaiseki at n/naka to the authentic Italian flavor in every bite at Bestia and Pizzana, the city’s dining scene is a feast for the senses. For seafood lovers, Providence offers a menu that celebrates the ocean’s bounty, while Guelaguetza brings Oaxacan culture to life through vibrant Mexican dishes.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to make reservations at these standout spots. Each one offers a unique, delicious experience that you won’t soon forget. Bon appétit!