Each year, Los Angeles magazine’s team of writers and editors compiles the city’s most unforgettable experiences. Below, discover where to eat across Los Angeles, from new arrivals making a splash to steadfast favorites.
Apero Hour
Credit: Simi Malik
In 2023, Jesse and Hayley Feldman opened neighborhood French bistro COUCOU in Venice, and they followed it up with siblings in West Hollywood and, recently, Manhattan Beach. All three feature French classics made with California ingredients. However, for an hour each afternoon (from 4-5 p.m. in Manhattan Beach and 5-6 p.m. at the others), all also offer an Apero Hour menu of discounted dishes, wine and cocktails. Pair tuna tartare, oysters and zucchini beignets with libations like the French 76 or Bonnie & Clyde. Multiple locations, coucou.la
Armenian Restaurant
TUN LAHMAJO translates to “home of lahmajune,” the specialty Armenian dish that this Burbank eatery has mastered. The family-run restaurant has the ambiance of a family dinner table, serving thin and crispy flatbread straight from the fiery stone hearth. The blistered crust is then topped with a thin spread of meat, tomato sauce, cheese and a lemon squeeze, creating a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for sharing. Don’t skip the dolma or lentil soup, either. 2202 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, 626-553-8717, @tunlahmajo.usa
Baked Potato
IT’S POTATO restaurant invites its diners, or “passengers,” on an unforgettable first-class experience, during which flavor takes off. The jet-inspired interior features dishes numbered as airline seats (such as A1, B2 or C3). With premium ingredients ranging from wagyu beef to sharp cheddar to garlic butter drizzle, a potato will never look the same again. 13116 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, 424-355-7206, itspotatola.com
Bar Restaurant
At Venice’s SCOPA ITALIAN ROOTS, N.Y.-born and L.A.-raised chef Antonia Lofaso — who starred on Bravo’s Top Chef, worked at Spago and is also a co-owner of DAMA and Black Market Liquor Bar — honors her Italian-American roots. With crafted cocktails, a curated wine program designed to complement dishes, freshly made pasta and Italian signatures, Scopa’s atmosphere and cuisine intertwine for an intimate and authentic dining experience. 2905 W. Washington Blvd., Venice, 310-821-1100, scopaitalianroots.com
Breakfast Spot
Credit: Casey Eiland, Courtesy of Venice Flake
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A family-owned business run for three generations, VENICE FLAKE has been a neighborhood staple since 2008. To see why, just try the Breakwater Bagel — a must-have breakfast item made with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and either ham or bacon on a toasted bagel, served with a side of secret sauce. The shop also serves acai bowls, burritos, wraps and salads, along with a wide array of coffee and tea. 513 Rose Ave., Venice, 310-396-2333, veniceflake.com
Brisket Sandwich
Started by an Armenian chef with a French fine dining background, YERORD MAS BAKERY AND DELI marries technical precision with Mediterranean and Levantine flavors in a brisket sandwich you won’t forget. Billed as the Basturma, it features house-cured and smoked chaman-spiced wagyu brisket, gruyere sauce, pickled Persian cucumber and a chaman spread, all nestled in a blistered pita. While $38 may seem hefty, one bite justifies its price. 6800 San Fernando Road, Glendale, 747-283-1017, yerordmas.toast.site
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Credit: Emily Palos
As the chicken Caesar wrap continues to permeate TikTok feeds, satisfy a craving for the lunchtime favorite at DIALOG CAFE. The West Hollywood establishment does it best by keeping things simple but elevates the recipe with restaurant-made ingredients. Wrapped in an expertly goldened tortilla, the dish’s shredded chicory and chicken make flavor harmony thanks to dashes of parmesan cheese, sesame breadcrumbs, housemade dressing and cracked pepper. 8766 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood, 310-289-1630, dialogcafe.la
Classic Dining Revival
Travelers searching for the soul of neon-lit Americana have been cruising Route 66 this year celebrating the centennial of the Mother Road. One hour east of L.A., the flaming torch of the MAGIC LAMP INN has beckoned visitors to pull into the dark, lavish, ancient steakhouse since 1955. The luxurious landmark sat dark for years but following a recent restoration, it is fired up, polished and ready to roll. 8189 E. Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, 909-981-8659, magiclamprestaurant.com
Creamsicle
Snoop Dogg expanded his business empire onto the Venice Beach Boardwalk with the opening of his first DR. BOMBAY ice cream scoop shop. Created along with his son Cordell Broadus, the flagship storefront off the Boardwalk near Muscle Beach and Marathon Burgers delivers a wave of 1990s hip-hop nostalgia straight to the California sand — which means, like most of L.A., it’s a dog-friendly hang. The menu features an inventive ice cream-sherbet hybrid and signature flavors like Peanut Butter Jelly Time and Iced Out Orange Cream. 1827 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, drbombayfoods.com
Dinner Deal
Credit: Chris Nichols
Tucked into a corner of the Original Farmers Market that has somehow avoided the tsunami of change all around it, DU-PAR’S is still slinging the same delicious hot cakes and other goodies they’ve been perfecting since 1938. The biggest time machine of all is their “Beat the Clock” special from 4-6 p.m. weekdays. Arrive at 4:30 p.m. and your meatloaf or pot pie is only $4.30 and a minute before 6, an order of grilled salmon tapenade rings up at $5.59. It’s the best deal in town. 6333 W. 3rd St., Fairfax District, 323-933-8446, duparsla.com
Dumplings
We all know and love xiao long bao (“soup dumplings”), popularized by restaurants like Din Tai Fung, but have you ever tried the Chinese dumpling dish in flavors like crab roe, barbecue pulled pork or black truffle? At PARADISE DYNASTY in Glendale’s The Americana at Brand, traditional xiao long bao technique blends with innovative flavors to deliver a truly unique experience. The dough is rolled into razor-thin wrappers that come in bright, colorful hues and pair well with the shrimp noodles. 177 Caruso Ave., Glendale, 858-351-4177, paradisegp.com
New Set Menu
Lielle’s artichoke with citrus, guanciale, black truffles, pine and roasted yeast vinaigretteCredit: Andrea Jernmark
After taking over the Pico-Robertson building that formerly housed Manzke and Bicyclette, acclaimed Swedish chef Marcus Jernmark (Aquavit, Per Se and Stockholm’s three-Michelin-starred Frantzén) opened LIELLE in February. Here, he serves an elevated four-course experience set discordantly against lively music and a cozy, dressed-down dining room — and Lielle just earned a Michelin star in June. Inspired by European “bistronomy,” Jernmark employs Nordic preservation techniques in seasonally tweaked dishes like abalone “BBQ,” aged striped jack and spaghetti with lobster and sea urchin. 9575 W. Pico Blvd., Pico-Robertson, 213-376-6574, lielle.la
Bar Pizza
Bar Next Door’s Al Capone and Lucky Luciano PiesCredit: Irvin Rivera
In the 1940s, the Cukor-Lipton Agency helped launch the career of Norma Jean Dougherty, who would become Marilyn Monroe. The space is now home to food entrepreneur Lawrence Longo’s BAR NEXT DOOR, which honors Old Hollywood with rich décor and cocktails like the Chateau Marmont. Another reason to visit is the thin-crusted bar pies created by former Stella chef Rob Gentile in collaboration with neighboring Prince St. Pizza, named for notorious mobsters. Don’t miss the spicy Al Capone with fennel sausage and the cheesy Lucky Luciano with vodka sauce. 9159 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424-278-1790, barnextdoor.com
Elevated Filipino Food
SAMPA reimagines Filipino-American cuisine through an L.A. lens, blending French and Italian techniques with flavors rooted in memory, movement and community. Born as a pandemic passion project from chef Josh Espinosa’s apartment, the Arts District restaurant from Espinosa, Jenny Valles and Peter Rosenberg now serves bold signatures like kare-kare tamales, Skyflake caviar and crispy duck pancit, alongside Filipino-inspired cocktails. 449 S. Hewitt St., DTLA, 213-935-8119, wearesampa.com
Food Stands For Sunset Meals
Venice locals will gush that the best open-air culinary kaleidoscope of flavors and sunset views is the corner where WESTMINSTER AVENUE intersects the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The No. 1 spot is the Fruit Gallery, a healthy SoCal place helmed by the beloved Lina, who serves smoothies, fresh açaí bowls and breakfast burritos. On the same side of Westminster is Groundworks coffee and Cisco’s homemade Chicagostyle pizza. Across the street is a new Thai stand, Mango de Coco; the ever-fabulous smash burger haven Burger Spot; Fabios Pasta; and the newer Stara Pierogi & Sausage. Westminster Ave., Venice
Grocery Chain
Since opening its first store in 1977, JONS FRESH MARKETPLACE has grown from a single family-owned neighborhood grocer into a beloved Southern California chain with locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. What sets JONS apart is its ability to reflect the communities it serves, stocking everything from everyday staples to hard-to-find international specialties. Equal parts local institution and global pantry, it’s the neighborhood market Angelenos return to again and again. Multiple locations, jonsmarketplace.com
Healthy Cafe
Credit: Courtesy of Whata Peach
Angelenos can’t get enough of this peachy café, with locations in Studio City, Echo Park, Encino, North Hollywood and Burbank. Founded in 2021 by brothers Greg and Gerr Avetisyan, WHATA PEACH serves smoothies, coffee, matcha, açaí, toast and more. Built around the idea of “peachy kindness,” the café gives back through charitable collaborations with celebrities, influencers and nonprofits. With more locations set to open this year, Whata Peach continues to spread kindness while becoming one of L.A.’s fastest-growing local cafe concepts. Multiple locations, ohwhatapeach.com
High-End Grocer
Credit: Courtesy of Laurel Supply
In what feels like the nation’s gourmet grocer capital, it can be hard to stand out — which is what makes West Hollywood’s LAUREL SUPPLY all the more impressive. From the team behind trendy New American restaurants Laurel Hardware and Laurel Grill, this luxury, European-inspired neighborhood market houses a coffee, smoothie and juice bar, as well as an assortment of prepared and fresh food. Highlights include blistered pizzas topped with vodka sauce, smashed cucumber salads and sticky Korean short ribs. 8445 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-935-1772, laurelsupply.com
Historical Restaurant
In Downtown L.A., a former fire station listed on the National Register of Historic Places houses ENGINE CO. NO. 28. The restaurant in the more than a century-old landmark serves food based on recipes from traditional fire houses, including a signature meatloaf, crispy handbreaded fried chicken and an assortment of cocktails, wine and draft beer. Reminiscent of classic grills in San Francisco or New York, Engine Co. No. 28 is a real blast from the past. 644 S. Figueroa St., DTLA, 213-624-6996, engineco.com
Classic Sushi
Katsuya’s bluefin tuna tatakiCredit: Courtesy of SBE
Nowhere blends traditional Japanese cuisine with California style quite like KATSUYA. Started in 1997 by the recently deceased chef Katsuya Uechi, the sushi destination has popularized spicy tuna crispy rice and amassed a devoted following for signature dishes like miso-marinated black cod, baked crab handrolls and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño. Last summer, Katsuya leveled up with the unveiling of its flagship location in Century City, joining Brentwood, Hollywood and L.A. Live outposts. The 17,000-square-foot space stuns with an expansive open-air garden and bar. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. #1799, Century City, 310-564-0567, sbe.com
Italian With a Scene
Alba Los Angeles’ open-air dining roomCredit: Emily Feretti/Carvingblock Studios
The New York-born brand that made its debut with a stunning Melrose Avenue location in February 2025 is still one of the trendiest places to eat Italian food. ALBA LOS ANGELES’ open-air dining room conjures the Mediterranean with wooden trellises, lush greenery and Italian fresco-style murals. But the reason stars like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner frequent the hot spot owned by Prince Street Hospitality (Cobi Levy, Will Makris and Julian Black) has as much to do with the food by chef Adam Leonti — who makes a standout focaccia, pastas and market-driven dishes. 8451 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 424-484-3992, cucinaalba.com
Hot Chocolate
Credit: Lily Rosenthal Royal
If you are among the many Angelenos who have endured long wait times for a seat at Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton’s buzzy 80-seat diner MAX & HELEN’S, the menu item guaranteed to make it all worth it is Lily’s Hot Chocolate. Named after Rosenthal’s daughter (and Max & Helen’s creative director) Lily, the Parisian-style beverage is made from a blend of Valrhona chocolate, milk and cream that reduces over the stove for a few hours until thick. Torched homemade marshmallow fluff is served on top. 127 Larchmont Blvd., Larchmont, maxandhelens.com
Ice Cream
In April, HENRY’S SECRET ICE CREAM released its first “drop” — and the debut carrot cake flavor created by chef Brad Ray instantly sold out. Ray’s had some practice refining his skills: at New York’s Eleven Madison Park and Larchmont’s Antico Nuovo, where he built a cult following before teaming with Lawrence Longo. Now, he releases new flavors each Wednesday at noon, available for pickup in West Hollywood. Ray sources high-quality ingredients from local markets, which is perhaps why his hits like peach cobbler and plum sell out in minutes. 9157 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424-249- 3092, henryssecret.com
Neighborhood Steakhouse
Credit: Wonho Frank Lee
Blink and you might miss the entrance to one of L.A.’s best steakhouses. AMERICAN BEAUTY transformed a former Venice parking lot into a magical secret garden. Tucked behind Rose Avenue, this alfresco oasis with moody interiors pairs perfectly grilled steaks with standout cocktails, making every meal feel like an occasion. A beautiful expression of California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle, it’s the kind of place where conversations linger long after dinner ends. You can also visit its sibling at The Grove. 425 Rose Ave., Venice, 310-412-0075, americanbeauty.la
Restaurant in a Boutique
Monsieur Dior’s black truffle agnolotti with mushroom consomméCredit: David Katz
MONSIEUR DIOR, which made a fashionable debut in October 2025, presents an exclusive culinary experience on the third floor of House of Dior Beverly Hills. Dior’s first restaurant outside of Paris, the dining destination presents a combination of haute couture and haute cuisine — both referencing the house’s iconic designs. Led by three-Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn, Monsieur Dior’s menu features refined dishes like black truffle agnolotti and Crenn’s signature Guinea Hen Rodeo. 323 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-859-4700, monsieurdiorbeverlyhills.com
Omakase Hidden Gem
Credit: Luis Meza
Beverly Hills and its surrounding neighborhoods teem with omakase experiences worth shelling out the big bucks. But for the diner looking for a refined, no-frills sushi counter, SUSHI TAMA is your answer. At the venue tucked away in Robertson Plaza next door to Blue Bottle Coffee, chef Hideyuki Yoshimoto presents a daily-changing omakase enhanced by fish sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market and custom nori from Saga, Japan. Delight in intriguing bites like barracuda, needlefish and Japanese uni. 116 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Grove, 424-249-3009, sushitama-la.com
Oyster Bar
Credit: Courtesy of Wesley Barden
CHEZ MAR, a vibrant new SoCal bistro and raw bar helmed by chef Wesley Barden, is now the newest neighborhood spot in Mar Vista. This Venice Boulevard eatery boasts Southern California vibes, elevated seafood and bistro classics. Locals can expect a sophisticated yet approachable menu featuring curated raw bar selections and locally sourced plates, like bay scallop tartare, rose-cured kanpachi and, of course, oysters on the half shell. Chez Mar marks an exciting addition to the Westside’s rapidly evolving raw bar scene. 12222 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, chezmar.com
POTATO DISH
Credit: Jim Sullivan
You’ve likely never had potatoes quite this decadent. At HERMON’S, the versatile carb becomes loaded potato fritters, topped with a cream cheese cloud, bacon, chives and parmesan. For the ultra-luxurious, trout roe can be added for $14. Enjoy the fritters with Hermon’s own dirty martini, yuzu margarita or daily daiquiri. Reservations here go quick, so book while you can on Resy. 5800 Monterey Road, Hermon, 213-559-0924, hermonsla.com
Shellfish Supplier
Credit: Courtesy California Seafood Company
Founded by Mike Leavitt, THE CALIFORNIA SEAFOOD COMPANY operates the largest East Coast shellfish program in California, featuring over 60 varieties that rotate weekly. The scallops, clams, mussels and lobster are top-notch, too. A surfer with East Coast roots, Leavitt combines his New England heritage and his Hollywood production background in scouting locations to find the best fresh shellfish around. Headquartered in Venice, his business supplies top chefs and restaurants including Found Oyster and Gjelina. 316 Venice Way, Venice, thecaliforniaseafoodcompany.com
Soul Food
Founded by Harold E. Sparks and continued by his daughter and son-inlaw, Inglewood landmark THE SERVING SPOON has been pleasing customers for 40 years. The restaurant’s menu offers crispy fried chicken sandwiches, mouthwatering French toast and noteworthy daily specials and other signatures, like collard greens and black-eyed peas. Grab an order of beef short ribs on Thursdays, or pop in Friday through Sunday for fried shrimp and grits. 1403 Centinela Ave., Inglewood, 310-412-3927, theservingspoon.net
Sushi With a View
Credit: Courtesy of Yamashiro Hollywood
Hidden in the Hollywood Hills, YAMASHIRO HOLLYWOOD offers Japanese fusion cuisine alongside the best views of the city. Designed as a “Mountain Palace” and once home to the 400 Club in the 1920s, the iconic Asian-inspired restaurant has thrived since the 1960s by focusing on fresh ingredients. Guest favorites include Koji lobster tempura, crispy shishito porchetta and the A5 wagyu hot pot, along with various varieties of steak, seafood, sashimi and desserts. 1999 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, 323-466-5125, yamashirohollywood.com
WRITTEN BY:
HALEY BOSSELMAN, INDIA BROWN, LEO LI, MICHELE MCPHEE, CHRIS NICHOLS, YEVA OHANJANYAN, IRVIN RIVERA, JASMIN ROSEMBERG AND KIARA VELEZ