Uchi West Hollywood
Solo dining reaps near endless benefits for Angelenos always on the go, the adept flavor connoisseur or anyone just looking to unwind over a good plate of food. From Italian joints to French favorites and more, here are the best restaurant bars to solo dine at in Los Angeles.
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Website/ 2732 Main St 90405
Firstly, the bar stools at Pasjoli have backrests, meaning you’re guaranteed comfort alongside rich French flavors. You can opt for the full dinner menu, but we highly recommend selecting from the bar-only menu. Extra smooth and creamy with creme fraiche, the deviled eggs with duck skin are a must-order, as is the burnt basque cheesecake (which is just as smooth and creamy in its own right). Polish off the experience with a Mar-tiny (a petit martini) or the inventive nightcap, the Duck Back (Gilles Brisson VS Cognac, plus pressed duck sauce). Immersed in a bistro setting oozing European charm and with a kind staff, you’ll feel right at home.
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Website/ 1538 Sunset Blvd 90026
One of the tougher reservations to snag, you can almost guarantee a meal here by requesting a spot for one at the bar upon opening. Donna’s promises a spirit-enriching experience even if you dine alone. Surrounded by turquoise and mustard flourishes and vibrant floral wallpaper, the vibrant setting is matched by the bold flavors of red-sauce Italian cuisine enhanced by local ingredients. Don’t skip the garlic bread.
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Website/ 9001 Santa Monica Blvd 90069
When you want to catch an early dinner, sometimes it's best not to have to rely on others’ schedules. Case in point: Uchi West Hollywood. The creative Japanese restaurant has a happy hour that runs for just one hour each day. From 5 to 6 p.m., run here for a spot at the bar and the opportunity to enjoy an eight-course omakase menu for $95 and $10 signature cocktails. Even if you make it into Uchi after 6 p.m., you’ll recharge the mind, body and spirit with fantastic sashimi and the culinary innovations found on the hot and cold tastings section of the menu.
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Website/ 4921 W Adams Blvd 90016
Despite what the name suggests, the lively, intimate Cento Pasta Bar offers all kinds of seating. But a seat at the actual bar puts you in a prime position to watch the masters at work. It also might be the only way to grab a seat when diners pack in on weekends. From the marble-white counter, savor forkfuls of handmade pasta by the maestros in front of you. The toughest decision of the night will be deciding between the spicy pomodoro and sweet corn agnolotti.
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Website/ 434 N Camden Dr 90210
With low lighting, a bar seat at Beverly Bar is a prime destination to let the day roll off of you. You’ll feel right at home in the refined-casual setting distinguished by wooden tables, leather booths, brick walls and framed portraits of celebrities who formerly frequented Beverly Hills. Even better, the chef-driven menu ensures a satisfying meal. Stop in before 6 p.m. for happy hour pricing on the excellent burgers and craft cocktails.
Website/ 468 N Bedford Dr 90210
Anna May Bar is an ideal night-out adventure for the social butterfly who also considers themselves a foodie. Located in an indoor-outdoor space of Crustacean Beverly Hills, the stylish bar beckons outgoing Angelenos dressed to impress, so you may walk away with a fashionable friend or two after you’ve finished your ramen cacio y pepe.
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Website/ 923 E 3rd St 90013
For Michelin-starred dining, take a seat at the bar at Camphor. The sleek bistro indulges sophisticated palettes with contemporary French dishes and cocktails that span from savory concoctions to stiff classics. Sprinkle in the dim lighting and a minimalistic aesthetic, and you’ll take the last bite of your bread pudding certain that Camphor must also be a wellness institution.
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Website/ 9595 Wilshire Blvd 90212
A day of shopping on Rodeo Drive is best cemented with a meal at this steak and seafood restaurant. Beckoning you with a comfy, leathered seat, Ajax Lounge in Ocean Prime Beverly Hills has a special menu that guarantees an indulgent feast. Consider a round of oysters and jumbo shrimp cocktail alongside the spicy tuna on crispy rice and parmesan truffle fries. If you happen to stop in during the week from 3 to 7 p.m., you’ll be able to capitalize on happy hour, which offers $5 off the lounge menu and signature cocktails.
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Website/ Various
From Hollywood to the Valley, Petit Trois is a supreme choice for a treat-yourself meal. Its French fare elevates the solo dining experience with a Michelin Guide-approved menu, which is complemented by the Parisian cafe-chic setting. Unwind from a busy day over a glass of wine and traditional delicacies like escargots, French onion soup and tender steak frites.
See also: 8 Luxe Cocktails In Los Angeles For Extravagant Drinkers
Photography by: Courtesy Uchi West Hollywood; Crustacean Beverly Hills
