By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | December 9, 2021 | Food & Drink, Feature,
Los Angeles’ dining scene is just as vast and diverse as the city itself. Transport your taste buds across the world— or even just on an epic, flavorsome journey— by being sure you add these must-visit places to your dine-in lineup. Whether you favor, brunches at the beach, fine Italian, sushi spots or Michelin-stars this all-in-one list has you covered. From Santa Monica to West Hollywood to Los Feliz, read on for all the restaurants you must try in 2022.
8764 Melrose Ave. 90069 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Elegant-chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: This modern-day classic Italian restaurant serves hand-made pasta.
Pro Tip: Come for their excellent happy hour.
8826 Melrose Ave. 90069 | Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Old Hollywood
Why You Need To Dine Here: This celebrity haunt offers comfort-food staples and vegan dishes.
Pro Tip: You must call to make a reservation.
945 N Fairfax Ave. 90046 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Contemporary chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: The mid century-modern space brings guests around a dining experience of fresh, globally artistic ingredients.
120 N Robertson Blvd. 90048 | Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Elevated neighborhood hangout
Why You Need To Dine Here: The charming indoor-outdoor space makes for a lovely breakfast of avocado toast or roasted branzino dinner.
8479 Melrose Ave. 90069 | Website
The Cuisine: Peruvian
The Atmosphere: Upscale bistro
Why You Need To Dine Here: Infamous chef Ricardo Zarate’s ceviche and seafood are like nowhere else in town.
176 N Canon Dr. 90210 | Website
The Cuisine: American/Californian
The Atmosphere: Sleek Bistro
Why You Need To Dine Here: Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant is special for being his first restaurant venture. Stay for the quintessentially L.A. creative, locally-sourced food.
Pro Tip: Order the salmon pizza!
246 N Canon Dr. 90210 | Website
The Cuisine: Steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Snazzy supper club
Why You Need To Dine Here: Opt for an impeccable steak or cooked-to-perfection salmon for a top-tier dining experience.
468 N Bedford Dr. 90210 | Website
The Cuisine: Vietnamese
The Atmosphere: Vibrant and chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: The An family restaurant draws eyes for its lavish aquarium, but the menu is just as renowned, particularly for the garlic noodles.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the reopening of Da Lat Rose just upstairs— their gastrobiography 20-seat tasting menu concept.
400 N Canon Dr. 90210 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Upscale
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Sicilian Drago family brought their popular restaurant to Beverly Hills 25 years ago, certifying the high quality of their authentic dishes that have long attracted a celebrity clientele.
Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of pink sauce, try the paccheri alla Justin Bieber.
233 N Beverly Dr. 90210 | Website
The Cuisine: Seafood
The Atmosphere: Trendy and warm
Why You Need To Dine Here: Settle in for an ultra-fresh seafood dining experience in a space akin to an open-air villa in Greece.
Pro Tip: You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance.
6600 Sunset Blvd. 90028| Website
The Cuisine: European/Butchery
The Atmosphere: Fine dining
Why You Need To Dine Here: It’s all about the steak at Curtis Stone’s culinary venture that presents an elegant tasting menu, but is also flexible with delicious á la carte items.
122 S Beverly Dr 90210 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Swanky, but welcoming
Why You Need To Dine Here: The modern take on classic American cuisine ensures a hearty, polished meal expertly paired with hand-picked wines.
212 N Canon Dr. 90210 | Website
The Cuisine: Japanese
The Atmosphere: Intimate
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Beverly Hills outpost has a strict adherence to traditional sushi that’s made the omakase-style service well-renowned.
113 N Robertson Blvd. 90048 | Website
The Cuisine: Californian
The Atmosphere: Upscale and stylish
Why You Need To Dine Here: The buzzy eatery has a gorgeous, flowery outdoor terrace and delightful country cottage rooms.
Pro Tip: Order the crab cakes.
624 S La Brea Ave. 90036 | Website
The Cuisine: Modern French
The Atmosphere: High-end café
Why You Need To Dine Here: The building was originally made for Charlie Chaplin and now offers guests the option of eating in their casual bistro or formal dining space.
Pro Tip: You must try a seasonal fruit pie.
12517 W Washington Blvd. 90066 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Lively and casual
Why You Need To Dine Here: This wood-fire establishment emphasizes community, fresh ingredients and old American techniques for its meat-centric menu.
Pro Tip: Head to the back of the restaurant for the hidden Old Man Bar, which prioritizes American whisky and spirits.
8700 W 3rd St. 90048 | Website
The Cuisine: California-French
The Atmosphere: rustic wine bar
Why You Need To Dine Here: The lovely courtyard elevates their offerings of fine wines and stellar small plates.
1119 Wilshire Blvd. 90401 | Website
The Cuisine: Californian
The Atmosphere: Upscale, but casual
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Santa Monica restaurant features a unique wine list that elevates their market-inspired menu.
Pro Tip: Leave room for dessert.
602 Santa Monica Blvd. 90401 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Intimate, but welcoming
Why You Need To Dine Here: Even though chef Andrew Kirschner’s culinary experience is globally inspired, you’ll feel like you’re coming home. The late, iconic Jonathan Gold deemed their cauliflower as possibly the first time the vegetable has been more delicious than prime steak.
101 Wilshire Blvd. 90401 | Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Elegant, relaxed bistro
Why You Need To Dine Here: Take in the 123-year-old Moreton Bay fig tree while dining on the very best ingredients from local farmers, ranchers and fisheries.
1332 2nd St. 90401 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Chic lounge
Why You Need To Dine Here: Take in ocean views while being transported to the Southern Mediterranean via restaurateur Nicholas Mathers’ innovative cocktail program and menu.
1314 7th St. 90401 | Website
The Cuisine: Southeast Asian/ French-Asian
The Atmosphere: Casual-upscale
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant coalesces French energy and vibrant Southeast Asian flavors for a soulful, market-driven menu.
22706 Pacific Coast Hwy 90265 | Website
The Cuisine: Japanese
The Atmosphere: Modern California
Why You Need To Dine Here: Iconic chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s beachfront restaurant graces Malibu dwellers with unparalleled sushi and Japanese delicacies. Don’t skip the black cod with miso.
Pro Tip: Reservations are available 30 days in advance.
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy 90265 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Rustic-chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: Come for the beautiful ocean views, but stay for the farm-to-table offerings and local wine selection.
Pro Tip: You must order the Malibu Blue Nachos.
See also: Every Michelin-Star Restaurant in Los Angeles
3835 Cross Creek Rd. 90265 | Website
The Cuisine: Steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Tradition meets the beach
Why You Need To Dine Here: The neighborhood gem offers only the very best steak and seafood for a relaxed, Old Hollywood dining experience.
11647 San Vicente Blvd. 90049 | Website
The Cuisine: Steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Modern elegant
Why You Need To Dine Here: The self-described contemporary restaurant with classic genes has an unbeatable Porterhouse that comes with delectable, complementary sides of mushrooms, sweet onions and potatoes.
Pro Tip: Try the grilled artichokes for an appetizer.
11633 San Vicente Blvd. 90049 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Lively and cozy
Why You Need To Dine Here: This rustic, Tuscan eatery is the ultimate neighborhood spot with a top-tier global wine list and handmade pasta options.
Pro Tip : Stop in next door at the intimate Bar Toscana for a handcraft cocktail.
11777 San Vicente Blvd. 90049 | Website
The Cuisine: Japanese
The Atmosphere: Casual elegant
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Philippe Starck-designed restaurant is helmed by master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, who is recognized as one of the major trend setters in Japanese cuisine.
Pro Tip: Along with crispy rice and spicy tuna, order the marinated black cod and mushroom hot pot.
1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd. 90291 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Relaxed and intimate
Why You Need To Dine Here: Bringing together the rich local ingredients with culinary traditions of Italy, Evan Funke and Janet Zuccarini offer warm hospitality and handmade pasta dishes.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip on the focaccia.
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd. 90291 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Rustic cool
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Venice spot’s whopping menu of pizzas, pastas, vegetables and more is a consistent, fantastic selection of dishes that keep neighborhood patrons returning.
Pro tip: Order the mushroom toast if you haven’t already.
9 Dudley Ave. 90291 | Website
The Cuisine: Seafood
The Atmosphere: Farmhouse chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: The neighborhood wine bar’s focus on seafood results in the best whole-fried fish you will ever eat.
Pro Tip: Join their monthly wine club membership to enjoy at home or while dining.
6667 Hollywood Blvd. 90028 | Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Old Hollywood
Why You Need To Dine Here: Open for just over 100 years, Twinkle Town’s oldest restaurant continues to prove its commitment to outstanding service and culinary excellence.
6602 Melrose Ave. 90038 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Fine dining
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Michelin-starred restaurant combines rustic tradition and thrilling modern techniques for an unparalleled dining experience centered on handmade pasta dishes.
Pro Tip: Consider the white Carrara marble mozzarella bar, the grilled beef tagliata or rosemary olive oil cakes.
5359 W Adams Blvd. 90016 | Website
The Cuisine: Soul Food
The Atmosphere: Stylish and inviting
Why You Need To Dine Here: The West Adams restaurant was featured on Insecure for good reason. Coalescing traditional West African food and California cuisine, Alta’s menu of Southern flavors invites a lively crowd for comforting food and great cocktails.
2121 E 7th Pl. 90021 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Trendy and warm
Why You Need To Dine Here: The DTLA restaurant is more than a place to be seen. As the name implies, their pizza and pasta-based menu is an unbeatable beast of modern Italian cuisine.
Pro Tip: Finish your meal with the chocolate budino tart.
555-3 Mateo St. 90013 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Vibrant and stylish
Why You Need To Dine Here: Chef Stephanie Izard offers bold, global flavors inspired by California produce.
Pro Tip: Add grilled baby octopus to your order.
500 Mateo St. 90013 | Website
The Cuisine: Middle Eastern
The Atmosphere: Chic and inviting
Why You Need To Dine Here: The sprawling ivy is enough to catch anyone’s eye, but chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis keep you coming back with their menu inspired by their family roots in Israel, Morocco, Turkey and Egypt.
Pro Tip: Get the oyster mushroom kebab.
222 South Hope St. 90012 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Chilled-out chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: Finish your day at The Broad with a meal from chef Timothy Hollingsworth for a rich culinary experience.
1124 San Julian St. 90015 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Elegant-cool
Why You Need To Dine Here: The fresh, handmade pasta derives from chef Steve Samson’s childhood memories of summers in Bologna. It also has an extensive in-house butchery and focuses on family-owned wines.
122 W 4th St. 90013 | Website
The Cuisine: Asian-Italian Fusion
The Atmosphere: Artsy and minimalist
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Michelin-starred restaurant welcomes guests with a regularly changing, 5-course tasting menu of innovative, soulful cooking.
Pro Tip: The dining room has limited seating, so get a reservation ASAP.
2132 E 7th Pl. 90021 | Website
The Cuisine: Mexican
The Atmosphere: Modern and chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: Rooted in Mexican culture while bringing in seasonal, local ingredients, Enrique Olvera’s stamp on downtown L.A. offers a rich selection of elevated tacos, quesadillas, tostadas and more.
114 E 2nd St. 90012 | Website
The Cuisine: New American
The Atmosphere: Sleek and historic
Why You Need To Dine Here: Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser serve up innovative dishes paired with creative cocktails.
1710 Silver Lake Blvd. 90026 | Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Modernized bistro
Why You Need To Dine Here: With an innovative approach to Italian traditions, Zach Pollack’s restaurant is upheld by locally-sourced ingredients, an eclectic wine list and mid-century aesthetic for an ultra cool, family style dining experience.
4326 Sunset Blvd. 90029 | Website
The Cuisine: French Modern
The Atmosphere: Cool modern
Why You Need To Dine Here: The neo-bistro is at its best when it gets inventive with its French cuisine.
1637 Silver Lake Blvd. 90026 | Website
The Cuisine: Seafood
The Atmosphere: Cozy and casual
Why You Need To Dine Here: The assortment of seasonal selects has made the neighborhood oyster bar a local favorite for nearly a decade.
Pro Tip: Stop in for a fantastic happy hour when oysters are half-off.
2524 1/2 Hyperion Ave. 90027 | Website
The Cuisine: Latin American
The Atmosphere: Intimate and vibrant
Why You Need To Dine Here: The creative take on the South American dish will have you coming back for all of its innovative seafood dishes.
2128 Hillhurst Ave. 90027| Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Cozy and trendy
Why You Need To Dine Here: The Los Feliz outpost’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus tackle modern Italian-American cuisine for a laid-back, inviting dining experience.
1816 N Vermont Ave. 90027 | Website
The Cuisine: Californian
The Atmosphere: Rustic chic
Why You Need To Dine Here: Before going all in on the inventive New American menu, you’ll be blown away by the beautiful tree-lined, wood-paneled space.
Photography by: Jay Wennington/Unsplash