The 34 best restaurants in Los Angeles you need to try

Outdoor dining and takeout available.

What is it? An all-day café and more upscale dinnertime spot where it is nigh on impossible to leave dissatisfied, where old meets new in L.A. dining history, and where the buzz of thrilled diners is electric from morning to night.

Why we love it: Margarita Manzke's fresh pastries in the case are some of the finest in L.A., while Walter Manzke's worldly French bistro-meets-Californian-cuisine dishes leave us lapping up roast chicken, lobster mafaldine, and beef short rib kimchi fried rice. The love and care this husband-and-wife team puts into République is palpable, filling the gothic-style building—one that was once home to Charlie Chaplin's film studio, as well as Nancy Silverton and the late Mark Peel's groundbreaking Campanile restaurant–with hospitality and warmth.

Time Out tip: Arrive early on weekends to snag first pick of the pastry case's croissants, baguettes, tarts, cakes and cookies; once they sell out for the day, they're gone. For slightly more traditional French bistro fare, make sure to check out the pair's new Parisian bistro, Bicyclette, or go all out and splurge on their tasting menu outpost, Manzke (which we gave five stars).

Outdoor dining available.

What is it? A refined, multiregional tour through Italy via the mind of one of L.A.'s best chefs. Always in style—and always full of stylish and chic clientele—Bestia still requires reservations a decade after its splashy 2012 opening, and for good reason.

Why we love it: Chef and co-owner Ori Menashe's menu highlights still manage to wow, no matter how many times we've ordered them. The spaghetti rustichella, for instance—a small pyramid of noodles under dungeness crab, citrus, Calabrian chili, Thai basil and onion seed—is alarmingly simplistic but still shockingly good. Paired with the industrial-modern digs and the sleek ambience, it's a place where we're likely to linger until the staff starts bussing our dessert plates and wine glasses. 

Time Out tip: Order your own dessert. Pastry chef and co-owner Genevieve Gergis's sweets are all memorable, even on repeat visits, and god help anyone who tries to get in between us and a forkful of chocolate budino tart.

What is it? An exquisite, two-Michelin-star kaiseki dinner ($310 per head) that feels like more of a transportive experience than a meal. 

Why we love it: The space is intimate, the ceramics are handcrafted and imported from Japan, service is respectful and diligent, and chef-owner Brandon Go's precision and technique come by way of training in Japan for years. There is something almost criminally understated here; Hayato's delicate flavors could lead Angelenos to overlook some of the most beautiful cooking happening in the city. We hope they don't. They'd be missing out on steamed abalone with an unctuous liver sauce; an owan course of delicate crab meatball soup; and the spectacular donabe finale, where one can fill one's bowl with freshly cooked seafood and rice over and over. Go has truly built something beautiful with Hayato.

Time Out tip: Dinner reservations are usually released at the top of each month, and sell out almost immediately for the entire month. Set an alarm to get a table. It's worth it.

What is it? Chef Josef Centeno's Michelin-starred, Japanese-meets-Italian restaurant that's been renowned for its tasting menu ($125) but equally beloved for its casual à la carte katsu sandwiches and grain bowls in the Before Times (which we  hope will return someday).

Why we love it: Centeno's hyper-creative, genre-bending dishes might see scallops and uni in a flower-dotted rice porridge, or some tempura-like fried shiso leaf under abalone. There's L.A. love, global inflection and a deep understanding of balance in these dishes that make every meal enjoyable. Even factoring in the mandatory service charge and tip, it's still one of the less eye-poppingly expensive fine experiences around town. The tasting menu changes daily, and the chef is typically generous with additional dishes unlisted on the menu. 

Time Out tip: Make sure to note the 20% mandatory service charge (with tip not included).

Outdoor dining available.

What is it? A Mexican fine dining restaurant in the Arts District from world-renowned chef Enrique Olvera of Mexico City's Pujol and NYC's Cosme with unforgettable tortillas and a more casual daytime taqueria named Ditroit.

Why we love it: Though Damian's menu prices place the eatery squarely in fine dining territory, the painstakingly sourced, well-crafted seafood, meat and vegetable dishes and housemade cocktails—non-alcoholic ones included—have made it one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city. The understated yet stylish ambience in the Bestia-adjacent venue serves as the perfect backdrop for any special occasion evening, plus weekend-only brunch. Though the menu changes seasonally, signature dishes like the family-style costillas enmoladas (pork ribs in mole) and duck al pastor are always a surefire bet.

Time Out tip: If your budget allows, it's better to order a few of the smaller plates one apiece, including the gorditas, sweet corn tamales and any tostada, since these are more difficult to share.

What is it? A two Michelin star kaiseki spot in Palms from chef-owner Niki Nakayama, a protégé of the legendary Morihiro Onodera and one of the stars of the Netflix documentary Chef’s Table (2011).

Why we love it: Nakayama focuses her talent on kaiseki: a classical style of Japanese cooking that dictates a specific progression of textures, temperatures, tastes and seasonal ingredients. À la carte is not an option, and when every dish is this good, that's okay by us. n/naka typically offers a 13-course tasting menu ($310) with a vegetarian option ($275), plus wine and sake pairings.

Time Out tip: Years in, these are still some of the hardest reservations to land in all of Los Angeles. It's best to follow along on Instagram for announcements and watch n/naka's Tock page like a hawk.

What is it? Chef-owner Jazz Singsanong's Thai Town restaurant with a sprawling menu and plenty of heat is one of the city's cult favorites—and serves Angelenos in memory of her brother, L.A. Thai food legend Tui Sungkamee.

Why we love it: Whether it's a regional specialty or a more Americanized dish, Jitlada nails it all. The crispy morning glory salad is a must—a flavorful mix of crunchy, deep-fried Chinese watercress and plump shrimp—while Northern and Southern Thai curry specialties such as green mussel curry or the jungle curry might light your mouth ablaze in the best way. Even the American-familiar options such as the turmeric chicken wings are a must. You could visit Jitlada every week for a year and still find gems and surprises on that menu. We're especially partial to the off-menu Jazz Burger–ask your server if it's available on your visit.

Time Out tip: Be careful how spicy you tell Jazz to go. You've been warned.

Takeout available.

What is it? A quartet of trucks (Boyle Heights, Downtown, Pomona, La Cienega) slinging Jalisco-style seafood across the Southland. It's one of L.A.'s most old-school taco players, and known for its deep-fried shrimp tacos, but Mariscos Jalisco also serves fresh-to-death ceviches, tostadas and oysters on the half shell. 

Why we love it: In essence, everything is good. Their signature tacos dorado de camaron live up to the hype, with flavorful and fresh shrimp folded into a corn tortilla that's then fried to a golden brown and topped with thick slices of avocado and a vibrant and complex salsa roja. You'll also want to save room for their legendary tostadas such as the Poseidon, which comes topped with shrimp ceviche, octopus and a fiery red aguachile of shrimp.

Time Out tip: This spot is cash-only, so come prepared. Speaking of prepared, if you're eating then and there you can request the tacos be fully loaded on the truck for you; if they need to travel, assemble the components yourself so the taco shells stay perfectly crunchy until they're ready to be eaten.

Outdoor dining available.

What is it? A flavorful culinary jaunt through Israel, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey from Bestia's Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, complete with fire-roasted meats, handmade couscous, perhaps the best pita in all of L.A., and, like its Italian counterpart, fantastic desserts. 

Why we love it: They redefined modern Italian food with Bestia, but here it's even more personal. At Bavel, Menashe and Gergis draw on their familial and cultural heritage, as well as their modern-kitchen savvy, to bring us some of the best hummus we've ever tasted, wholly unique treats such as spiced Persian ice cream, and must-order plates for the table, like the crunchy, spicy harissa prawns. 

Time Out tip: Hoping to go at 7 or 8pm on a weekend evening? Book Bavel far in advance—most Friday and Saturday slots are for 9pm or later. For a buzzier, more casual vibe, but no less easy of a time booking, try your luck at booking at the Bestia team's all-new East Hollywood hot spot Saffy's.

Outdoor dining available.

What is it? Ludo Lefebvre pays homage to simplicity with his L.A. take on a Parisian bistro, whether at his original stripped-down strip-mall space in Hollywood or the larger, fancier sibling location in Sherman Oaks.

Why we love it: The menu is a list of iconic French dishes—steak frites, mussels marinières, chicken leg—but the playlist is '90s hip-hop and classic rock, which furthers Lefebvre's ethos of this being a casual and extremely cool French spot, a place to indulge in at times highly technical food but enjoyed without pretense. 

Time Out tip: Order the Big Mec. It's an absolute tank of a burger that may knock you out for the rest of the day—but come on, are you really going to skip the best bordelaise sauce in town?

Takeout and outdoor dining available.

What is it? A Black-owned South L.A. staple for over two decades with three locations (Inglewood, Crenshaw and Westmont) that serves the city's best platters of Southern comfort food favorites like fried chicken, smothered pork chops and a variety of sides, including excellent cornbread.

Why we love it: The generous homestyle portions and no-frills feel of the place are a welcome antidote to the city's more pretentious eateries. Each component of a choose-your-own plate—whether you opt for Dulan's much-loved macaroni and cheese or the corn and okra—blends perfectly with the others. Founded by the late self-proclaimed "king of soul food" Adolf Dulan and currently run by his son Terry, the restaurant's Inglewood location is particularly convenient for visits after trips to and from LAX and game days at nearby SoFi Stadium. 

Time Out tip: To skip the lines that run heavy on weekends or event days, order online for pickup—there's a separate window just for pre-orders.

Takeout and delivery available.

What is it? A funky, casual women-owned Hollywood restaurant (with a second outpost in Beverly Grove named Noree Thai) run by a pair of Thai American immigrants serving family recipes and a dose of serious Southeast Asian heat. 

Why we love it: Fern Kewathatip and Noree Pla offer all the takeout classics, but the fiery Phuket-style crab curry and other chef's specials items provide the backbone of a truly spectacular meal at Luv2Eat Thai. For people with a lower tolerance for capsaicin, try their elegant jade noodles topped with fish balls, roast duck and red barbecue pork. This is the Thai takeout worth going out of your way for. 

Time Out tip: Beyond all things crab, order the moo-ping (grilled pork skewers) and kua gling (stir-fried ground pork in curry paste)—both of these dishes deliver complex Southeast Asian flavors in deceptively simple-looking packages.

Takeout available.

What is it? A fleet of seven cash-only taco trucks across L.A. that serve some of the best al pastor tacos in the city. Though they also offer burritos, mulitas, huaraches and other Mexican street food specialties, your eyes will likely be drawn to the trompo–a rotating spit of tender, marinated al pastor topped with a shaved, juicy hunk of pineapple. 

Why we love it: Tacos on late nights! Tacos in the afternoon! Although Leo's draws its largest crowds on weekend nights from the going out set, this isn't just your average drunchie. Operating like a well-oiled machine, the staff at each Leo's location deftly serves each customer's tacos, calling out numbers in both Spanish and English. Upon receiving your order, you can ask them for pre-packaged little plastic baggies of onions, cilantro and salsa—a pandemic-era safety and hygiene upgrade. Whether eaten in open air or taken home, the thin slices of al pastor, topped with a bit of pineapple, are a beautiful sight to behold—and consume. 

Time Out tip: Though it may be tempting to only order their tacos al pastor, Leo's is no slouch in the offal department either. To diversify your taco order, order their buche (pork), cabeza (beef) and tripas (beef).

What is it? A casual dine-in Cantonese-food operation run by one of L.A.'s best Chinese BBQ masters, offering wok-fried noodles, succulent grilled meats and weekly specials. As of late, PRD has extended its hours to include both lunch and dinner: 11:30am to 8:30pm Wednesday to Saturday and Sundays 10 to 3pm.

Why we love it: Johnny Lee's constant attention to detail and reverence for tradition deliver some of the city's most incredible Chinese food—and then some. PRD's menu changes frequently, but the rotation of hits can include gorgeously lacquered char siu, a must-order Hainan chicken and rice plate and even tenshindon, a Chinese-Japanese omurice covered in a light gravy. Everything here is good. No lie.

Time Out tip: Thirsty or in need of a jolt? PRD 2.0—now at its Hill Street location—offers tea and coffee courtesy of nearby Thank You Coffee. 

Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining available.

What is it? This modern all-day red sauce restaurant from chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo delivers upscale, high-quality takes on classic pizza, pasta and Italian American desserts, now with locations in Fairfax, Brentwood and South L.A.

Why we love it: The spicy vodka fusilli. The bolognese sauce. The best-in-class New York style cheesecake. There's a reason primetime dinner reservations at Jon & Vinny's book out weeks in advance, and it happens to be the entire menu. Paired with highly curated, funky wines from their wine shop, Helen's, a dinner at Jon & Vinny's will please the pickiest pizza and pasta lover in your group of friends. Their pre-11:30am menu also offers fluffy ricotta pancakes—some of the best in the city we've tried—and a breakfast pizza sporting fried eggs and yukon gold potatoes. Because why not? 

Time Out tip: If you're out of luck for a dinner reservation, try stopping in at their Fairfax location's counter in the middle of the afternoon. With a prime view of the kitchen and ample space, it's the perfect way for a solo diner or a pair to experience some of the city's best Italian American classics without a lot of hassle.

Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining available.

What is it? A love letter to homestyle Korean food inside Grand Central Market—from Kwang Uh and Mina Park, the same chefs who started the nationally acclaimed, fermentation-obsessed Baroo (now closed). 

Why we love it: Shiku's dosirak (Korean lunch boxes) are perfectly portioned, beautifully plated lunches with three types of house-made banchan and choice of L.A.-style galbi, kimchi-braised pork belly or doenjang-marinated chicken—they also make fried shiitake mushrooms, which happen to be vegan. With Uh and Park's fermentation skills, the stall's take-home, larger portioned banchan are equally mouthwatering and include their signature kimchi yellow corn from Baroo.

Time Out tip: Order at least two or three banchan types to eat at and cook with at home. Each Shiku banchan packs maximal flavor, whether used as a topping for fried eggs at breakfast or eaten as a middle of the workday snack. 

What is it? Evan Funke's ode to hyper-regional Roman cuisine in the heart of Hollywood, and the flashier, celebrity-friendly follow-up to the Felix Trattoria in Venice. 

Why we love it: Funke's ethos is, simply put, "F*ck your pasta machine" (his words, not ours), which is precisely what makes Mother Wolf shine. There's still involuntary groan-inducing pizzas and handmade pasta like Felix, but a bit more breathing room in the glamorous old-school dining room—plus the chance to pick from a glittering amaro cart.

Time Out tip: Reservations, which are released 7 days in advance at midnight on Resy, are practically required, so plan ahead. For a meal with less of a big-ticket feel, head to Felix instead for a pan-Italian menu that never fails to please.

Outdoor dining available.

What is it? The city's premier Korean BBQ gem and one that takes meat more seriously than most, serving prime and American Wagyu beef in a sleek modern space that's stood the test of time.

Why we love it: Angelenos may be divided on their favorite Korean BBQ, but Park's seems to be the one unifying constant, at least for special occasions. That's because it all comes down to quality: The meat here is premium, so in addition to the requisite kimchi pancakes, tofu stews and banchan galore you can find exquisite cuts of beef and pork, which get grilled at your table—there's even an entire section of the menu devoted to Wagyu, if you really want to go big. For best results, order some of everything: There's boneless Wagyu short rib, seasoned pork belly, succulent house galbi, beef tripe and nearly anything else you can imagine throwing onto the grill, plus an array of banchan—and a full menu of entrées such as spicy black cod, stone-pot octopus, soup with rice cakes, and requisites like expert kimchi pancakes.

Time Out tip: Not a fan of mustardy French beef tartare? Order Park's milder Korean beef tartare. Seasoned with pine nuts and slices of Asian pear, this dish is a gamechanger for omnivores skeptical about eating raw beef.

Takeout and delivery available.

What is it? A casual, takeout and delivery-oriented Filipino storefront in Downtown's Jewelry District serving Filipino classics and dishes inspired by chef Ria Dolly Barbosa's SoCal upbringing. 

Why we love it: Petite Peso's blend of traditional dishes and rotating seasonal menu items—including a delectable crunchy sisig taco and a juicy chicken adobo French dip—hit the sweet spot in terms of price point and food quality, reflecting Barbosa's culinary school education and years of experience in fine dining. The former Sqirl chef's take on Filipino food filters the cuisine through the lens of a first-generation Angeleno, from the crispy sisig salad dressed in yuzu vinaigrette and topped with a soy poached egg to a vegan-friendly pinaket made with plant-based bagoong. Gourmet traditional pastries like pan del sal, ensaymada and mamon are a cut above other versions available throughout L.A. County—making them well worth the few extra dollars per piece.

Time Out tip: Order ahead for curbside pickup, and save room for Petite Peso's lumpia, which also can be made meat-free. Crispy, crunchy and tightly rolled, the deep-fried spring rolls shatter with every bite—the perfect side dish to snack on while you're driving home.

What is it? Wolfgang Puck's flagship is known for its power lunches and celeb sightings, but the fine dining institution's still serving haute bites that can outshine the star power that frequents it.

Why we love it: After nearly 40 years, Spago is both the old standby and the new kid on the block thanks to an ever-changing menu that makes the restaurant seem altogether fresh. Don't worry, you can still order the smoked salmon pizza, and Spago purists will be pleased to hear the kitchen is refreshingly old-school when it comes to presentation, but modern flourishes are what keep this icon feeling fresh without ditching its hits.

Time Out tip: If it's your first visit you must order Spago's iconic tasting menu for the classics, but if you're a repeat guest, the most fun you can have is off-roading with the fleeting and hyper-seasonal specials, especially when it comes to dessert.

What is it? Unapologetically Californian pizzas from local celebrity chef Nancy Silverton within her larger three-restaurant Mozzaplex in Hancock Park. 

Why we love it: Despite the numerous pizza places that have opened in recent years, Pizzeria Mozza's pies have remained in a class of their own. Doughy, chewy and lightly charred, Silverton's pizzas feature cheffy, farmers' market toppings like squash blossoms and fennel sausage. Show-stopping meatballs and seasonal desserts, including the rotating flavors of house-made gelato, guarantee that each visit to Pizzeria Mozza is a memorable fancy pizza dinner. Don't neglect next-door outposts Osteria Mozza (for pasta) and Chi Spacca (for bubbling foccacia and grilled meats) either—while pricier, they provide equally excellent takes on different facets of Italian cuisine.

Time Out tip: To add texture and a sort-of vegetable to your meal, order Nancy's chopped salad. Made with cherry tomatoes, iceberg lettuce and radicchio, this bowl of mostly cured meat and cheese may not be the most nutritious salad, but it is certainly quite delicious.

What is it? A tiny, takeout-only shop selling phenomenal, succulent Armenian-style grilled meats, creamy hummus, hearty combo plates and well-spiced falafel. It's also one of L.A.’s best family-run small-scale operations.

Why we love it: Chef-owner Ovakim Martirosyan; his wife, Alvard; and his son, Armen, run this tiny kabob house together, turning out flawless, soulful food fueled by decades of skill and a lot of love for each other and their ancestral cuisine. There are generational recipes at play here, resulting in perfectly spiced lamb chops, chicken thighs, beef lule skewers and beef shish, all perfectly cooked over the stovetop grill in the pint-sized Glendale kitchen. Combo plates are exceptional and often large enough for two meals, but Mini Kabob also offers catering trays, if you really want to go big—and with one taste, we're sure you'll want to from here on out.

Time Out tip: Don't let the nonexistent seating scare you away. Some of our favorite Mini Kabob moments were picnics in the park, and even a quick dinner seated on the curb outside the restaurant.

What is it? A modern Indian restaurant (with Downtown and Fairfax locations) marrying Toronto-style swagger and South Asian spice in a combo fit for the streets of L.A. Started by Arjun, Nakul and Pawarn Mahendro, a brother-and-father trio with roots in both Canada and India, Badmaash offers traditional Indian cuisine alongside more playful dishes like chicken tikka poutine and chili cheese naan. 

Why we love it: Whether dining Downtown or on Fairfax, this stylish, destination-worthy eatery consistently churns out some of the best food in the city, whether ordering from their traditional Indian or Badmaash signature menu. Their double-fried chicken, dusted with paprika masala, is craggy, crunchy and out of this world good when dipped into the serrano-cream sauce that comes on the side. No meal would be complete, however, without one of their poutines, which can be topped with chicken tikka or vegetarian-friendly channa masala. 

Time Out tip: Order the oat milk chai, available by the bottle for takeout purchase as well. Sweet, creamy and full of spices, Badmaash's plant-based version is a lactose-intolerant chai lover's delight.

Takeout available.

What is it? An all-day dim sum destination serving some of the plumpest dumplings, the most comforting Cantonese classics and the most luxurious high-end Chinese dishes.

Why we love it: No, you won't always find the classic pushcarts, but Lunasia offers a fresh refined take on dim sum served late into the evening—refreshing news for dim sum fans who can often only find it during weekend mornings and afternoons. Many of these dumplings—such as the massive shrimp har gow and the shumai—are larger and heftier than your average dim sum spots, and the options to splurge with regional specialties, dried specialty seafood, and dishes such as braised abalone and truffle-topped dumplings makes for a unique and heightened dim sum experience.

Time Out tip: There are other locations, in Pasadena and Cerritos, but if you want the fuller spread of items head to the original Alhambra outpost, which offers the larger menu.

What is it? The omakase-only crown jewel of the Sugarfish empire that bears the family name of Kazunori Nozawa, the Studio City chef who started it all. Here, Osamu Fujita carries on the legacy of the original Sushi Nozawa with 20-plus pieces of decadent nigiri built on warm, loosely packed rice. 

Why we love it: There are many excellent omakases in the city, but none deliver as much excellence, fun and value as this Michelin-starred sushi counter hidden in the back of Sugarfish Beverly Hills. The menu ($225) plays fast and loose with tradition, but you're still left dumbfounded at the end of the meal, which typically clocks in at just over two hours—a quicker meal, so to speak, in fine dining terms. In that time frame, you'll find yourself immersed in a cornucopia of flavors and textures, starting with something like a rich, solid piece of sweet freshwater eel and a sashimi trio consisting of Japanese octopus, New Zealand shrimp and succulent bluefin tuna.

Time Out tip: Interested in checking out Nozawa Bar? Make a reservation ASAP, and be on time: The restaurant takes bookings three calendar months in advance, and the meal begins on time, regardless of latecomers.

Dine-in and takeout available.

What is it? The casual Alhambra restaurant that put Sichuan food on the map for both everyday Angelenos and the food blogger-slash-critic set alike in 2013. With several dishes that capture the unique spicy, numbing mala quality Sichuan cuisine is famous for, Chengdu Taste is a destination restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley that continues to draw new, heat-chasing fans even as it rounds out a decade of business. 

Why we love it: Although owners Tony Xu and Sean Xie have expanded their Mian noodle concept into a mini-chain, it's their original restaurant, Chengdu Taste, that still sets our hearts—and taste buds—on fire. The cumin toothpick lamb, the cold mung bean noodles in chili paste, the boiled fish with green pepper sauce: just three of the dishes that have made its way into the everyday culinary lexicon in L.A. Though Chengdu Taste also offers more exotic meats like rabbit and frog legs, as well as a show-stopping lion-carved fish, the restaurant's more everyday level fare, like the toothpick lamb, are what have kept this restaurant on our shortlist whenever we find ourselves craving a touch of Sichuan mala on the tongue. 

Time Out tip: You might be able to order ahead for pick-up, but a sit-down dining experience, complete with white tablecloth, is what truly captures the essence of Chengdu Taste. Lines at this no-reservation spot can get long, but food comes out quickly once you're seated—so be prepared to wait a bit if you're arriving at peak hours for dinner and on weekends.

What is it? A Little Tokyo neighborhood favorite since 1980, this L.A. legend draws late-morning crowds for its affordable sashimi lunch special and provides an equally excellent, moderately priced sushi experience at night.

Why we love it: The sashimi lunch deal might get all the glory, but Sushi Gen's slightly pricier dinner menu is the perfect happy medium between an eye-poppingly expensive omakase and questionably cheap sushi. For those who stop in later in the day, nigiri and gunkan pieces topped with fresh halibut, fatty tuna, sea urchin, monkfish liver and oysters await, all in a wonderfully serene, wood paneled old school sushi bar setting.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the à la carte menu to get out of your comfort zone—the restaurant typically carries less commonly offered cuts like engawa (halibut tail fin), gizzard shad (a type of herring) and geoduck (giant Pacific clam). 

What is it? A seasonal Michelin-starred tasting menu ($215) in Beverly Hills from celebrity Australian chef Curtis Stone. In the care of Mexican American chef de cuisine Osiel Gastelum, the menu's undergone a complete transformation.

Why we love it: The fine dining fare draws on Gastelum's upbringing split between Sinaloa and Southern California, and the dining experience itself is full of unique twists, turns and surprises. Expect dishes that range from reverent to cheeky, like a nopales dish that comes with crackers that mimic the trademark pads of the prickly pear. 

Time Out tip: Maude plays well to its monied neighborhood crowd, but the dining experience is memorable enough for anyone searching for the perfect celebration meal—so don't let the stuffy area deter you from booking a table.

Outdoor dining and takeout available.

What is it? A little bit coastal and a whole lot of a party, this pop-up turned permanent fast-casual restaurant is exactly the kind of refreshing, modern take on a seafood shack that L.A. needed. They also have a brand new stall at Grand Central Market, plus a pop-up at Smorgasburg on Sundays, 10am–4pm.

Why we love it: Where to even begin? Broad Street is serving the city's best lobster rolls, which can come served New England-style or warm and buttered, plus loaded with caviar and uni add-ons. They've got steamed mussels and fried clam strips and all the other requisites, but the natural wine, cheap beer, daily specials and copious caviar make the meal fun—and manage to turn a corner of a high-end strip mall into a surfy destination.

Time Out tip: Order ahead for pickup to beat the lines, especially on weekends. If you want to splurge, go for the "horizontal seafood tower," which offers up oysters, in-shell uni, ceviche, caviar, peeled shrimp and crab claws for casual decadence—or just order multiple lobster rolls for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Outdoor dining available.

What is it? The cuisine Hatchet Hall serves isn't just Southern; it's American, or more specifically, early American, and the fish, steaks, spoonbreads and skillets of cornbread all come out of a wood-burning hearth. The eatery was most recently featured in Netflix's High on the Hog—although chefs Brian Dunsmoor and Martin Draluck have left the restaurant since filming. Draluck has since decamped to Baldwin Hills' Post & Beam, taking the Hemings & Hercules dinner series with him. Nevertheless, rustic charm and excitement still reverberate through every dish. 

Why we love it: Their food is fantastic, and so is the vibe: a vast and candle-lit patio, plus a humming, low-lit dining room make for intimate, romantic settings where regulars feel comfortable enough to mingle over smoked country ham, peel-and-eat shrimp and fennel-dusted pork chop.

Time Out tip: New executive chef Wes Whitsell, formerly of Gjelina and Osteria La Buca, is whipping up new dishes and specials left and right, such as grilled elk loin; barramundi amandine; and Baja kampachi crudo with passion fruit. Stop by to check out his new flavors (but don't forget to order Hatchet classics like the shishito-flecked cornbread dripping with honey and butter).

Takeout and delivery available.

What is it? This Oaxacan-cuisine Koreatown institution, also a recipient of a James Beard Award, is a national destination for its best-in-class moles, vibrant setting and warm hospitality from its founding owners and operators, the Lopez family.

Why we love it: Family recipes and imported Oaxacan ingredients make this one of the strongest regional Mexican restaurants in not only Los Angeles but the country, and the fact that it's family-run will extend to you, too: Service is so congenial here, you'll never feel like a stranger. Live music usually accompanies your meal (and breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available), and it's not unusual to see diners get up and dance. 

Time Out tip: Want to try and replicate your dish at home? An attached store sells Guelaguetza's mole—red, black and coloradito—along with ingredients to make their fantastic micheladas. 

Outdoor dining and takeout available.

What is it? An upscale-casual, family-owned Persian restaurant that's drawn nostalgic Persian Americans and anyone with a hankering for beef koobideh and sabzi polo since 1993. Known for long waits (the restaurant doesn't take reservations) and excellent food in giant servings, Raffi's Place is a Valley destination worth putting your name down for. 

Why we love it: This marble-lined, quintessentially L.A. Persian restaurant with striped awnings and a private banquet hall is our favorite place for Persian food across the entire city. From the tahdig, a crispy rice appetizer that can also be topped with stew, to the various kebabs, everything at Raffi's is excellent, fresh and best of all, shareable. We're also partial to the sabzi and zereshk polos—rice dishes flavored with fresh herbs and barberries, respectively. 

Time Out tip: Though Raffi's also has a wine and cocktail list, we recommend ordering a cup of hot Persian tea. Paired with sugarcubes, it's a nice, refreshing way to end your meal.

Takeout and delivery available.

What is it? Operating out of the same storefront since 1947, this James Beard Award-winning Jewish deli always hits the spot thanks to hot, hand-cut pastrami from recipes that have been passed down for generations. There are plenty of other deli classics here, too, but at Langer's it's all about the pastrami.

Why we love it: New York may have Katz's, but we've got our own legend-status pastrami shop and it could very well be the best in the country. The #19 is in and of itself a local icon, and is easily one of the most quintessential sandwiches in the city: hot pastrami with Swiss, slaw and Russian-style dressing on rye, stacked and thick and juicy. The deli is a bit of a time warp, only adding to the charm of recipes that haven't changed in decades.

Time Out tip: Parking is a nightmare around the deli, but Langer's actually operates its own lot—it's just small, across the street and a block away. Park here and be sure to get your ticket validated because the first 90 minutes are free.

What is it? One of the city's bastions of fine dining and the freshest seafood available, currently enjoyed as an artful eight-course dinner tasting menu (lunch service to resume in the not-too-distant future). This is Michelin-starred luxury done the Michael Cimarusti way.

Why we love it: For serving a city next to the Pacific, Providence somehow still manages to surprise and reinterpret seafood. Cimarusti's mostly-aquatic menus deftly showcase the bounty of the West Coast, as well as the globe: Big Island abalone, Santa Barbara spot prawns and steelhead trout from the Quinault River in Washington can appear among the varied choices, depending on seasonality. His knack for finding the best product will make you focus on the perfect bite hanging from your fork, and nothing else. 

Time Out tip: You'll absolutely need a reservation—and plan ahead, as reservations tend to book weeks in advance.