I venture to LA about once a year to visit family, and we always hike, swim, eat ice cream, and I pick a hot new restaurant to dine out! Thanks to my visits over the years, I do have my favorites, and below, I’m giving you my hit list for the must visit restaurants and desserts in LA.
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Restaurants
RVR – Located right on Abbott Kinney with gorgeous windows overlooking the iconic street, a full record library, and a moody dining room, I felt so hip at RVR. The Izakaya menu features all small plates to share with the table, and I love the hand rolls, sashimi, and gyoza.
Cobi’s – Cobi’s feels like a Japanese enchanted garden with flowers everywhere, and the restaurant earned a Bib Gourmand from Michelin. On my last visit, we chose the Chef’s Selection, and my favorite courses were the Kampachi with lime leaf oil, Butter Chicken, and Beef Short Ribs from the Indian and Asian-influenced cuisine.
Kismet – Both California and Middle Eastern-inspired, Kismet’s menu features mains like Cabbage “Steak” and Braised Chicken Leg, along with breads, spreads, Tahdig, and more. Go for the Flaky Bread, that reminds me of a mix between a scallion pancake and a pita.
Bavel – I first met Chef Ori Menashe at his restaurant Bestia (up next in this list), and he is behind some of the best restaurants in LA. This Middle Eastern restaurant serves farmers’ market-level fresh dishes in a dining room full of greenery that adds to that fresh feeling.
Bestia – I love the lighting and casual and inviting environment at Bestia. If you want a night out and don’t want to make multiple stops and scenes, come here. The staff is attentive, and you feel like a million bucks walking out of here. Almost every kind of meat/protein you can think of is executed so efficiently on this menu, which is incredible.
The Butcher’s Daughter – This famous vegetarian all-day cafe boasts two locations in LA, two in NYC, and one coming soon to Austin! Their Venice restaurant is more outdoorsy and surfy, while the West Hollywood spot feels more elevated with business people having meetings there. Order the Spicy Kale Caesar, Hot Honey and “Pepperoni” Stone Oven Pizza (better than any non-vegan pepperoni pizza I’ve ever had), and one of their cold-pressed juices.
Gjusta – This takeaway deli/bakery by the Gjelinia folks serves some amazing bread, and made me wonder why LA has such good bread! The Signature Sandwiches here stood out to me the most, and I also loved the Soft Scramble with dill, parsley, toast, and labneh.
Night + Market Song – This Thai street food restaurant is perfect for groups, easy to get a reservation, and they have beer towers to make you feel like you are actually in Thailand.I always love eating authentic food, in a fun, casual environment. Get the Chicken Larb, Coconut Sticky Rice, Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Whole Fish.
Bay Cities – I was introduced to Bay Cities by my cousin, Zak, and it’s essentially a grocery store with great Italian food. I always talk about this place because it’s lesser known than a lot of other restaurants on this list, and sometimes you just want to go and grab a sub, which you should do here!
Café Gratitude – This vegan spot is famous throughout LA, supporting local farmers by using their organic ingredients. They have one location in Venice and one in Larchmont.
SUGARFISH – SUGARFISH started in LA so if you love sushi like me, it’s worth a visit while you’re in town. You can expect traditional Japanese sushi in an easy and affordable omakase with great portions. Plus, this is where those fun take-out omakase boxes got their start!
Majordōmo – I’m sure the menu has changed at David Chang’s Chinatown restaurant since I visited, but I really loved it so I’m including it here! The menu features a Smoked Dish Dip, Tuna Carpaccio, Whole Plate Short Rib, and other California-influenced Asian dishes.
Gracias Madres – Although this is a vegan restaurant and the sister restaurant to Gratitude Cafe, I promise that the food is for everyone. Everything feels very California, and the options seem endless with salads, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. What a relief for vegetarians that this exists, but also for people who just want vegetables in their life!
Dessert
Saffron & Rose – My aunt and I go to Saffron and Rose, a Persian ice cream shop, every time I visit, and I can’t get over all of their flavors! This is my absolute favorite ice cream in LA. I’ve ordered the Caramel Crunch and Mint Chip in the past, but they also have Orange Blossom, Saffron Pistachio, and Lavender.
Very Best Cookie – After chatting with the owner of Very Best Cookie on Instagram for years, I finally got to try her chocolate chip cookies. Yes, the cookies are really good, but the brown butter rice krispy treat truly blew me away!
Sweet Rose Creamery – I haven’t been here in years, and I still remember how incredible the salted caramel flavor is at Sweet Rose. That’s when you know it’s good!
Lodge Bread – Lodge Bread is all about the seasonal toasts on incredible housemade bread. You’ll see jam and ricotta, avocado, cinnamon and cultured butter, and more. They also serve sandwiches, salads, and sweets.