Top 10 Best Los Angeles Restaurants
The top restaurants in LA are Somni, Hayato, Mélisse, n/naka, Sushi Kaneyoshi, Orsa & Winston, Camelia, Providence, Bestia, and Guelaguetza. The City of Angels is known for iconic street tacos, the French dip sandwich, and California-style pizza. Philippe The Original, one of two restaurants that claim to have invented the French dip, has been a local landmark since 1908. The Michelin Guide has awarded stars to 25 restaurants in LA.
The city's reputation as a food destination has long been associated with its multicultural population. Neighborhoods like Koreatown, with its array of Korean BBQ spots, and East L.A., the heart of the city's Mexican food culture, are some of the best places to eat in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a major city in Southern California, located on the Pacific coast. This location provides access to fresh seafood and an abundance of high-quality produce year-round, which are staples on local menus. LA is shaped by this access to fresh ingredients, its entertainment industry glamour, and vast collection of international communities, making it a top-tier destination for food enthusiasts. The best restaurants in Los Angeles are shown below:
What Food is Los Angeles Famous For?
The Los Angeles food scene is famous for street tacos, the French dip sandwich, and health-conscious food. The city's taco culture is a defining feature of LA food, with countless trucks and taquerias serving every style imaginable. The French dip sandwich, a beef sandwich served on a French roll with a side of jus for dipping, was invented in downtown L.A. The abundance of fresh produce also makes salads, grain bowls, and smoothies a central part of the food in Los Angeles.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Los Angeles?
The average cost of a meal at restaurants Los Angeles offers depends on the restaurant type. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant or taco stand costs between $15 and $25. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant averages between $80 and $150. At fine-dining establishments, tasting menus or multi-course meals can cost $200 to over $400 per person. A fast-food meal is under $15.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in Los Angeles?
The most popular fast food in Los Angeles is listed below:
- In-N-Out Burger: A California icon with a cult following, famous for its simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes, along with a not-so-secret menu.
- Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles: A local soul-food chain that serves its signature combination of fried chicken and waffles in a casual setting.
- Zankou Chicken: A local chain famous for its Middle Eastern rotisserie chicken, garlic sauce, and shawarma wraps.
- Randy's Donuts: A landmark donut shop known for the giant donut on its roof and its classic, no-frills donuts.
How Many Michelin-Star Restaurants are There in Los Angeles?
There are 25 Michelin star restaurants Los Angeles has in total. This includes restaurants with one, two, and three stars. The list of Michelin restaurants Los Angeles includes acclaimed establishments like the two-star Hayato, Mélisse, n/naka, and Providence, as well as one-star spots like Kato, Orsa & Winston, and Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura. These restaurants showcase a range of food styles, from Japanese kaiseki to modern French and Italian.
Is it Hard to Get a Reservation at a Michelin-Star Restaurant in Los Angeles?
Yes, it is hard to get a restaurant reservations at a Michelin-star restaurant in Los Angeles. For the most acclaimed Michelin star restaurants in Los Angeles, especially those with two or three stars like Hayato or Mélisse, reservations are released on a specific day and time once a month and are booked within seconds. Other factors include the size of the restaurant, with smaller counters being harder to book, and the restaurant's popularity on social media.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Los Angeles?
The new restaurants in Los Angeles are listed below:
- Stella West Hollywood: An upscale Italian restaurant located in the West Hollywood neighborhood, serving handmade pastas and entrees in a stylish setting. Located at 8899 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048.
- Golden Owl: A modern Vietnamese restaurant in East Hollywood from the co-founder of Button Mash, offering classic dishes like pho and shaking beef. Located at 4858 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
- Irv's Burgers (Malibu): A new location of the classic Los Angeles burger stand, bringing its simple burgers, fries, and milkshakes to the Malibu Country Mart. Located at 23235 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
- Funke: A multi-level Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills from chef Evan Funke, focusing on handmade regional pastas. Located at 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Are There Any Restaurants in Los Angeles with a Unique Dining Experience?
Yes, there are many unique restaurants Los Angeles offers. These places provide unique dining experiences Los Angeles is known for.
- For a thematic experience, Beetle House LA is a year-round Halloween-themed bar and restaurant inspired by the works of Tim Burton.
- For an interactive meal, Korean barbecue restaurants like Parks BBQ in Koreatown allow guests to grill their own high-quality meats at the table.
- For a hidden setting, The Varnish is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located in the back of Cole's French Dip, offering classic cocktails in a dark, historic room.
Which Restaurants in Los Angeles Serve Vegan Food?
Los Angeles has a large number of restaurants serving vegan food. Crossroads Kitchen is an upscale vegan restaurant in West Hollywood serving a sophisticated menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Sage Vegan Bistro has multiple locations offering a large menu of plant-based comfort food. Gracias Madre is a popular spot for organic, plant-based Mexican food in a stylish setting.
Which Restaurants in Los Angeles Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Many Los Angeles restaurants serve gluten-free food. Honey Hi in Echo Park is a casual cafe with a 100% gluten-free menu of bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Rice, a Japanese restaurant in Manhattan Beach, has a completely gluten-free menu, including sushi and other dishes. Many health-conscious restaurants like Cafe Gratitude offer extensive gluten-free options.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Los Angeles?
The most famous Los Angeles cuisine styles are listed below:
- Mexican: This is the city's most important food style. Landmarks like Guelaguetza in Koreatown showcase regional Oaxacan food, while legendary trucks like Mariscos Jalisco define the street taco scene.
- Korean: The Koreatown neighborhood is a hub for authentic Korean food. Restaurants like Parks BBQ are famous for high-quality Korean barbecue, while spots like BCD Tofu House are hubs for soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew).
- Japanese: Los Angeles has one of the country's best Japanese food scenes. This ranges from two-Michelin-star kaiseki at n/naka to the perpetually long lines for ramen at Daikokuya in Little Tokyo.
- Health-Conscious/Californian: This style focuses on fresh, local, and organic produce. Restaurants like Gjelina in Venice exemplify this with their vegetable-forward, seasonal menus, while places like Cafe Gratitude focus on organic, plant-based meals.