Amidst the glitz, glamor, and never-ending summer weather, Los Angeles is home to a vibrant restaurant scene. From the most exquisite fine dining to classic budget-friendly eateries, there are thousands of options to explore.
These iconic Los Angeles restaurants serve a mix of American fare, ethnic cuisines, and fusion dishes, representing the diversity of LA and Southern California in general. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the most famous restaurants in LA!
Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd, Studio City
Asanebo has cemented itself as a local institution. It’s an upscale Japanese restaurant with two Michelin stars that combine a classic setting and unique sushi creations. With options like sea eel, squid, or octopus, this restaurant stands out in a veritable sea of sushi places.
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Sonoratown
208 E 8th St, Los Angeles
It’s hard to make a name for yourself in a city with close to 30,000 restaurants, but Sonoratown has managed to become a popular spot by offering budget-friendly Mexican fare. It’s the place to go if you’re in the mood for some quality tacos with grilled meat and veggies.
Golden Deli Restaurant
815 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel
The Golden Deli Restaurant serves Vietnamese staples. There are plenty of classic dishes to try out between pho bowls, sandwiches with grilled meats, and egg rolls.
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Xiang La Hui
621 W Main St, Alhambra
With only 26% of restaurants belonging to large chains, the City of Angels has become a thriving environment for easy-to-find famous restaurants in LA. Xiang La Hui is a Chinese restaurant with food from the Sichuan province, known for its spicy dishes. You’ll find options like mapo tofu, steam pork, or Chong Qing chicken.
Craig’s
8826 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
Craig’s is one of the most iconic Los Angeles restaurants and is the perfect destination for some celebrity spotting! It’s an upscale restaurant with a cozy feel and some classic American offerings. If you’re craving anything from pizza to pasta to southern-fried chicken, make a reservation!
Broad Street Oyster Company
23359 CA-1 #3874A, Malibu
Los Angeles prides itself on its beautiful Pacific coastline, so it’s no surprise that the city boasts plenty of seafood restaurants with access to fresh ingredients. If you’re looking for some delicious seafood and ocean-themed decor, then the Broad Street Oyster Company is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
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Angler
8500 Beverly Blvd Suite 117, Los Angeles
Angler is another one of the iconic Los Angeles restaurants where locals go for seafood. What’s more, thanks to a menu that changes daily based on what’s been caught, you won’t get bored if you plan on visiting often.
Bavel
500 Mateo St, Los Angeles
This upscale Middle Eastern establishment is one of the best trendy restaurants in Los Angeles if you’re in the downtown area. With influences from Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco, Bavel offers menu items like hummus spreads or small plates with marinated olives or flatbread. It’s the perfect spot to quench any Mediterranean cravings you have.
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Republique
624 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
If you want to try all the famous restaurants in Los Angeles, you need to book a table at Republique, housed in a gorgeous building dating back to 1928. It’s a popular spot for brunch and breakfast with specialty coffee drinks and French bakery items.
Bestia
2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles
Bestia is an Italian restaurant that has made its name by offering creative takes on classic dishes. With the same owners as Bavel, this establishment exudes a level of quality that patrons have come to expect. Don’t miss the dessert menu with items like ricotta fritters or peach cobbler!
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Flake
513 Rose Ave, Venice
Flake is an inexpensive and trendy spot that prides itself on being a “friendly neighborhood snack shop.” Situated a short walk from internationally-famous Venice Beach, Flake is an incredibly trendy choice for brunch. You will find a menu with breakfast sandwiches, bagels, breakfast burritos, salads, Cubanos, acai bowls, and more.
n/naka
3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles
This modern and minimalistic restaurant offers Japanese fare in an upscale setting. Dining at n/naka is a memorable experience thanks to the tasting menu designed to help you discover unique flavors and beautifully crafted plates. You can choose between a traditional tasting menu with 13 courses or a vegetarian tasting menu.
Hayato
1320 E 7th St #126, Los Angeles
Hayato is one of the iconic Los Angeles restaurants you should go to if you want a fine dining experience. A sushi menu changes based on the freshest ingredients available, so you won’t find a set menu. Chefs prepare your food in front of you and serve it directly at a counter for a more intimate experience.
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Cafe Gratitude
300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles
This small local chain is popular for breakfast and brunch. With breakfast burritos and acai bowls, Cafe Gratitude is perfect for starting your day off with some healthy and tasty food that you can feel good about.
The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin Ave, Hollywood
The Magic Castle is a place where “students” can learn about magical arts. You will also find a restaurant where you can catch a magic show while dining. Note that you will need to request an invitation as this is a private and exclusive club.
The Pie Room by Gwen
212 S. Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills
The Pie Room by Gwen brings a little bit of Australia and Britain to Los Angeles, including staples like beef and ale pie and shepherd’s pie, alongside a unique selection of creations that will keep you coming back for more. Make sure you try the salted caramel apple pie or the peach-raspberry cobbler pie.
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Toca Madera
8450 W 3rd St, Los Angeles
This Mexican restaurant delivers an upscale dining experience with organic ingredients sourced locally. Besides enjoying traditional Mexican cuisine, you can order farm-to-glass cocktails with seasonal ingredients at Toca Madera.
Flora Rooftop Bar
2130 E Maple Ave, El Segundo
The perfect way to enjoy a summer evening in LA is to head to Flora Rooftop Bar. This intimate establishment cultivates a relaxing atmosphere with its naturalistic themes, and you’ll find a mix of Italian, Chinese, and American dishes on the menu.
Firefly
11720 Ventura Blvd, Studio City
Firefly is a sophisticated and romantic restaurant with a modern atmosphere. The selection of cocktails and wines is impressive, while there are some small plates with fun options like cheese and charcuterie platters.
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Soulmate
631 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood
Soulmate is one of the iconic Los Angeles restaurants you should try if you’re passionate about Spanish and Mediterranean food. This restaurant radiates warmth with a colorful and vibrant setting, and it emphasizes local ingredients. You’ll find items like tapas, steak, or seafood on the menu.
Yakumi
3919 W Riverside Dr, Burbank
Yakumi rises above the typical sushi experience by offering a unique counter service and combination boxes designed to help you discover new flavors. Boasting its “ultra-premium” sushi, you can expect Yakumi to bring only the freshest local ingredients to your table. Make sure you order some green tea ice cream after enjoying one of the combination boxes!
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Wrap Up
Los Angeles stands out thanks to its vibrant hospitality industry. Living in LA is an opportunity to enjoy everything the city offers in terms of fine dining, quick bites, fusion cuisine, and more.
Fisher Real Estate can help you find the perfect home in South California. Get in touch with us if you’re ready to move to Los Angeles or a nearby area to enjoy all these iconic restaurants!