Los Angeles skyline and cityscape - Popular travel destination in United States, North America
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North America

Los Angeles

United States

Safety Score

6/10

Currency

USD

Language

English

Timezone

America/Los_Angeles

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is a vibrant, sprawling metropolis known for its warm climate, diverse culture, and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Its unique appeal lies in its mix of stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, and its status as the global capital of entertainment.

Hollywoodbeaches like Venice and Santa MonicaGriffith ObservatoryThe Getty Centerdelicious food scene

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Los Angeles are from March to May and between September and November, when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded.

Weather Throughout the Year
Jan14°79mm
Feb15°93mm
Mar15°61mm
Apr17°23mm
May18°7mm
Jun20°3mm
Jul22°1mm
Aug23°2mm
Sep22°6mm
Oct20°17mm
Nov17°31mm
Dec14°65mm

Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, United States

Where to Eat in Los Angeles - Dining Guide

Kaiseki

Hayato

$$$
4.9
1320 E 7th St #126, Los Angeles, CA 90021
ROW DTLA

Bento Box

An ultra-exclusive 7-seat counter offering a masterclass in Japanese precision and seasonal elegance.

Pros
  • +Absolute technical perfection
  • +Intimate atmosphere
  • +World-class sourcing
Cons
  • -Extremely difficult to book
  • -Very high price
  • -Quiet environment
Seafood

Providence

$$$
4.8
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Melrose / Hollywood

The Ugly Bunch

Michael Cimarusti’s multi-Michelin-starred temple of sustainable seafood remains the gold standard for LA fine dining.

Pros
  • +Impeccable service
  • +Sustainable ethos
  • +Elite wine pairings
Cons
  • -Formal dress code
  • -Lengthy tasting menu
Roman Italian

Mother Wolf

$$$
4.6
1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hollywood Entertainment District

Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe

Chef Evan Funke’s high-glitz homage to Rome; a massive, high-ceilinged palace of pasta and celebrity sightings.

Pros
  • +Electric atmosphere
  • +Masterful pasta
  • +Glamorous design
Cons
  • -Very loud
  • -Reservations are difficult
  • -Hectic pacing
Mexican Seafood

Holbox

$$
4.9
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Near USC / Exposition Park

Scallop Aguachile

A vibrant, Michelin-recognized stall in a food hall serving world-class Yucatan-style seafood that rivals fine dining.

Pros
  • +Best seafood value in LA
  • +Explosive flavors
  • +Casual vibe
Cons
  • -Food hall seating
  • -Limited evening hours
Middle Eastern

Bavel

$$$
4.7
500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Arts District DTLA

Slow-roasted Lamb Neck

A lush, plant-filled Arts District hotspot serving bold, spice-forward dishes from Israel, Morocco, and Turkey.

Pros
  • +Stunning interior
  • +Bold flavor profiles
  • +Great cocktails
Cons
  • -Extremely loud
  • -Hard to find parking
Italian

Bestia

$$$
4.6
2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Arts District DTLA

Bone Marrow Pasta

The restaurant that put the Arts District on the map; rugged industrial design meets high-end rustic Italian.

Pros
  • +Iconic LA vibe
  • +Consistent quality
  • +Energetic scene
Cons
  • -Noisy environment
  • -Booking weeks in advance
New American

Gjelina

$$$
4.5
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Abbot Kinney / Venice

Squash Blossom Pizza

The definitive Abbot Kinney spot where the cool crowd gathers for wood-fired vegetables and thin-crust pizzas.

Pros
  • +Perfect Venice aesthetic
  • +Vegetable forward
  • +Great outdoor patio
Cons
  • -Can feel pretentious
  • -Service can be brisk
Kaiseki

n/naka

$$$
4.8
3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Culver City Area

Modern Kaiseki Menu

Niki Nakayama’s global sensation offers a poetic, gender-balanced interpretation of traditional Japanese kaiseki.

Pros
  • +Personalized service
  • +Artistic presentation
  • +World-renowned
Cons
  • -Booking is a lottery
  • -Suburban location
Southeast Asian

Cobi's

$$
4.7
2104 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Main Street Santa Monica

Butter Chicken

A colorful, floral-heavy bungalow in Santa Monica serving punchy curries and technical Southeast Asian fusion.

Pros
  • +Charming/Unique decor
  • +Incredible flavors
  • +Friendly service
Cons
  • -Tables are close together
  • -Small menu
Modern French

République

$$$
4.7
624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Mid-City / La Brea

Duck Confit

Housed in a 1920s Chaplin-built cathedral, this spot offers world-class pastry by day and French mastery by night.

Pros
  • +Incredible architecture
  • +Best pastries in LA
  • +Grand dining room
Cons
  • -Chaotic brunch lines
  • -Pricey dinner
Contemporary

Wilde’s

$$
4.6
1816 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Los Feliz Village

Wagyu Beef Tartare

The breakout star of 2026, this Los Feliz spot offers a chic "neighborhood salon" vibe with technical American fare.

Pros
  • +Trendiest new opening
  • +Great local gossip
  • +Chic patio
Cons
  • -Reservations essential
  • -Limited menu
New American

Otium

$$$
4.5
222 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Near The Broad / DTLA

Hamachi with Nori

A sophisticated, art-adjacent space next to The Broad museum featuring wood-fired cooking and open-concept design.

Pros
  • +Stunning modern design
  • +Great terrace
  • +Near museums
Cons
  • -Formal atmosphere
  • -Strip-level prices
Korean BBQ

Park's BBQ

$$$
4.6
955 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Koreatown

Galsal (Ribeye)

The gold standard of Koreatown BBQ, where high-grade meat and expert service justify the premium price.

Pros
  • +Highest meat grade
  • +Clean and efficient
  • +Authentic vibe
Cons
  • -More expensive than others
  • -Can be a long wait
French

Pasjoli

$$$
4.7
2732 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Main Street Santa Monica

Pressed Duck for Two

A high-end French bistro focusing on technical, old-school Parisian cooking with a modern Santa Monica twist.

Pros
  • +Classic technical skill
  • +Romantic lighting
  • +Great wine list
Cons
  • -Very expensive
  • -Heavier food style
Mediterranean

Kismet

$$
4.6
4648 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
East Hollywood / Los Feliz

Lemm's Chicken

A bright, minimalist space serving highly creative Middle Eastern dishes designed for sharing.

Pros
  • +Healthy/Vibrant food
  • +Casual-chic vibe
  • +Unique flavors
Cons
  • -Small tables
  • -Limited reservations
Traditional American

Musso & Frank Grill

$$$
4.5
6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hollywood Walk of Fame

Classic Martini & Filet

Operating since 1919, this is the definitive Hollywood institution; dine where Chaplin and Hemingway once sat.

Pros
  • +Legendary history
  • +Best martinis
  • +Old Hollywood vibe
Cons
  • -Very traditional menu
  • -Tourist heavy
Seafood

Found Oyster

$$
4.7
4880 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
East Hollywood

Scallop Tostada

A tiny, high-energy East Coast-style oyster bar that has become a cult favorite for LA foodies.

Pros
  • +Best seafood snacks
  • +High energy
  • +Fun staff
Cons
  • -No reservations
  • -Always a wait
Traditional Mexican

Guisados

$$
4.7
2100 East Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Boyle Heights

Mini Sampler

A local legend focusing on braised stews on thick, handmade tortillas; the soul of Boyle Heights.

Pros
  • +Authentic flavors
  • +Handmade tortillas
  • +Incredible value
Cons
  • -Very casual
  • -Limited seating
Modern Asian/American

Majordomo

$$$
4.5
1725 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Near Chinatown / DTLA

Smoked Whole Short Rib

David Chang’s massive LA warehouse restaurant blends Korean influence with California’s incredible bounty.

Pros
  • +Large group friendly
  • +Bold, unique flavors
  • +Cool industrial space
Cons
  • -Hard to find entrance
  • -Expensive meat cuts
Italian

Felix Trattoria

$$$
4.7
1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Venice / Abbot Kinney

Pappardelle with Ragu

A pasta temple on Abbot Kinney where you can watch the dough being rolled in a glass-walled lab.

Pros
  • +Watch pasta-making
  • +Expert technique
  • +Chic decor
Cons
  • -Extremely hard to book
  • -Pricey wine
Traditional Thai

Jitlada

$$
4.5
5233 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Thai Town

Southern Curry

A legendary Southern Thai spot in a strip mall known for its massive menu and extreme spice levels.

Pros
  • +Massive, unique menu
  • +Authentic heat
  • +Cultural landmark
Cons
  • -Service can be slow
  • -Strip mall parking
Modern Korean

The Mulberry

$$$
4.8
2120 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Sawtelle Japantown

Mulberry Duck

New for 2026, this Sawtelle gem elevates Korean-American bistro food with fine-dining technicality.

Pros
  • +Sophisticated pairings
  • +Rising star chef
  • +Sleek interior
Cons
  • -New (hard to rez)
  • -Premium pricing
Southeast Asian

Cassia

$$$
4.6
1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Downtown Santa Monica

Chickpea Curry

A massive, grand brasserie blending French technique with the bold flavors of Southeast Asia.

Pros
  • +Great for groups
  • +Elegant design
  • +Creative menu
Cons
  • -Can be very loud
  • -Expensive seafood
American Chophouse

Hermon’s

$$
4.7
5800 Monterey Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Hermon / Highland Park

Lasagna Vongole

Housed in a former church hall, this 2026 favorite offers "bar food for adults" in a stunning Art Deco space.

Pros
  • +Unique historic venue
  • +Great cocktails
  • +Community vibe
Cons
  • -Loud acoustics
  • -Niche location
Italian

Osteria Mozza

$$$
4.7
6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Melrose / Hancock Park

Burrata with Leeks

Nancy Silverton’s Michelin-starred icon, featuring a legendary mozzarella bar and incredible roasted meats.

Pros
  • +Legendary Mozzarella bar
  • +Elite service
  • +Sophisticated crowd
Cons
  • -Formal vibe
  • -Expensive for pasta

Best Restaurants in Los Angeles - Where to Eat Guide

Discover the best restaurants in Los Angeles with our guide to the top 25 dining spots in Los Angeles, United States. Whether you're after authentic local cuisine, international flavours, street food, or fine dining, Los Angeles's food scene caters to every palate and budget.

Top-rated restaurants in Los Angeles include Hayato, Providence, Mother Wolf, each known for standout dishes and memorable dining experiences that capture the flavours of United States.

The best restaurants in Los Angeles span everything from neighbourhood eateries and rooftop bars to upscale tasting menus. Eating well in Los Angeles is part of the experience — take your time exploring different areas and cuisine styles rather than sticking to tourist hotspots.

Use our Los Angeles restaurant guide below to filter by cuisine type, price range, and location. Whether you're searching for the best United States food or international options, you'll find the right place to eat in Los Angeles for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Los Angeles

What food is Los Angeles famous for?

Los Angeles is known for its unique culinary scene. Explore local specialties and regional dishes at our recommended restaurants above. From street food to fine dining, there's something for every taste.

Do I need reservations at restaurants in Los Angeles?

For popular restaurants, especially for dinner, reservations are recommended. Many restaurants now accept online bookings. Casual spots and lunch service typically don't require reservations.

What is the average meal cost in Los Angeles?

Meal costs vary widely in Los Angeles. Budget options range from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. Check our restaurant recommendations for options at different price points.

Explore More of Los Angeles

About Los Angeles, United States

Los Angeles is one of United States's most visited destinations, celebrated for Hollywood, beaches like Venice and Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in North America can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, Los Angeles has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.

Our free Los Angeles guide covers 25 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal Los Angeles's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.

The food scene in Los Angeles is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic United States cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in Los Angeles doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how Los Angeles's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.

Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a Los Angeles visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of Los Angeles that fits your pace.

A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is English; the currency is USD; the best time to visit is The best months to visit Los Angeles are from March to May and between September and November, when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded.. Getting around Los Angeles is generally straightforward — most cities in United States offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated Los Angeles travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.

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