Eat Your Way Through LA
Written By: Lindsay Heiman
A Guide to LA’s Best Restaurants, From Fun Group Spots to Impressive Dining Experiences for All
Los Angeles is a culinary playground where you can find a hot spot for every occasion. LA’s diverse food scene has something for everyone—friends, parents, a hot date. From trendy rooftops to cozy hole in the walls, this city offers endless dining experiences that cater to any mood. Whether you’re craving adventurous flavors or looking to impress, this guide highlights some of the best restaurants in LA.
Los Angeles is a vibrant city that pulses with energy, creativity, and, of course, exceptional food. Whether you’re planning a fun night out with friends or seeking the perfect spot to impress your parents during their visit, LA’s diverse dining scene has something for everyone. From bustling taco joints to stylish cocktail lounges, the city offers a plethora of hot spots where you can indulge in shareable plates or savor gourmet dishes. Below, we’ve curated the best places to gather with friends or treat your parents, ensuring every meal becomes a memorable experience.
dining with friends
Hot Spots to Hit Up with Friends
LA is a city made for group outings, and there’s no shortage of lively, shareable dining experiences for friends. Whether it’s adventurous dishes or family style, here are a few favorites for social nights.
Girl & the Goat
Girl & the Goat
Location: Arts District
If you and your friends love trying new and exciting flavors, Girl & the Goat in the Arts District will not disappoint. Chef Stephanie Izard, a James Beard Award winner, brings globally inspired dishes with a bold twist. From goat curry to roasted oysters, the menu is designed for sharing and will keep your taste buds on a delectable rollercoaster. The colorful drinks—often adorned with marigold blossoms—add to the playful ambiance, while the boho chic decor makes it feel like you’re dining in an artist’s loft in Brooklyn. Don’t miss the brunch menu, where Chef Izard’s creative take on the Vietnamese bánh xèo, with a potato crepe riff, is a star attraction.
Guerilla Tacos
Guerilla Tacos
Location: Arts District
For a more casual get-together, Guerilla Tacos offers street food done right. Located in the Arts District, this laid-back taco spot serves unique, chef-driven tacos with inventive fillings like sweet potato, roasted duck, or oxtail. It’s the perfect stop after a day of gallery hopping or before heading out for drinks. Grab a few tacos and a craft beer and hang out with friends in this vibrant, creative neighborhood.
MXO steak
MXO
Location: West Hollywood
Dining at MXO feels like a trip to a luxury resort south of the border. This lively Mexican steakhouse on La Cienega, from the chef behind Ka’teen, features a bustling bar with eye-catching agave cocktails and a dining room reminiscent of a millionaire’s dude ranch, complete with patio fire pits. Start with their impressive complimentary chips and salsa, try Michelada oyster shooters, and enjoy sweet potato taquitos. Just be prepared to spend—time at MXO can feel like a vacation, but it can cost as much as one, too.
jilli
Jilli
Location: Koreatown
Amid the many Koreatown bars, this sleek, blonde wood wine bar from the Chimmelier team is a versatile gem worth adding to your rotation. Jilli is laid-back enough for post-work beers paired with fried chicken yet moody enough for a romantic candlelit wine date at the bar. Arrive after 8 p.m. with your soju-loving friends, and you’ll find the narrow space pulsating with 2000s hip-hop, setting the stage for a fun night out. Jilli is a great catch-all to keep in your back pocket.
the baked potato
Baked Potato
Location: Studio City
You’ve enjoyed dinner at the trendy restaurant and had drinks at the latest hot spot. What’s next? Enter The Baked Potato. This iconic jazz club in Studio City offers one of the most unique and genuinely enjoyable experiences for a night out. On any given evening, the gritty, one-room bar on Cahuenga is filled with tattooed boomers, burly musicians, and wide-eyed newcomers marveling at the magic of improvisation. True to its name, the menu mainly features baked potatoes, with twenty-four different topping options to choose from. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance!
toasting parents
Where to Take Your Parents When They’re in Town
When your parents come to visit, it’s time to dial up the sophistication and charm. Impress them with these elegant, timeless spots that showcase LA’s culinary range and iconic venues.
republique
Republique
Location: Hancock Park
Set in a grand, historic building, Republique offers a dining experience that will make your parents feel pampered. The French-inspired menu leans on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and their house-made pastries alone are worth the trip. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast (where their famous croissants steal the show) or having a leisurely dinner, Republique’s ambiance feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Don’t forget to try their roast chicken for a truly decadent family meal.
providence
Providence
Location: Hollywood
If you’re looking for a showstopper, Providence is a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant that will wow even the most discerning of parents. Located in the heart of Hollywood, this elegant spot offers a carefully crafted tasting menu focusing on sustainable and seasonal seafood. The refined atmosphere, complete with white tablecloths and impeccable service, sets the stage for a memorable, elevated dining experience. It’s the kind of place where special occasions are celebrated and cherished.
si laa
Si Laa
Location: Beverly Hills
Nestled on Robertson, this Thai restaurant offers a serene dining experience with its understated decor and crisp white tablecloths, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. The menu features authentic dishes that elevate traditional Thai flavors, making it a delightful culinary adventure for your parents while avoiding the usual tourist traps of Beverly Hills.
Mélisse
Mélisse
Location: Santa Monica
For an ultra-luxurious evening, Mélisse in Santa Monica is a two-Michelin-star eaterie. Specializing in French cuisine with a Californian twist, it offers a multi-course tasting menu that’s artfully presented. This intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop for a special family meal, and the attention to detail from both the kitchen and the wait staff ensures an exceptional experience from start to finish.
malibu seafood
Malibu Seafood
Location: Malibu
If you were raised in the Midwest, your parents might consider seafood a risky choice. Change their perspective by visiting Malibu Seafood, the top seafood shack in LA. Nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway, this hidden gem often escapes the radar of the typical Malibu tourist crowd, ensuring shorter lines and a laid-back vibe that’ll have your parents feeling like they’ve discovered a local treasure. The menu here is packed with delicious options, but don’t leave without trying the calamari—it’s truly some of the best you’ll find.
salazar
Salazar
Location: Frogtown
Salazar brings the charm of a backyard BBQ to a modern dining experience. With its inviting open-air patio adorned with twinkling lights, it’s the perfect spot for a fun night out with the rents. The menu features wood-grilled tacos and fresh cocktails that appeal to a wide range of tastes, allowing them to explore new flavors while still enjoying familiar favorites.
In a city renowned for its culinary diversity, Los Angeles serves as the ultimate backdrop for casual outings with friends or sophisticated dining experiences with parents. Whether you’re enjoying innovative tacos at Guerilla Tacos or indulging in the elegance of Providence, each hot spot encapsulates the spirit of LA’s food scene. Round up your friends, treat your parents to a culinary adventure, and explore the mouthwatering delights that make this city a true food lover’s paradise.
TrooRa Magazine
Social Media Credits:
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@brokenshaker
@mxosteakhouse
@jilli.la
@bakedpotatojazzclub
@republique.restaurantla
@providencela
@silaathai
@melisserestaurant
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