Restaurants and Fine Dining

There are so many Los Angeles restaurants that it's sometimes difficult to narrow down the choices. The Los Angeles dining scene can be overwhelming, but finding the right Los Angeles restaurant for you and your travel companions shouldn't be difficult. Here are our recommendations for where to find a great meal in Los Angeles.

American & California Cuisine Restaurants

Barefoot Bar & Grill
8722 W 3rd St., West Hollywood, CA 90048 - (310) 276-6223
Moderately-priced, California-inspired food in a luxurious atmosphere. Happy hour specials and popular Sunday brunch. More info.

The Belmont
747 N La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069 - (310) 659-8871
High quality food in a lounge-like atmosphere that turns into a neighborhood cocktail party after dark. Happy hour is popular at this Los Angeles restaurant, especially when the game's on. More info.

The Ivy
113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (310) 274-8303
Popular with celebrities and Hollywood deal-makers, this Los Angeles restaurant offers American comfort food in a cottage-like atmosphere. Traditional dishes like corn chowder, fish & chips, and ice cream sundaes are very tasty, but be ready for a large bill -- you're paying for the Ivy's exclusive location and dining company. More info.

Lola's
945 N Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90036 - (213) 736-5652
Known as the birthplace of the apple martini, Lola's also serves up scrumptious entrees -- don't miss the macaroni and cheese. Fun, but laid-back atmosphere with a hopping bar. More info.

Newsroom Cafe
120 N Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (310) 652-4444
Delicious "health food", energizing fruit and vegetable drinks, and an electric crowd. Great breakfast or brunch place. The huge menu is very popular with the Los Angeles dining crowd, but the wait for a table is worth it. More info.

Asian Restaurants

Benihana
38 N LA Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 - (323) 655-7311
High quality Japanese stir-fry prepared at communal tables by skilled chefs known for their knife-wielding performances. More info.

Empress Pavilion
988 N Hill St Ste 201, Los Angeles, CA 90012 - (213) 617-9898
High quality chinese in the heart of Chinatown, offers one of the best dim sum services around at reasonable prices. Arrive early on the weekends to avoid waiting for a table for dim sum brunch. More info.

Formosa Cafe
7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 - (323) 850-9050
This old Hollywood hangout (featured in L.A. Confidential) offers California-inspired Asian food served on small plates, tapas-style. Photos of old celebs adorning the walls and the luxurious bar area and extensive drink menu will almost transport you back to Hollywood's golden years. More info.

Genghis Cohen
740 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 - (323) 653-0640
High quality Mongolian Chinese fare keeps kosher at this Los Angeles dining establishment. Great foo-foo drinks, good selection of vegetarian options, New-York style egg rolls, and a music room with nightly performances by up-and-coming local artists. More info.

Kung Pao Bistro
Multiple Locations
High quality Chinese food available for dine-in, take out and delivery. They offer a large vegetarian menu and the added bonus of allowing the substitution of vegetarian meat in almost all dishes, from beef to chicken to duck. More info.

Natalie Thai
998 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90035 - (310) 855-9380
10101 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 - (310) 202-7003
Great selection of fresh Thai entrees, noodles, curries and sushi in a sleek, comfortable atmosphere. One of the most popular Los Angeles restaurants for Thai cuisine. 2 locations. More info.

Trader Vic's
9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 - (310) 276-6345
This posh Polynesian landmark features great seafood and a huge selection of fruity alcoholic concoctions. More info.

Yamashiro
1999 North Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068 - (323) 466-5125
High-end traditional Japanesefood with beautiful views and palatial-style building. Make a reservation for Happy Hour during sunset for a truly unforgettable Los Angeles dining experience.More info.

Mexican Restaurants

Casablanca Restaurant
220 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 - (310) 392-5751
Film-themed but romantic setting, famous for its freshly-made tortillas, seafood and margaritas. More info.

El Compadre
7408 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90046 - (323) 874-7924
Flaming margaritas, live mariachi music, and a lively atmosphere more than compensate for nothing-special food. One of the more popular Los Angeles restaurants for Mexican food.More info.

Spanish Kitchen
826 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 - (310) 659-4794
Authentic Mexican atmosphere, expert margaritas and traditional Mexican dishes with a gourmet California twist. More info.

Italian Restaurants

Da Pasquale
9749 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 - (310) 859-3884
This family-owned restaurant serves up authentic Neopolitan-style pizzas, meat and fish entrees and great deserts in the heart of Beverly Hills. Comfortable leather booths and a wall of windows facing Little Santa Monica create a cozy atmosphere with a buzz reminiscent of a true Italian eatery. More info.

Vivoli Cafe & Trattoria
7994 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 - (323) 656-5050
Don't let it's strip mall location fool you -- the Vivoli Cafe serves up delicious, authentic Italian fare that's a step up from most Los Angeles restaurants. Great pizzas, meat and fish entrees and desserts, plus a fabulous wine list and true Italian wait staff make this little cafe one of L.A.'s best kept secrets. More info.

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

Real Food Daily
Multiple Locations
Vegan food that even meat-lovers will like, organic wines, and a friendly staff make this Los Angeles restaurant a favorite with the veggie crowd. Comfort food with a new-age touch, served up at 3 locations. More info.

Vegan Glory
8393 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (323) 653-4900
Thai goes vegan at this corner cafe where you can dine on the best meatless chicken nuggets I've found in Los Angeles yet. Unfortunately there aren't many tables, so be prepared for a short wait during peak hours. More info.

Other Restaurants

Anarkali
7013 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 - (323) 934-6488
Authentic Indian food in a relaxed, dimly-lit setting. Reasonably priced, very friendly and attentive staff. More info.

Le Petit Bistro
631 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 - (310) 289-9797
Though I've never been a big fan of french cuisine, I thoroughly enjoy the delectable food and cozy atmosphere of this small bistro in West Hollywood. It's a bit on the pricey side, especially if you plan to order a few glasses of wine, but the perfect-sized portions of fish, tender meat dishes, salads and warm baked brie are most definitely worth the few extra dollars at this Los Angeles dining establishment. More info.