By Stephen 
Los Angeles is bursting with endless dining options, making it a dream destination for food enthusiasts. To help you get started, here’s a guide to some must-try culinary experiences.
Once labeled as the land of diet culture and bland salads, the city has transformed into a thriving hub of creativity and flavor. Chefs here make the most of the fresh, local ingredients to craft unique pizzas, vibrant vegetarian dishes, and unforgettable breakfast plates. It’s California cuisine with a modern, exciting twist.
Brunch: Sqirl
Once a small cafe specializing in artisanal toast and jam, Sqirl has blossomed into one of the most popular brunch spots in Los Angeles. It’s a place where eager patrons line up to enjoy its iconic sorrel brown rice bowl topped with a perfectly fried egg or one of the inventive specials that never disappoint.
It’s all too easy to order more than you need here, with options like house-made sausage, hearty porridge served with local milk, or open-faced toast piled high with kale, tomatillos, and a dash of hot sauce. And because Sqirl’s roots lie in jam-making, you’d be remiss not to try the thick, fluffy brioche toast slathered with fresh ricotta and topped with their signature seasonal jam.
New Restaurant: Here’s Looking At You
Koreatown’s Here’s Looking At You is a fresh take on fusion cuisine, embracing the genre with unapologetic enthusiasm. Chef Jonathan Whitener draws on his diverse culinary influences and personal history to craft a menu that’s both innovative and deeply personal. “My dad’s an army brat from Germany, my mom’s Mexican, and I grew up in a Japanese community in South Orange County,” Whitener shares.
This melting pot of cultures is reflected in his dishes. Take, for example, the beef tartare, where tender beef is paired with bold chiles, ramps, an egg yolk, turnips, and peppery cress, all served alongside thick slices of charred bread. It’s a perfect example of the chef’s ability to weave together his fine-dining background with his multicultural heritage.
Pizza: Gjelina
Gjelina, nestled on the bustling Abbot Kinney Boulevard, is known for two things: its stunningly fashionable clientele and its unbeatable pizzas. The modern-California eatery offers over a dozen pizzas on its ever-changing seasonal menu, best enjoyed on the charming outdoor patio with its mix of vintage wood tables and metal stools. The thin, crispy crust is a masterpiece on its own, but the true stars are the toppings.
Imagine a pizza adorned with duck sausage, caramelized mushrooms, roasted garlic, and shallots, all blanketed with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. When in season, you might even find unique ingredients like squash blossoms or wild nettles gracing your pie. At Gjelina, the menu changes to reflect the seasons, capturing the essence of California’s farm-fresh bounty.
Thai: Night + Market Song
Los Angeles is a haven for exceptional Southeast Asian cuisine, and for bold, spicy Thai flavors, Night + Market Song in Silver Lake is a must-visit. Chef Kris Yenbamroong brings the heat with his Northern Thai-inspired menu, blending spicy, sweet, and sour notes in every dish. The fried chicken here is unforgettable, pairing perfectly with staples like the crispy rice salad or the intensely flavorful larb.
If the fiery kick of Thai chilies gets too intense, cool things down with a classic Thai iced tea or explore the chef’s thoughtfully curated selection of biodynamic wines.
Steakhouse: Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse
Steakhouses in Los Angeles have long been synonymous with glamorous gatherings and power lunches, and Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse in Downtown LA is a fresh twist on this enduring tradition.
This modern venue delivers all the decadence you’d expect from a classic steakhouse — think wagyu rib eyes and dry-aged tomahawk chops — but with a lighter, contemporary California touch. Alongside the indulgent cuts of meat, you’ll find elegant dishes like a foraged garden salad and expertly pan-seared diver scallops, offering a well-rounded dining experience that feels both luxurious and approachable.
Sushi: Hamasaku
In a city celebrated for its coastal bounty and rich Japanese heritage, Hamasaku stands out as a sushi destination that delivers excellence without pretense.
Nestled in an unassuming strip mall, this gem is where Executive Sushi Chef Yoya Takahashi crafts a $75 omakase experience that’s both accessible and refined. Hailing from Kyoto, Takahashi champions sustainability and seasonality, allowing each ingredient to shine through in thoughtfully simple yet masterfully executed presentations. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the world of omakase, Hamasaku offers an authentic taste of Los Angeles’s sushi scene.
Tacos: Guerrilla Tacos
When a classically trained chef with a passion for top-notch ingredients takes the helm of a taco truck, the result is far from ordinary. At Guerrilla Tacos, chef Wes Avila keeps things exciting with a constantly changing menu.
One day, you might savor Cook Pigs Ranch sausage wrapped in a tortilla; the next, indulge in creamy, salty Santa Barbara uni. Fish tacos here feature crispy Modelo beer-battered cod paired with crunchy cabbage and smoky chile Japonais. Even the humble quesadilla gets a gourmet twist, layered with black winter truffle and rich beef jus. The flavor combinations are unexpected but always perfectly executed, earning Avila a loyal following that lines up daily outside his truck.
Speakeasy: The Varnish
Tucked behind Cole’s, a historic sandwich shop, The Varnish is an iconic speakeasy that many credit with sparking LA’s craft cocktail renaissance. Run by barman Eric Alperin, a protégé of the legendary Sasha Petraske (of Milk & Honey fame), this hidden gem offers a cocktail menu that evolves seasonally.
Drinks are crafted with precision—syrups made fresh daily, hand-chiseled ice, and meticulous attention to detail that ensures every sip is a masterpiece. The dimly lit, intimate atmosphere puts the focus squarely on the art of mixology, making The Varnish a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a refined yet cozy experience.
Chinese: Szechuan Impression
“Our goal is to leave guests with a lasting impression of Sichuan,” says co-owner Kelly Xiao, and it’s safe to say they’ve succeeded. Szechuan Impression elevates modern Sichuan cuisine, showcasing dishes like pork kidney infused with the bold flavors of green peppercorn puree and glutinous squash cakes.
These offerings reflect what’s trending in Sichuan today, moving beyond the usual fare. While the menu nods to tradition with staples like kung pao chicken and water-boiled fish, it shines brightest with innovative dishes unique to Los Angeles. Tea-smoked pork ribs, for example, owe their rich aroma to a meticulous two-day smoking process using Sichuan-sourced green tea leaves. True to the region’s love for spice, dishes like the Leshan beef combo—a hearty soup of tripe and beef shank—arrive with fresh and dried chiles on the side, delivering the fiery kick that Sichuan is famous for.