Some of LA's most authentic Mexican food can be found here. Inexpensive, located in Bell, more than worth the drive.

Despite one too many rules, Sang Yoon's burger joint is straight-up killer, and serves a vast selection of craft beers.

Traditional Oaxacan bites, all reasonably-priced, served in simple Mexican digs.

In a handsomely rustic storefront, Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joe Bastianich what is, on its best days, LA's top pizza.

As old school as it gets. It's all about regulars and not-cheap traditional Italian offerings.

The namesake eatery within Joachim Splichal's Patina Restaurant Group, come for meticulously prepared seasonal, modern French fine dining.

It's all about the tasting menus at Josiah Citrin's consistent high quality French eatery.

Are there sweeter words than "Strip Mall" when used in conjunction with "Powerful Thai flavors?" Ansewr: No.

While people will quibble over whether or not Parks is the de facto best korean barbecue in the city, it's exceptionally solid, and the perfect destination for a night out in K-Town.

Blink and you might miss this San Gabriel Valley hole-in-the-wall where diners can watch dumplings being made from behind a clear partition. There are only about four tables, nobody speaks english, and it's dirt cheap!

This is definitely a special occasion restaurant. Just 10 sushi bar seats comprise the entire venue, expect to eat for up to five hours at a time and shell out several hundred dollars per guest for beautifully presented, life-changing omakase.

High quality rustic Northern Italian fare served within a small, minimalist space.

LA's most famous old school deli, do not miss the pastrami sandwich!

Premier seafood served in a recently renovated, modernized space. There's a raw bar, a tank with live ocean creatures, but do remember fresh fish will cost you.

Former Lazy Ox Canteen chef Josef Centeno has earned a following for his hybrid sandwich/taco/pizza creation he calls the "bäco," also the name of his industrial/rustic new downtown lunch and dinner spot. In addition to the bäco expect a bevy of seasonally inspired plates, craft beer, boutique wine, modern cocktails, and house-made sodas.

M.B. Post is a seasonal gastropub of sorts focused on serving small plates which highlight the daily farmers market offerings. Since day one this rustic, hip haunt has been a hit with locals who take over the many communal tables sipping farm fresh cocktails, but M.B. Post has also attracted diners around the city for date night and more.

Top Cheffer Michael Voltaggio's first formal restaurant, hip and minimalist in aesthetic. Expect beautifully presented seasonal dishes prepared using innovative techniques for MV's take on "Modern Los Angeles" cuisine.

Tsujita LA serves the best standard ramen and tsukemen in all of Los Angeles. The broth and noodles are nearly perfect, while the tsukemen might even be better than the ramen. Only available during lunch and cash only, but definitely the biggest destination ramen in the city. Expect to wait for a table.

A hip Venice hang from Pitfire Pizza co-founder Paul Hibler and chef Jason Neroni. This small, smartly designed eatery is described by management as a "modern pastaria," serving creative, seasonal Cali-Italian plates alongside boutique wine and craft beer.

A tiny, always packed bakery and cafe from the Rustic Canyon team. Expect seasonal small plates, impeccable baked goods, and some of the best pizza pies in the city.

Los Angeles' most iconic restaurant went under the knife last summer and Wolfgang Puck's Spago emerged with a clean new aesthetic, thanks to designer Waldo Fernandez (Soho House). A new California-Asian fusion menu is in place, too.

Synonymous with Chinese food in America maybe more so than any other restaurant. Come for the made-to-order xiao long boas but always expect a wait.

Under the careful watch of chef Jeremy Fox, Santa Monica darling Rustic Canyon is now the best it has ever been. In addition to a new full bar program, Fox's lighter California-style veggie-centered dishes shine, making the staple westside date spot once again obligatory.

After a decade on West Third Street, chef Suzanne Goin's relocated wine bar is now as buzzy as ever. With a new full bar and revamped California-style menu, the tastefully designed eatery is perfectly poised for drinks with friends at the communal bar up front or a quiet date in one of the back booths.

Dinner at the French mashup, from all-star team Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook, and Vinny Dotolo, is a tough ticket to score (just 26 seats), and meals must be purchased in advance off Trois Mec's website. Including tip but excluding alcohol, the nightly prix fixe amounts to nearly $100 a head.

Hinoki & The Bird is chef David Myers' destination restaurant dedicated to pan-Asian-Cali cuisine executed by Top Chef alum Kuniko Yagi. The stunning indoor/outdoor dining room sits below The Century luxe condo tower in Century City.

In the former home to Playa (RIP) comes Petty Cash Taqueria, a colorful and fun new eatery conducive to social dining (many communal picnic-style tables). Chef Walter Manzke collaborated with famed Baja chef Guillermo Campos Moreno of Tacos Kokopelli on Petty Cash's Mexican street food menu. There's deep fried cheesy churros, a bevy of tacos, and even raw pork ceviche.

It doesn't get more hippy-dippy than Cafe Gratitude. This Bay Area export serves carnivore-approved organic, raw/vegan cuisine in two LA locales. What are you grateful for?