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The 38 Essential Los Angeles Restaurants, October 2014

An essential collection of the restaurants that most represent the excellent depth, breadth and quality of Los Angeles dining.

by Matthew Kang@mattatouille Oct 7, 2014, 10:00am PDT

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by Matthew Kang@mattatouille Oct 7, 2014, 10:00am PDT

Spanning Westside to Eastside, with eateries clustered around the best dining neighborhoods, this collection of elite restaurants aims to answer the question, "Can you recommend a place?" Eater will continue to update restaurants every few months, adding in eligible places that have been open for at least six months. There's no particular order, except that the first 32 restaurants are listed alphabetically.

The last 6 spots, which has a bit more emphasis on stellar Mexican restaurants, are the most recent addition of eateries to qualify for this list. Instead of The Bazaar, in comes Sotto, which has been consistently producing some of the best Italian cuisine in L.A. Petty Cash Taqueria jumps in for Din Tai Fung while Maude replaces Red Medicine, which will be closing at the end of October. Guerrilla Tacos, while a mobile truck, gets the nod for Wes Avila's inventive tacos, The Sycamore Kitchen provides a great every day spot for Mid-City dwellers (replacing Baco Mercat) while Coni'Seafood goes in for The Hart & The Hunter, which lost its two founding chefs this month.

Added October 2014: Petty Cash Taqueria, Sotto, Maude, Guerrilla Tacos, The Sycamore Kitchen, Coni'Seafood

For those of you readying the pitchforks because your favorite restaurant isn't on the list, it's probably easier to just state your case in the comments or to the tipline.

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Alma

Ari Taymor's first venture might be the one of the most notable places in L.A. to have taken a meteoric rise, thanks mostly to a Best New Restaurant from Bon Appetit. But beyond the hype, which is immense, lies a dedication to impeccably sourced hyper-local ingredients presented in a rather unique and innovative manner. Love it or hate it, it's now on the forefront of anyone who visits Los Angeles, and deserves a spot on the must-try list for locals as well.

952 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

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Animal

Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo captured a certain idea that's remained at the prime spot of restaurant culture in L.A. Minimal, pure, on-point yet adventurous, controversial yet comforting. Shook and Dotolo's Fairfax restaurant doesn't feel bad about serving offal meat or unusual animals. Many have attempted to copy their approach, but few have succeeded.

435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048

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AOC

Suzanne Goin's newly relocated but enduring Mediterranean restaurant on West Third continues to churn out some of the most reliable, and seasonally driven cooking in the city. With the new digs and one of the most charming patios in town, it's hard to find much fault with AOC. The produce-driven cocktails, which weren't available at the previous location, also bump up the experience.

8700 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048

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Bestia

Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis knew something about finding the perfect spot and offering the area the perfect concept. Seasonal, meat-driven rustic Italian in an industrial space in the heart of the Arts District. Who knew it was going to be one of the most talked about and constantly books restaurants in the city despite having a nearly hidden location? The pizzas, pastas, appetizers and mains all shine, with cocktails and wine as impressive as any restaurant in town.

2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021

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Bucato

Evan Funke's oddly laid out restaurant some notable quirks, namely a no-cellphone and camera policy, stove-less kitchen, and completely handcut and rolled pasta menu. The compromises are worth it when the dishes are served, as flavors and textures collide to create one of the most compelling new Italian restaurants to hit LA.

3280 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90034

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Canele Restaurant

L.A. doesn't have as many great neighborhood restaurants as say, New York or San Francisco. You know, the kind of places where you could slip into a two top, order a bottle of rose, and order up a parade of seasonal American/French bites. But Canele fits the billing nicely in a tiny space in Atwater Village. Brunch is no slouch, either, though come early to beat the crowd.

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3219 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

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Chi Spacca

There's steak, and then there's Chad Colby's absolute obsession with all things meat, including a mighty Bistecca alla Fiorentina that would make grown carnivores cry. The house charcuterie is appropriately fantastic while other dishes like the bone marrow pie defy any person's sense of moderation.

6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

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Father's Office

The gourmet burger didn't really exist until Sang Yoon decided to offer one at his Santa Monica gastropub. Since then, a larger, more comfy outlet has opened to crowds in Culver City, offering a massive tap list, decently priced cocktails, and a slew of pub fare that only a top flight fine dining chef could compile. Going beyond the burger, everything from the duck salad to steak frites and even mushrooms go fantastic with all the beverages on deck. Just don't ask for ketchup, or any modifications, actually.

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3229 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

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Gjelina

Travis Lett's enduring Abbot Kinney restaurant still attracts a steady clientele with a compelling mix of vegetable-driven small plates and well executed fare. Other than Axe, perhaps the most "Venice" restaurant in Venice.

1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

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Hinoki & The Bird

Placed in one of the most unique restaurant spaces in town, Hinoki & the Bird remains a world-class eatery under the helm of Kuniko Yagi, who adds East and Southeast Asian touches to a menu that seems simple to the beginner's eye. But underneath each dish is a compendium of complexity that would stand up to some of the best places in the city.

10 W Century Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90067

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ink.

Michael Voltaggio's avant garde restaurant on Melrose is one of the spots that will truly impress a diner that's been through the classics and wants more. Prepare for the mind to be warped and even toyed with, as Voltaggio blends traditional technique with unexpected ingredients.

8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

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Kang Ho Dong Baek Jeong

There are so many great Korean barbecue restaurants, but this relative newcomer that's sprouting franchises across the U.S. is still the one to beat. The best quality meats, the best marinades, only the most essential banchan, and an ambiance lifted straight out of a street-side spot in Seoul, Kang Ho Dong Baek Jeong might actually be worth the tremendous waits and raucous environment. The pork neck slivers and lightly marinaded brisket, when slow cooked over smoking charcoal, might be the closest thing to Texas barbecue in LA.

3465 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

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Kobawoo House

There are more than a dozen outstanding Korean restaurants in Koreatown, an enclave that might hold the highest density of eateries in LA. Notable picks around Ktown: Soban, Seong Buk Dong, and Kobawoo, the last of which tends to have the most menu options and the most consistent execution. The lunchtime bossam is a great deal while the stews, fish, and pancakes are all top drawer.

698 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005

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La Casita Mexicana

LA is known for great Mexican food, but there aren't a ton of great Mexican restaurants to be found in central L.A. Petty Cash is contender for great tacos while Rocio's Mole de Los Dioses is a bit north for most people. Guelaguetza is another strong choice, but La Casita Mexicana has the whole package, from breakfast to dinner. Try the chiles en nogada or the enchiladas.

4030 Gage Ave, Bell, CA 90201

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Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant

Yes, the #19 pastrami sandwich is an amazing sandwich, but the pure pastrami on house-based rye is simplicity at its best. There's a reason why people make pilgrimages to try their pastrami and even corned beef: there is no better version anywhere in town, and perhaps even in the country. Pro tip: try the #54, a blend of both the pastrami and corned beef in one sandwich. And don't skip the rest of the classic Jewish deli menu - it's all very well executed in one of the best day-time dining rooms in town.

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

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Mélisse

Josiah Citrin's nearly 15 year old fine dining establishment holds down the high-end side of things on the Westside. With a regal ambiance and world-class service, it's hard to think of a better place to experience Michelin-level food in Los angeles. Opt for a tasting menu and order up a bottle of good wine. You deserve it.

1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Milo and Olive

Quietly occupying a rather barren stretch of Wilshire Blvd, Milo & Olive serves what might be the most compelling every day food on the Westside, from fantastic pizzas and pastries to market-driven bites that will turn even the hardest skeptic. Too bad the space is about as small as one could imagine, though it's worth the wait.

2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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Night + Market

Kris Yenbamroong struck the right nerve when he opened this Thai street food eatery in the heart of West Hollywood's Sunset Strip, a relative food desert considering its notoreity. Since opening a few years ago, the strong Thai dishes never fail to impress out of towners and locals alike, with addictive dishes and modest prices. If you're on the Eastside, try Night + Market Song, a near carbon copy with a few specialties of its own.

9041 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Orsa & Winston

Josef Centeno decided to come back to fine dining with a bang, this time taking over a 40 seat spot right next to his other two restaurants in Downtown. This sort-of Japanese and Italian high end restaurant offering medium and larger tasting menus that appeal to the international diner who's used to counting Michelin stars, to the local foodist who knows his or her salt. Either way, the meals here are immediately gratifying and more than reasonably priced for this level of quality.

122 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

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Osteria Mozza

While Nancy Silverton's adjacent Pizzeria Mozza is no slouch, offering one of the best pizzas in the city, the Osteria sets the standard for elegant Italian cuisine in a convivial atmosphere. A good place to hit during the weekday for an amaro and plate of burrata, or a fine spot to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, the service is always going to be top notch. Don't skip any of the pastas or main dishes, which are prepared to perfection.

6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

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Providence

Michael Cimarusti's ode to seafood-centric fine dining has gotten a much needed revamp in Hancock Park, with a nautical theme to reinforce the kind of preparations happening on the plate. The tasting menu-focused eatery is an easy choice for a celebration or special occasion.

5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

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République

When Walter and Margarita Manzke took over the iconic Campanile space, they knew the stakes were going to be high. And who in LA would have thought they would've succeeded this much, offering a swell breakfast to dinner menu that ranges a French point of view, with pockets of New American and even Asian influences that appeal to nearly everyone. The desserts, breads, and pastries by Margarita are near-perfect while the charcuterie board is sure to stun anyone.

624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

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Rustic Canyon Wine Bar

Jeremy Fox revitalized one of the Westside's strongest restaurants, bringing a Northern California elegance and finesse to a market-driven menu that almost didn't need it. The result is wonderful set of dishes that doesn't need fireworks to impress. The ingredients, technique, and chef's touch speak for themselves.

1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Sapp Coffee Shop

A humble Thai breakfast and lunch spot, Sapp Coffee Shop has two iconic dishes that are must-trys for visitors and Angelenos. First, the jade noodles, both dry and immersed in soup (for former is better). Second the Thai Boat Noodles, which are dank, intense, spicy, and not for the faint of heart. But beyond that, the fried rice and crab pad thai are more than respectable. Cash only.

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

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Shunji Japanese Cuisine

Yes, Urasawa, Yamakase, Zo, Q, Nozawa Bar, n/naka, and Kiyokawa would all quality for inclusion, but perhaps none balances sushi and hot dishes at an attainable price (as in, less than an arm and a leg) than Shunji, which occupies an old Depression-era chili restaurant (believe it). Though the prices are still quite steep, the sashimi plate, nigiri sushi, and tomato agadashi alone are worth the admission fee.

12244 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

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Son of a Gun Restaurant

Think of this as the seafood of Animal, from the same crew, and in an even smaller dining room. The fried chicken sandwich is consistently rated as the one of the city's best, both the diminutive lobster roll and shrimp toast impress even skeptics, and the rest of the seafood-driven menu generally hits the right spot on any night of the week. Good luck getting a table during prime hours though.

8370 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

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Spago Beverly Hills

Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills flagship still has a compelling tasting menu that would stand up to the city's best. Throw in a star-powered crowd with world-class service, and you have one restaurant that will appeal to high end diners and people watchers alike.

176 N Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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SUGARFISH

Sushi isn't just commonplace in LA, it's an absolute right by Angelenos. Everyone has their favorite local spot or strip mall hidden gem, but it's hard to argue with the overall value, price, and consistency of SugarFISH, which has outlets across town, including Marina del Rey, Brentwood, Santa Monica, La Brea, and Downtown. Get the Trust Me, and enjoy the ride.

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1345 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Sqirl Kitchen

Jessica Koslow realized that the Eastside was bereft of a great every day breakfast and lunch spot, and SQIRL was the answer everyone was waiting for. Tucked away on a sleepy stretch of Virgil, this seasonal kitchen produces surprising cuisine that balances flavor with superb ingredients. Don't miss desserts either.

720 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

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The Tasting Kitchen

Casey Lane's Italian-inflected restaurant still maintains an excellent level of quality despite a few years of life on Abbot Kinney. The room is one of the most lovely on the block and the cocktails by Justin Pike stand up to the best in town. Try the pastas.

1633 Abbot Kinney Rd, Venice, CA 90291

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Trois Mec

Ludo Lefebvre paired up with chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo to create a musical version of Led Zeppelin - a supergroup of uber-talented culinary minds that produces one of the best tasting menus in town. Purchase tickets on select days and watch Lefebvre create some of the most creative, expressive cuisine in Los Angeles.

716 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

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Tsujita Annex

Ramen is currently king in terms of casual food in Los Angeles, and perhaps no place reigns over Tsujita, a duet of eateries in Sawtelle, one of the busiest dining neighborhoods in town. While the original now offers day through evening Hakata-style ramen with thin noodles and superb tsukemen, the ANNEX is the place to try LA's take on the legendary Jiro-style ramen popularized in Tokyo that spawned dozens of imitators. Simply put, this is the most intense ramen LA has ever seen. The tsukemen is a great choice for starters while the regular ramen bowl packs are garlicky punch.

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2050 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Maude

Curtis Stone's excellent tasting menu-focused restaurant in Beverly Hills has been a critical favorite since day one. With just over 25 seats in the diminutive restaurant, Stone takes one ingredient per month and makes an entire tasting menu based on that seasonal ingredient. In the past it's been everything from berries to rhubarb, but November is boasting an expensive truffle menu. But act fast - the first of every month (for the next month's tables) opens up phone lines, with seats filling up within hours, making this truly one of the hardest reservations to get in the city.

212 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

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Petty Cash Taqueria

Walter Manzke's enduring taco restaurant is currently one of the best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. Yes, the prices for tacos is high, but the quality of ingredients is going to be head and shoulders above anything you'll find on the streets. Pair that with a superb cocktail and spirits list by Julian Cox, and you have a great adventure into the higher realms of taco-making in Los Angeles.

7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

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