Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world—from Hollywood to the Sunset Strip, it's the place where dreams are made (and come true). However, it's more than A-list talent and big-budget films. The City of Angels might only be 502 square miles, but in that space are oodles of restaurants exemplifying the diversity of the city. And there's no better time to indulge in the city's offerings than Dine LA Restaurant Week.
The fall restaurant week starts this year on October 6th and will run til October 20th. While technically it's more than a week, it also means more time to choose from the literally endless options available. And with over 40 participating restaurants, you’ll need that extra time. Below, we break down the MICHELIN Guide spots to visit and the hotels nearby for that post-dinner nightcap or a place to crash (and digest).
Alhambra
Sichuan Impression
Cuisine: Chinese
Other than the delicious Sichuan hits, be prepared for a wait. With two additional locations in Tustin and West Los Angeles, you’ll be thankful for the big windows and airy interiors once the scarlet-red numbing oils and fiery, chopped chilis arrive.
Back and ready for restaurant week, diners can expect a special 5-course lunch and dinner tasting menu for $69 at this delicious Bib Gourmand.
Inspector notes: “All of the usual hits are still in play—tea-smoked duck, big mouth ginger frog, mapo tofu. One recent highlight was a cauldron of fish and rattan pepper boiled in a thrillingly complex broth rippling with numbing, spicy tones.”
Stay nearby:
At Hotel Per La guests are greeted with vibrant rooms featuring timeless, yet modern European influences. What they don’t expect, however, is to experience the history of Downtown L.A. Formerly home to the Bank of Italy, the Giannini Building’s flagship restaurant and rooftop pool and bar will transport you back to the golden age of Hollywood.
Arcadia
Sushi Kisen
Cuisine: Japanese
Sushi restaurants can be as expensive as a mortgage and as quiet as a library, but this casual Arcadia hotspot is a wonderfully refreshing change of pace. The setting is more like Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, a frenetic intersection of customers lined up at the door, servers scurrying about, and chefs working like they are on a tight deadline. Counter seating or a table farther back? Omakase or a la carte? It doesn’t matter.
Stop by this MICHELIN Guide Restaurant during the fall restaurant week for a taste of their $45 lunch menu or $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: "The rice for the nigiri is reliably generous and lush in texture, and fish flies in from Japan on Monday and on Thursday. For this reason, Friday is often packed, as regulars look to catch the freshest shipment. Efficient, fairly-priced and friendly, Sushi Kisan meets all expectations in the most approachable of ways."
Stay nearby:
Like the other Soho House locations it’s a club first, and a hotel second, but overnight guests earn the benefits of temporary membership — this means access to the 50-foot rooftop swimming pool, as well as the House’s public spaces, including the Rooftop Terrace and Bar, the House Kitchen, and the Garden, an impressive indoor-outdoor dining and drinking venue. There’s art everywhere, including a massive mural by Shepard Fairey, and the lavishly outfitted gym spans two floors of the building.
Arts District
Manuela
Cuisine: American
Creativity is in the air in this restaurant. Conceptual art and an open-plan kitchen whet the appetite, while Southern leaning dishes serve as entrée.
For the fall restaurant week, Manuela is offering a $45 lunch menu that includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert.
Inspector notes: “Inspired by deer camps from the local farming community, the venison burger sandwiched between brioche with pickled green tomato and fried leeks is top of the charts. Sprinkled with benne seeds, Gulf shrimp aguachile with cucumber and avocado is enriched by a ginger-lime dressing. Excellent desserts await, but for a simple finale go for one of the house-made sorbets.”
Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
Cuisine: Contemporary
If you’re in the Arts District and want to go to a place that is vibrant and lively, this is it. Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard marries gutsy flavors with global inspiration with airy vibes here (credit it to the natural lighting and potted greens) for the total package in fine dining.
Celebrating Dine LA's fall restaurant week, diners can stop by Girl & the Goat Los Angeles and enjoy their $65+ prix fixe dinner menu.
Inspector notes: “Savory dishes, like roasted oysters and goat curry, feed the evening crowds while über-popular Sunday brunch lures diners with items like the potato crepe, a whimsical riff on the Vietnamese banh xeo.”
Yangban Society
Cuisine: Asian
This 5,000 square-foot space is more than just a dinner spot. Pulling triple duty as a deli, mini-mart, and restaurant, guests can pick their own adventure at the three dining areas.
Featuring a $55 dinner menu filled with delicious Asian flavors , this restaurant week offering is perfect for any night out.
Inspector notes: “Expect straight-up comfort food with Korean flair. "Bolognese" is ramped up with fermented black bean sauce; fried chicken dressed in a soy-garlic glaze presents a perfect balance of savory and sweet (you'll need extra napkins); and the pickles on display in the showcase are an ideal accompaniment. Chilled acorn noodles are a refreshing base for toasted nori, fried garlic and pickled perilla seeds in a shirodashi-based vinaigrette.”
kodō
Cuisine: Izakaya
Natural materials set the scene with serenity and calm. Guests can choose between sitting outside in the SoCal sun or indoors, while the menu celebrates Kyoto cuisine with a splash of Cali influences.
A $25 lunch menu and a $65+ dinner menu? Sign us up.
Inspector notes: “Off-menu specials, such as the Japanese sea snail, are especially memorable, while sea bream and octopus are impeccable. A steaming bowl of little neck clams garlic and butter is dreamy. Up for something sweet? Cheesecake with passion fruit sauce and kinako crumble is a favorite. “
Stay nearby:
Designed by GREC Architects and Commune Design, the Ace Hotel Downtown is more than just a boutique hotel. Once home to the likes of Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith, the interiors are dusted with the magic of old world Hollywood.
Beverly Hills
CUT
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Expect simply prepared meats and market-driven fare here, where the menu focuses on classics that never seem to go out of style. This is clear in the Maryland blue crab and Louisiana shrimp dressed in a tangy “Louis” sauce set over horseradish panna cotta. There are plenty of cuts from across the US to choose from, but those from Idaho's Snake River Farms are always on point.
Seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced come together here in the form of a $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: "The versatile kitchen pays equal attention to other such delectable items as Maine diver scallops and roasted poussin. The kitchen sources locally grown vegetables, and snow peas or autumn squash prove that sides aren't an afterthought."
Spago
Cuisine: Californian
Since debuting in the 1980's, Spago has become an American institution that never seems to age. Its stucco exterior beckons diners into the iconic canteen that's elegant in that inescapably Californian kind of way; while a large, tented outdoor area affords enormous privacy. Servers display a certain graciousness as they cater to every whim of these elegant A-listers.
Stop by during Dine LA's fall restaurant week for a taste of Spago's market-driven dinner menu for $65+.
Inspector notes: "The market-driven menu, as conceived by venerated Chef Ari Rosenson, is focused on the state's bounty with modern classics and perennial signatures. Imagine tuna tartare and smoked salmon pizza. Veal schnitzel, pounded flat and fried until golden, is another time-honored item that just so happens to be the recipe of the chef’s grandmother. Desserts, like the calamansi pavlova, also sparkle."
matū
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Did someone say date night? The exposed brick walls and wood panels act as the perfect complement to the warm and intimate ambiance, while the open kitchen allows onlookers to see the action of tender New Zealand steaks being prepared uninterrupted.
Experience matū's delicious New Zealand steaks this restaurant week with their $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: "Wagyu is usually a budget buster, but here it's offered at an unusually accessible price. Its delicate, exceptional flavor will have you remembering its for weeks to come. Steaks may be the heart of the menu, but fazzoletti with a slow-braised beef ragu are a fine choice."
Ella
Cuisine: Californian
This cozy cafe bistro may feel a bit like Europe, but its white brick walls are lined with black-and-white photographs of Hollywood's golden age. Nab a seat at the bar to chat with the friendly staff or sink in to one of the booths with vintage sofas at this trendy and inviting spot nestled within Sixty Hotel. They're all perfect for snacking and sipping on playful cocktails like the Pompeii, with flames flickering from the coupe.
Stop by during fall restaurant week for a $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: "Executive Chef Brian Min's casual menu is inspired by Mediterranean, Asian and Italian cuisines and includes sandwiches, pasta, and pizza. Crispy glazed duck wings might be his signature dish, but bucatini pomodoro, bolognese, burgers and steak frites are also popular. For dessert, go straight for the sticky toffee pudding."
Kazan
Cuisine: Japanese
Handmade soba? Check. Bib Gourmand? Check. Chef Ryu Isobe's local spot is the perfect place for those wanting a no fuss and easy on the wallet meal. Once you see the bright yellow sign, you'll know you've arrived.
Whether it's lunch or dinner ($55), this Bib Gourmand has got you covered.
Inspector notes: "The name is Japanese for "volcanic" and conveniently this soba-focused spot blows the lid off its competitors. The menu offers many a choice, including a vegetarian option, but the #7 (or lamb in lava) is a clear winner—set afloat with strands of hirauchi soba, Japanese spices, miso paste, and cilantro in chicken broth. Get slurping on this unique specialty and never look back."
Stay nearby:
Few hotels are as synonymous with Beverly Hills as The Maybourne. Elegant interiors, phenomenal service, and California-inspired cuisine at the Terrace restaurant converge in one spot for the ultimate luxury experience.
And while you're in the neighborhood, be sure to also check out Mírame, a Mexican spot with the perfect balance of traditional and modern dishes.
Calabasas
Saddle Peak Lodge
Cuisine: American
This log cabin used to be frequented by the liked of Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and the Rat Pack. Those touches of old Hollywood are alive in the current iteration, but with an added touch of delectable dishes made from wild game including bison, buffalo, and elk.
This $65+ dinner menu is the perfect pick to elevate any night out.
Inspector notes: "To start, a creamy and wonderfully seasoned pea soup. Next up, brown butter-sauced rainbow trout, served with sweet acorn squash and salty ricotta salata."
Stay nearby:
Book early, because rooms at The Surfrider Malibu sell out quickly. Each room is filled with organic textures—think reclaimed teak floorboards and modern-rustic furnishings—with upstair rooms featuring their own terraces with eye-watering views of the Pacific Ocean. Those wanting to linger on property should book a table at the guest-only roof terrace restaurant at sunset for a picture-perfect escape.
Culver City
Mayura
Cuisine: Indian
Don't let the simple interiors fool you. Inside, bright accents and biophillic elements sprinkle the space with charm while the plates are focused on flavors from Kerala.
A special lunch and dinner menus ($65+) is hitting Mayura this restaurant week.
Inspector notes: "Be sure to save room though for the divine ghee roast dosa, as this tall, triangular and crisp creation served with sambar and chutney is mighty impressive even as it floats out of the kitchen. Simmering with spices, Kerala chicken curry will have you returning in no time."
Stay nearby:
One block away from Culver Boulevard means the Palihotel Culver City is the ideal spot for those hoping to explore the area's booming nightlife and restaurant scene.
Downtown
YXTA Cocina Mexicana
Cuisine: Mexican
Straddling an entire corner and tucked along the edge of downtown LA, this airy spot woos with an open kitchen and industrial look combining exposed ducts, brick walls and glass-block windows.
The $35 dinner menu here offer diners a taste of Mexican cuisine for a deliciously good value.
Inspector notes: "Over in the kitchen, the menu goes on to please palates with favorites like chunky guacamole. Tostaditas de ceviche have just the right amount of crunch, heaped with citrus-marinated whitefish, diced cucumber, mango, avocado and slivered fresh chili for a zesty one-two punch. Enchiladas de mole arrive with generous chunks of roasted chicken and enveloped in a dark brown mole poblano that is sweet with ripe plantain and balanced by bitter chocolate and myriad other ingredients. Silky-smooth flan ends things nicely, especially with a shot of custard-rich rompope."
Maccheroni Republic
Cuisine: Italian-American
There’s a reason why tables at this local favorite are always filled. The inconspicuous exteriors and tiled walls may deceive passing tourists, but behind those tall mirrors are classic Italian-American dishes and handmade pastas that will have you asking for seconds.
These classic Italian-American dishes can be enjoyed during this restaurant week with their $35 brunch or $45 dinner menu.
Inspector notes: “The array of excellent handmade pastas is seemingly endless, like long, tubular strands of bigoli della nonna, headlining an impeccably balanced angus-and-sausage ragout. Then, try to pry yourself away from the noodle nexus and savory tomato-based sauces to savor freshly baked olive oil bread, deliciously paired with bites of polpettine di gamberi. Be sure to finish with a creamy affogato and be on your merry way.”
Redbird
Cuisine: Contemporary
The open ceiling (and occasional celebrity sighting) at this former church means diners can pick and choose which stars to gaze at. Perhaps even more impressive is the globally influenced menu filled with creative dishes coupled with traditional treats.
Don't miss out on this tasty $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: “Save room for clever desserts like yuzu custard with basil oil and cucumber sorbet, or opt for another cocktail from the extensive list.”
LA Cha Cha Chá
Cuisine: Mexican
The sister spot of Mexico City’s Terraza Cha Cha Chá, this downtown LA version boasts sweeping views and delivers with equally gorgeous bites.
Check out LA Cha Cha Chá during restaurant week for their $55 lunch and dinner menu of delicious bites.
Inspector notes: “The tostada terraza takes a crisp tortilla and piles on lush bluefin tuna with a flutter of fragrant crispy cilantro and a drizzle of chile morita aioli; pollo a las brasas is perfectly roasted and dressed with an achiote piquin sauce. Desserts are a masterpiece, as in a chocolate flan topped with a cocoa crisp flavored with Xila, a mezcal-based agave liquor highlighting the flavors of Puebla and Oaxaca.”
asterid by Ray Garcia
Cuisine: Californian
While Frank Gehry’s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall may be the reason many people stop by here, the food is what makes them stay. Chef Garcia’s evolving menu of seasonal produce filled with Latin American, Asian and European influences tantalize tastebuds keeping guests coming for more.
Come here for their $65+ dinner menu filled with globally influenced dishes.
Inspector notes: “Begin with a refreshing aguachile, where firm cubes of hiramasa are paired perfectly with melon, cucumber and fiery serrano chili. Then, a terra-cotta pot arrives brimming with shredded braised oxtail and beans atop a masa-based "spaetzle." The deconstructed strawberry shortcake with hibiscus-flavored angel food cake and strawberry ice cream ends things on a sweet note.“
Niku X
Cuisine: Yakiniku
Nestled on the second floor of The Wilshire Grand Center, Niku X is a stunner, featuring soaring ceilings and sleek design. Classic yakiniku-style dishes are cooked over state-of-the-art robatayaki grills, enlivened with contemporary techniques. Beef is the focal point, whether it’s certified Japanese A5 wagyu, or wagyu-breed cattle sourced from the States (including the group’s own California ranch), enhanced with on-site dry aging.
Stop by Niku X during restaurant week for their $65+ dinner menu filled with classic yakiniku-style dishes!
Inspector notes: "Four menus are on offer: standard and premium yakiniku tastings (reserved for two); a tomahawk tasting with a 46-oz namesake that can feed up to three; and a slightly more accessible à la carte featuring select items from the other menus. Note that the yakiniku tastings are the only ones offered in the luxe private room."
Stay nearby:
At the Hoxton, Downtown LA, public spaces are king. Crafted with the help of Soho House, the Hoxton bridges the club experience with hotel amenities. In-hotel dining options run the gamut from classic American diner, Sibling Rival, and stylish Mediterranean-inspired seafood bar, Pilot, making this DTLA an instant hit. The rooms are nothing to laugh at either, with each being decorated with House of Hackney printed wallpapers and hand-selected books.
Rossoblu
Cuisine: Italian
Quality ingredients, simple execution, and vibrant flavors define this Italian staple. Helming this Bib Gourmand is chef/owner Steve Samson who levies his adventures of roaming Emilia-Roagna to create authentic regional cuisine that would satisfy any palate.
Three courses. $55 dinner menu. Simple and delicious.
Inspector notes: “Pastas, like tagliolini tossed with ragù Bolognese and nutty parmesan are pure perfection. Close on the heels is an irresistible brick of tiramisu crowned with candied cocoa nib cream.”
Shibumi
Cuisine: Japanese
At One Star Shibumi, guests can expect an intimate and engaging meal focused on kappo-style cuisine.
Get a taste of chef David Schlosser's Japanese dining experience with this One Star's $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: “The multicourse kappo-style is the best way to experience this kitchen's creations. Dishes bring together a range of inspired Japanese flavors, but equal attention is given to texture and artistic presentations. Fixed menus here present a progression of courses selected by the chefs, which may include a few raw dishes. Highlights include wild fatty yellowtail with four-year-aged ginger and nori paste that packs a burst of umami.”
The Exchange
Cuisine: Contemporary
Aptly named after the historic 32-foot-tall “Commercial Exchange” sign decorating the exterior, this bright and comfortable dining room is hard to miss. Tucked inside the Freehand Hotel, diners can expect contemporary Middle Eastern cooking with Israeli, Californian, and Filipino influences.
Whether it's a $35 lunch or a $65+ dinner menu, The Exhange has got you covered.
Inspector notes: “Opt for the salatim platter, a rotating trio of items like rich hummus with a dusting of piquant Syrian pepper; or shredded red cabbage with peanuts and dukkah. Simple desserts, including a warm dark chocolate chip cookie, are especially satisfying.”
Stay nearby:
Marked by the expansive 12 story neon “Commercial Exchange” sign, this historic building marks Freehand’s third entry into the hospitality world. From shared rooms with bunk beds to suites with panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, the Freehand Los Angeles provides spaces for everyone.
Encino
Pasta | Bar
Cuisine: Contemporary
Start off at this One Star joint with drinks and a snack, before relocating for the main event—intriguing cuisine like fresh pasta pockets filled with black truffle and sprinkled with sunflower petals, or seared duck breast arranged with a fermented green garlic-filled agnolotti. The best part? It's all made using hyper-local ingredients.
Inspector notes: "Lamb loin is plated with a braised meat-stuffed ravioli, salsify puree and young snap peas. Desserts, like goat milk-white chocolate mousse, promise nothing less than sweet dreams."
With their carbohydrate packed dishes and a $65+ dinner menu, this One Star is a must visit during restaurant week.
Stay nearby:
Spread out across seven acres of parkland, the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel's sleek and contemporary interiors continue to wow guests. The warm and stylish rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stereos, and massive Roman-style baths. But with the full-service spa available and minutes away from the artifact-filled Getty Center, you probably won't need them.
Hermosa Beach
RYLA
Cuisine: Contemporary
Don’t get distracted by the coastal design elements and sophisticated vibes. Husband and wife duo Ray Hayashi and Cynthia Hetlinger serve delicious plates of Japanese-centric dishes with Asian influences. And while the small plates are perfect for sharing, we won’t tell anyone if you don’t.
With a lunch menu for $35, it's hard to find a better deal than this contemporary spot.
Inspector notes: “Pick a main like ox tongue curry rice. This Japanese curry with a touch of sweetness is chock full of vegetables and cubes of buttery tender ox tongue, while rice finished with sweet corn and pickled green strawberries cuts the richness. End with matcha tiramisu or soy milk pudding, topped with a brown sugar gelee, fresh strawberries and a scoop of strawberry shiso sorbet with a spicy ginger-sugared churro.”
Stay nearby:
The first of its kind in Redondo Beach, the Shade Hotel, Redondo Beach has Instagram worthy views of the ocean, extending all the way up to Malibu. And while there are just 54 rooms, each is designed with shades of blue and green, amplifying the effect of the mesmerizing oceanfront.
Hollywood
Kali
Cuisine: Californian
Experience Hollywood like a local at this neigbhorhood spot. Inside, chef Kevin Meehan's organic and sustianable cuisine is paired with eclectic wines and craft beers.
Other than the eclectic beverage options, there's also the $65+ dinner menu during restaurant week.
Inspector notes: "A meat refrigerator displaying dry-aged ducks, steaks and even a whole pig’s head is a natural conversation-starter and keeps all eyes on the food, which in turn lives up to its promise. Imagine a distinct spin on local flavors and of-the-moment techniques, like fermentation, preservation and deep charring to get a sense of what this place is about. Creativity also dominates each course, as seen in the barley risotto. Everything paired with the hanger steak, like buttermilk-garlic jus and porcini mushrooms with roasted potatoes, tastes like its perfect complement."
Stay nearby:
The original Gold Diggers was a bikini bar. This rendition still borrows the same sign above the Santa Monica Boulevard entrance, but with the added rehearsal space, venue, and recording studio. If you've ever wanted to live like a rockstar for a night, then this electrifying boutique hotel is it.
Inglewood
Coni’Seafood
Cuisine: Mexican
This local treasure has been earning accolades since it first opened in 1987. Today it continues to flourish as a family affair, as the founder’s daughter is running the show. It's the perfect setting for relishing the kitchen’s Nayarit-style cooking that showcases shrimp and fish imported from Sinaloa.
$25 lunch, or a $45 dinner menu. The choice is yours.
Inspector notes: "Those shrimp appear again and again, perhaps breaded and fried in tacos, or sautéed head-on in a bright red sauce of roasted chilies and beer. Enjoy their fish fried, cooked whole or even inside heaping bowls of ceviche with bracing, lemony flavors and a basket of chips."
Stay nearby:
The first in what’s to be the more affordable sibling of the luxury-boutique Proper Hotels line is Hotel June, occupying a classic mid-century hotel building by architect Welton Becket, on Lincoln Boulevard just to the north of LAX. Convenience is a small part of its appeal, but don’t think of it as an airport hotel — it’s equally close to Marina del Rey, with Venice just beyond, and Venice-style “West L.A.” living is what it’s all about.
Koreatown
Jeong Yuk Jeom
Cuisine: Korean
In a city known for its Korean barbecue, Jeong Yuk Jeom manages to stand apart from the crowd. Brothers Andrew and Jaeyong Son conceived the space which focuses on ample banchan and beautiful cuts of meat.
With their beautiful cuts of meat and a $65+ dinner menu, this Korean spot is a must visit during restaurant week.
Inspector notes: "With a name that denotes the Korean word for "butcher," it's no wonder they proffer only the most premium beef. While the tomahawk steak costs a pretty penny, it will feed an army with leftovers aplenty. Other items—like dry-aged prime rib or meaty short rib—arrive on a tray to be grilled tableside. Minimal embellishments, like soy and salt, ensure maximum enjoyment."
Openaire
Cuisine: Californian
Chef Josiah Citrin helms this greenhouse-like space situated inside the LINE Hotel. Diners can experience a taste of Citrin's flavors from Two Star Mélisse through the buzzy menu.
A $45 dinner menu filled with buzzy dishes from chef Josiah Citrin? Yes please!
Inspector notes: "Two winning selections include a meaty duck ragout tagliatelle tossed with a dusting of pistachios and pecorino, and perfect Parker House rolls accompanied by an array of spreads, such as cashew-arugula pesto. A sumptuous stew of Caledonian shrimp and heirloom beans is an earthy delight—not unlike the dreamy brown butter-pear tart served with lemongrass ice cream."
Stay nearby:
Adjacent to Koreatown, The LINE Hotel Los Angeles has become a staple in the Los Angeles boutique-hotel landscape. Designed by local designer Sean Knibb, interiors are filled with vibrant colors and unique furnishings. And to make things even better, The LINE also hosts a variety of entertainment options: Openaire on the second floor, a café by Alfred Coffee, and a design shop by local duo Poketo to name a few.
Los Angeles
A.O.C.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
As the name (an acronym for French wines’ regional certification) would suggest, this Mediterranean bijou lives up to its moniker with a floor-to-ceiling ensemble of Californian and European wines. The vibe is cozy, with rustic furniture, fireplaces, and a brick patio lined with olive trees.
Come for the vibes, stay for the food, specifically the $35 lunch and $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: "Diners may also treat themselves to cocktails that pair wonderfully with the consistently satisfying fare. The kitchen's focus on produce is clear in everything from a brunchtime beef cheesesteak sandwich with mushrooms and Comté, to tart marinated olives. Small plates is the order of the day, as in endive, smoked whitefish, and apple dressed with a kumquat-Meyer lemon cream or hanger steak with red wine-butter. Finish off with a strawberry-topped cream cheese tart."
Stay nearby:
Lately Los Angeles has been in the travel news for its edgy, urban offerings in Downtown and points east. But the more traditional luxury that’s particular to Hollywood’s high-end hotels has by no means gone out of style. If you’ve been to the Sunset Tower, then you’ll agree that hotelier Jeff Klein has a track record with this sort of thing, and it’s no surprise that news of his new Hotel 850 SVB West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, a residential-style luxury boutique hotel in West Hollywood, has met with much enthusiasm.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Post
Cuisine: International
There’s a reason why this Bib Gourmand from chef/co-owner David LeFevre is one of the area’s buzziest spots. Featuring creative bites, the menu is as playful as the casual and fun space with something for everyone—just make sure to try their bacon-cheddar buttermilk biscuits.
Diners can expect a $55 dinner menu at this Bib Gourmand during restaurant week.
Inspector notes: “Everything revolves around gathering, conversing and sharing; portions are small so plan your ordering as a group to explore a majority of the menu. Weekends can veer towards loud and crowded with plenty of young families in tow, so this isn’t a place for anyone with a yen for calm.”
Fishing with Dynamite
Cuisine: Seafood
Down the block from the Pacific Ocean, you’ll think the team has literally come back from fishing (with dynamite, anyone?). Combined with beachy vibes and you'll never want to leave.
Don't have a big enough appetite for dinner? Then come down to this seafood spot for their $55 lunch menu.
Inspector notes: “Raw bar dishes comprise half the menu, which lists different types of oysters, clams and lobsters that can be ordered as set platters or individually. The rest of the carte offers a selection of “old school” classics like gumbo, crab cakes and New England clam chowder revealing huge, meaty unshelled bivalves with chunks of bacon and potatoes. Adventurous palates will take pleasure in the “new school” fare—perhaps grilled octopus with saffron and chorizo, mahi mahi tacos or rockfish ceviche with persimmon. Desserts are well-portioned and genuinely desirable.”
Stay nearby:
Located just five minutes (and three blocks from the beach) away, the Shade Hotel, Manhattan Beach’s comfy goose down duvets and two-person spa tubs are the perfect way to cap off a delicious night. Designed by celebrity decorator Christopher Lowell, expect modern rooms infused with a variety of patterns, colors, and textures that are luxurious yet minimal.
Marina del Rey
Dear Jane's
Cuisine: American
In case this Marina del Rey restaurant's glass wall with views of the boats outside didn't give it away, Dear Jane's celebrates the life aquatic with its focus on old school seafood and Continental cuisine. This spot pours it on with large portions and over-the-top flourishes (caviar makes a regular appearance) while keeping things grounded with strong cooking.
With their $35 lunch and $65+ dinner menu, the question is why wouldn't you come to this aquatic restaurant.
Inspector notes: "Shrimp Louie, done tableside, is sized to share, as is the wedge, which brilliantly subs in vinaigrette in place of creamy dressing. Blackened salmon with a rich parsley and caper sauce is perfectly cooked, and lemony potatoes are a nice accompaniment."
Stay nearby:
Venice, and especially the funky old boardwalk, is no place for white-glove luxury, and the Erwin is suitably budget-conscious — though you’d never guess it from the décor, with its bold, cheery colors and its stylish modern furniture. The better rooms have sea views, but even the ones that look out over the town of Venice come with private balconies and HDTVs.
Pasadena
Perle
Cuisine: French
This quaint French bistro feels right at home in downtown Pasadena. The cozy space draws in anybody walking by, thanks to vintage frames, sturdy Mahogany tables, and a coffered wood ceiling. Whereas many restaurants are content to merely look like a French bistro, in this one Chef Dean Yasharian has the chops to cook like one too.
Stop by during the fall restaurant week to get a taste of chef Dean Yasharian's Parisian classics with their $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: "There is no need to reinvent the wheel and he knows it, carefully preparing such sleek, straight-shot Parisian classics as Burgundy snails glistening in herbed butter; silky-smooth pork pâté wrapped in pastry; and duck à l’orange with celery root purée. Dessert is essential: the airy Gran Marnier soufflé with crème fraîche ice cream and indulgent apple tarte Tartin are exactly the kind of sweet comforts worth returning for."
Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery
Cuisine: American
With a cheese shop and bar in the front and an airy patio at the rear, this is Pasadena's haute, but not haughty hangout. During the day, cheese and charcuterie is served but at night you'll be met with fingerlicking dishes from the kitchen's grill.
Choose the $35 lunch menu for a preview of what this American spot has to offer.
Inspector notes: "Cornbread eclair with chicken liver mousse is an easy decision, but choosing between the cavatelli with braised lamb and lamb fat gremolata or the half chicken with smoked jus is no small thing. The latter is brined, steamed, and charred over open flames until the skin is crisp as a chip. You probably won’t have room for dessert, but order the tres leches with corn pudding, anyway."
Fishwives
Cuisine: Seafood
In stark contrast to Old Pasadena’s commercialized shopping district sits this simple but alluring seafood bar. Inspired by New England cooking, diners can easily make a meal out of the raw menu alone, which features a roster of oysters, clams, lobster and shrimp. But cooked plates display just as much care and attention, as in the classic clam chowder or delicious market ceviche with ponzu vinaigrette.
Whether you choose the $45 lunch menu or $55 dinner menu, expect flavorful dishes from New England cooking.
Inspector notes: "First-timers will want to head straight for the rolls—large brioche buns from La Brea Bakery arrive toasted, buttered and filled with Maine lobster, Dungeness crab or smoked trout with lemon mayo."
Stay nearby:
The Paramour Estate has nine rooms making it intimate and with good reason. Dana Hollister's two decades as one of LA's top designers is on full display with each room as stylish as the next.
Santa Monica
The Lobster
Cuisine: Seafood
True to its name, this lovely perch overlooking the Santa Monica pier has earned its reputation for great American seafood, thanks to its focus on Maine lobsters and much more. Don’t let its beachy location lure you into thinking that this is a tourist trap. Tightly spaced tables don’t leave much room for privacy and the service seems focused on efficiency, but those expansive views and steaming seafood more than compensate.
Besides winning dishes, this seafood spot is churning out a delicious $55 dinner menus for the fall restaurant week.
Inspector notes: "Lobsters arrive at the height of temptation—find them beautifully steamed until the meat is so incredibly tender, rendering that side of melted butter all but superfluous. Hearty seared crab cakes have a crisp exterior and are generously filled with meat, served alongside peppery arugula, fennel salad and remoulade."
Lunetta
Cuisine: Contemporary
Beneath a striped awning, this corner location is warm and elegant, with sleek leather banquettes, wood cabinetry and rustic woven chairs adorning the dark blue interior.
Get ready for the fall season with this $35 lunch menu or $65+ dinner menu - both filled with classics and seasonal specials.
Inspector notes: "Chef Raphael Lunetta helms the kitchen, delivering dishes that have their roots from his time at JiRaffe. Imagine the likes of thick slices of an enticingly browned pork chop with wild rice and bacon. The dinner menu is an au courant list of impressive cooking, including crispy duck with quince or wood-grilled barbecue salmon. For dessert, try the rich, dense and burnt-sugar butterscotch pot de crème served in a coffee cup with a dollop of whipped cream."
Colapasta
Cuisine: Italian
Wear a helmet, because this Bib Gourmand spot packs a delicious punch. Chefs Stefano De Lorenzo and Lazzaro Marco Ferrari craft an elegant Italian menu featuring a daily rotating soup, antipasti, and pasta that is handmade in front of you.
A $45 brunch or dinner menu? The choice is yours.
Inspector notes: “Favorites may include tender calamarata, tossed in a smooth and bright tomato sauce, dotted with oregano, creamy stracciatella and a drizzle of quality olive oil.”
Citrin
Cuisine: Californian
Fans of Californian cuisine will be right at home with this One Star. Known for combining French techniques with seasonal produce from California, chef Ken Takayama delivers on Josiah Citrin's updated classics with modern influences.
Hold off until the evening here, because during restaurant week, this One Star offers a $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: “Spendthrifts will revel in the opulent caviar and truffle add-ons; but even without a dollop or shaving of luxury; the impressive cooking here, such as artichoke agnolotti with Comte and smoked barigoule is an indulgence, as is the Sonoma lamb loin with rosemary scented jus.”
Fia
Cuisine: Contemporary
A Santa Monica landmark dating back to the 20s, the onetime Wilshire has been reimagined with an Italian streak. It’s hard to imagine a more exquisitely Angeleno locale than this sprawling courtyard, encased by massive pine trees and illuminated by twinkling string lights.
Expect a $65+ dinner menu filled with Italian dishes at this Santa Monica landmark during the fall restaurant week.
Inspector notes: "Fia's menu features organic produce from local farmers from no further than 50 miles away, and though it appears routine on the surface, it's full of inventive twists, as seen in the spicy tuna on crispy arancini, or the porcini tortellini with asparagus, spinach and pearl onion. Save room for the Amalfi lemon mousse cake with Limoncello granita and meringue."
Stay nearby:
Combine a 1920's Spanish Colonial building with updated contemporary interiors and what do you get? The Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a modern boutique hotel with high-luxury details (the Surya Ayurvedic Spa, yoga terrace, and rooftop pool, to name a few) and rooms decorated with works by local Los Angeles artists.
Still craving more? We don't blame you. Fans of Contemporary cuisine should stop by Lunetta for some of chef Raphael Lunetta's signature browned pork chops or Fia's organic produce from local farmers. Don't forget Savida though, where local seafood serves as the foundation for the menu. And for a splash of Asian flavors, head over to Chinois on Main, where Asian cuisine is fused with Californian and French influences.
Silver Lake
Spoon & Pork
Cuisine: Filipino
The neon pig hanging outside this comfort food spot signifies two things. The first is you've arrived at Spoon & Pork; the second is that you've stumbled upon delicious modern Filipino cuisine. Inside, a family-friendly vibe awaits with a menu loaded with different pork options.
A $35 lunch and dinner menu filled with flavor packed Filipino dishes? What more can you ask for?
Inspector notes: "Adobo pork belly nigiri, a chorizo burger and a belly banh mi dabble with fusion, while dishes like lechon kawali stay in line with Filipino tradition. Come hungry for the patita—a hefty pork shank braised, then deep fried and smothered with a chili- vinegar- and garlic-sauce. Not a fan of pork? Order the staff favorite beef tapa with sirloin, garlic rice, eggs and pickled papaya."
All Day Baby
Cuisine: American
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this fast favorite in Silver Lake has redefined an American staple, the breakfast sandwich. A tower of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and American cheese topped with strawberry jam, all within a fluffy cathead biscuit have crowds lining up early and clamoring for more.
Fans of American cuisine should head towards Silver Lake during restaurant week for this $45 dinner menu filled with American staples.
Inspector notes: "Not everything is sweet at this charming café. In fact, some things are fried, like the hot fish sandwich inspired by Nashville’s hot chicken. Neat rows of cookies, pies and breads in the pastry case are yet another temptation from a restaurant that all but induces a nap."
Stay nearby:
With the help of talented designers Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew, the Silver Lake Pool & Inn has swapped out the old 1980's motel into a chic and welcoming modern-classic L.A. hotel. With influences from Palm Springs and Mexico City, the boutique-hotel is equipped with amenities like walk-in rain showers, Nespresso machines, and locally sourced snacks. Our favorite part? The elevated pool deck and coastal Italian cuisine from the hotel's restuarant, Marco Polo.
And if you're here with a group, Alimento's Italian-influenced menu offers clean flavors designed for sharing.
Venice
Charcoal Venice
Cuisine: American
At chef/owner Josiah Citrin's casual, upscale grill, the first thing guests are greeted by is the mouthwatering aroma of charred meat and a bustling bar area. The menu takes cues from old-school backyard barbecues, so expect nearly everything to be cooked over the fire.
A $65+ dinner menu filled with American dishes from chef/owner Josiah Citrin? What more can you ask for?
Inspector notes: "Steaks come with ramekins of sauce like creamy and smoky choron, in addition to the trio of signature condiments on the table. However, this meat is too flavorful to really need anything. Diners may be here for the steaks, but those in the know also order the cabbage baked in embers, served with lemon-sumac yogurt."
Stay nearby:
Situated inside the century-old Waldorf Building, the Venice V Hotel is a tribute to Venice's artistic heritage. In the lobby is a mural of Venice's founder, Abbott Kinney, made from about 4,000 skateboard wheels; while the rooms are decorated in different styles and colors, each staying true Proper Hotel's expertise in tailor made boutique-hotels.
West Hollywood
Connie & Ted's
Cuisine: Seafood
At this seafood shack, guests experience the brilliant flavors of both coasts. Chef Michael Cimarusti's New England roots come out in a delectable menu featuring sustainable, wild-caught seafood from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
A $25 lunch and a $55 dinner menu made up with sustainable, wild-caught seafood? Talk about dining like a king without paying like one.
Inspector notes: "Chowder is a must for a seafood spot and this particular one offers a tempting flight of three: creamy New England, tomato-based Manhattan and buttery Rhode Island. The lobster roll, packed with tail and claw meat, is a gem among solo diners, while chilled seafood platters and the oak-grilled fish are great for crowds. Don’t forget to grab a bit of saltwater taffy on your way out."
Lulu
Cuisine: Californian
Think dining at a museum requires toting a silver tray? Meet Lulu. This charming restaurant may be nestled within a courtyard at the Hammer Museum, but there's nothing ho-hum about it. Helmed by David Tanis with a little help from none other than Alice Waters, Lulu rewards guests who take a midday break from grokking the art. Fresh produce on display is more than just a design element; it's a hint at the philosophy of this spot, where the three-course and à la carte menus shift daily.
What's better than fresh California dishes from chef David Tanis? Said dishes for a $45 lunch and $65+ dinner menu.
Inspector notes: "Solid cooking leans heavily into the seasons while letting the ingredients shine. Dishes are a moving target, but a recent meal of blood orange citrus salad, chicken saltimbocca and Meyer lemon gelato proves that hyper-seasonal and local always steal the show."
Stay nearby:
Charlie Chaplin left LA over sixty years ago, but his legacy still lives on. This is especially true at The Charlie, where the original cottages (from when Chaplin was the owner) have been restored and refurbished. Retaining their original English countryside style, each bungalow is named after Hollywood stars that have lived here before—Charlie, Marlene, Marilyn and Valentino—to name a few.
Add extra flavor to your trip to West Hollywood with A.O.C's impressive collection of Californian and European wines, and Ardor's passionate Californian plates that attract A-listers.
