Best Special Occasions Restaurants in Mid Wilshire (90036)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
#1
Republique
9.1
Republique is a grand all-day French–American cafe and restaurant from chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke, set in a soaring 1929 brick-and-tile space on La Brea. Locals line up for pastries, breakfast plates, and a polished dinner menu that balances serious technique with a lively, communal feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Kimchi Fried Rice, French Onion Soup, Strawberry Passion Fruit Tart
What makes it special: Chef-driven French–American cooking in a historic 1929 space.
Notable Picks
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Genwa Korean BBQ Mid Wilshire is a polished, destination-level Korean barbecue house where prime beef cuts, meticulous banchan, and attentive service anchor the experience. With thousands of strong reviews and a steady reputation, it’s a go-to in Hancock Park for both special-occasion dinners and serious KBBQ fans who want consistent quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Galbi (marinated short rib), Assorted Prime Beef Combo, Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon)
What makes it special: High-end Korean BBQ with extensive banchan and prime cuts in a polished room.
#3
Lucia
8.7
Lucia is an upscale Afro-Caribbean restaurant where plush shell booths, a sculptural bar, and late-night hours turn Fairfax into a stylish date corridor. Modern takes on Caribbean comfort dishes and a cocktail list built around island flavors make it feel celebratory without losing intimacy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jerk-spiced dry-aged tomahawk steak, Coconut fried chicken with Trini mac pie, Wagyu beef Jamaican patties
What makes it special: Afro-Caribbean fine dining in a glamorous, late-night Fairfax space.
8.6
Met Her At A Bar is a compact, high-energy brunch cafe known for crisp Belgian-style waffles, over-the-top breakfast plates, and steady lines down La Brea. Since opening in 2017, it’s become a go-to for locals who want sweet-and-savory brunch with strong coffee and a social, buzzy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Belgian Waffle with Fried Chicken, Strawberry Nutella Waffle, Breakfast Sandwich on Brioche
What makes it special: Line-worthy waffles and brunch plates in a tiny, lively cafe.
#5
ADKT LA
8.5
ADKT LA is a moody French-Japanese spot on Fairfax that leans into cocktails, polished service, and chef-driven plates more than pure sushi. It’s a place for lingering evenings built around wagyu, seafood towers, and shareable small plates rather than a quick roll-and-go meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Tower, Wagyu Chateaubriand, Matcha Tiramisu
What makes it special: French-Japanese cooking in a polished cocktail-forward dining room.
8.4
Della Terra is a neighborhood trattoria pairing wood-fired pizzas, house pastas, and a broad wine list with a sidewalk-facing patio that feels tailor-made for Beverly/Fairfax. It’s a reliable choice for weeknight dates and group dinners where everyone can find a classic—from rigatoni alla vodka to grilled salmon and tiramisu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla Vodka, Margherita Pizza, Grilled Salmon with Vegetables
What makes it special: Casual-yet-polished trattoria with a busy patio, wood-fired pies, and a menu that balances pizza, pasta, and grilled mains.
8.1
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Open since 1931, El Coyote is a boisterous Beverly Boulevard institution known for combo plates, strong margaritas, and a dining room packed with regulars, tourists, and Hollywood lore. The food leans classic Mexican-American, but its longevity and party energy make it a go-to for big nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Enchilada, Green Corn Tamales, Enchiladas Suizas
What makes it special: Nearly century-old Mexican-American icon where combo plates and margaritas rule.