Best Instagram Worthy American Restaurants in Los Angeles
31 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Girl & The Goat
Destination New American small plates with fearless, global flavor.
Essential Picks
9.1
Stephanie Izard’s Arts District outpost runs on bold, globally roaming small plates delivered with polish and momentum. The room is high-energy and design-forward, and the kitchen’s sweet spot is layered, punchy flavors meant to be shared. A destination-level New American anchor for Downtown nights and Sunday brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat curry, Sticky glazed pork shank, Grilled corn with seasonal toppings
What Makes it Special: Destination New American small plates with fearless, global flavor.
Notable Picks
8.9
A classic 1958 Googie-style diner serving Southern-leaning comfort food, Pann’s backs its retro looks with crisp fries alongside famous fried chicken and hefty burgers. Locals and travelers hit it for all-day breakfast plates and diner staples before or after LAX.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Wings & Waffle Combo, Dreamburger with Fries, Homemade Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: Iconic 1950s Googie diner serving retro comfort food near LAX since 1958.
#3
Ardor
8.8
MICHELIN Plate restaurant inside The West Hollywood EDITION hotel showcasing vegetable-forward California cuisine by chef John Fraser. The lush, spa-like interior with verdant greenery creates an upscale sanctuary for elevated weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Benedict with Trout Roe Hollandaise, Seasonal Egg Frittata, Cinnamon French Toast
What Makes it Special: MICHELIN recognition with vegetable-forward fine dining in hotel setting
#4
The Arbour
8.8
Upscale farm-to-table dining showcasing California's agricultural bounty with rustic elegance. The kitchen delivers expertly executed seasonal dishes like Mediterranean sea bass and duck, while the intimate fireplace setting creates romance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Sea Bass, Duck Confit, Truffle Crusted Chicken
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table philosophy with sustainable local sourcing
#5
Manuela
8.7
Inside Hauser & Wirth, Manuela pairs farm-driven Southern-leaning American cooking with an airy, plant-filled gallery setting. Seasonal produce and live-fire touches keep the menu bright and textured, while brunch remains a neighborhood ritual. It’s an Arts District staple that balances craft with comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cream biscuits, Wood-grilled vegetables, Rotating market-driven mains
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table American cooking in a gallery-garden setting.
#6
Blu Jam Cafe
8.6
Award-winning breakfast destination rated #1 in Los Angeles, serving European-influenced California cuisine with creative presentation. The spacious dog-friendly outdoor patio features a dedicated pup menu while humans enjoy signature Crunchy French Toast, Brunch Carbonara, and dishes showcasing Chef Kamil's Czech roots through inventive flavor combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy French Toast, Brunch Carbonara, Blu Jam Benedict
What Makes it Special: LA's #1 rated breakfast with European flair and dedicated dog menu
#7
Bread Head
8.6
From Michelin-starred chefs Alex Williams and Jordan Snyder comes this elevated sandwich shop featuring house-baked focaccia-ciabatta hybrid bread. Named LA's Next Great Sandwich Shop by the LA Times, they craft perfect versions of classic sandwiches with premium ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muffuletta Sandwich, Turkey Pesto, Grinder
What Makes it Special: Michelin-star chefs making extraordinary sandwiches
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.
8.6
Iconic Los Angeles landmark hot dog stand shaped like a giant hot dog, originally built in 1946 and reopened in 2022 after 17 years in storage. This piece of programmatic architecture serves both hot dogs and burgers in a two-story space with massive patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Pup, Sassy Cheese Burger, Jalapeño Pup
What Makes it Special: Only surviving programmatic architecture hot dog building with 75+ year history
#10
Wally's
8.5
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
This upscale wine bar and restaurant elevates the french fry experience with truffle-topped pommes frites featuring shaved black truffles and parmesan. The extensive wine selection and market-driven menu create a sophisticated dining destination in the heart of Beverly Hills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Frites, Wally Burger, Wood Oven Baked Brie
What Makes it Special: Truffle fries with freshly shaved black truffles and truffle butter
#11
All Time
8.4
This perpetually packed Los Feliz spot serves peak-season vegetable-forward dishes on a charming patio that feels like a backyard potluck hosted by your coolest friend. The handwritten menu changes frequently but always showcases effortless California cooking, from the famous burrata-topped focaccia to dry-aged ribeye for two.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia with Burrata, Good Ass Salad, Dry-Aged Ribeye for Two
What Makes it Special: Seasonal, farmers market-driven menu with a rustic backyard dining feel
#12
Beverly Bar
8.4
Upscale bar and restaurant featuring wagyu pepperoni pizza alongside craft cocktails. The dimly lit, sophisticated space showcases portraits of Hollywood legends while serving elevated bar fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Pepperoni Pizza, Mushroom Truffle Pizza, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Wagyu beef pepperoni elevates pizza to luxury status
8.4
This plant-based burger joint proves vegan fast food can rival traditional burger stands with Impossible patties, dairy-free shakes made with Oatly, and housemade organic sodas. The punk-diner aesthetic features bright neon, hidden seating nooks, and a mascot-filled merch wall that appeals to all ages.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monty Burger with Impossible Patty, Tater Tots, Strawberry Oat Milk Shake
What Makes it Special: Plant-based burgers that convert carnivores with authentic taste
#14
Dear John's
8.3
Frank Sinatra's former hangout revived by acclaimed chefs Josiah Citrin and Hans Röckenwagner brings Old Hollywood glamour to modern Culver City. The dimly lit, vintage steakhouse serves standout dishes like mozzarella-stuffed chicken parmesan and buttery sand dabs, though steaks can be inconsistent. Strong martinis and tableside Caesar salads complete the classic experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmesan (stuffed), Sand Dabs with Lemon-Caper Butter, Frank's Spaghetti & Clams
What Makes it Special: Frank Sinatra's historic 1962 steakhouse revived with vintage dark-room ambiance
#15
Highly Likely
8.3
Bright, Australian-style all-day cafe energy with a menu of California-American staples done carefully. The fish sandwich and breakfast bowls are consistent favorites, and the daytime coffee vibe slides smoothly into a casual dinner scene with beer and wine. A reliable pick for nearly any hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura fish sandwich, Japanese porridge bowl, Breakfast plate with house bread
What Makes it Special: All-day cafe cooking that stays sharp from morning to night.
#16
Meteora
8.3
Chef Jordan Kahn's one-Michelin-starred restaurant showcases primal live-fire cooking with a zero-waste ethos, set in a sculptural space of tangled greenery and moody lighting that reviewers describe as otherworldly. The 4-course ($115) and 6-course ($165) menus feature sustainably sourced wild ingredients like honey-grilled Sue Buxton scallops and charred yam with smoked trout roe. The theatrical environment and trance-y soundtrack create an immersive experience that overshadows straightforward service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sue Buxton Day Boat Scallops with Caramelized Honey, Job's Tears with Cachucha Peppers, Charred Yam with Smoked Trout Roe
What Makes it Special: Chef Jordan Kahn's Michelin-starred showcase of live-fire cooking with heirloom produce and rare grains, presented in a sculptural space that feels like entering a rainforest.
#17
The Griddle Cafe
8.3
The Griddle Cafe is a breakfast institution at the base of the Hollywood Hills, famous for colossal pancakes, French toast, and all-day brunch plates served in diner-style digs. Lines form early for over-the-top stacks that double as social-media bait and bona fide comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Velvet Pancake, The Golden Ticket pancakes, Mom’s French Toast
What Makes it Special: Long-running Hollywood brunch spot known for skyscraper pancakes and all-day breakfast plates.
#18
Goldburger
8.2
This smashburger specialist delivers grass-fed double patties with crispy edges and juicy centers, setting itself apart in LA's crowded burger scene. The namesake Goldburger features garlic-mustard aioli and charred onions, while curly fries and the Bar Burger showcase why locals queue for their fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goldburger Double Smash, Bar Burger, Curly Fries
What Makes it Special: Substantial smashburgers with exceptional crust-to-juice ratio
#19
Ocado Restaurant
8.2
Plant-based American fusion combining Mediterranean and Latin influences with craft beer and sustainable wines. Since 2018, this vegan restaurant delivers bold flavors through dishes like jackfruit street tacos, crispy avocado tacos, and impossibly good burgers that draw both vegans and omnivores.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Street Tacos, Crab Cakes, Impossibly Good Burger
What Makes it Special: All plant-based menu that convincingly mimics meat classics while delivering genuine Mediterranean-Latin fusion
8.2
A neighborhood wine bar and bistro in Glassell Park that leans Californian-American, with a tight seasonal menu built for sharing. The kitchen delivers polished comfort plates and brunch-forward fare that pair naturally with an excellent, low-pressure bottle list. Best for a relaxed date or small group dinner where food and wine are equally in focus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal toast or tartine, House charcuterie and cheese board, Honey spice cake
What Makes it Special: Seasonal American small plates anchored by a standout wine program.
#21
208 Rodeo
8.1
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone street since 1991, this see-and-be-seen bistro offers California cuisine with French and Pan-Asian influences. The flagstone patio overlooking Rodeo Drive provides prime people-watching territory where celebrities regularly dine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Omelette, Moroccan Lamb, Lobster Mac N Cheese
What Makes it Special: Only restaurant directly on Rodeo Drive's cobblestones
8.1
Chef Antonia Lofaso's decade-old American gastropub features globally-inspired small plates in a moody brick-walled space. The unmarked entrance opens to leather booths and an open kitchen where crowd-pleasers like the deep-fried fluffernutter share menu space with sophisticated seasonal offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deep-Fried Fluffernutter, Burrata with Seasonal Accents, Seasonal Small Plates
What Makes it Special: Celebrity chef ownership with eclectic American menu and craft cocktail program
#23
Millie's Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
This Silver Lake breakfast institution since 1926 serves towering stacks of pancakes and classic American breakfast in a vintage diner setting that feels authentically old LA. The neon signage and retro interior provide nostalgic Instagram appeal while prices remain remarkably affordable. Weekend lines stretch down the block as locals and visitors queue for fluffy pancakes and perfectly crispy hash browns.
Must-Try Dishes:
Silver Dollar Pancakes, Millie's Hash, Blueberry Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Nearly century-old diner serving authentic LA breakfast history
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Quick Bites Champions
Bright European-influenced café serving modern California cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and artisanal coffee. Perfect for casual business meetings with excellent breakfast and lunch options in a sun-filled space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast, Ricotta Pancakes, Hand-Cut Spaghetti
What Makes it Special: Colorful painted lattes and fresh-baked goods in airy, light-filled space
Worthy Picks
#25
Bodega Park
7.9
Modern cafe bringing NYC bodega-style sandwiches to Silver Lake with Korean-influenced coffee drinks. Quality breakfast sandwiches and chopped cheese draw crowds to the hip indoor-outdoor space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Egg and Cheese, Chopped Cheese, Korean Fried Chicken Wings
What Makes it Special: East Coast bodega sandwiches with West Coast coffee culture fusion
#26
Meyers Manx Cafe
7.9
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Inside the Petersen Automotive Museum, Meyers Manx Cafe serves New American café fare with nods to California comfort—think breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and salads—in a bright, auto-themed space. It’s a convenient, surprisingly thoughtful option for museumgoers and neighborhood regulars who want something better than standard museum food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meyers Breakfast Burrito, Nearburg Chicken Sandwich, Seasonal Grain Bowl
What Makes it Special: Car-museum cafe with upgraded American comfort food and daylight.
7.9
This New American gastro-bistro blends rustic design with modern touches, featuring reclaimed materials and Edison bulb lighting that creates an atmospheric dining experience. The diverse seasonal menu and craft cocktails attract a trendy crowd, while the enclosed outdoor section and stylish interior provide multiple photogenic settings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Six Burger, Six Mac n' Cheese, Buffalo Cauliflower
What Makes it Special: Rustic-chic design inspired by 1920s artists' collective combines charm with modern food
#28
A PCH
7.8
River Jetty Restaurant Group's 2023 addition to 2ND & PCH brings seasonally-focused modern American cuisine with Alamitos Bay views. Executive lineup from partners McG Nichol and Jordan Otterbein showcases signature land and sea dishes from their portfolio of coastal restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes:
Table-Side Chicken Pot Pie, Seasonal Seafood, Craft Cocktails
What Makes it Special: Waterfront views in 2ND & PCH shopping center from proven restaurant group
#29
Pier Burger
7.8
Boardwalk burger stand on the pier serving classic American fare with Wisconsin frozen custard since opening. The ocean views and carnival atmosphere make it perfect for families enjoying a day at Pacific Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Last Burger On Land, Wisconsin Frozen Custard, Boardwalk Fries
What Makes it Special: Authentic frozen custard on the iconic pier
#30
oui Melrose
7.7
A tiny Melrose Ave storefront baking everything in-house daily—laffa bread, brioche buns, pistachio donuts—and layering Georgian, Middle Eastern, and American flavors into sandwiches and flatbreads that earned a Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives feature. The kitchen runs hot when it hits, but a notable share of visitors report off nights, so manage expectations on consistency. Works best as a walk-up lunch stop where you grab a cheesesteak or khachapuri and post up at one of the handful of outdoor tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye Cheesesteak Sandwich, Orange Blossom Pistachio Donuts, Mushroom Khachapuri
What Makes it Special: Everything baked in-house daily — laffa bread, donuts, buns — fusing Georgian, Middle Eastern, and American comfort food from a tiny Melrose Ave storefront featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.
#31
Urban Skillet
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This halal burger concept brings street-inspired flavors and 100% locally sourced halal meat to Main Street, combining beachside chill with bold LA energy. The growing chain's flagship location serves gourmet burgers, crispy wings, loaded fries, and hand-crafted shakes from its Ocean Park spot where it all began.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Halal Burger, Loaded Fries, Hand-Crafted Shakes
What Makes it Special: 100% halal burgers with street-style creativity and fresh ingredients