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Best Instagram Worthy Restaurants in Los Angeles

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
Somni
LA's most expensive restaurant with 3 Michelin stars and theatrical presentation

Essential Picks

9.4
$$$$ West Hollywood Contemporary, Spanish
This 3-Michelin-starred theatrical dining experience offers a 20-course Spanish tasting menu in an intimate converted bungalow. Chef Aitor Zabala's avant-garde approach to Catalan cuisine creates a dreamlike culinary journey with meticulously crafted small plates featuring textures, temperatures, and whimsical presentations.
Must-Try Dishes: Shiso Tartare Tempura, Mussel Escabeche, Gazpacho Course
What Makes it Special: LA's most expensive restaurant with 3 Michelin stars and theatrical presentation
$$$ Sherman Oaks Thai
James Beard Award-winning Chef Justin Pichetrungsi transformed his family's 44-year-old neighborhood bistro into LA's most acclaimed Thai restaurant. Southern Thai fried chicken with exceptional crunch anchors a menu that pairs bold Bangkok flavors with an award-winning natural wine program featuring rare vintages from the Mosel, Burgundy, and Champagne.
Must-Try Dishes: Southern Thai Fried Chicken, Dry-Aged Whole Fish with Nam Jim, BBQ Pork Collar with Coriander-Soy Molasses
What Makes it Special: LA Times Restaurant of the Year with James Beard recognition and Michelin Bib Gourmand
$$$$ Pasadena Steakhouse
Celebrating 20 years of Wagyu mastery, this sophisticated steakhouse blends American traditions with Japanese precision, offering the nation's most extensive selection of authentic Wagyu beef. The Bull & Barrel Bar provides an intimate setting for business discussions over rare whiskeys and handcrafted cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes: A5 Wagyu Ribeye, Hamachi Shot, Uni Toast
What Makes it Special: Largest selection of imported Wagyu in California
$$$$ Beverly Hills Italian
Michelin-starred temple to Italian creativity where chef Mattia Agazzi transforms seasonal ingredients into playful masterpieces under the guidance of Massimo Bottura. The rooftop setting above Gucci's flagship store creates an exclusive escape where risotto masquerades as pizza and tortellini swim in liquid Parmigiano pools.
Must-Try Dishes: Risotto Camouflaged as Pizza, Emilia Burger, Tortellini in Parmigiano Reggiano
What Makes it Special: The only Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on Rodeo Drive
$$$$ Beverly Hills Japanese, Sushi
Ultra-exclusive eight-seat omakase hidden on the second floor of Two Rodeo, where chef Yusuke Yamamoto serves 22 courses of pristine nigiri with playful energy. The former Urasawa space delivers theatrical presentations like uni-caviar tempura and hay-smoked wagyu that explode with flavor.
Must-Try Dishes: Uni-Caviar Tempura, Hay-Smoked A5 Wagyu, Melon Ice Cream in Hollowed Melon
What Makes it Special: Former Urasawa space with $390 omakase featuring theatrical presentations.
9.1
$$$$ Van Nuys French, Steakhouse
A modern French dining room in the Arts District led by Chef Max Boonthanakit, blending classic technique with subtle Southeast Asian accents. The cooking is precise and layered—rich sauces, careful char, and bright aromatics—without losing bistro warmth. Reservations are competitive for a reason: it consistently delivers special-occasion caliber meals in a relaxed, warehouse-chic space.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak au poivre with frites, Rigatoni stuffed with artichoke and Comté, Seasonal crudo with citrus and herbs
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized French cooking with a subtle Thai-leaning spice lens.
$$$$ Beverly Hills Steakhouse
This Michelin-starred steakhouse from Wolfgang Puck delivers a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse experience, featuring prime cuts from around the globe in a sleek Richard Meier-designed space. Located in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel since 2006, CUT combines world-class beef with impeccable service and an extensive international wine list.
Must-Try Dishes: Japanese A5 Wagyu from Miyazaki, Bone Marrow Flan, Wagyu Tallow French Fries
What Makes it Special: The only Michelin-starred steakhouse in Southern California
$$$ Downtown LA American, Breakfast
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.
$$$$ Santa Monica Italian
Award-winning Southern Italian restaurant specializing in authentic Pugliese cuisine with handmade pasta and traditional lasagna. Gambero Rosso International named it Restaurant of the Year for its commitment to regional authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Lasagna with Beef Ragu, Fresh Orecchiette with Braciole, Panzerotti Fried Pizza Pockets
What Makes it Special: Only authentic Pugliese restaurant in LA with ingredients sourced directly from Italy
$$$ Long Beach French
Michelin-starred Chef Philip Pretty's neo-bistro brings California flavors with French technique to a restored mid-century motel courtyard. The 32-seat open-air space emphasizes zero-waste practices and seasonal ingredients from the siblings' urban farm.
Must-Try Dishes: Octopus with Potato & Pimento, Aged Rib Cap with Frites, Amberjack Crudo with Cucumber
What Makes it Special: Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
$$$$ Downtown LA Italian, Japanese
Josef Centeno’s tasting-counter destination blends Italian structure with Japanese precision, delivering a paced, quietly inventive menu. The room is intimate and minimalist, letting the multi-course progression do the talking. Its current one-star Michelin status marks it as the ZIP’s true special-occasion Italian-leaning anchor.
Must-Try Dishes: Uni Pasta / Sea Urchin Course, Seasonal Pasta Flight, Sake-Paired Dessert Course
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-starred Italian-Japanese tasting menu led by Josef Centeno.
$ Santa Monica Donuts
Sidecar fries small batches of artisanal doughnuts hourly using seasonal ingredients and house-made glazes, compotes, and creams. Their butter and salt cake donut has achieved cult status among LA's donut aficionados, while the huckleberry special draws lines of devoted customers.
Must-Try Dishes: Butter & Salt Cake Donut, Huckleberry Donut, Maple Bacon Raised
What Makes it Special: World's freshest doughnuts made hourly in small batches.
$$$$ Downtown LA Japanese, Sushi
A destination omakase counter where technique and fish sourcing are the whole story. Each course is tightly calibrated, with subtle seasoning and temperature control that rewards attention. Expect a long, immersive meal aimed at serious sushi seekers.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal nigiri omakase, Hokkaido uni, A5 wagyu bite (when offered)
What Makes it Special: High-end omakase with elite sourcing and exacting technique.
$$$$ West Hollywood Japanese, Sushi
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's non-traditional Japanese cuisine elevates business dining with creative sushi and seasonal omakase. The sophisticated atmosphere balances energy with professionalism, making it ideal for impressing clients.
Must-Try Dishes: Hama Chili, Gyutoro, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef creates innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine
$$$$ Downtown LA Sushi
A Michelin-starred Arts District omakase room where chef Seigo Tamura’s Osaka-trained sensibility shows in knife work and restrained seasoning. The progression is thoughtful, mixing pristine nigiri with a few composed bites that highlight seasonality. It’s intimate and serious without feeling stiff.
Must-Try Dishes: Nigiri omakase progression, Otoro with house soy, Seasonal uni course
What Makes it Special: Michelin-level omakase with Osaka-rooted precision.
$$$$ Santa Monica French
An intimate, art-filled modern French dining room from chef-owner Fardad Khayami, MUSE turns Channel Road into a destination for multi-course date nights. Tasting-style plates, a serious wine program, and candlelit Art Déco interiors make it one of the most romantic rooms on the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes: Veal bonbons with sauce verte, Lobster with pommes soufflées and caviar, Vanilla St. Honoré
What Makes it Special: Gallery-like French dining where fine art and tasting menus meet.

Notable Picks

8.9
$$ Culver City Breakfast, Brunch
Chef Jordan Kahn's minimalist daytime cafe transforms breakfast into edible art with Nordic-influenced dishes like snap-pea tartine and house-made coconut yogurt. The futuristic built-in coffee machine and stark white aesthetic create an otherworldly dining experience where simple ingredients become complex flavor compositions.
Must-Try Dishes: Avocado Confit with Onion Ash, Koshikari Rice Porridge, Persimmon French Toast
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized chef creating fine dining breakfast with futuristic presentation
$ Westwood Ice Cream, Bakery
Since 1983, this tiny counter-service bakery has anchored Westwood Village with made-from-scratch cookies, brownies, and custom ice cream sandwiches at student-friendly prices. Lines form nightly for hot cookies, nostalgic desserts, and one of the best value sweet stops near UCLA.
Must-Try Dishes: Custom ice cream sandwich, Chocolate chip cookie, Double chocolate brownie
What Makes it Special: Iconic Westwood cookie-and-ice-cream shop known for ultra-affordable custom sandwiches.
$ West Hollywood Wings, Pizza
Three-time World Championship Detroit-style pizza from chef Ryan Ososky features golden, caramelized crust edges and Wisconsin brick cheese. This small but mighty operation crafts award-winning square pies that are lighter than typical deep-dish yet deeply satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes: The 1946 Cheese, Goomba Pepperoni, D.B.M. Burrata Margherita
What Makes it Special: Three-time World Champion Detroit-style pizza with caramelized edges
$ Beverly Grove Breakfast
Eggslut’s Beverly Center outpost is a high-volume breakfast counter turning out rich egg sandwiches, brioche buns, and truffle hashbrowns to a near-constant line. It’s a fast-moving, order-at-the-counter operation where the payoff is indulgent, yolk-forward breakfast that still feels dialed in after thousands of orders.
Must-Try Dishes: Fairfax egg sandwich with caramelized onions, Bacon, Egg & Cheese on brioche, Slut coddled egg with potato purée
What Makes it Special: High-volume egg sandwich specialist with remarkably consistent execution and craveable combos.
8.9
$ Silver Lake Mexican, Tacos
Featured on Netflix's Taco Chronicles and Food & Wine's Best New Restaurant 2020, this Sonoran-style truck crafts handmade flour tortillas from Tijuana-sourced flour. The mesquite-grilled carne asada and massive sobaqueras burritos showcase owner Walter Soto's commitment to authentic border flavors with meats that develop serious char.
Must-Try Dishes: Muñeco Combo Taco, Chile Colorado Burrito, Carne Asada Taco
What Makes it Special: Handmade Sonoran tortillas from Tijuana flour with perfectly grilled meats
8.9
$ Pico Union Mexican
An LA late-night legend since 1991, El Taurino excels at bold, richly flavored tacos and burritos, particularly their pork-heavy specialties. The mural-adorned dining room stays bustling well past midnight, making it a staple for both locals and night-shift workers.
Must-Try Dishes: Al Pastor Taco, Carnitas Burrito, Red Salsa Tacos
What Makes it Special: Open till 3 AM with iconic salsas and carne options.
8.9
$$$$ Beverly Hills Italian
Chef Evan Funke's pasta laboratory showcases handmade pasta crafted using 150-year-old Italian techniques in a glass-enclosed workspace. The three-story art deco space features a rooftop bar with sweeping Beverly Hills views and agnolotti so delicate they must be seen to be believed.
Must-Try Dishes: Agnolotti del Plin, Cacio e Pepe, Neapolitan Pizza
What Makes it Special: Live pasta-making theater in a chrome and glass laboratory
$$ West Hollywood Mexican, Tacos
A modern, upscale Mexican-inspired plant-based restaurant with vibrant, creative dishes that highlight seasonal produce. Known for their fresh, flavor-packed tacos and bowls.
Must-Try Dishes: Jackfruit Tacos, Mole Enchiladas, Cauliflower Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Plant-based Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
$$$$ Beverly Hills Sushi
Chef Hilo creates a multi-sensory omakase experience with orchestral music matched to each course and entertaining storytelling that transforms dinner into theater. The intimate 16-seat counter provides front-row seats to masterful knife work and passionate presentations.
Must-Try Dishes: Premium Omakase A, Kama (Tuna Collar), Santa Barbara Amaebi
What Makes it Special: Chef's theatrical presentation with music pairings
$$ Beverly Hills Ice Cream
Artisanal ice cream pioneer from Ohio brings its signature buttercream-textured scoops to Beverly Hills. Known for creative flavors like Gooey Butter Cake and Brambleberry Crisp, each batch is crafted from scratch using a unique recipe perfected over 20 years.
Must-Try Dishes: Gooey Butter Cake, Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle
What Makes it Special: Buttercream body texture achieved through unique milk protein concentration
8.9
$$ East Hollywood Thai
Since the late 1970s, this Thai Town institution specializes in intensely-spiced Southern Thai cuisine from Nakhon Si Thammarat. Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Jazz Singsanong serves khua kling phat lung dry beef curry and Taepo chicken curry with fiery authenticity that has made this strip mall spot an LA landmark.
Must-Try Dishes: Khua Kling Phat Lung (Dry Beef Curry), Taepo Chicken Curry, Crispy Catfish Salad with Green Papaya
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Southern Thai specialties with 45+ years of family recipes
$$ Westwood Japanese, Sushi
KazuNori’s Westwood outpost is a standing-room hand roll bar built entirely around made-to-order temaki. Warm rice, crisp nori, and high-quality fish move in a tight rhythm across the counter, making it the go-to spot in Westwood Village when you want focused sushi rolls rather than a sprawling menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Toro hand roll, Bay scallop hand roll, Yellowtail hand roll
What Makes it Special: A dedicated hand roll bar where every roll is assembled to order at the counter.
$ Highland Park Ice Cream
Chef-driven Magpies brings scratch-made soft serve and over-the-top frozen pies to York Boulevard, carrying on the dessert-focused vision Warren and Rose Schwartz launched in 2016. Expect rotating dairy and vegan flavors plus cult pies that locals treat more like special-occasion cakes than casual ice cream cups.
Must-Try Dishes: Cornflake Softserve Pie, Strawberry Shortcake Softserve Pie, Original Fried Softserve Pie (vegan corn almond)
What Makes it Special: Chef-created soft serve and pies that treat frozen dessert with restaurant-level creativity.
$$$$ Beverly Hills Seafood
This coastal Italian gem from NYC serves silky handmade pastas with pristine seafood, including their legendary fusilli with charred octopus and bone marrow. The sophisticated space draws power brokers and food enthusiasts seeking elevated Mediterranean seafood preparations executed with precision.
Must-Try Dishes: Fusilli with Octopus & Bone Marrow, Lobster with Burrata, Dover Sole Meunière
What Makes it Special: NYC's acclaimed seafood-focused Italian arriving with Michelin pedigree
$$ Culver City Pizza
Hidden gem tucked in Jackson Market's back patio, where Pizza Today Rising Star 2023 Drew Butler crafts 48-hour naturally fermented sourdough pies in a wood-fired oven. The tranquil garden setting with koi ponds and fountains creates an unexpected oasis for enjoying Neo-Neapolitan pizza made with farmers market ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita Pizza, Sausage Party Pizza, Mushroom Pizza
What Makes it Special: 68-hour sourdough fermentation with wood-fired cooking in a secret garden setting
$$$$ Palms Japanese, Sushi
Mori Nozomi delivers meticulously crafted omakase centered on traditional techniques, pristine sourcing, and artistic presentation. Chef Nozomi leads an all-woman team, and guests praise the seamless execution and calm setting, making this a destination for serious sushi enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes: Otoro Nigiri, Kasugodai, Hon Maguro Temaki
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred, chef-led experience with rare, seasonal fish.
$$ Westchester American, Breakfast
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.
$$ Echo Park Pizza
Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Detroit-style pizza parlor from pandemic pop-up roots, featuring inch-thick pan pizzas with crispy edges from chefs Aaron Lindell and Hannah Ziskin. The intimate space with vinyl collection serves rotating creative pizzas alongside pastry chef Ziskin's exceptional desserts including signature Princess cake, drawing lines around the block but worth the wait for baked-to-order quality.
Must-Try Dishes: Pepperoni Pan Pizza, Pimento Grove (Vodka Sauce), Swedish Princess Cake
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Detroit-style pizza with world-class pastry program under one roof
8.9
$$$$ Santa Monica Sushi
Chef Masa Shimakawa's intimate sushi bar inside the Fairmont Miramar delivers refined Edomae-style technique with pristine fish flown in from Japan. The 12-course nigiri omakase showcases seasonal selections with house-aged rice and real wasabi, creating an elevated experience that rivals Tokyo's finest.
Must-Try Dishes: Bluefin Tuna Trio Roll, Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri, Shimakawa Special Maki
What Makes it Special: Hotel hideaway with master chef from Hokkaido using traditional aging techniques
$$$ Long Beach Sushi
Chef Eduardo Chang Ogata brings Michelin-recognized Peruvian-Japanese fusion to Belmont Shore, blending traditional sushi technique with vibrant Peruvian flavors. The intimate space buzzes with energy as bright yellow bowls of ceviche and lemon-coated parmesan scallops arrive alongside creative Nikkei-style rolls drizzled with acevichado sauce. Ocean-fresh seafood meets eye-catching presentation in a stylish atmosphere that elevates this beyond typical neighborhood sushi.
Must-Try Dishes: Parmesan Scallops, Crispy Tuna Tacos, Tiradito Nikkei
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Peruvian-Japanese fusion with innovative flavor combinations and impeccable seafood quality
$$$$ Santa Monica Sushi
Chef Mark Okuda's intimate omakase bar delivers exquisite seasonal courses with over 20 years of expertise, featuring dry-aged fish from global sources. The sophisticated space with antique knife collections beneath your feet creates an unforgettable high-end experience perfect for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal Omakase Course, Dry-Aged Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Uni Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Dry-aged fish program and chef's meticulous attention to detail
8.9
$$$ Long Beach Mexican
Contemporary Mexican restaurant from Baja Fish Tacos co-founder Julio Gutierrez brings multiregional Mexican cuisine to Belmont Shore. Chef Ricardo de la Vega executes refined dishes like Barbacoa de Cordero and octopus alongside craft cocktails with housemade ingredients in a modern bohemian setting.
Must-Try Dishes: Barbacoa de Cordero, Octopus, Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven multiregional Mexican with modern techniques since 2022
$$$$ Larchmont Italian
Antico Nuovo delivers refined Roman-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, modern setting. With a focus on handmade pastas and wood-fired meats, the kitchen led by Chef Chad Colby is a destination for thoughtful Italian cooking. Locals appreciate its intimate dining room and seasonal menu changes.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna al forno, Smoked Gnocco Fritto, Dry-Aged Ribeye Fiorentina
What Makes it Special: Handmade pastas and refined wood-fired mains.
8.8
$$$$ West Hollywood American, Brunch
MICHELIN Plate restaurant inside The West Hollywood EDITION hotel showcasing vegetable-forward California cuisine by chef John Fraser. The lush, spa-like interior with verdant greenery creates an upscale sanctuary for elevated weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Benedict with Trout Roe Hollandaise, Seasonal Egg Frittata, Cinnamon French Toast
What Makes it Special: MICHELIN recognition with vegetable-forward fine dining in hotel setting
8.8
$ Santa Monica
Michelin-recognized restaurant from Rustic Canyon's Jeremy Fox blending Eastern European heritage with California produce in an airy Bergamot Station space. The Early Birdie happy hour (5-6pm daily) showcases refined small plates like corned beef tongue and Vernors-baked ham.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak Frites with Montreal Spice, Matzo Ball Soup, Jello Pie
What Makes it Special: Michelin Guide restaurant with one-hour happy hour featuring chef-driven snacks
$$$$ Santa Monica Steakhouse
This seductively stylish steakhouse reinvents the traditional American steakhouse experience with 40-day dry-aged New York strips and A5 Japanese Wagyu. The ocean-view patio and vibrant bar scene create an alluring ambiance that matches the exceptional cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes: 40-Day Dry-Aged NY Strip, A5 Japanese Wagyu Flight, Tableside Caesar Salad
What Makes it Special: The only steakhouse offering ocean views with 40-day dry-aged steaks.
$$ Silver Lake Brunch
Women-owned seasonal California restaurant and market emphasizing vegetable-forward cooking with Mediterranean influences. Founded by food writers Heather Sperling and Emily Fiffer, features beautiful plating, natural wines, and front culinary market. Brunch Wed-Sun with Lebanese-inspired dishes.
Must-Try Dishes: Turkish Eggs Menemen, Summer Scramble with Chorizo, Romesco Vegetables with Fried Egg
What Makes it Special: Former food writers bringing editorial excellence to farm-to-table California cooking
$$$ Downtown LA Italian, Pizza
A grand, high-volume Downtown institution that pairs reliable Italian comfort with a patisserie and market feel. Pastas and pizzas come out fast and consistent even at peak crowds, and the bright, bustling room works well for kids, groups, and celebrations without feeling like a compromise.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pizza, House-made pastas (ask for daily standouts), Macarons and pastries from the patisserie counter
What Makes it Special: A Downtown Italian powerhouse with a full patisserie that keeps families happy.
$$$ Silver Lake Seafood
Chef Octavio Olivas transforms raw seafood into Mexico City-style ceviches in a tiny nautical-themed space that feels like stepping onto a vintage cruise ship. Fresh fish is diced behind the marble bar and dressed with inventive combinations like tai snapper with pineapple and cancha, while the Hawaiian kanpachi tostada layered with avocado mousse has become legendary among regulars.
Must-Try Dishes: Tai Snapper Ceviche, Hawaiian Kanpachi Tostada, Scallop Shooters with Uni
What Makes it Special: Owner-chef prepares Mexican-style ceviche in a Wes Anderson-worthy jewel box setting
$$ Santa Monica Chinese, Dim Sum
This world-renowned Taiwanese dumpling empire delivers its signature 18-pleat soup dumplings with breathtaking ocean views from the third floor of Santa Monica Place. Every xiao long bao arrives expertly folded and piping hot, while the bamboo steamer-shaped booths and turf-lined patio create an unexpectedly playful atmosphere for such precise culinary craftsmanship.
Must-Try Dishes: Pork Xiao Long Bao, Crab & Kurobuta Pork Soup Dumplings, Garlic String Beans
What Makes it Special: Ocean-view patio meets world-class soup dumpling precision
$ Downtown LA Donuts
Donut Friend’s DTLA shop spins out all-vegan donuts with playful, music-referencing names and dense, satisfying crumb. Locals treat it as both a dessert stop and a coffee break, especially when they want inventive toppings without sacrificing that classic donut comfort.
Must-Try Dishes: Polar Berry Club donut, Angry Samoa donut, Apple fritter
What Makes it Special: All-vegan donuts with creative, music-inspired builds and bold flavors.
8.8
$$$ Santa Monica Italian
This buzzy rooftop Mediterranean hotspot channels coastal Italian vibes with its cactus garden, ocean views, and wood-fired dishes. Since 2018, it's been the see-and-be-seen destination for whipped eggplant spread, handmade pastas, and scene-y weekend brunches.
Must-Try Dishes: Whipped Eggplant with Puccia Bread, Wood-Fired Pizza, Vodka Rigatoni
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized rooftop with unbeatable ocean views and scene
$$$$ Venice Italian
Evan Funke’s pasta temple centers a glass-walled laboratorio, turning out regional Italian shapes with taut textures and deep sauces. Reservations are coveted; couples come for handmade pastas, an Italian-leaning wine list, and low-lit buzz.
Must-Try Dishes: Cacio e Pepe, Pappardelle Ragù, Sfincione
What Makes it Special: Handmade pasta crafted in a visible, temperature-controlled laboratorio.
$ Santa Monica Burgers
HiHo revolutionizes the classic burger joint with 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef and hand-cut fries cooked in heart-healthy rice bran oil. Their crispy-outside, fluffy-inside fries are double-fried for perfection and served piping hot with house-made sauces.
Must-Try Dishes: Double HiHo Burger with Fries, Hand-Cut French Fries, Willie Mae Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Wagyu beef burgers paired with perfectly executed double-fried fries