Best Trendy Restaurants in West Hollywood
42 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Uchi West Hollywood
James Beard Award-winning chef creates innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine
Essential Picks
9.1
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
Notable Picks
The Little Door is a French-Mediterranean classic tucked behind its famous blue door, best known for a candlelit courtyard that feels built for anniversaries and proposals. The menu leans toward branzino, lamb, and mezze-style starters that support the room’s long-running reputation as one of LA’s most romantic dining rooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Herb-crusted lamb chops, Whole grilled branzino, Mussels with fries
What Makes it Special: Long-running French-Mediterranean patio restaurant that practically defines LA date night.
8.8
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's globally celebrated Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant offers world-class dining in a sleek setting. Celebrity clientele and signature dishes like Black Cod Miso make this the ultimate power lunch destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Toro Tartare with Caviar
What Makes it Special: World-renowned chef Nobu's signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion in celebrity hotspot
8.7
The legendary NYC export brings authentic Sicilian squares to the Sunset Strip with crispy, airy crust and quality toppings. Open until 3 AM on weekends, this slice shop delivers the real New York experience in a no-frills counter-service format.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian Pepperoni Square, Classic Margherita, Spicy Vodka Square
What Makes it Special: Authentic NYC Sicilian squares with legendary crispy-bottom crust
8.6
Chef Kris Yenbamroong's Thai street food spot elevates fries with bold Asian flavors and creative preparations. Their crispy potato offerings come with unexpected Thai-inspired seasonings and dipping sauces that transform the humble fry.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai Seasoned Fries, Larb Fries, Fried Chicken Wings
What Makes it Special: Thai-spiced fries with innovative Southeast Asian twists
#6
Alba
8.6
A stunning New York import bringing Italian vacation vibes to Melrose with chef Adam Leonti's exceptional bread and pasta program. The retractable roof and vibrant design create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates both adults and children.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta, Orecchiette Arrabbiata, Sea Shells Lobster Cardinale
What Makes it Special: Award-winning baker chef creating exceptional breads and handmade pastas
8.5
Connie & Ted's is a New England–style seafood house from the Providence team, built around pristine raw-bar towers, chowders, and wood-grilled fish. Locals treat it as the neighborhood’s go-to for lobster rolls, clam shacks flavors, and a lively patio that still works for serious seafood cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, Raw Bar Oyster Selection
What Makes it Special: Serious New England seafood from a fine-dining chef in casual digs.
#8
Pura Vita
8.4
Pura Vita is a plant-based Italian restaurant offering pastas, pizzas, and comfort dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans. The space is energetic and intimate with a strong wine program. It has a large and loyal customer base driven by creative plant-forward interpretations of Italian classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Pura, Cacio e pepe, Truffle pizza
What Makes it Special: Plant-based Italian cooking executed with surprising depth and richness.
8.4
This pioneering plant-based outpost of the legendary Japanese chain redefines vegan ramen with creamy soy milk 'tonkotsu' and innovative vegetable broths. Since transforming to fully vegan in May 2025, Ippudo V showcases traditional Japanese techniques through a plant-forward lens, offering both comfort and creativity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pla-Ton Vegan Tonkotsu, Shojin Shoyu Ramen, Super Mario Bros Roll
What Makes it Special: First fully vegan Ippudo location on the West Coast
#10
BOA Steakhouse
8.4
Modern steakhouse on the Sunset Strip serving dry-aged prime cuts and innovative seafood under executive chef Brendan Collins. The sleek interior attracts both Hollywood power brokers and Gen Z influencers seeking upscale dining with consistent quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Meatball, Dry-Aged NY Strip, Truffle Mac & Cheese
What Makes it Special: Two-decade Sunset Strip institution with celebrity clientele and exceptional service
#11
Cecconi's
8.4
This Soho House restaurant brings Northern Italian dining to Melrose with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and cicchetti served in a palm tree-surrounded garden patio. The kitchen delivers modern interpretations of Venetian classics with California produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Branzino, Lobster Spaghetti, Burrata with Prosciutto
What Makes it Special: Garden patio feels like dining in Italy.
#12
Salt & Straw
8.4
Portland-based craft ice cream chain known for chef-driven flavors and unexpected ingredient combinations. Their West Hollywood location serves small-batch ice cream with creative seasonal offerings and allows extensive tasting before ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Chocolate Gooey Brownie
What Makes it Special: Nationally acclaimed craft ice cream with bold flavors like olive and cheese
#13
Formosa Cafe
8.4
Formosa Cafe is a historic West Hollywood lounge where classic dim sum-style bites share the table with cocktails and Cantonese-Taiwanese plates in a restored 1930s trolley car space. Locals lean on it for har gow, shumai, and soup dumplings before a night out along Santa Monica Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Har Gow, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Pan-Fried Pork Potstickers
What Makes it Special: Old Hollywood bar energy with a focused dim sum-style menu.
#14
GRANVILLE
8.4
Granville’s Beverly Boulevard location is a high-polish take on the modern American neighborhood restaurant, with big salads, mac and cheese, burgers, and cocktails that can cover everything from family dinners to casual dates. The roomy dining room and bar make it a reliable crowd-pleaser when you’re feeding mixed tastes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uptown Mac & Cheese, Thai Ginger Salad, Wagyu Rustic Steak Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Polished New American comfort food with enough range to satisfy most groups.
#15
Ysabel
8.3
Ysabel hides behind an unassuming Fairfax entrance and opens into a multi-level courtyard lined with fireplaces and wraparound banquettes. It’s the quintessential West Hollywood date-night patio, pairing cocktails and new American plates with a design-forward space that feels made for lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Heirloom Tomato & Burrata, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Pan-Seared Branzino
What Makes it Special: A hidden courtyard restaurant where fireplaces, tiers, and moody lighting do a lot of the date-night heavy lifting.
8.3
The restaurant at Chateau Marmont sits off the hotel’s courtyard and patio, offering semi-private and private dining areas that plug directly into one of LA’s most storied addresses. Food skews Californian comfort with cocktails, but the real draw for private dinners is the Old Hollywood setting and the chance to host clients or friends somewhere instantly recognizable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chateau Burger with Fries, Steak Frites, Seasonal Pasta Special
What Makes it Special: A historic hotel restaurant with private and semi-private spaces that deliver peak Old Hollywood atmosphere.
8.3
Plant-forward restaurant and juice bar treating vegetables with meat-like creativity and respect. Weekend brunch features innovative vegan versions of classic dishes in a bright, airy space with excellent people-watching from the front patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tater Tot Breakfast Burrito, Jackfruit 'Crab Cake' Benedict, Mushroom Calamari
What Makes it Special: Creative plant-based versions of brunch classics with cult following
8.3
This swanky Old Hollywood-inspired steakhouse opened in 2023 with a stunning circular bar and hand-painted murals that transport diners to a bygone era. Drake's serves expertly prepared filet mignon and innovative seafood dishes in spacious red leather booths perfect for intimate celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon, Vin Scully Fries, Salmon Crab Rangoon
What Makes it Special: Old Hollywood glamour with modern execution
#19
Katana
8.3
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
This buzzy robata grill combines dramatic ambiance with quality Japanese cuisine and craft cocktails. The elevated energy and creative menu make it perfect for business lunches that need to impress without being overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Popcorn Shrimp, Robata Grilled Items, Premium Omakase
What Makes it Special: Dramatic robata grill atmosphere with innovative Japanese-fusion cuisine
#20
Laurel Hardware
8.2
Laurel Hardware turns a former hardware store into a long, brick-walled dining room that opens onto one of WeHo’s more atmospheric back patios. The menu leans into cocktails, pizza, and share plates, making it a reliable move for first dates or casual anniversaries where the setting matters as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Duck Fried Rice, Truffle Fries
What Makes it Special: A converted hardware store with a long bar and leafy back patio that reads instantly as WeHo date-night central.
#21
HiTops
8.2
This high-school-themed LGBTQ+ sports bar from San Francisco serves buffalo wings alongside elevated bar classics in a lively atmosphere with multiple screens. The $5 well drinks during happy hour complement their tasty wings perfectly, while Tuesday trivia nights with cash prizes and Sunday Fundays create an engaging social scene that goes beyond typical sports bar experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Bacon Beef Burger, Buffalo Chicken Salad
What Makes it Special: SF-transplant with high-school theme and inclusive LGBTQ+ sports bar atmosphere
#22
The Red Fish
8.2
Upscale newcomer masterfully combines premium steaks with exquisite sushi artistry in a sophisticated atmosphere with covered patio dining. The thoughtfully crafted menu showcases the freshest fish alongside prime cuts, complemented by handcrafted cocktails designed to enhance the culinary experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime New York Strip, Miso-Glazed Sea Bass, Signature Red Fish Cocktail
What Makes it Special: Unique steakhouse-sushi fusion concept with premium ingredients focus
#23
First Of All
8.2
First Of All is a family-owned daytime restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard doing Mexican-leaning brunch plates, chilaquiles, and elaborate pancakes in a bright, art-filled room. It’s a newer arrival in 90046 but already drawing strong feedback for thoughtful flavors and polished presentations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churro French Toast, Desayuno Del Rancho, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Daytime spot blending Mexican flavors with classic brunch staples in a colorful space.
#24
Catch LA
8.1
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Rooftop steakhouse and sushi destination combining Tokyo's Toyosu Market seafood with premium steak cuts cooked tableside on hot rocks. The retractable rooftop offers stunning downtown LA views in the heart of the Design District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese Wagyu on Hot Rock, Catch Roll, Truffle Sashimi
What Makes it Special: Unique combination of high-end sushi and tableside steak with city views
#25
Jones Hollywood
8.1
Jones Hollywood is a late-night Italian-American restaurant offering pasta, pizza, and cocktails in a dimly lit, old-school setting. It is known for its lively energy and extended hours, making it a reliable choice for night owls. The red booths and retro design create a classic Hollywood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti and meatballs, Pepperoni pizza, Apple pie
What Makes it Special: Late-night Italian-American cooking in a retro Hollywood room.
8.1
Modern smash burger specialist open until 2am on weekends, featuring premium beef patties cooked on a flattop grill for crispy edges and juicy centers. This newer addition to the scene offers both classic and kosher options with quick counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smash Burger, Classic Smash Burger, Loaded Fries
What Makes it Special: Expertly executed smash burgers with kosher options available
8.1
This Sunset Strip fixture since 1998 combines creative sushi rolls with classic Japanese dishes in a modern setting. The outdoor patio and strip views add energy to business lunches while maintaining professional atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Creative Specialty Rolls, Omakase Experience, Outdoor Patio Dining
What Makes it Special: Sunset Strip location with outdoor patio and city views
#28
Tocaya
8
Modern Mexican fast-casual concept serving guilt-free meals with fresh ingredients and health-conscious options. Founded in Venice in 2016, this California-born brand offers customizable bowls, tacos, and salads in a sophisticated yet accessible setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tinga Bowl, Guacamole with Plantain Chips, Signature Chipotle Lime Sauce
What Makes it Special: Hormone-free meats and locally sourced organic produce with modern California twist
8
Akuma pairs tonkotsu and truffle garlic ramen with a full sushi menu in an anime-decorated dining room and lantern-lit patio. It functions as a hybrid ramen bar and neighborhood sushi hangout, with all-day happy hour drawing groups and date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Garlic Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Akuma Roll
What Makes it Special: Anime-themed ramen and sushi bar with truffle ramen, rolls, and a busy patio.
#30
Lan Noodle
8
Lan Noodle is a modern fast-casual Chinese shop specializing in hand-pulled Lanzhou-style noodles, backed by a focused dumpling program that includes xiao long bao and pan-fried pork dumplings. It works as much for a solo soup-and-dumpling stop as it does for small groups sharing plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Lan Beef Noodle Soup, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Pork Pan-Fried Dumplings
What Makes it Special: Hand-pulled noodle shop with legit soup dumplings in 90046.
#31
Umbrella Taco
8
Umbrella Taco is a compact Melrose counter spot for chef-y tacos, salsas, and cocktails from the adjoining Umbrella bar. Locals come for punchy adobada and fish tacos that feel more crafted than typical late-night street options while still staying casual and fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada taco, Beer-battered fish taco, Carnitas taco
What Makes it Special: Modern, bar-adjacent taqueria with focused, chef-y tacos.
Worthy Picks
#32
LAVO
7.9
Coastal Italian concept with dramatic retractable roof creates year-round alfresco dining on the Sunset Strip. Chef Ralph Scamardella balances Southern Italian influences with California produce, delivering upscale but approachable dishes perfect for impressing a date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino, Rigatoni Vodka, Burrata
What Makes it Special: Dramatic retractable roof dining experience on Sunset Strip
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Exclusive members-only club serving Californian-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated creative environment. Perfect for industry networking and intimate business discussions among entertainment professionals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Fired Pizza, House Burger, Seasonal Garden Salad
What Makes it Special: Members-only creative hub with Hollywood Hills views and screening room
7.9
Robby’s West Hollywood is a neighborhood wine bar and American comfort-food spot inside a Santa Monica Boulevard complex, pairing by-the-glass pours with burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates. It reads like a casual weeknight hang that still feels considered enough for low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
House cheeseburger, Fried chicken sandwich, Mac and cheese
What Makes it Special: Relaxed wine-bar setting where approachable American comfort food meets a focused glass list.
#35
Norma
7.9
Chef Christopher Leal's coastal California restaurant brings inventive twists to American classics in a sophisticated 1930s-inspired space with DJs spinning vinyl. The Santa Barbara crab fried rice and lobster benedict showcase the kitchen's seafood expertise alongside creative cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santa Barbara Crab Fried Rice, Lobster Benedict, Grilled Sea Bass
What Makes it Special: Coastal California cuisine meets vintage glamour and DJ vibes
#36
Ocean Sushi
7.9
Ocean Sushi is a newer WeHo sushi bar built around creative rolls, generous happy hour deals, and a relaxed, neighborhood feel. Regulars come for inventive specials like the Grinch Roll and OMG Baby Roll alongside solid classics, especially during the double daily happy hour windows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grinch Roll, Tuna Lover Roll, OMG Baby Roll
What Makes it Special: Casual neighborhood sushi bar with an unusually deep roll list and strong happy hour program.
7.8
Las Perlas is a mezcal-and-tequila bar that doubles as a late-night taco stop thanks to its attached kitchen turning out taco flights, veggie options, and bar snacks until the early hours. The focus is cocktails and music first, but the ability to sit with a mezcal margarita and a plate of tacos after midnight makes it a key late-night tacos option in 90046.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Flight (Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Veggie), Mushroom or Squash Blossom Taco, Quesabirria-style Taco Specials
What Makes it Special: Agave-focused cocktail bar with a real late-night taco program attached.
7.8
Guac Daddy’s West Hollywood location is a newer, party-leaning taqueria near Plummer Park, known for birria, loaded guacamole, and colorful drinks. It plays louder and trendier than most nearby taco stands, with a menu that leans into shareable combos alongside classic à la carte tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Champiñones vegetarian tacos, Loaded guacamole and chips
What Makes it Special: New-school taqueria with birria, big guacamole, and party energy.
#39
Marvito
7.7
Marvito transforms a former Old Hollywood institution into a dim, psychedelic honky-tonk where small-batch tequila and Mexican-American comfort plates share space with classic rock on the stereo. Shrimp enchiladas, aguachile, and ribs come out of an open kitchen that feels more like a house party than a white-tablecloth dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Enchiladas, Aguachile, Barbecue Ribs
What Makes it Special: A divey, music-soaked roadhouse where tequila, tacos, and ribs land under amber lighting.
7.6
Arden Restaurant & Cafe is an all-day, flower-draped space that turns into one of WeHo’s most photogenic brunch rooms on weekends. The brunch menu leans Californian–Mediterranean, pairing pancakes, benedicts, and avocado toast with espresso drinks and daytime cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Avocado Toast
What Makes it Special: Highly decorated, garden-inspired dining room that doubles as a brunch backdrop for photos.
#41
Chez Mia
7.6
Provençal-inspired Mediterranean escape on Restaurant Row features pink umbrellas and bold design for Instagram appeal. Wagyu strip steak and seared octopus shine despite premium pricing reflecting Melrose Avenue glamour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Strip Steak, Seared Octopus, Caviar Gougère
What Makes it Special: Riviera-themed restaurant with whimsical design and Mediterranean brunch
#42
Bravo Toast
7.5
Instagram-famous coffee and toast shop specializing in artisanal breakfast items with aesthetic green branding. Known for their green goddess avocado toast and signature matcha lattes, this small but photogenic café has gained social media prominence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Goddess Toast, Tuna & Avo Toast, Matcha Latte
What Makes it Special: Social media famous for aesthetic presentation and specialty toasts