WHERE TO EAT WELL IN LOS ANGELES: 8 ESSENTIAL DINING SPOTS

Updated: June 10, 2026  ·  Published: Los Angeles

From Hollywood Glam to Coastal Hideaways, Your Curated LA Restaurant Guide

Dining well in Los Angeles is one of the ultimate pleasures of visiting LaLaLand—but with a city this sprawling, deciding where to go can quickly feel overwhelming.

To take the guesswork out of your next trip, we’ve curated a diverse list of eight exceptional dining spots and organized them by neighborhoods and nearby landmarks. From crispy fried chicken and artisanal sandwiches to world-class fine dining and cliffside tables with ocean views, this handpicked selection will help you experience a fantastic mix of cuisines, distinct neighborhoods, beautiful design, and top-tier service.

BEVERLY HILLS

SPAGO 

A guest enjoying a curated culinary experience at Spago, a top-recommended restaurant in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

Fine dining with a legendary side of Hollywood glam. Wolfgang Puck's original see-and-be-seen hot spot is still chic, elegant, and an overall lovely culinary experience where the hospitality is just as world-class as the market-driven menu. It is the perfect choice for a celebratory dinner or a classic Beverly Hills night out near the luxury shopping of Rodeo Drive.

BEVERLY HILLS & WEST HOLLYWOOD

THE IVY 

Los Angeles restaurant, The Ivy's colorful dining room and exterior.

After many decades, The Ivy remains an iconic, perennially enchanting bistro with an incredible patio tradition. Famous for its fresh, light California dishes and a vibrant fresh flower decorating program that is second to none, a breezy lunch on this sun-drenched patio is the quintessential LA experience, offering unbeatable people-watching right near the stylish boutiques of Robertson Boulevard.

HANCOCK PARK & HOLLYWOOD

METEORA

Entrance and food of Meteora restaurant in Los Angeles.

Conveniently located near Hollywood and the Miracle Mile museum district, this immersive, multi-sensory gem transports you the moment you step inside. Creative, innovative Latin cuisine is served by a highly professional staff in a dramatic, organic space filled with hanging greenery and intricately woven woodwork. It is an absolute must-visit for foodies who appreciate striking interior design and avant-garde flavors.

LAUREL CANYON & WEST HOLLYWOOD

PACE

Exterior of iconic Pace, a historic Italian restaurant in Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles.

We love this classic canyon hideaway for its chill, bohemian vibe and rustic Italian cuisine. Tucked away in the hills, Pace features an intimate dining room that has welcomed legendary rock stars and Hollywood icons since the '90s — making it perfect for a romantic dinner with a historic LA feel.

LACMA AND WILSHIRE MUSEUM DISTRICT

FANNY'S

Named after movie icon Fanny Brice, this restaurant is located right inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Fanny’s serves up refreshing, contemporary American cuisine in an expansive, grand, high-ceilinged space with an artful mid-century modern aesthetic. It is the perfect, stylish pitstop to relax and fuel up during a cultural day out, either before or after you visit the nearby LACMA and Petersen museums.

DTLA - MUSEUM DISTRICT & DISNEY HALL

LEMONADE

Located directly at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and just across the street from The Broad, this bright, cheerful Southern California staple specializes in fresh ingredients and light, colorful fast-casual fare. Order a customized marketplace salad, and don't skip their massive variety of beautiful, signature flavored lemonades—the perfect refreshing lunch during a Downtown LA museum crawl or a trip to Walt Disney Concert Hall.

SANTA MONICA & VENICE BEACH

AUGIE'S ON MAIN

Augie's Chicken Sandwich Cafe on Main Street in Venice, CA..

Created by Michelin-starred chef and Santa Monica native Josiah Citrin, this casual spot on Main Street is perfect after a morning of coastal exploring. Snag a seat on the relaxed, beachy outdoor patio to enjoy gourmet fried chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, and perfectly crisp fries. It makes for an upscale yet effortless beach-day lunch before heading up the coast toward Malibu.

MALIBU - THE GETTY VILLA & THE MALIBU PIER

GEOFFREY'S MALIBU

Spectacularly set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Geoffrey's is an airy, legendary LA classic that delivers on chic elegance and endless ocean views. It’s the ultimate spot to relax, listen to the crashing waves, and enjoy fresh, upscale California cuisine paired with great wine and refreshing ocean breezes after a morning visit to the The Getty Villa or the Malibu Fishing Pier.

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