Alexandra Ramirez
Los Angeles is known all over the world as THE place to visit and for good reason. The city holds many distinctions including being the entertainment capital of the world. It is also home to over 100 museums and is known for its incredible weather year round. Whether you want to check out the Walk of Fame or see the state’s only remaining wooden lighthouse, there is a multitude of things to do, places to see and dreams to dream.
With all of the different shopping opportunities, tourist attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities to take advantage of, one can’t forget that L.A. is the center of some of the most incredible dining experiences you can find anywhere. Regardless of whether you are looking for red-carpet dishes from celebrity chefs or wanting to find a quaint, off-the-beaten-path café tucked away somewhere, Los Angeles will have what you’re looking for.
It is not over exaggerating to say that L.A. offers such diverse choices for dining that you can ‘dine all over the world’ without ever having to leave the city. If you really want to have some fun, try to attend the popular and well-known dineLA Restaurant Week that is held twice a year in the summer and winter. This 12 day event showcases L.A as a dining destination that you don’t want to miss. It highlights the different culinary experiences that Los Angeles offers and is a lot of fun too.
With literally, thousands of choices to sort through it may seem pretty impossible to figure out where you should go to taste some of the diversity that L.A offers in its dining scene. We’ve provided you with a list of the 10 best places to eat in L.A. that might get you started on a long term endeavor of trying all that Los Angeles has to offer your palate.
El Compadre
Visit: El Compadre
El Compadre specializes in preparing and serving the fine foods that Mexico has to offer. The family recipes used have been handed down for generations using choice seafood, the finest cuts of meat and seasonal fresh vegetables. The El Compadre Chefs prepare these dishes for their guests ensuring that they are full of fresh flavors and traditional tastes with every bite the guest takes. Choose from entrees that are guaranteed to please like the tasty Carne con Chile Colorado that features chunks of delicious pork served in a special tomatillo sauce or the flavorful Arroz Con Pollo A La Mexicana, a shredded breast of chicken casserole that is prepared with tomatoes, onions and bell peppers and you will see why this restaurant is the place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine. They offer a full bar that includes domestic and imported beers, a variety of mixed cocktails and their signature Flaming Margarita. Add in live music nightly from a talented trio that sings Mexican classics and an ambience that includes soft lighting and you’re in for a dining experience that will be unforgettable.
Philippe The Original
Visit: Philippe The Original
Philippe’s The Original has a very cool history attached to it. Back in 1918, Mathieu accidentally dropped the French roll that he was using to make a policeman a sandwich. The sliced roll ended up getting filled with the hot juices that were in the roasting pan.
The policeman decided to take the sandwich anyway and came back the next day, friends in tow and they wanted more of the delicious dipped sandwiches. That was the start of something great for Philippe’s.
The unique set up of this popular place includes 10 carvers that are stationed at a display counter each with their own line of customers. Once it is your turn, the carver takes care of your entire order from start to finish. They take the order, make it and then give it to you and it’s the next person’s turn. These delicious French Dip sandwiches will make a lasting impression on your taste buds and will likely ruin you for all other versions you may have tried in the past.
The atmosphere of this family owned restaurant is designed to relax and please their guests, providing friendly service and impeccably tasting food. Whether you order the traditional French Dip, a bowl of tasty chili or something else from their great menu, you are sure to come away completely satisfied.
The Bazaar by Jose Andres
Visit: The Bazaar by Jose Andres
Chef Andres serves his guests sophisticated and fun dishes with traditional Spanish flavors while utilizing cutting edge culinary techniques. Choose from delicious King Crab or Classic White Sturgeon, prepared fresh and add tasty Asparagus Rice that is made from Seasonal mushrooms, English peas & Parmesan. The result is a dining experience that you will remember and want to duplicate again and again. The Bazaar offers beautiful décor and a variety of foods and cocktails that combine to make an incredible evening. The décor features retro wallpaper and elegant chandeliers that inspire relaxation and makes the perfect backdrop for your special occasions. You can request customized menus that the award winning chefs are happy to prepare along with superior mixology and impeccable service. It doesn’t matter if you are at the Bazaar for an intimate dinner or you have a lavish corporate event or wedding rehearsal dinner, the catering staff will make sure everything goes smoothly and that every detail is perfect. Don’t forget the Tasting Hour that is the first Thursday of the month where you can try several spirits or wines that are The Bazaar’s favorites.
Culina
Visit: Culina
Culina isn’t your typical Italian restaurant, it is an experience. Enjoy the bar or have dinner with your family or friends. Afterwards, enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the décor. This casual, affordable neighborhood style LA Restaurant will provide you with the dining experience you are looking for. Culina has won numerous distinctions and awards including “Best New Restaurants” by Esquire magazine, has been featured as one of the top restaurants in L.A. by Zagat and much more. The restaurant offers the ability to host a variety of events there from corporate events to holiday celebrations in one of their private dining rooms or enjoy an intimate anniversary dinner that will truly make the evening feel even more special. On the menu you will find authentic Italian dishes that are sure to please any palate. The Wine List is an impressive collection of wines that you will enjoy trying. You may find it difficult to choose from all of the delicious entrees like the Thread which features juicy Beef Tenderloin, Pearl Onions, Soft Polenta and Porcini Jus. If chicken is what you’re craving, try the Crunchy Chicken, half of a Jidori Chicken that has been truffled with wild mushrooms and delicious crispy potatoes. There is plenty on the menu that will offer something for every taste.
Vibrato Grill
Visit: Vibrato Grill
If you love Jazz and you want a dining experience that will rival your other dining experiences to date, then go to Vibrato Grill, L.A.’s premiere jazz and dining space. They offer a wonderful dinner theater atmosphere that includes California cuisine, steakhouse entrees, vegetarian dishes and delicious Italian favorites. While you dine on some incredible food you will be able to enjoy some of the most talented musicians in the world. The menu is expansive and presided over by Chef Carlos Gonzalez. Choose from such incredible tasting dishes like the Baled Alaska Halibut that is served with grilled artichoke hearts along tomato, thyme and lemon, or the equally impressive and tasty Berkshire Pork Double Cut that is served along with sautéed spinach, bourbon glaze, crispy leaks and granny smith apples. Whatever you choose from their impressive menu is sure to please. Because of the style of dining and the unique experience Vibrato offers along with incredible music, it is recommended by the restaurant that you make reservations. The reservation is for dining only so please be aware that there may be an additional cover charge for the entertainment. It is well worth the additional expense. Vibrato Grill is a restaurant that you will want to return to often for the food AND the entertainment.
Vivian’s Millennium Cafe
Visit: Vivian’s Millennium Cafe
Vivian’s Millennium Café is one the best places you can go if you want to get breakfasts that will fill you up and take eating breakfast to a whole new level in the process. They offer guests specialties like their tasty banana or blueberry pancakes and their gigantic specialty omelets as well. One of their signature breakfasts is their legendary chili cheese omelet that will blow your taste buds away while satisfying even the largest appetite. They are also home of the soon-to-be-well-known Philly Cheese Steak Omelet as well. The menu is full of other dishes too including numerous fresh salads like the Chinese Chicken Salad that features Vivian’s homemade sesame dressing and crispy wontons or the delicious fresh Grilled Salmon Salad. The sandwiches are real appetite pleasers as well and are huge. Try the delectable Tuna Melt or a local favorite, Jennifer’s Really Big Sandwich. In addition to spectacular food, Vivian’s Millennium Café has a lot of unique style in their décor as well. They are located in an old house that has been converted into the restaurant and features a back patio with a large avocado tree growing through it. You can sit along the driveway where palm trees and other lush greenery provide beautiful scenery and misters that will keep you cool on warmer summer days.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Visit: Mastro’s Steakhouse
Mastro’s Steakhouse is known for many things. For starters it is the preferred steakhouse of locals and celebrities, and has been given names like “high end” and “masterful”. It is also named as one of the top steakhouses in the U.S. So what can you expect from Mastro’s when you come through the door? One of the first things you will be struck by is the combination of comfort, ambience and elegance that flows throughout the restaurant whether it’s the main dining room or the private dining rooms. There is liver entertainment every night along with dancing to make you dining experience truly remarkable. The chefs and staff that operate Mastro’s have one goal and that is to create a Guest for Life. This involves consistently offering guests delicious, quality food such as their impressive 48 ounce Double Cut Porterhouse that will melt in your mouth or the 24 ounce herb roasted chicken that will tantalize your taste buds as well. In addition to incredible food, Mastro’s is committed to offering their guests excellent service and a distinct ambience that will be sure to bring you back again. Mastro’s is not your ordinary steakhouse; there will be nothing ordinary about your dining experience there.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Visit: Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is a beautiful restaurant that is sure to provide you with an evening you won’t forget. The contemporary design of the inside is a tribute to the owners’ southern Brazilian roots and pays tribute to gaucho traditions as well. It is the perfect spot to have a night out with your friends or to use to entertain your clients. The beautiful dining room also has an adjacent distinctive private dining room and a fun and lively bar known as Bar Fogo. There are many menu creations that have been developed that stem from the Brazilian tradition that provide the Brazilian churrasco dining experience. They also have many seafood dishes that have been added to the menu. In the bar, you can order Brazilian-inspired smaller dishes, pairing them with award a variety of cocktails and award-winning wines.One thing is certain and that is that dining at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse will be a memorable event that you won’t forget.
Vegas Seafood Buffet
Visit: Vegas Seafood Buffet
Vegas Seafood Buffet was inspired by the large variety of vibrant buffet restaurants that are common in the city of Las Vegas. A group of restaurateurs got together with a collective culinary experience of over 30 years in the industry. Their goal was to provide that Vegas buffet experience in L.A. and they have accomplished that and much more. Vegas Seafood Buffet offers guests fresh dishes that are prepared right in front of you whether it is sushi or salads. They also strive to make the food healthy by controlling the amount of calories that are in each dish they serve. With choices including seafood, Churrasco, sushi, Teppanyaki, fruits, salads, meats, poultry and a variety of desserts, this buffet experience will satisfy and leave you planning the next visit before you leave. The friendly atmosphere adds to your experience, making this a great place to dine with family and friends.
Rocksugar Pan Asian Kitchen
Visit: Rocksugar Pan Asian Kitchen
If you love Asian food, come dine at the restaurant that showcases the cuisines of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. Rather than offering fusion cuisine, every dish on Rocksugar Pan Asian Kitchen’s menu is authentic to the country of origin the dish comes from. Whether you try delicious Vietnamese Shaking Beef or the delectable Indian Samosas, you will be transported to a part of the globe where these with delicious, spice-filled foods come from. The taste is so flavorful and authentic that you will feel like you’re taking a trip through Asia with each bite. Chef Mohan is dedicated to keeping the dishes on the menu real and regularly returns to Southeast Asia several times a year to bring back new recipes that keep Rocksugar Pan Asian Kitchen’s menu fresh and exciting all year round. If you are looking for a Southeast Asian culinary experience you won’t forget, you have got to make sure this innovative and unique restaurant is on your itinerary.
