Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles (2025)
ORA
Cafe · Leimert Park
Reimagined from Hot and Cool Cafe, ORA anchors Leimert Park’s cultural corridor with plant-forward plates, café de olla, and community programming. Covered by the Los Angeles Times; still independently owned by Tina Amin and Tony Jolly.
Park's BBQ
Korean barbecue restaurant · Koreatown
Koreatown’s benchmark for prime galbi and polished grill-side service, drawing families and chefs alike. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and frequently cited by local editors for essential LA dining.
Jitlada Restaurant
Thai restaurant · East Hollywood
A beloved Southern Thai institution with a sprawling menu and serious heat. Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide; Chef Jazz’s legacy continues with dishes praised by critics and regulars.
Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop
Bakery · Historic Core
Family-run since 1903, this mochi and manju shop is the oldest business in Little Tokyo. Featured by LA Conservancy and Japanese media; still handcrafting seasonal sweets behind the counter.
Bestia
Italian restaurant · Downtown Los Angeles
Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis’s industrial Italian icon helped spark the Arts District’s rise. House-made pastas, charcuterie, and a vibrant dining room keep it on critics’ shortlists year after year.
Alta Adams
Restaurant · West Adams
Chef Keith Corbin’s California soul food connects West African roots with LA produce in a lively neighborhood setting. Celebrated by the Los Angeles Times and national media for its community spirit.
Otomisan Restaurant
Japanese restaurant · Boyle Heights
LA’s oldest continuously operating Japanese restaurant (since 1956) serves homestyle classics in a tiny, time-capsule space. Profiled by LAist and Boyle Heights Beat; new ownership preserves its legacy.
Moo's Craft Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant · Lincoln Heights
Texas technique, LA soul: brisket, jalapeño-cheddar links, and Mexican-influenced sides on a sunlit patio. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and a favorite of local barbecue editors.
Messob Ethiopian Restaurant
Ethiopian restaurant · Carthay
A cornerstone since 1985, known for generous combo platters, coffee culture, and a welcoming lesson in Gursha. Praised by local critics and beloved by vegans and first-timers alike.
Civil Coffee
Coffee shop · Highland Park
Brothers Alex and Alan Morales turned a cart into a neighborhood hub showcasing Mexican specialty coffee and daytime plates. Covered by the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Magazine.
Holbox
Seafood restaurant · South Los Angeles
Inside Mercado La Paloma, Chef Gilberto Cetina crafts luminous ceviches and grilled seafood. Named Los Angeles Times Restaurant of the Year and awarded a Michelin star.
