Best Restaurants in Los Angeles (2025)

A second‑generation Thai landmark reborn under chef Justin Pichetrungsi, known for Thai Taco Tuesday in the alley and a standout wine program. Named Restaurant of the Year by the Los Angeles Times and lauded by Food & Wine and the Michelin Guide.

Chef Gilberto Cetina’s mariscos counter inside Mercado La Paloma channels Mexico’s coasts with pristine ceviches, octopus tacos, and a coveted tasting menu. Restaurant of the Year by the Los Angeles Times and Michelin-starred, with fresh accolades into 2025.

Chefs Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida‑Nakayama present modern California kaiseki with quiet precision and seasonality. Michelin‑starred and frequently cited by national outlets, it remains one of LA’s most personal fine‑dining experiences.

Walter and Margarita Manzke’s all‑day icon blends French technique with California produce in a historic 1928 space. Consistently featured on the Los Angeles Times 101 Best list and praised by Eater and Michelin inspectors.

A Koreatown institution run by the López family, celebrated for moles, tlayudas, and live music. Honored as an America’s Classics winner by the James Beard Foundation and praised by the Los Angeles Times for its cultural centrality.

Avish Naran’s Indian sports‑bar sensation riffs on wings, pasta, and pizza with masalas and chutneys. Profiled by The New Yorker and regularly highlighted by Eater editors for playful, dialed‑in flavors that feel uniquely LA.

Jenee Kim’s benchmark Korean barbecue draws celebrities and families alike for pristine cuts and attentive grill service. A perennial critic favorite and Michelin‑recommended, it anchors LA’s definitive K‑Town experience.

Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis explore Middle Eastern flavors—oyster mushroom kebabs, malawach, lamb neck shawarma—in a lively Arts District room. Featured on the Los Angeles Times 101 and selected by the Michelin Guide.

Andrew and Michelle Muñoz bring Texas technique and LA flavor to Lincoln Heights—smoky brisket, jalapeño‑cheddar links, and Mexican‑leaning sides. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and frequent editor pick for the city’s top barbecue.

Michael Cimarusti’s seafood temple blends sustainability with finesse in a serene Hollywood dining room. Elevated to three Michelin stars in 2025, with a Green Star for environmental leadership—an enduring LA milestone.

A flour‑tortilla masterclass from Teodoro Díaz‑Rodríguez Jr. and Jennifer Feltham, grilling mesquite‑kissed meats and rolling burritos that define DTLA eating. Celebrated in the Los Angeles Times 101 and beloved by local writers.

Since 1947, this MacArthur Park classic has defined LA pastrami—hand‑cut and piled on double‑baked rye. An America’s Classics honoree from the James Beard Foundation and praised by generations of critics.