Best Dinner Spots in Los Angeles
My tried and true favorites!
Los Angeles is home to some of the most amazing restaurants, and I am always excited when I try one that I know I will come back to over and over again. There are always new ones popping up, but this is my list that I know I can always rely on without fail. Here you’ll find a combination of fun ambiances, aesthetic cocktails, and dishes you’ll be dreaming about for weeks to come.
P.S. These are great date night or GNO spots!
Ysabel probably takes the #1 spot on my list. I could dine here every week, as it has such a fun ambiance. There are twinkling lights on the trees on the patio (similar to Restoration Hardware), a DJ comes to play later in the night, and the bar always has great energy. My friends and I met Jnr Choi here, who was the nicest human! I love the ‘Reesh’ cocktail, which is the one pictured below with the peppers and cucumbers. Their espresso martinis are also very good. My favorite dishes are their Hamachi Crudo, Crispy Sesame Shrimp, Wagyu Yakitori, Hand Cut Rigatoni, and Truffle Fries. Definitely make a reservation at least two weeks in advance and dress like you own the place!
Calabra has gotten some disfavor for its changes to its reservation policy (a $5 non-refundable fee per person just to reserve) and taking the beloved Mezze Platter and Buffalo Cauliflower off of the menu, but I still thoroughly enjoy dining here. It is located on the rooftop of the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, with a view of the pool and skyline. Any of the Mezze and Dip starters are very good, and they always come with fresh pita bread. I normally order a Kebab, Half Steak + Frites, or Sushi. Keep in mind that the sushi rolls can be quite big. For cocktails, I like to order their ‘Washed Ashore’ cocktail (blue one pictured below), espresso martinis, and if you ask for it they make a really amazing White Negroni. Since it is on the westside, it is a more relaxed atmosphere.
Fia may look unassuming from the outside, but once you walk in there is a gorgeous, lit up patio that is two levels. It is a more intimate dining experience, and has some top notch dishes. Their Spicy Chili Tuna/Crispy Arancini is a must to start with. The Yellowtail is also very good. All of their pastas are handmade, and I dream about their Handmade Cavatelli/Parmesan/Brown Butter/Fresh Shaved Black Truffle. I believe the lamb chop dish pictured below was a special of the night, and it was so tender and completely melted in my mouth. I normally order an espresso martini or manhattan with my choice of liquor, as I don’t love their liquors of choice on the cocktail menu. Don’t forget to end your meal with their famous Chocolate Dome that lights on fire! You’ll find a range of people dressed very casual or dressed up ready to go out for the night.
Uovo is a super versatile restaurant and can fit the occasion of a casual solo moment at the pasta bar or a romantic date night. It has four locations in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Mid-Wilshire @ Crescent Heights, and Studio City. I can only speak for my experiences dining at the Santa Monica location. If you come with an appetite, I would definitely recommend trying their tasting menu. It serves two people, and adding a bottle of wine transports you to an Italian simulation. I especially love the Cheese & Truffle option, which comes with Yellowtail Crudo, Tagliatelle in truffle sauce, Pomodoro, Cacio e Pepe, and Tiramisu al cucchiaio. This is definitely for a night you plan on going home after to lay down with your new pasta food baby. Uovo does not take reservations, so make sure to bake in a wait time when planning your evening.
Nobu Malibu is a top tier combination of excellent food and drinks, along with a stunning view of the beach. It has a fun, lively atmosphere and you cannot go wrong with any of the dishes. I especially love the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, and Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce. For cocktails, I love their Market Margarita, Matsuhisa Martini, Nobu Old Fashioned, and (you guessed it) espresso martini. Your best bet for a reservation is to call exactly at 10AM one month in advance. However, if you are in the area for the day and flexible on timing, you can put your name on a waitlist. It is also fun to go to the bar for late night drinks!
Kappo Osen (also called Kappo Miyabi) is my favorite casual dinner sushi spot. The fish is extremely high quality, and is very authentic Japanese food. I normally order the Edamame With Garlic Soy, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Chilean Sea Bass skewers, and an assortment of sushi. The Bluefin Tuna sushi seriously melts in your mouth. Once you finish your last piece of sushi, it is almost guaranteed that you’ll be ordering another round not wanting it to end. They also have a solid list of wine, sake, and beer. If you are under the weather or in need of some comfort food, their Miso Nabeyaki Udon is the best Udon I have tried on the westside. Reservations are taken through Yelp which I would recommend doing for dinner, but you can normally walk-in for lunch.
I will proudly stand behind the statement that Elephante lives up to its hype. Even the Whipped Eggplant alone makes a visit worth it. It is a trendy atmosphere, with a view of the ocean, and always packed. If you are looking for a quiet night, this is probably not the right option. It is a perfect first stop before a night out. Other amazing dishes include the Vodka Sauce pasta, Cacio E Pepe pasta, Burrata pizza, and Roasted Mushroom pizza. I dream about the Vodka Sauce pasta all the time. The Chocolate Torta dessert is extremely rich yet delicous. Their most popular cocktail is called ‘The Elephante’ and you choose your pick of liquor. Who doesn’t love a cocktail with a beautiful edible flower garnish? If you go with a big group, you can order any cocktail as a punchbowl! You will need to make a reservation one month in advance via Resy. If you just want to sit at the bar, that is normally doable with a wait time.
All of my problems disappear the moment I step foot on this rooftop and order a martini. It is located at the top of the Waldorf Astoria, which is a gorgeous hotel located in Beverly Hills. These last two picks are moreso my go-to’s for after dinner cocktails, but are equally perfect for dinner as well. Rooftop by JG has the best view of LA in my opinion, and everything from the service to the cocktails to the food is impeccable. The sushi and truffle cheesburger are perfect for a late night bite. I especially love their cucumber martinis, spicy margaritas, and espresso martinis.
Giorgio Baldi is an amazing spot for authentic, no frills Italian food. It is also the place to spot a celebrity (I once saw Sophia Richie and Elliot through the window next to our table). It is also Rihanna’s favorite restaurant. Giorgio Baldi is family owned and has been around for more than 30 years! Everything is reasonably priced and insanely good. This is the perfect restaurant to have a romantic date, cozy girls night, or even dinner with family. You cannot go wrong with their menu; my favorites are the Burrata Tricolore, Tonno alla Palmaria, and Ricciarelle al Tartufo. Add in a bottle of wine and you are all set for the most perfect evening. P.S. You will need to call to make a reservation.
Last but certainly not least, my beloved Wally’s. There is a location in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, both of which I love equally. This is another spot I love to go to for after dinner drinks, but have had plenty of incredible dinners here as well. It is probably one of the best spots to people watch as well. You can definitely have a solo moment at the bar here. You absolutely must order the Wood Oven Baked Brie, it is completely life-changing. You can’t go wrong with their pastas and pizzas, and you can create your own charcuterie with cheeses and meats of your choice. Even as a wine store, they also have incredible cocktails. I love their espresso martinis and manhattans. If you are a wine lover like myself, make sure to check out the selection and bring some unique bottles home with you. Wally’s does not take reservations, so make sure it’s a night you’re willing to wait a bit. You won’t regret it!
