Favorite Restaurants in LA
11 spots not to miss
11 spots not to miss
At long last, a relatively concise list of my current favorite restaurants in LA. These lean a bit more formal and are all of the places I like to go for date nights, celebrations with friends and group dinners in general. Essentially every spot has plates meant for sharing where you’re ordering for the table—I’ll get into what I love about each place below. Stay tuned for a separate list of more casual lunch and takeout favorites in the near future 🍸
La Dolce Vita
This restaurant is the perfect old Hollywood sort of experience with food that’s new/inventive and genuinely delicious. Their LDV Gibson was one of the best drinks I’ve ever had: it tasted like a fresh herb garden infused into a martini and I’ve been telling everyone I know to go here for a fancy night out
Saffy’s
What you’ve heard about Saffy’s is true. This was both the last meal Nick and I had before we left town for 3 months this year—and the first meal we had when we got home. We go for every celebration, friend’s birthday, or really any other excuse we can find. I hope this place never changes: get the lobster skewer, gem caesar, ful with hummus (both options on the menu are perfect), their seasonal roasted veggie, every other skewer you can manage to try, and their rotating soft serve. Their cocktails are some of my favorite in the city and you ultimately can’t make a bad call here
Melody
The best wine bar in LA, imo, with a perfect indoor-outdoor layout and an ever-rotating lineup of interesting pop-ups so there’s always something new to try. Love the staff, the wines, the wine-based cocktails, the comfortable but lively setting…all around no notes
Quarter Sheets
If Neapolitan pizza has no fans I am dead, etc., but Quarter Sheets gives everything I’ve ever known a run for its money with their Detroit-style pizzas. You can order takeout in advance—reserve a time slot as early as possible—but dine in if you can and try everything. I love their salads and desserts as much as their pizzas, which rotate pretty regularly and I’ve never seen the same thing twice. The potato/créme fraiche/bacon one above has been my all-time favorite
Spina
Spina opened this past month and immediately flew to the top of my list. It’s tiny and cozy and the Ravioli Verdi di Ricotta and Spinach Butter with Sage was a dish that I texted multiple people about as I was consuming it. Affordable wine list and the space feels very Marfa meets Portland which are two of my favorite places on god’s green earth
Found Oyster
I will talk about Found to anyone who will listen—easily my favorite seafood spot in LA with the very best crispy little fries. Go right when they open for a seat at the bar and try whatever specials they’ve got
Dunsmoor
Dunsmoor is an excellent group dinner spot with a cozy wine bar on the side, ideal for arriving a bit early and waiting for your table. The food here is truly fantastic with a bit of a Southern influence: you’ll find lots of fish, smoked meats, cornbread and potatoes on the menu
OTOTO
They’ve got a private-ish room for a small group that you can easily reserve if you’ve got about 6 people, otherwise small tables and bar seating. Very cozy sake bar with small plates: their sashimi, chicken katsu, savory cabbage pancakes, yakisoba noodles are favorites
Bavel
Bavel and Saffy’s have the same ownership and are somewhat similar, though Bavel feels more bustling and a bit more formal. As with all of these places, I feel strongly that you can’t make a wrong choice in ordering. A favorite here is the chicken liver plate with honey pomegranate reduction, tarragon, pickled blueberry, urfa, black sesame buckwheat toast. This wasn’t something I imagined I’d love but it was truly mind-blowing
Night Market
Likely the most casual spot on this list, but perfect for takeout, any weeknight or a small group. They have a few locations around the city and everything always hits: love the crab wontons, pad thai and party wings
Café Triste
Closing out with Café Triste which is very vibey and perfect for a date night/friend date with a stunning cheese selection, great wines by the glass, and small plates to share