I've lived in Los Angeles almost my entire life — here are 10 of the best places where you should actually eat

Alesandra DubinSep 27, 2022, 16:39 IST

It's not easy to score at table at Italian restaurant Bestia, but it's worth it for their special bone marrow dish.Ren Fuller/Bestia

Los Angeles' diverse restaurant scene can satisfy every palate, budget, and occasion.
Here are a local's favorite 10 places to eat and drink around town, from casual to fine-dining.

As a longtime resident of Los Angeles, I've seen many — and I mean many — restaurants come and go. But locals know the spots that have stood the test of time, transcending fads and phases — including economic and pandemic circumstances — to earn and defend their reign as some of the best places to dine in town.

I've eaten at hundreds of restaurants in town through the course of work meetings, entertaining, date nights, special occasions, socializing with friends — and even as a longtime journalist on the local new-venue beat. I'm a vegetarian, but my husband and kids eat meat, so I have a range of favorite spots that pair well with every occasion and with any type of group.

From casual and carryout to upscale and special-occasion ready, these are my top picks for where to eat in LA, from Santa Monica to Downtown.

Meals by Genet

Meals by Genet offers hearty, homey Ethiopian food in the heart of Little Ethiopia.Natasha Lee for Insider

Sonoratown

For tasty street tacos, a local's favorite place to go is Sonoratown.Natasha Lee for Insider.

Crossroads Kitchen

From Tal Ronnen, a big-name vegan chef, Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose is upscale and buzzy. The atmosphere is lively but the space is comfortable, with cozy booths, dark woods, and a sophisticated bar. With inspired menu that anyone can love, this place is hardly just for vegans.

It's my go-to special-occasion spot — I've celebrated many birthdays, anniversaries, and even a New Year's Eve at Crossroads. The must-try dish is the oysters, which are actually crispy oyster mushrooms served on an artichoke leaf "half shell." The presentation is a knockout.

Otium

For an elevated eating experience, try Otium's New American cocktails and cuisine.Natasha Lee for Insider

E.P. & L.P.

Since the weather is always just right, you can sip on a cocktail at the E.P. & L.P. rooftop year round.Natasha Lee for Insider

Dan Tana's

Dan Tana's offers a taste of Italy with a Hollywood twist.Natasha Lee for Insider

Shamshiri

Thanks to the influx of Iranian immigrants to LA after the revolution, you'll find no shortage of excellent Persian restaurants in the Westwood area — also known as Tehrangeles. Among them, Shamshiri Grill is one of my favorites and also a classic, operating since 1981.

As a vegetarian, I'm obsessed with the veggie fesenjoon, a rich walnut puree in pomegranate sauce that's equal parts sweet and tart. You can order a version of the dish with chicken, too. Here, portions are large and served with broiled tomato, rice, and mouth-watering bread.

Spire 73

The Spire 73 rooftop boasts expansive views of downtown.InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

Bestia

Bestia offers new-age Italian in the trendy Los Angeles Arts District.Ren Fuller/Bestia

Grand Central Market

Browse the market and try small bites from dozens of food booths.Shutterstock/TRMT Photography

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I've lived in Los Angeles almost my entire life &mdash; here are 10 of the best places where you should actually eat