Restaurants I’ve Recently Tried and Loved: Los Angeles, California

The Los Angeles food scene continues to surprise me. Over the past year, I’ve developed a very long list of all my favorite go-to spots in LA. Many of you have asked me to share my LA lists, but honestly, I’m still discovering new places each week that I want to include. Until then, I put together a quick round-up of restaurants that I’ve recently tried and fell in love with around LA.

Dunsmoor

Located in Glassell Park, Dunsmoor is an upscale Southern inspired restaurant with an old-fashioned aesthetic. Every bite was better and better as the meal went one. It’s truly a meal I will never forget.

Must Try: Sour Milk Cornbread, Wood-Roasted Pacific Oysters, Baby Albacore, Beef Ribeye

Address: 3501 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:30PM-10:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:30PM-11:00PM

Hui Tou Xiang

I crave dumplings often, and Hui Tou Xiang repeatedly never fails to satisfy my cravings. It’s quickly become a crowd favorite and, in my opinion, has the best dumplings in LA.

Must Try: Hui Tou, Xiao Long Bao, Spicy Pork Wonton, Spicy Mixed Noodles, Cucumber Salad

Address: 1643 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Hours: Everyday 11:30AM-9:30PM / Tuesday Closed

Petit Trois

I’ve been dying to eat at Petit Trois for months, and finally went this past weekend. This cute, chic French restaurant transported me back to a lil Parisian café. The vibes were immaculate.

Must Try: French Onion Soup, Burgundy Escargots, Big Mec (An absolute must!)

Address: 718 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Hours: Everyday 12:00PM-10:00PM

Openaire

Located at the Line Hotel, Openaire is the greenhouse of my dreams. Two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin’s ever-changing menu dazzles in Koreatown.

Must Try: Ahi Tuna Tartare, Spicy Eggplant, Crispy Confit Duck

Address: The Line Hotel, 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM-2:30PM / Wednesday-Sunday 5:30PM-10:00PM / Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10:00AM-3:00PM

Marvin

Marvin’s the wine bar I’ve been looking for in LA. Besides the fact that the menu is amazing, their extensive wine list is what will continue to draw me back here. Oh… and also the salami, burrata and honey toast.

Must Try: Roasted Olives, Salami, Burrata and Honey Toast, Cacio E Pepe, Roasted Chicken

Address: 8114 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5:00PM-12:00AM / Sunday 5:00PM-10:00PM / Monday Closed

La Ong

La Ong is so special because of its authenticity and ingredients straight from Thailand. You can taste the sense of community in the restaurant with each bite.

Must Try: Crispy Egg Rolls, Thai Wings, Sea Bass Southern Thai Curry, Crab Fried Rice, Chicken Satay

Address: 9632 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Hours: Everyday 11:00AM-3:00PM, 5:00PM-10:00PM

Bianca

You can never have a bad meal at Bianca in Culver City. Their menu is a mix between Italian, French and Argentinian which makes for an exciting meal each visit.

Must Try: Croque Madame, Burrata Fritta, Empanadas, Branzino Al Forno

Address: 8850 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00AM-3:00PM / Dinner Thursday-Sunday 5:00PM-9:30PM / Monday Closed

Le Great Outdoor

Le Great Outdoor, located in KIFF KAFE, is the farm to table experience you won’t find many places in LA. The food was brilliant and the atmosphere is calm, cozy and fun. Inside, you’ll find a wine shop where you can discover the bottle that is best suitable with your meal.

Must Try: Toasted Goat Cheese Tartine, Baby Broccolini, Moroccan Lamb, Gluten Free Banana Bread

Address: 12229 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Hours: Thursday-Sunday 5:00PM-10:00PM / Monday-Wednesday Closed

Crudo e Nudo

I might be late to the game on this one, but Crudo e Nudo was *chef’s kiss* and everything I hoped it would be. This sustainable seafood restaurant is a great spot for a casual dinner with friends. The menu is handwritten daily based on what is most fresh and in season.

Must Try: Oysters, Halibut Crudo, Prawns A La Plancha

Address: 2724 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12:00PM-10:00PM / Monday Closed

Ghisallo

Since pizza is my one of my favorite foods ever, it’s only right I try a new pizza spot every month. Ghisallo definitely has claimed a top spot.

Must Try: NY Margherita, Inferno, Smashed Persian Cucumber Salad, Polpette

Address: 1622 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00AM-9:00PM / Friday & Saturday 11:00AM-10:00PM / Monday Closed

Felix Trattoria

Evan Funke, the renowned culinary storyteller who recently opened the popular restaurant Mother Wolf in Hollywood, is also behind Felix. Felix has the traditional Italian roots, but Funke incorporates ingredients grown by local California farms. I’ll be dreaming of this meal tonight.

Must Try: Sfincione, Panzanella, Amalfitana Pizza, Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe, Rigatoni All’amatriciana, Tagliata Di Manzo

Address: 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00PM-9:30PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM-10:00PM

Gjusta

This Venice gem is a bakery, grocer, goods, and flower shop combined. It’s my new favorite place to grab a croissant, sit on the back patio and relax.

Must Try: Any of their pastries, Mushroom Pizza, Roasted Carrots, Honeynut Squash Cavatelli

Address: 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Hours: Everyday 7:00am-9:00pm

I’d love to hear any Los Angeles restaurant recommendations you have. Leave a comment below or DM us at @thewatersedit.

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