The Best Bars for Foodies in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the best drinking establishments and the best restaurants are often one and the same. The city is home to countless spots that showcase the kind of creativity that this city is fueled with. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Check out our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. From the best Santa Monica bars to the coolest spots in downtown LA, here are some of the city's best for cocktails and creative cuisine, each with a special star quality of its own.

The OpenTable Team

15 Restaurants

Updated 28 January 2021

Restaurants:	The Tower Bar, Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar, Cecconi's…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Californian, Mexican, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	West Hollywood, Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.…

The Tower Bar

$$$$

Californian

West Hollywood

4.8

1650 reviews

The request “No photographs, no phone calls” printed on every menu at The Tower Bar strongly hints at its provenance as a wining-and-dining haven for Hollywood elites, but the bright, airy dining space plus poolside terrace is warm and welcoming with a fireplace, rose-colored lighting and numerous cozy nooks encased in walnut paneling. Its home at the historic Sunset Tower Hotel (est. 1929) on the Sunset Strip lends authenticity to the Golden-Age-of-Hollywood atmosphere. The soundtrack is jazz piano, the cocktails are classic and the curated wine list long on champagne and California labels. Menus leaning toward seasonal salads and smoothies plus shared-plate comfort food appeal to a discerning, wellness-minded clientele.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar

$$$$

Mexican

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

4.7

996 reviews

At the helm of Petty Cash Taqueria, SoCal-born and bred chef Walter Manzke merges the flavors of East L.A. and Tijuana with his European training (he’s an El Bulli alum) to create amazing elevated street food for the “semi-authentic” taqueria. The menus offer street corn, ceviche, tacos, nachos and quesadillas made unforgettable with farm-fresh ingredients and choices like octopus, duck, pork belly and maitake mushrooms. The drink program presents mostly Mexican spirits and beers, plus bold, full-flavored cocktails heavy on tequila and mezcal, citrus and spice. Weekday happy hour deals include oysters by the one and roasted cauliflower nachos.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cecconi's

$$$$

Italian

West Hollywood

4.7

4141 reviews

Serving up fine Venetian cuisine to a contemporary Californian crowd, the West Hollywood Cecconi’s (one of seven international locations) features plenty of plant-based, produce-forward and gluten-free dishes along with its signature handmade pasta. From the fresh minimalism of its carpaccios and tartare to the wood-and-charcoal baked gnocchis and eggplant parmigiana, the menu spans all diners’ desires. Another highlight is the wood-oven pizza with squash blossom, black truffle, and goat cheese. The cocktail menu features signature concoctions incorporating heady house-made tonics and nods to Italy with individual aperitivo, spritz and negroni lists. Cecconi’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, plus brunches on the weekend.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Musso & Frank Grill

$$$$

Steakhouse

Hollywood

4.8

8764 reviews

Many an L.A. bar evokes old Hollywood as a concept; at Musso & Frank Grill, open since 1919 and older than the Hollywood sign, it’s reality. The bar is independently considered one of the best in America, as are its martinis. In the now-relocated Back Room, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Kurt Vonnegut wrote and drank in peace around the mahogany bar and leather booths. Patrons soak in the nostalgia while sipping a classic cocktail, and when hunger strikes it’s time to go old school. Red-jacketed servers still present dishes enjoyed a century ago—old-school steaks, chops and roasts, deli-style sandwiches and daily specials like corned beef and cabbage on a Tuesday and duck confit on a Sunday.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Catch LA

$$$$

Unspecified

West Hollywood

4.6

8947 reviews

Catch LA, which occupies a 12,000-square-foot rooftop space on Melrose in West Hollywood, is the latest offering from Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum, the “Kings of New York Nightlife.” The duo bring their signatures—Asian-influenced seafood, open-air dining and a vibrant club-meets-dinner scene—to a venue boasting a retractable roof and incredible views of the downtown skyline and Hollywood Hills. With an A-list clientele and Instagram-famous #HitMe cake, the vibe is young, pretty and anything-goes. Stop in for a New York-themed cocktail or a selection from an extensive list of high-end Scotches, sakes and cognacs, and order from the raw bar or opt for a full sit-down dinner. The Catch Roll (crab, salmon and miso-honey), Cantonese lobster and wagyu short rib tacos are among the most popular options.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

AKASHA

$$$$

Contemporary American

Culver City

4.7

3545 reviews

AKASHA, which opened in 2008 in the historic Hill Building in Culver City, is the brainchild of its namesake and chef-owner Akasha Richmond. The self-taught phenom championed seasonal and sustainable cuisine before it was cool, and she brings to AKASHA’s menus global influences from Hawaii and Mexico to Italy and India. Richmond’s background in art and yoga infuses a touch of hippie chic to the venue’s steel, concrete and brick structure. Those scoring a seat at the bar might order a fresh juice cocktail (CBD is an optional add-in) along with organic fries and street-food snacks from the afternoon menu. Weekend brunches come with special cocktails like the farmers market sangria.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Spago - Beverly Hills

$$$$

Contemporary American

Beverly Hills

4.6

5602 reviews

Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant is nothing short of exquisite. Every ingredient, from a humble summer squash or heirloom tomato to the world’s finest caviar and truffles, gets treated with the utmost reverence. The multi-course California Tasting Menu for the whole table turns dinner into an unforgettable occasion, but locals and visitors might also stop in for a playfully named cocktail (the establishment might exude sophistication but it’s not above making guests order an I’m So Sexy or Hot Legs) and some bar bites. The smoked salmon pizza is a Spago icon that never leaves the menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Perch LA

$$$$

French American

Downtown

4.5

10006 reviews

Perch LA bills itself “an elevated resting place,” a reference to its unforgettable setting on the 15th and 16th floors of the landmark Pershing Square Building downtown. From its open-air lounge, warmed by fireplaces and fire pits, patrons take in 360-degree views of the city that change as the sun sets. Meanwhile the vibe of Perch LA transforms from bohemian Parisian bistro with a jazz soundtrack to a cool late-night cocktail bar slash club. In between is an aperitif hour, which along with the drinks list sprinkled with rare cognacs and French cordials, is a nod to the bar’s Old World inspiration. The brie en croute and pork belly and watermelon skewer both go nicely with Paris-inspired cocktails heavy on citrus, spice and herbaceous notes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Takeout available

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Craft Los Angeles

$$$$

American

Century City

4.7

4040 reviews

Owned by Tom Colicchio (of “Top Chef” judge fame), Craft brought its family-style preparations of top-quality meats and more to Century City in 2007. Its unfussy preparations evoke the welcoming feeling of attending a dinner party thrown by a dear friend, if that friend happened to be a world-class chef. Come hungry and dine on Angus short ribs, dry-aged ribeye or Berkshire pork with select sides, all a study in smoky, earthy, roast-y flavors. Craft cocktails have hints of unexpected flavors like the celery bitters in the Double Agent and almond oil in the Century City Mule. Order from the bar menu to sample smaller versions of the main events.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Palm Beverly Hills

$$$$

Steakhouse

Beverly Hills

4.5

1667 reviews

After 40 years in West Hollywood, The Palm moved to Beverly Hills in 2014, bringing with it a heritage of hosting entertainment industry big-wig power lunches and upscale family dinners. Cartoon and caricature art on the walls adds a touch of levity to balance the restaurant’s impressive legacy. Melding upscale steakhouse with family-friendly Italian fare, The Palm’s signature items are hearty classics like surf ‘n’ turf, 35-day aged prime beef, double-cut veal chops and whopping 4-lb lobsters. Waiters in white jackets make recommendations from a wine list heavy on the reds.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ca Del Sole

$$$$

Italian

Toluca Lake

4.7

3483 reviews

Serving authentic Italian fare near the studios in Toluca Lake, Ca Del Sole is a weekday lunch hot spot, and on weekends its sunny brick terrace is a delightful destination for brunch with Bellinis. Special brunch drinks come with complimentary refills. An all-night happy hour encourages a cheerful atmosphere for enjoying Italy-inspired versions of classic cocktails like the margarita Disaronno and Aperol daiquiri. Both owner and chef are Italy-born and trained, so expect traditional dishes with contemporary twists. The mezzelune di zucca baruca (pumpkin-stuffed pasta with a butter and sage sauce) and an authentic ossobuco are highly recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Takeout available

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CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Beverly Wilshire

$$$$

Steakhouse

Beverly Hills

4.8

2508 reviews

The sleek and sophisticated steakhouse, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, has its walls adorned with custom art and photography, an open kitchen and sleek dining room. Its home is the historic (circa 1929) Beverly Wilshire hotel at Wilshire and Rodeo, where CUT holds its own as an integral element of an icon. The menu of course features the highest-quality beef, expertly sourced from Nebraska and Idaho to Japan and Australia. Hungry patrons can order whole roasts for the table and steaks of all sizes slow-grilled over oak and mesquite. The bar holds all the spirits (seriously, all of them) and the wine list stretches across pages and pages. Diners who want to dial back on the excess can order from the lounge menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

AOC - Brentwood

$$$$

Californian

Brentwood

4.5

3041 reviews

Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (also owners of Lucques) bring their signature farmers market showcasing cuisine to Brentwood at Tavern. The dinner menu comes categorized into small (green salads, lamb meatballs, Spanish fried chicken), medium (grain salads, skewers, shellfish in broth) and large (salmon, duck, short ribs and steak frites), and there are shareable vegetable sides special enough to hold their own as vegetarian options. The cocktail menu leans toward culinary ingredients: there’s cucumber, arugula and jalapeno in the Goddess and guava, yuzu and maple in the Crying Tree. Happy hour, daily in the Blue Room, offers great deals on drinks and snacks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nobu Los Angeles

$$$$

Japanese

West Hollywood

4.6

2957 reviews

Can the Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine created by superstar chef Matsuhisa still be considered unique when it’s launched a global empire of over 40 restaurants and hotels? Does it matter? Hit Nobu's West Hollywood venue and enjoy selections from a menu rich in creamy-spicy-crispy dishes and Nobu-style tacos and cocktails. Few places do sushi and sashimi better. The bar tapas menu is available nightly until late, with plates perfect beside a hot sake or spicy acai martini.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Via Veneto

$$$$

Italian

Santa Monica

4.7

988 reviews

For intimate fine-dining Italian in Santa Monica, make a reservation at Via Veneto on Main Street. Candlelight and twinkling crystal chandeliers promise pure romance, all augmented by cathedral-inspired art work and a stunning stone floor. A comprehensive wine list makes up for the lack of a full bar, and you'll certainly want to raise a glass to an exquisite meal of Italian classics like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, bolognese, or special dishes featuring veal, octopus or langoustines.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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