Makani, Freedman’s, Hippo, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because chef Kevin Lee isn’t afraid to bring the heat. Brilliantly combining international flavors—a tribute to LA’s vibrant immigrant communities—with fresh, seasonal ingredients, the Korean-American chef packs a punch with each dish (think skirt steak ssäms, mung bean jeon, and cured ocean trout with forbidden rice). Pro-tip: add a classic rum cocktail if you know what’s good for you; there are over 80 rum varieties on offer.

Because nestled behind Nancy Silverton’s Triple Beam pizza, sits Matt Molina’s new Italian spot, Hippo. Here, the James Beard Award-winning chef is serving fresh takes on rustic Italian staples, like lasagna verde with heritage pork ragu and ricotta tortellini with bufala mozzarella, tomato, and basil.

Because Freedmans’ award-winning concept elevates nostalgic deli fare to new heights. Set in a cool and quaint Silver Lake setting, kick off a night out with a classic martini and decked-out caviar on toast or opt for the pièce de résistance: house-made brisket for three or more.

Because authenticity counts. True to its Emilia-Romagna roots, Rossoblu dishes out nonna’s tagliatelle ragu with handmade pasta, natch. Brunch Italian-style means lemon ricotta pancakes and a mimosa.

Because an oceanfront view makes the mascarpone-and-prosecco arancini even more enjoyable. Australian chef Tom Lim keeps the fare fresh with homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza (we see you cacio e pepe) and, for dessert, a seasonal crostada topped with tres leches ice cream.

Because chef Antonia Lofaso brings the Latin fire to Downtown’s fashion district (housed in a one-time SoCal banana distributor). Start with a Sandia y Mezcal—a watermelon, citrus, and pepper cocktail—and bring on the guacamole. Expect empanadas filled with dry-aged ground beef served with Brazilian hot vinegar, alongside oxtail tacos, and a decadent “Pacific Banana Co.” sundae.

Because the Ace Hotel and chef Michael Cimarusti (Providence) have teamed up to recreate a neighborhood bistro in Downtown LA—and there’s something for everyone. True to the award-winning chef’s origins, seafood is a highlight, with a substantial raw bar and signature soft shell crab sandwich. Top off a stellar meal with Bardstown pudding— a sticky toffee pudding, served with crème fraîche ice cream and blackberry compote.

Because Little Tokyo has a taste for Indonesian from famed chef Vindex Tengker. If you like heat, start with the sambal tasting, a selection of spicy dips, and don’t sleep on the babi guling, or Balinese roast pork belly.

For reservations, call the restaurant at (213) 266-8156.

Because savor the show-stopping mezze (read: hummus so good you’ll want to bathe in it). Never heard of malawach? Get to know the crispy layered bread, made with ancient grain and served with dill crème fraîche, and strawberry zhoug. Pro-tip: save room for vanilla date crème brûlée, a crowd-pleaser in and of itself.

For reservations, call the restaurant at (213) 232-4966.

Because the masterminds behind Ostrich Farm have brought the Eastside a new favorite watering hole. Small bites like elotes (corn on the cob) topped in anchovy aioli, cotija and chiles—from Caló’s own garden—are paired with killer mezcal cocktails. Drink the seasons with a market margarita, that incorporates the best seasonal produce.

Walk-ins only.