Hippo, Yours Truly, The Firehouse Hotel, Now on The Resy Hit List

Because avocado hummus is anything but basic. A blend of Californian, buttery avocados, salsa macha (think chile peanut butter), and lime, the modern twist on dip comes with house-made flatbread. In the heart of Abbot Kinney, Yours Truly chef Abgaryan knows what the neighborhood wants: roast chicken with black truffle brioche stuffing and salty, bruléed banana caramel cream pie for dessert.

Because East Coast meets West Coast at East Hollywood’s latest hotspot. This café bar is an oasis for Angelenos thirsty for refreshing cocktails—like the Big Bad Trinidad with white rum, pineapple rum, lime, mango, black pepper and soda, and the Turmeric Bees Knees with gin, lemon, and turmeric-infused honey. Order a dozen oysters while the kitchen whips up its namesake burger with grilled pineapple, house-pickled beets, harissa mayo, and a sunny side up egg.

Because stop, drop, and roll into the Arts Districts’ new kid on the block. From decor to menu, it’s all about the details at The Firehouse Hotel. Opt for juicy stone crab claws with tomato and garlic butter and a wood-fired grilled ribeye with roasted garlic, whipped Dijon butter, and hasselback fingerling potatoes. Whether you’re in the mood to mix things up or stick to the classics, this spot is the whole package.

Because come for the Hammer’s Tschabalala Self Bodega Run exhibit and stay for chef Lisa Giffen’s vegetable-forward cuisine. Think peak-season produce like puntarelle and gribiche served with bonito, crudité with kelp aioli, and fried artichokes with smoked green goddess dressing to nibble on. Don’t sleep on the expert cocktails either; Sage Advice comes with rye, lime, rhubarb bitters, and sage.

Because after proving his chops at fine-dining establishments Guy Savoy and République, chef Eric Bost has stepped into his own on Melrose. At Auburn, choose from a four-, six-, and nine-course tasting menu in the dining room or à la carte at the bar. The minimal, warm space offers diners a creative experience, from mushroom caramel yogurt to morels with kusshi oysters and new-crop potatoes.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (323) 486-6703.

Because Highland Park is buzzing about chef Matt Molina’s handmade pasta. In addition to the signature tortellini in tomato basil sauce, this California Italian eatery dishes out mains like barbecued quail wrapped in pancetta, treviso, honey, and crisp, fried sage. And don’t miss the fresh focaccia, courtesy of Triple Beam Pizza next door, to sop up all the flavor.

Because pull up a chair at the new brick and mortar of chef Octavio Olivas’ long-beloved pop-up. Carefully sourced fish is the main attraction, and it takes the spotlight. Branch out with the kanpachi tostada topped with trout roe and their signature dish: scallop on the half shell.

Walk-ins only.

Because the French know how to dine in style. A casual daytime café from Parisian restaurateur Sarah Bessade, Loupiotte Kitchen serves a menu inspired by Mediterranean fare (think Sardinian fregola sarda risotto with peas, asparagus pesto, and octopus). Or start with on a sweet note with pain perdu—brioche French toast—topped in strawberries and Chantilly cream. À bientôt.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (323) 302-1637.

Because don’t be deterred by the line; the samgye chicken fried rice is worth the wait. Order the Karma Circulation fried chicken bowl and kimchi toast, too. And go while you still can—Baroo Canteen is nestled only temporarily in the Union Swapmeet.

Walk-ins only.

Because from a sold-out Shanghai noodle pop-up to a full-fledged restaurant, Woon has established roots in historic Filipinotown. Behind the line, the Fong family still runs the show, with Keegan Fong at the helm. The simple menu features cult-worthy homestyle chewy noodles, slow-braised pork belly bao, and smashed radish salad.

Walk-ins only.