Yapa, Onda, M Georgina, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because chef Richie Lopez’s Peruvian-Japanese restaurant is named after the Quechua word for “a little something extra,” and that’s exactly what you’ll get here. Expect a full Nikkei menu of dishes like beef heart anticucho, yellowtail tiradito, and, for dessert, huckleberry sorbet with elderberry and pistachio. Even the cocktails go above and beyond.

Because LA’s sweetheart chef Jessica Koslow and Mexico City star Gabriela Camara are the talk of the town. Whatever you order, expect it to hit — from the inside-out turkey pastor to the smoked Mt. Lassen trout tostada. Even the basics are anything but: fermented chile guacamole, housemade crema with papalo oil, charred salsa, and silky black beans — with fresh corn tortillas to mop it all up. 

For reservations, contact the restaurant at host@onda.la.

Because San Francisco chef Melissa Perello (Frances, Octavia) has brought her Michelin-star dining to the heart of the Row. Expect fresh, squid ink pitas; wood-baked black cod on creamed escarole with cipollini onions; and a Liberty Farms duck for two. Pro tip: At happy hour (3:30 to 5 p.m.), Perello’s chicken wings are paired with your favorite beverages. 

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (213) 334-4113.

Because the wood-fired oven is raring to cook up a 15-day dry-aged Flannery ribeye with your name on it. Add sides of stuffed hash browns — with sour cream and chives — and crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, and everyone’s going home happy. Just be sure to save room for a slice of light-as-air burnt cheesecake.

Because when the breakfast burrito comes with flank guisado, soft scrambled eggs, and hash, you know this modern diner doesn’t mess around. In the mood for a festive bite? There’s a holiday pop-up in the back bar in full swing. Snuggle up with a cozy blanket, festive cocktails, and a slice of lemon meringue pie.

Because chef Mei Lin’s food is a work of art. Case in point: Hokkaido scallops with Hawaiian hearts of palm, habanada ponzu, and shiso oil. Wake your palate with a cocktail of tequila, Salers, vermouth, kosho ghost pepper, lime, and Korean pickle; then finish on a sweet note with guava, cream cheese, and white chocolate.

Because Nicholas Mathers’ beachside getaway is a perfect escape from the holiday bustle. Chef Thomas Lim’s southern Mediterranean menu has it all, including lobster saffron spaghetti, cacio e pepe pizza, and classic tiramisu. Head over to the rooftop bar for a negroni made with Sipsmith VJOP gin, Campari, Cocchi di Torino, and orange oil. 

Because now is the time for potato yeast rolls and honey butter. But don’t fill up on bread alone; the mushroom-crusted pork chop with smoked lard and thyme delivers, too. Add a side of butter-braised green cabbage with dill yogurt for good measure; and take it all home with Joe’s chocolate hazelnut crunch and a seasonal cocktail of bourbon, armagnac, baking spices, and pumpkin.

Because after 50 years of serving life-giving huevos rancheros to hungover eastsiders, La Abeja is closing its doors for good. Don’t miss a restaurant so iconic that the City of Los Angeles designated a day for it (August 6);  stop by for farewell chilaquiles while you still can. 

Walk-ins only.

Because there’s a new sushi master in residence here, and he’s serving pristine fish. Chef Mark Okuda’s seasonal fare has won over the valley with dishes like Seiko crab from Hokkaido — served in the shell — and Santa Barbara spot prawns. Get your sushi fix here this month.

Walk-ins only.

Because “I drink therefore I am” is a motto to live by. This WeHo cocktail destination mixes up seasonal libations like maple syrup old fashioneds. For only a nightcap, check out the 11 p.m. martini service.