Now on Resy: Si Laa, Bacari Playa Del Rey, Maestro, and More Local Favorites

You can find amazing Thai food in just about every corner of L.A., and this Pico-Robertson family-run secret is one to seek out. Three generations of women run this gem, celebrating flavors of their homeland in every dish, from the house favorite shrimp and blue crab in chili coconut sauce to whole fried branzino. The space is subtle and welcoming, exactly what a neighborhood restaurant should be.

It doesn’t matter which Bacari you end up at, you’ll always find a great selection of small-production wines and interesting cocktails, plus a 90-minute “open bar special” that is hard to beat. The Playa del Rey outpost has all the Westside vibes, plus something for everyone on the menu, from fried chicken slides to gluten-free and vegan salads.

The Freehand hotel’s ground-floor restaurant hasn’t changed its look — open, airy, perfect downtown vibes — even if the menu is different than when it first opened. The Israeli-Southeast Asian mashup works, from the crocheted coasters to the coho salmon with tomato curry. Since the folks behind Broken Shaker are involved (with the rooftop bar as well), the drinks are, of course, above and beyond.

The party never seems to stop at this Beverly Grove spot. And by party, we mean lots of music, belly dancers, sparklers, cute sayings stenciled into cocktails, and everyone saying “Opa!” all the time — and that’s half the fun. Share some spanakopita, Greek meatballs, and baba ganoush, and give into the swing.

This upscale rustic-chic Mexican restaurant specializes in traditional dishes made modern, like braised bone-in lamb shank with roasted chili sauce, a heavenly masa tatela, and citrus-marinated skirt steak. Finish with the tres leches carrot cake; don’t skip the mezcal selection and clever cocktails.

There’s always something going on at this laid-back bar, either comedy, live music, or trivia nights, and especially nightly karaoke. There’s plenty of craft beer and cocktails to melt away any nerves if you plan on getting up on stage, plus food pop-ups to keep things interesting.

Yes, it was a former hardware store back in the day; thus the signage and name. You’ll want to sit in the leafy back courtyard that’s perfect for nighttime sipping, but those big sliding windows make that front room quite breezy. The food is always what you seem to be craving at the moment, be it sticky gochujang wings, chopped kale, or short rib pappardelle.

A stronghold of Silver Lake, this hub of modern American comfort food and classic cocktails has long been a magnet for first dates, happy hours, and group gatherings. The former fire station retains a well-worn vibe with its pressed-tin ceiling and dark accents in the bar, with a romantic patio strewn with twinkling lights and leafy trees outside.

That members-only NeueHouse allows the general public to dine and imbibe at its restaurants and bars adds a bit of exclusivity to the experience. At least that’s what it feels like at this second-floor rooftop in Venice, whether you’re inside at the crescent-shaped bar or outside looking out over the boardwalk scene and horizon. 

Tucked in a West L.A. strip mall, Hamasaku is one of the best sushi spots in the city. The rolls — some still named for entertainment industry bigwigs — are as good as the traditional nigri, and the lunchtime chirashi bowls are as satisfying as the full omakase experience at night. The sake list is one to explore — ask the sommelier for perfect pairing suggestions.

For decades, Baja Cantina (now Baja Venice) has been a favorite Marina del Rey spot for rousing happy hours, strong margaritas, sizzling platters of fajitas, and solid beachy vibes. The spruced up outdoor lounge keeps the good times coming, a big open space filled with sandy earth tones, rattan furniture and woven light fixtures that befit its name, and fire — both in pits centering communal tables and when t comes to their margaritas.

Trends come and go, as do restaurants along Santa Monica’s busy Main Street corridor, but The Galley remains. You’ll go for the year-round Christmas lights and lore, and you’ll go back for another bowl of chowder, the house salad (the Thousand Island-like “secret” dressing is why the current owner bought the place), a good steak, and strong drinks. Happy hour is a hoot, too.

It’s easy to say that this ultra-glam West Hollywood spot is busy because it’s owned by one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills — there is a fan-base from all around the country clamoring to eat here. But those plush velvet seats under trees and twinkling lights are filled with just as many locals digging the chicken Milanese, fish and chips, and signature cocktails.

If you’re a fan of the Santa Monica farmers markets, you’ll appreciate the shoutouts for locally grown produce and proteins on the menu of this Main Street charmer. Dishes change seasonally, and there’s just enough of everything to keep you coming back: handmade pastas, baked whole fish, a great steak, and even something for the littles. Don’t miss the intimate guest chef dinner series and wine tasting events.

Having one of the area’s best contemporary Mexican restaurants in the 90210 isn’t so surprising once you tuck into one of chef Joshua Gil’s butter-poached lobster or mushroom queso fundido, two not-to-miss things on the Mírame menu. His sensibility for combining traditional Mexican cooking techniques and dishes with California’s abundant produce and ingredients makes this a total standout. 

Dine like you’re staying at the swank Beverly Hills hotel even if you’re not. Supple fabrics, muted tones, elegance, and classic presentations are the hallmarks here, whether it’s for bruléed French toast and coffee in the morning or steak tartare and a sidecar at night.

Silver Lake’s Ceviche Project is a magnet for anyone looking for seasonal light bites and a glass of natural wine or sake. Made with impeccably fresh seafood and other ingredients, chef Octavio Olivas’ dishes often look more like works of art than simple ceviche, and that’s why you’re here.

The best part about dinner at Gasolina is ordering a paella (they’re all fantastic, but we’re partial to the one with seafood), then eating a smattering of tapas while you wait. Think:  jamón-wrapped dates, arugula and citrus salad, and meatballs in spicy tomato sauce. By the time the paella comes, you’ll need another glass of Albariño. And maybe more meatballs.

The party you always wish you were invited to is now a supper club for the beach crowd. There’s live music every night, but you won’t know who until that day (just know it’s often bands you’ve heard of), and the menu is better than it should be. We’re looking at you, lobster fried rice and duck tacos. Skipping the line with a dinner reservation is the baller move.

The Petersen Automotive Museum’s all-day cafe caters to everyone, car aficionados or not. Everything’s mighty tasty, especially the breakfast burrito, pizzas made with naturally fermented dough, and zero-proof cocktails. And if you were wondering, yes, the restaurant is named after the original dune buggy.

Everything about this Michael Mina restaurant feels expansive, from the beautifully designed dining room with panoramic views of Hollywood to the globe-trotting menu. And yet, a cocktail at the bar, a spread of dips and warm flatbread with crisp farmers market veg, and soul-affirming tortellini en brodo all seem meant just for you.

This is how Silver Lake does hotel dining. The breezy boutique all-day hotel spot packs a lot in its diminutive space, both in vibes and flavor. A platter of baked clams and an Aperol spritz next to the pool feels like an escape.

A spinoff (of sorts) from “Vanderpump Rules” cast members Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, the eclectic cocktail lounge adds a bit of TV whimsy to Franklin Village. And by whimsy we mean dramatic lighting, colorful cocktails, selfie nooks, and lobster corn dogs. 

A local’s local since the early aughts, this Silver Lake mainstay is still the spot for a friendly meal whether you’re solo or on a date (even if your date has four legs). Get the meatballs with polenta, a fresh green salad, and maybe the roast chicken for old time’s sake.