Now on Resy: Mr. T’s, Qué Bárbaro, Catch Steak, and More Local Favorites

Pad Thai, party wings, crab fried rice, and the “world-famous fried chicken sandwich” are just a few of the signature hits from Kris Yenbamroong’s powder-pink Silver Lake outpost. The whole vibe is buzzing, ultra-cool, and fiery, fueled entirely by chiles, curries, and natural wines.

Although it spans two floors, is filled with actual trees, and brings gobs of glitz, this Melrose Place steak haven can actually feel somewhat intimate. Upstairs is slightly more subdued, but still part of the party (this is a Catch restaurant, after all; that clubby vibe is in its DNA). Steaks of every cut abound, from 2-ounce Japanese Wagyu to massive tomahawks for the whole table.

A Santa Monica Canyon staple since 1949, the Bull is an old-school chophouse, dark and intimate, with a fireplace and booths for martini drinking in the bar. The menu is just as classic: Caesar and chopped salads, shrimp cocktails, linguine, pork chops, and various steaks served with loaded baked potatoes and creamed spinach. The Astroturf garden, built in the parking lot, is still a great way to spend a day at the beach.

Direct from the Marais, this Parisian import has all the trappings of a classic French bistro with modern L.A. twists. That means an open, airy, minimalist space with red neon signs, sightlines into the kitchen, and a bumpin’ hip-hop vibe. Oh, and that massive patio that screams summer nights, to be had with confit egg yolk and local uni, Thai-inspired steak tartare, and mussels and frites.

The entire eighth floor of the DTLA Moxy Hotel is home to several dining and drinking options, all under one roof — the only challenge is deciding which to hit first. You get front-row seats to all the cooking action at this modern teppanyaki spot, with fiery (and we mean fire-y) steaks and more at your table. Extras like crab-stuffed squash blossoms and Wagyu dumplings are full of finesse but still wow.

The entire eighth floor of the DTLA Moxy Hotel is home to several dining and drinking options, all under one roof — the only challenge is deciding which to hit first. When you want to be equally floored by sushi, steamy shabu shabu, and a ceiling earth harp whose sound fills the entire room, you’ve found your place.

This DTLA private social club opens its doors to everyone for Friday night dinner parties. That’s right: Nonmembers can mingle with members to see if it’s your vibe. Snack on some jamón with housemade pickles and kampachi crudo, and sip seasonal cocktails along the way.

Like other Tao locations around the country, the Hollywood outpost is a real jaw-dropper. Burrowing at least two stories into the ground, Asian-inspired artifacts, sultry reds, and glittery golds fill every inch of the sunken dining room. Scenesters flock for the neon orange chicken, tuna crisps, and lobster fried rice.

When you want to impress someone who has a penchant for tequila and mezcal, this hidden oasis inside a hidden oasis will send their agave-loving heart all a flutter. The intimate room at Sendero, the Ritz-Carlton’s 24th-floor restaurant downtown, celebrates all things pan-Latin, including rare and hard-to-find spirits. Expect a communal experience with other like-minded sippers.

The ground-floor restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria turns towards Jean-Georges Vongerichten and coastal Europe for its all-day menus, which fits this corner of Beverly Hills just fine. Think tuna carpaccio with Espelette pepper, scrambled eggs and caviar, and wood-grilled fish for two.

There’s so much to say about this small pizza outfit that we’ll keep it simple: Sit at the counter, order a few appetizers, maybe a tricolore salad and some burrata, and a couple of pies — the white pie with preserved lemon and a diavola with a soppressata kick, perhaps. Then watch the Neapolitan-style magic that comes out of those ovens.

This residency is all about Filipino food from the mind of a Los Angeles chef. Think red bean waffles and garlic karaage fried chicken for brunch, a “Fili” cheesesteak with queso de bola sauce at lunch, and tamales with kare kare-inspired braised oxtail and peanut velouté for dinner. The cocktails are just as creative.

Any great izakaya worth its binchotan charcoal should have an array of grilled skewers, tantalizing appetizers, and a great selection of beverages. Hatch has all that and more, from corn fritters to squid ink karaage chicken, various cuts of chicken on sticks, pork belly, lamb lollipops, and more. Have a ball with some highballs (classic, green tea or otherwise).

Fresh air and a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings are hallmarks of Catch restaurants around the globe, whether it’s in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan or Playa del Carmen in Mexico. The West Hollywood outpost has it all: A seamless indoor-outdoor rooftop space with vine-covered columns and twinkling lights everywhere, towering shellfish platters, next-level sushi rolls, overloaded lobsters, and more.

Just like the original in Silver Lake, this airy South Park spot serves craveable Taiwanese and Chinese dishes, like twice-cooked pork, beef rolls, potstickers, dan dan noodles, and more. Pro tip: Whatever fresh, green vegetable is available, get it.

Note: Reservations are only available for parties of 12- 24 committing to the $29/person family-style prix-fixe menu.

What started as a home restaurant for creative bento boxes is now a cathedral of global experiences on the plate. Chef Nan Yimcharoen has fun with her menus, taking you to favorite destinations via seafood preparations that sing of Thailand, bites of Japanese sashimi, French-influenced tartare, Mexican ceviche, and more.

Because Tesse is super chic with its wide booths, a fantastic bar, and a West Hollywood vibe that just won’t quit. The menu screams French with a California soul, so plates of housemade charcuterie, hamachi crudo, and strip steaks with bordelaise are fitting. Start with cocktails, natch, and definitely explore the wine list — it’s tailor-made for sampling and sipping through the night.

From a bright orange sashimi food truck to a haven for smoky wood-grilled dishes, this Arts District spot from lauded London chef Junya Yamasaki fits right in with the buzzing neighborhood. Order something from the ever-changing menu, grab a drink, and then expect to order at least another round.

When it’s peak Santa Monica summer, consider this your next stop along the beach bike path for lemon-scented kale salads, burgers with twice-fried fries, and hibiscus coolers spiked with mezcal. It’s amazing how easy a bottle of rosé disappears here. 

It’s pink, it’s sleek, it’s the kind of hidden DTLA space you want to stumble upon when the need for a plate of calamari friti, Caesar salad, and spaghetti alla vognole (clams) strikes. We love the well-curated wine list with just enough to keep everyone in the group happy. 

Because there’s likely not much that can top sitting under the canopy of sumac trees at this lovely lounge and bar, sipping on some choice cocktails and pours from California wine country. Classic dishes are a perfect pairing for the drinks, too. Our preferred combo? The Rocking Horse Winner cocktail and an order of calamari and the burger. P.S. Brunch boasts bottomless mimosas and a tableside Bloody Mary.