Now on Resy: Cècile Trattoria, Gaburi Chicken, and More Local Favorites

When you think of Malibu sunsets and ocean views for days, it probably looks like the sights you get from this rooftop. Make it light and breezy for breakfast with egg white omelets and green juice, or keep it simple for dinner with skirt steak skewers, veggie tacos, and rosé.

Hidden amongst the swath of Glendale shopping malls, this intimate trattoria is the place to tuck away for Italian bites and a glass (or two) of vino. Crostini, tuna tartare, and citrus and fennel salad are the way to start, then add a plate of pasta, something hearty, and finish with a silky panna cotta.

This Japanese chain is known for its incredibly crispy and juicy fried chicken, served choose-your-own-adventure-style with a slew of toppings from wasabi mayo to cheese. But there’s so much more to this izakaya, like the deep-fried eggs, truffle fries, and mentaiko udon. Ice-cold beer and sake are a must.

The beauty of a longstanding restaurant is its ability to evolve. Once a bastion of vegetarian cool in Echo Park, Elf leans heavily on vegetable-forward dishes now, but not solely. Case in point: The Mediterranean-inspired menu now includes savory lamb meatballs, an excellent piri piri brick chicken, and halibut with saffron cauliflower. The natural wine list and OG vibes just hit. 

The 10th-floor restaurant at the Dream Hotel is one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets for weekday lunch. Great views of the hills and fun staples like tuna poke wonton tacos, lollipop chicken wings, and burrata panzanella salads feel super on-brand for L.A. 

This Hollywood spot has long been a favorite for the Pantages-going crowd, partly due to its excellent pre-theater specials and large patio (ok, and free parking). But you can’t deny a good plate of meatballs, pasta of every iteration, pizza, and more. A Nutella martini is a dessert and cocktail rolled into one (so, have two). 

This isn’t your everyday Southeast Asian spot, that’s for sure. Vibrantly hued tom yum soup, (which requires a 13-hour simmer), hand-cut noodles in black truffle sauce, and short ribs in green curry are just a few ways the international chain — with at least one chef who cooked for the prime minister of Singapore — stand out. 

A vegetarian Israeli-Mediterranean restaurant on the edge of Lincoln Heights sounds just about right for L.A. The small space (with a nice little alley for outdoor seating) boasts big flavors, from zesty and spicy Moroccan carrots and hummus to shawarma-rubbed oyster mushrooms, and vegan “lamb” b’steeya. Expect impeccable natty wine selects, too. 

Don’t let the nondescript exterior trip you up. Inside, you’ll find the kick and spice of the Caribbean served in a sleek room — think honey jerk lamb chops, oxtails, and Jamaican brown stew chicken. 

Once you get into the rhythm of a churrascaria, you’ll get the juiciest picanha, lamb chops, chicken, and more, served right from the skewers at your table. Remember, the meats will keep coming until you tell them to stop. And try not to fill up too much on all the vegetables at the salad bar (but it’s hard because it’s all so good).

Whether you’re at a show at the Largo next door or just looking for a spot for a a few quick sips, The Roger Room has you covered. Expect circus murals on the walls, bartenders in suspenders, and cocktails that still make a statement via creativity and utter deliciousness.

This casual West Hollywood izakaya has a little bit of everything for everyone: sushi (traditional nigiri to creative, fusion-y rolls), sashimi, yakitori, and noodles (the creamy uni udon is a known favorite), plus a fun sake list. It’s the perfect place to go when you’re feeling a choose-your-own-adventure kind of night. 

Old-school and friendly, Amarone’s the neighborhood spot you wish was steps from your door. Everything’s made in-house, from the breads to the pasta to that vanilla bean-flecked panna cotta that’s on everyone’s table come dessert. If you can’t decide between mushroom ravioli and rigatoni alla vodka, just get both.