The Los Angeles Restaurants We Loved in March

This needs to be on everyone’s radar ASAP…

Matū’s already known for its stellar dinner offerings, but if you haven’t tried their version of a Philly cheesesteak during lunch, you are seriously missing out. We specifically made the trek during lunch time, and it was nothing short of otherworldly — melty, cheesy, crispy, spicy (it has a roasted Long Hot pepper), and downright cooked to perfection. While the full menu is definitely worth exploring, this sandwich alone is reason enough to go. We’ll be back soon to dive into the rest.

— Cody Goetze, Restaurant Success Manager

I’m just gonna say it: these are the most exciting tacos in L.A. right now.

I loved DaiLo’s big mac bao in Toronto, so when I heard that Evil Cooks (a goth gourmet taco spot with Smorgasburg roots) had a cheeseburger taco, I had to try it out.

The McSatan is a Mexican beef patty layered with a perfectly melted slice of American cheese, bacon, guacamole, and caramelized onions. It’s so thick you can’t fold it, so you end up eating it like a tostada. If you sit at the bar, you’ll see the tortillas made right before your eyes, like a black tortilla made with ashes for the El Goth, which is crowned with al pastor cooked in relleno negro. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, order a trio of tacos from the vegetarian “Heaven” menu or the meaty “Hell” menu. The setting is goth, punk, and heavy metal: black roses and black skulls adorn the countertop, and Misfits and KISS posters line the walls. Order at the counter and sit at the bar or in the small backyard, and don’t make any dinner plans after — you’ll be stuffed.

— Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

Because neighborhood favorites never got out of style…

… I love to revisit restaurants that made a splash when they first opened, and have now comfortably settled into themselves once the hype dies down. Such is the case with Botanica, Silver Lake’s beloved ode to bright, vegetable-forward Cal-Med cooking. Owners Emily Fiffer and Heather Sperling have always had an eye for design, and the indoor-outdoor space is as chic as ever.

I came for a low-key brunch, and the food has very much stood the test of time: the “morning mezze” platter is a riot of colors and textures, with carrot dip and salsa macha, laffa, a turmeric-marinated egg with green tahini, marinated beet salad, seared vegetables, radish and cucumber salad with za’atar vinaigrette, and pickles for good measure. This type of easy-breezy, seasonally-informed cooking is Botanica’s calling card, and it’s very much worth a revisit if you haven’t been in a while.

— Jamie Feldmar, Resy Los Angeles Editor

The insider trick to…

… Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood is the bottomless pizza on Sundays. Grab your friends and hang out for the afternoon.

— Amanda Clark, Sr. Restaurant Partnerships Manager

Pulling up a barstool at…

… baroo is the beginning of an adventure in alchemy. I barely recognize the Korean ingredients I grew up with after chef-owner Kwang Uh and his team touch them, yet tasting them brings back something so primal for me — the aromas feel so familiar, thus, baroo feels familiar.

Doenjang and lobster aren’t things I’d naturally think to combine, but in the lobster tuigim dish, the little morsels of deep-fried lobster and the funky doenjang broth truly enhance each other. I love black sesame in my bibimbap, but never thought to bake it in a little piece of bread like baroo’s heavenly sool bang. The presentation is beautiful and, at times, even illusory — like a tiny quail egg yolk perched on top of the sool bang (except that the quail egg is actually a little cape gooseberry!).

The whole place gives harmonious temple vibes in the food, plating, decor, and wooden flatware (which makes sense, since Kwang Uh studied under Buddhist nun and chef Jeong Kwan), but in a seductively dark DTLA environment. The music is vintage Korean ballads I grew up singing on my parents’ karaoke machine, which made me feel extra emo and added to the dining experience.

The best part for me: being able to drink Korean-influenced cocktails (try the Bam, a subtle and enticing balance of brown sugar, orange, and makgeolli) and artisanal soju, makgeolli, and cheongju. And don’t be afraid to ask about the history of an ingredient or dish, or the cycle of life that the menu represents in its coursing — the staff at baroo’s got detailed answers. All in all, this is the best-priced quality tasting menu in L.A. right now.

— Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

I wish it remained a Venice secret forever…

… but Dudley Market  is just too good — it’s no surprise that word got out. And though the waitlist may exceed over two hours on a good day, the upside is that you can go early, put your name down, and sit on the curb of Dudley Avenue while you wait, sipping a glass of natty wine with your pals under the quaint string lights. Dudley Market is not just good, it’s excellent. The fish is simple, light, and fresh (no deep frying or bold sauces needed); the atmosphere is (for lack of a better term) cool; and in case you haven’t got the memo: order the burger.

— Catt Flanagan, Regional Manager, West Coast

This is the kind of restaurant that makes a lasting impression…

We had the pleasure of dining at MXO by Wes Avila for a Resy team dinner, and from start to finish, it was a beautifully curated experience. We kicked off the night with mezcal-themed cocktails that were bold, balanced, and the perfect opener for what was to come. The aguachile was a standout, with incredibly fresh yellowtail that was plated with precision. From there, we enjoyed guacamole and queso (both solid choices), but the Okinawa sweet potato taquitos stole the show — they were packed with flavor and an unexpected delight. The meal wrapped up with my personal favorite, the Cowboy ribeye (a generous 26 oz. portion of freshly grilled steak), as well as the carnitas, both expertly prepped and quickly devoured.

Beyond the food, MXO’s ambiance is stunning, and it’s clear that chef Avila and restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani have created something special. I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a refined yet lively spot with incredible Mexican flavors.

— Cody Goetze, Restaurant Success Manager

Wow…

… what an experience we had at MXO. First off, the space is absolutely gorgeous, with a beautiful bar upon entry, high ceilings, and elegant finishes. Secondly, the staff was super friendly and attentive, and went above and beyond to make us feel right at home. We were a large group of 10 and service didn’t miss a beat — the kitchen was firing on all cylinders. Their fresh yellowtail aguachile alongside the Okinawa sweet potato taquitos were the perfect starters. This led to a great round of tacos, followed by the perfectly cooked bone-in Cowboy ribeye and super tender carnitas with fresh tortillas. Cocktails were also delicious and made for an all-around great meal. I need to come back for the birria beef Martillo — it looked absolutely next-level.

— Jonathan Toobi, Regional Manager, Los Angeles

This izakaya-style Japanese restaurant is a must…

From date nights to hangouts with friends, Tsubaki’s atmosphere is the perfect mix of cozy and lively. A few musts on the menu include the Japanese Caesar salad (trust), the chizu-burger korokke, the winter market tempura (sweet potato cauliflower on this visit), and the Wagyu kushiyaki. And don’t you dare leave without getting a hojicha soft serve for the table.

— Kayla Demma, Restaurant Trade and Industry Marketing Analyst

I had a fantastic brunch…

… at Bar Sinizki in Atwater Village recently. I’d had dinner on the sidewalk shortly after they opened eight months ago and loved it, but dining at an indoor bistro table by the window on a sunny day felt like a completely different experience. Sipping spritzes and espresso martinis in the Parisian-inspired interior while filling up on a classic jambon-beurre and fries was like a much-needed vacation — if only for a couple of hours on a random Saturday.

— Sara Ventiera, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

I recently joined two of my closest friends…

… for a feast of a meal, sitting at the counter of Rasarumah on a weekday night, and it was just exceptional from start to finish. I’ve long loved (and missed) Malaysian food, and chef Johnny Lee’s takes on Malaysian classics manage to be both faithful and innovative. We especially loved the Wagyu beef cheek rendang, served with roti pratha, and the cendol dessert (so much so that we ordered two of them for just the three of us).

— Deanna Ting, New York & Philadelphia Editor, Resy Editorial

I had an awesome time at…

… Rasarumah with my wife. First off, the staff was on point — we were greeted by the general manager, Rory, who was fun, charismatic, and checked on us throughout the meal; our server, Maddie, was great, too. And then came the food: definitely start with the shrimp chips, sambals, and some different skewers, before going into the whole fried snapper — the cendol sundae was also a super delicious and a great way to end our meal.

— Jonathan Toobi, Regional Manager, Los Angeles

An underrepresented cuisine makes its debut in Hollywood…

Although there are a handful of spots in the Valley, Sri Lankan food isn’t very common in central L.A. That’s why I was so excited to see the new Hollywood location of Kurrypinch, which formerly had locations in Van Nuys and Encino.

In a cheerful space, owner Shaheen Ghazaly is turning out a mix of classic and personalized takes on Sri Lankan fare, like the street-food favorite kottu roti, which is essentially strips of chopped-up roti bread stir-fried with vegetables and egg; and a knockout string hopper (rice flour noodles) in pilau form, perfumed with curry leaves and plenty of spices. The avocado juice is a cooling counterpoint to some of the more fiery dishes (i.e. deviled chicken), and though they’re still working a few service kinks out, the atmosphere couldn’t be more welcoming. If this kickstarts a new wave of Sri Lankan spots in L.A., I wouldn’t be mad …

— Jamie Feldmar, Resy Los Angeles Editor

The best bite I had…

… at Lasita was the spring onion yakisoba. On top of that, the natural wine selection was perfect and the service was exceptional.

— Amanda Clark, Sr. Restaurant Partnerships Manager

It delivers on every front…

… impeccable ambiance, thoughtful hospitality, and a menu that turns classic staples into something special. We dined at The Benjamin for their Resy Regulars event and were immediately charmed by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The tiny martinis set the tone for a cheeky Tuesday night out with friends, while the burger and roasted heirloom chicken were major highlights (and totally solid and shareable items). But the true standout? The baked potato — it was perfectly executed, the mash in a beautiful and crispy exterior, and downright unforgettable. Whether you plan on becoming a regular or just need a go-to spot with friends, The Benjamin is a 10/10 recommendation.

— Cody Goetze, Restaurant Success Manager

During an extended stay in Ojai…

… I became semi-obsessed with Pinyon. It’s a strange mix of a concept that works exceptionally well — think an East Coast deli-meets-seasonal California restaurant, with psychedelic frog decor all over the place. The wood-fired oven churns out excellent bagels (order the lox deluxe with scallion schmear), sourdough bread, and pastries by day, followed by incredible pizzas, seasonal vegetables, and side dishes in the evening. Given the wide breadth of experiences, I found myself returning to Pinyon over and over again, whether to grab a loaf to take home, sit down for a margherita pie and glass of wine at night, or an afternoon break with a pistachio brioche and a latte served in a New York coffee cup.

— Sara Ventiera, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial