Now on Resy: Broken Shaker, MXO, The Rendition Room, and More Local Favorites

No matter the year, lore, or renovations, this classic neighborhood spot never goes out of style. Garlic knots, meatballs, chopped salad, pastas (wild mushroom or clams and linguine are always winners), and a martini or two make any night. Not ready for it to end? There’s always post-dinner drinks at speakeasy-esque The Rendition Room or The Velvet Martini Lounge next door.

There’s a night at Vitello’s Restaurant, and then there’s a night at its swank alter ego. Head to the back of the restaurant to find this moody spot filled with 1930s glamour. Order from the menu (it’s the same as Vitello’s) or just sit for sipping while Ella, Billie, and Frank sing from the jukebox. Specialty cocktails all speak to today, but a classic martini is always perfect here.

Tucked inside Vitello’s Restaurant, this cocktail lounge is a little more tongue-in-cheek than its sister bar next door. You might find a chef-prepared TV dinner on special and classic movie nights, but know that The Velvet’s an excellent spot for a bite, cocktails, and entertainment, all in one fell swoop.

Perched at the top of the Mondrian, this sleek spot gives Tulum vibe with views for days. Taco plates, bright salads, fresh crudos, and sashimi pop in the bright space. Big bites like the slow-roasted short rib barbacoa served tableside on the bone is sure to draw attention, as does the margarita with zhoug.

Just come with a group: It’ll be difficult getting out of this Venice gem without wanting to try everything on the menu, from bihun goreng and Hainanese chicken rice to creamy laksa. Or, simply go for the nasi bungkus for a little sampler of Simpang specialties (chicken and vegetable curries, beef rendang, and sambal egg), all wrapped up in a banana leaf.

If you fancy a particular North London (or really, any) football club, chances are you’ll be able to watch the game alongside other fans packing the joint (and sidewalk). But you don’t have to love soccer to come to this Culver City spot — there’s plenty for an enjoyable night out, from burgers and fried chicken sandwiches to kale salad and linguine with mussels.

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. 

If you ever thought your Japanese omakase needed more meat, consider the all-Wagyu tasting menu at this Beverly Hills steakhouse. The offerings change daily, but what you’ll always see are different cuts cooked on the plancha or over a wood-fired grill, and extras like garlic bread, puréed potatoes, and other à la carte dishes to round out the meal.

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. 

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. 

The seafood-focused menu in the multifaceted space at the JW Marriott downtown finds inspiration from Baja to Peru with its ceviches, tostadas, grilled whole fish, and brothy stews. Everything feels like a journey, and city views from the 24th floor are definitely a bonus.