Now on Resy: Butchr Bar, Nua, Tin Roof Bistro, and More Local Favorites

Being a New York icon, Marea is well-known for its exceptional coastal Italian menu — heavy on pasta and seafood — and signatures like red wine-braised octopus fusilli and crudo samplers fit right in on the West Coast. If you’re rolling hard (this is Beverly Hills), detour immediately to caviar and gougères or the “tunahawk” steak. 

You’ll find a wide array of flavors at this lively Old Town Pas Indian spot: Classic dishes like samosas, tandoori specialties, and warm naan, but also chicken tikka sliders, paneer tacos, and big parathas served with butter, curd, and tangy pickles.   

With its pink walls, concrete bar, and minimalist yet warm space, you might think this Echo Park spot is just another L.A. wine bar. But it’s not. Instead, it’s home to some serious meat, including dry-aged steaks, housemade charcuterie, and Australian Wagyu that rivals bigger-name steakhouses (without the bigger-name price tag or fuss).

With lace curtains, floral wallpaper, and a name that feels like a hug, this Playa del Rey spot serves Ukrainian comfort straight from the family kitchen. Think tender holubtsi (cabbage rolls) in tomato sauce, sweet syrnyky (pancakes), and chicken pelmeni (dumplings) folded with care.

With rustic wood accents, cozy booths, and a breezy patio that’s always buzzing, Tin Roof Bistro is where wine country meets the South Bay. The menu is full of California comfort: local wine, truffle fries, thin-crust pizzas, seared scallops, and hearty pastas. Families, dogs, lunch, happy hour — all are here and welcome.

This quaint spot is classic Los Feliz, where casual cool meets Neapolitan warmth. Expect crisp calamari, chicken piccata, and pastas — rigatoni alla Norcina and squid ink tagliolini with shrimp are just two favorites. Friendly servers, candlelit tables, and a solid Cal‑Italian wine list make it a beloved neighborhood refuge for pasta lovers.

This locals’ favorite is casual and warm, with an intimate bar area and relaxed covered patio. Service is always friendly, the pastas are spot-on, and who can say no to garlic focaccia sticks and meatballs? Plus, gluten-free and vegan options mean everyone can join the party.

The vibe on Melrose may ebb and flow, but this all-day cafe is one you can rely on. Fresh pastas, breezy brunches, citrusy avocado toast, and Fred’s pasta with chicken, peas, and pink sauce — this quintessential Cal-Ital hot spot never seems to go out of style.

This owners of this West Hollywood concept left Ukraine to live among the Hollywood stars, and you feel that exuberance for new beginnings and a sharing of cultures in the eclectic menu and live music. It’s a place where you can enjoy a spicy salmon sushi roll, a Wagyu burger, Kiev chicken, and tropical drinks all in one night.

This neighborhood hideaway boasts mid-century vibes in a cozy space. Mornings buzz over Tectonic espresso; evenings shift to European‑soul wine pours and perfectly paired dishes like oysters, crudo, and steak frites. It’s polished but warm — the kind of place where you want to linger all day and night.

This Brenwood staple is part of the swarm of Italian restaurants that fill the few bustling blocks around San Vicente Boulevard — but this is one of the OGs. Locals and longstanding regulars rely on favorites like tricolore salads, classic pastas, grilled veal chops, and tiramisu.

Does food taste better with a view of yachts bobbing in the water? Absolutely. This Italian favorite in the Marina scene has a boatload of classic dishes like tender clams and mussels steamed in white wine and crispy calamari fritti — and the views are just as good.

Dining in this charming space, with exposed beams, a fire place, and stained glass windows, feels like dining in someone’s home — and that has as much to do with the cozy hacienda decor as with the friendly staff. The menu is full of creative takes on Mexican classics like lobster tacos, cornbread with braised short rib, and kale and shiitake flautas. Definitely add a side of mole potatoes, and round out the meal with a mezcal old fashioned.

With one bite of the light, lacy, and crisp Kyoto-style tempura at this Japanese import, you’ll realize you never really had tempura until now. The omakase comes with ethereal pieces of fish, wagyu, and vegetables all fried with special batters — none greasy or heavy. Details like the salt trio for dipping and attentive service are hallmarks.

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.