Now on Resy: Culturas, Radici, Talesai, and More Local Favorites

There are serious Italian roots here, with a menu full of time-honored dishes that evoke loving matriarchs hard at work, a nod to the restaurant’s heritage ties to Pacentro, a small commune lost in Abruzzo. Handmade pastas are the beating heart of the menu, with California produce lending itself beautifully to baked eggplant with fresh ricotta, spinach gnocchi, and fettuccine with asparagus.

The family behind this contemporary Thai restaurant has been in the business for multiple decades, passing down family recipes from generation to generation. Signatures include classics — chicken satay, tom yum, and a rainbow of curries — plus newer-style dishes like stir-fried beef tenderloin with garlic and chiles.

This cozy beachside restaurant is a choose-your-own-adventure of classic Japanese fare, from sushi to noodles. The generous menu hits all of the stops and then some, with a selection of omakase-style sets and wagyu beef-laden hot pots.

This elegant, understated Little Tokyo space is like a peaceful, transportive experience that zaps you right out of L.A. The menu leans into the kaiseki tradition, featuring set menus of sushi and exceptional shabu-shabu. Sit back, let the friendly servers and chefs take you on a journey, and savor every bite.

Tucked into the second floor of EP&LP, this country-western spot is where you can live out all your “Cowboy Carter” dreams. You may find DJs and line dancing, a rousing game of pool, or just someone who really knows how to wear those Levi jeans. Cold beers, straightforward drinks, and loaded queso brisket fries included.

This cozy spot is as layered as the art on its walls. The chefs channel their Cuban, Bolivian, and Filipino heritage into creative plates, such as beefy burgers with tomato jam, Cuban sandwiches, miso-marinated fried snapper and taro chips, and brunch-worthy pancakes and arepas Benedict. The wine list features a mix of local small producers and international selections.

Bringing serious yakiniku (grilled) heat to Beverly Hills, this moody, minimalist spot is all about grilling buttery cuts of Japanese wagyu right at your table. The omakase is a flex, but the à la carte menu lets you chase your cravings. Either way, don’t miss the sizzling garlic rice.

It’s Southern and soul food classics done with an L.A. twist (by a fine dining-trained chef, no less). The cheery Downtown cafe has everything from fried chicken and waffles to brown rice grain bowls for breakfast and brunch, all of which taste best on the spacious rooftop patio.

Since 1959, this Santa Monica staple has been known for peanut shells on the floor, strong drinks, sand dabs, and stories in the walls. Frank Sinatra once drank here, and an elephant once made an entrance; today it still oozes charm, grit, and that timeless, sometimes rowdy beachside magic. The patio in back is slightly calmer and an excellent option for breezy nights.

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.