The Los Angeles Restaurants We’re Loving Right Now

When chef Nan Yimcharoen…

… of KinKan told me her sushi mentor, Yasu Kusano, was finally opening his own place after years of working at other counters across the city (notably Gonpachi and Yasu), my curiosity was piqued. And when I learned from some sushi-centric forums (shoutout to Food Talk Central!) that Kusano was light on frills but heavy on high-quality fish, I knew I had to check it out.

Kusano is indeed extremely unassuming — just eight seats in a Palms-adjacent strip mall storefront, but Kusano (the chef) is turning out a masterful omakase at the relatively affordable price of $150 per person. He does it all, from slicing fish to bussing tables to chatting amiably with guests (all of whom are in for the omakase — there is no other option). The specific offerings change often, but I especially loved the hirame (flounder) with an unexpected spritz of lemon juice and the aged marinated tuna, along with the rich shellfish-infused miso soup served near the end. With its casual vibe and DIY spirit, this is not the spot for bromakase chasers looking for sushi draped with gold leaf and endless caviar. But if you can appreciate true craftsmanship in an unfussy setting, and get in before the place blows up (which I have no doubt it will …), you’ll be richly rewarded.

— Jamie Feldmar, Resy Los Angeles Editor

It’s one of my L.A. faves…

Birdie G’s is a Resy classic that still hits with a menu of American classics that never disappoints. Our highlight was (and always is) the matzoh ball soup with a delicious chicken broth that’s to die for: it’s clear as can be, rich beyond belief, and poured over an enormous matzoh ball from a hot kettle. Other highlights included the koji-marinated steak frites and the chicken schnitzel (marinated in pickle brine and gluten-free to boot).

Pro tip: Any time there’s a vegetable special, order it — Birdie’s chef-owner Jeremy Fox literally wrote a cookbook called “On Vegetables.” Also, the rose petal pie is “world famous” for a reason.

— Danny Duffy, Senior Business Operations & Enablement Analyst

I had an absolutely delightful meal…

… at Cobi’s this month. It’s been years since I’ve visited the Santa Monica restaurant, known for its celebration of Asian street food (probably since it opened in 2021), and they’ve added a lovely $58 tasting menu called “The Classics” since. It’s the perfect order for first-timers (or anyone who enjoys putting themselves in the hands of the chef): During this visit, I ate Ora King salmon, diced into poké-sized chunks and served with cassava crackers; savory pork dumplings; butter chicken (I’m a sucker for this dish); dry-aged branzino; and a summer-friendly strawberry basil shaved ice.

— Kat Hong, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

The restaurant I won’t stop talking about…

… and the one 405 traffic can’t keep me from is Daisy. Chef Alan Sanz and his team nailed it — the yellowfin tostada, the carne asada, and tacos arabes are my favorites. This may sound odd, but the frozen guacamole margarita is a must order, because when cocktails are involved, you can just blindly trust Max Reis, their beverage director. I say this often, but save room for desert, specifically their pan de elote.

— Catt Flanagan, Regional Manager, West Coast

Every single plate was a hit…

… at Betsy, from the crudo and tomato burrata to the steak, ricotta gnocchi, and swordfish. The counter seats in front of the fire are the move, as you’ll be able to watch chef Paul Downer and his crew at work while soaking up the energy of the kitchen. Service is gracious, hospitality is warm, and desserts, like the Basque cheesecake and cobbler, seal the deal.

— Jonathan Toobi, Senior Regional Sales Manager, Los Angeles

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again…

… Daichan is one of my top 10 favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. Well, technically it’s in the Valley, in Studio City, but if you feel the need to correct that, you’re probably not very fun at parties. The interior of this old-school Japanese restaurant is any respectable hoarder’s dream: every inch of wall space is crammed with traditional art, ancient fans, and colorful masks, in a beautiful pastiche that calms rather than over-stimulates. And there’s almost nowhere better to order home-style dishes. My go-to is the ten-zaru soba, a refreshingly cold dish where buckwheat noodles are served with a medley of tempura, including shrimp, carrots, sweet potato, and more.

— Kat Hong, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

More Los Angeles staff picks, right this way.

The views expressed in this article reflect personal experiences of American Express employees at the applicable restaurants — not American Express — and do not constitute professional business advice.