The Los Angeles Restaurants We’re Loving Right Now

On a quieter stretch of York Boulevard…

… I met a friend for dinner at Ine Bistro, a charming Japanese-leaning bistro in Eagle Rock. The room is warm and lovely, and the menu is stacked with creative takes on Japanese favorites with global influences — think prosciutto mazemen, miso ratatouille, and Savoy gyudon (a take on the thinly sliced and braised beef belly dish that also includes red wine here). But the hand rolls are the main event, with everything from toro to sweet shrimp with persimmon, to uni with chive and white scallion. Don’t miss the fatty tuna brioche starter either.

— Kelly Dobkin, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

I had such a great meal…

… at Little Fish in Melrose Hill. It’s cozy, unfussy, and the food really delivers. The beach sandwich is a must — a super fresh and bright thing packed with flavor. Get the chicory salad (crisp and perfectly balanced), the crudo (delicate, clean), and do not skip the chicken: simple in the best way, beautifully cooked, and comforting without being heavy. A welcome and very special addition to Melrose Hill, one of the best dining neighborhoods in the city.

— Jonathan Toobi, Senior Regional Manager, Los Angeles

After many delays and much anticipation…

… the Los Angeles outpost of New York’s game-changing omakase is finally here. Daisuke Nakazawa is famously a protégé of Jiro Ono, of “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” fame, but in the last 10+ years he’s made a name for himself Stateside, and with good reason. Along with partner Alessandro Borgognone, Nakazawa successfully translates Japanese tradition into a personable, playful omakase experience, with pristine ingredients and inventive plating. There’s a “Classic” Edomae-style omakase option here, as well as a new-to-L.A. “Chef’s Omakase” with hot and cold dishes in addition to nigiri. While the menu will change often, a recent highlight was spot prawn with finger lime, and a sake made with a strain of yeast that went to outer space (seriously). Consider this a worthwhile contender in L.A.’s ever-growing high-end sushi sene.

— Jamie Feldmar, Resy Los Angeles Editor

It’s easy to miss…

… (as it’s nestled inside a Silver Lake shopping center) but once you’re inside, Bar di Bello is a Milanese escape. We started with their bar trio (fried olives, candied nuts, house chips) and anchovy toast, which was a wise decision. (Do ask them for extra pieces of toast if you’re more than three. Trust us, you won’t want to share.) An oversized Negroni caught our eye, but we stuck to the standard ones, which were all very well made. The white ragù orecchiette was our standout pasta and the osso buco with saffron risotto was quickly devoured.

— Brett Luevanos Elms, Partner Success Manager

It’s one of those rare neighborhood restaurants…

… that manages to do everything well. At Marvin, the room is always buzzing, the service is warm and welcoming, and the menu delivers whether you’re stopping in for a casual weeknight dinner or a long meal with friends. With consistently great food, a lively bar scene, and a true neighborhood feel, it’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

— Jonathan Toobi, Senior Regional Manager, Los Angeles

If you’re looking to refine…

… your drinks and apps situation in Venice, Alisa Wine & Friends is the perfect spot. We stopped by and split a 2023 Fallen Grape grenache — a bright and crisp chilled red that went down almost too easily. (If you’re like me and shy away from tannins but want to exit your usual sauvignon blanc comfort zone, order this.)

On the food front, the eggplant dip should be ordered for its silky texture alone (I’m already planning my next visit so I can work my way down their list of dips). And yes, you’ll need to order the flatbread separately, but there’s a reason why: it’s a three-day fermented pita drizzled in olive oil and grilled leek ash that had me convinced I was eating a brick-oven pizza crust. The seabass crudo with aguachile is also an absolute must. The lime and honey perfectly balanced out the spice from the jalapeño and the fish itself was beyond fresh. I sopped up every bit of that sauce with the flatbread.

So, if you’re looking for drinks and bites, Alisa is the place to go to, with a 10/10 atmosphere and dishes that will, without a doubt, impress you and your friends.

— Rachel Figorski, Hospitality Coordinator

After revolutionizing how all of Los Angeles…

… thinks about breakfast, Sqirl recently opened for dinner after 14 years in business. I stopped by on a sunny spring evening with a friend and we were impressed by Jessica Koslow’s masterful takes on classics like roasted chicken, steak tartare, and chocolate lava cake (especially this, oh my gosh). The menu is quite substantial and we only scratched the surface — I can’t wait to go back and try it all.

— Kelly Dobkin, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

There’s power lunching and there’s…

… Benihana’s power lunch, in which they have 45 minutes to serve you a hibachi meal or lunch is on them. Not only did they prepare the meal in record time, the food was delicious (the fried rice was made to perfection). Get yourself a passion fruit slushy, sit back, and enjoy the hibachi ride.

— Brianna Calixte, Operations Analyst

In an area more known for late night-drinking…

… than swirling and sniffing, Hermosa Beach’s tiny wine bar, Vin Folk, is packed to the gills with neighbors who are thirsty for a thoughtful wine list, artfully constructed plates, and delightfully hands-off service. Chefs themselves drop dishes as they’re ready, and the sommelier will pop from table to table, guiding guests through stellar by-the-glass and bottle selections. But it isn’t just locals who appreciate the charm; I drove over an hour to try it, and I’m about to do it again in a few weeks.

— Caitlin White, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

The ambiance is truly incomparable…

… at Yamashiro. The ability to dine on delectable food whilst enjoying the beautiful view of Los Angeles is impeccable. The steak garlic noodles in particular make the perfect meal for non-sushi lovers, while the Yamashiro roll boasts tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, all combined into one delicious roll. Definitely a must in Los Angeles.

— Brianna Calixte, Operations Analyst

One of my favorite spots in L.A. is…

… Dudley Market. So, when my friend called to tell me she’d be in the city for the night, the reservation was booked before I even hung up.

A non-negotiable for me is their Peruvian scallops. Dressed in ponzu and serrano, the scallops are delivered in their shells, and usually empty within minutes. Also, their burger cannot be beat — the dill aioli and bacon jam are just the supporting cast to the wagyu patty, which is always cooked to perfection. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve eaten it and will never stop forcing my loved ones to try it.

Pro tip: If you’re a newbie, consider their Dealer’s Choice wine option; their list alone deserves an honorable mention.

— Rachel Figorski, Hospitality Coordinator

For an awesome happy hour…

… that absolutely hits, go to Robata Jinya. It’s got great energy and solid deals, and feels like the perfect casual fun night out.

Things we enjoyed: the negima skewers (smoky and flavorful), the karaage (exactly what you’d want: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside), the crispy rice (great crunch), some nigiri, plus a couple of hand rolls that were super fresh. Anyways, awesome happy hour spot if you’re craving Japanese snacks and a good vibe.

— Jonathan Toobi, Senior Regional Manager, Los Angeles

I’ve got a serious contender to add…

… to the top of my list of incredible non-alcoholic cocktail spots in L.A. Boxx is a chill Arts District coffeeshop by day that recently launched after-hours N/A cocktails, and the flavor combinations are exciting and well-tested. My favorite, 49 Undefeated (co-owner and mixologist Arda Barlas is a huge Arsenal fan) combines the dominant flavors of cold brew, cucumber, dill, and N/A gin, plus secondary flavors of yogurt, honey, and lemon, which simultaneously soothed me and woke me up with a jolt. My other fave is an all-day sipper: a delicious blue jasmine tea with peach purée, thyme, and lime. With the caffeine options, it’s a great pre-gaming pick-me-up for a long night out.

— Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with…

… The Tallyrand in Burbank. The nearly 70-year-old, family-owned spot is one of the few places I’d call myself a regular at. This past month, I’ve settled into the dimly lit downstairs bar a couple of times for unhurried hangs with friends. Recently, a buddy and I cozied up with ice-cold Cosmos and shared the generously-portioned chicken fried dinner. It’s seriously one of the best, most underrated versions in town, and feels like a steal (it’s under $20). 10/10.

— Sara Ventiera, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

After famously building an intense following at the tender age of 19…

… Jyan Isaac’s namesake bakery now offers a full-on lunch menu, anchored by the fresh, naturally fermented loaves. Walk in between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for large-format sandwiches and fresh salads from the mind of chef Casey Lane: a tuna melt on marbled rye is an old-school classic done right, as is their endive and romaine Caesar, with enough croutons to satiate any bread lover. But the chicken katsu, with an enormous, crispy chicken tender, squished alongside some fermented cucumbers on shokupan Texas toast tastes like another cult hit in the making.

— Caitlin White, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

It’s quickly become…

… my go-to destination for celebrations and special occasions: Old Brea Chop House consistently delivers one of the best steakhouse experiences in Orange County, combining impeccable service with the timeless charm of a classic chophouse. The meat (expertly cut and prepared) is outstanding, the wine list is thoughtfully curated, and every detail feels elevated without being pretentious. Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply craving a steak dinner, Old Brea Chop House captures everything that makes a great old-school steakhouse so memorable.

— Kayla Demma, Industry Marketing Analyst

For a dim, warm, and beyond cozy spot…

… head to Ysabel in West Hollywood. We started with an incredible multigrain flatbread (fresh, hot, with a killer tzatziki for dipping) and some pretty tasty truffle fries. Next up were some pastas, and the absolute standout for me was the Meyer lemon spaghetti. The vibes were great overall, perfect for a date or a night out catching up with friends.

— Brianna Calixte, Operations Analyst

My friends took me to…

… Ulew Coffee and Juice, a Guatemalan family-owned spot tucked away in a mini-mall on Soto, north of Olympic in Boyle Heights. When you step into the mall, you’ll see a plant and flower market; follow your nose down the hallway toward the scent of freshly ground beans and order in the tiny standing-room-only café. Take your number across the hall to a beautifully tiled room full of Indigenous art and mementos, games to play, and sketchbooks you can add to (it’s a nice hangout for friends and family). We chose to share a super fragrant Mayan mocha with cardamom and Peruvian cacao and their cozy latte de barrio with condensed milk and cinnamon, plus a tuna toast, a homemade chimichurri sandwich, and jalapeño cream cheese croissant. The latte art is as pretty as the vibes: think butterflies, flowers, and birds.

— Dakota Kim, 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.