Kelly Dobkin

Kelly Dobkin

Los Angeles Contributor

Kelly is a James Beard Award-winning food writer, editor, and forever New Yorker in L.A. who has worked in restaurants, contributed to publications such as Bon Appétit, Grub Street, Los Angeles Times, Resy, and Michelin, and is a former editor at Thrillist, Zagat, and Eater New York. She is originally from Michigan but has no comment on the proliferation of Detroit-style pizza.

Fun Facts

  • Lives in
    Los Feliz, Los Angeles
  • First Resy ever made
    Lilia in New York in 2016 (still thinking about that soft serve).
  • Restaurant you’ve been to the most
    Budonoki in Silver Lake.
  • Favorite food movie
    “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”
  • Best high-low pairing
    Oysters, caviar, and beer.
  • Favorite food city
    Paris, duh.

Kelly’s Featured Stories

Guides

How to Spend a Perfect 72 Hours Eating Your Way Through L.A.

Resy Features

The Mexico City to Los Angeles Restaurant Pipeline Has Never Been Stronger

The Classics

The History of Omakase in Los Angeles, As Told Through 10 Restaurants

One Great Dish

How Found Oyster’s Sicilian Crudo Became an Instant Classic

Recent Posts


The Hit ListLas Vegas

The Resy Hit List: Where in Las Vegas You’ll Want to Eat in Winter 2026

The Resy Hit List is your essential resource for Las Vegas dining: a regularly-updated guide to restaurants that you won’t want to miss.

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GuidesLos Angeles

Where to Book a Private Dining Room in Los Angeles

In a town where the cameras are always watching, it’s no surprise that L.A. is home to a number of restaurants that offer private dining options– here are the best.

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The RundownLos Angeles

Cafe Tondo Is the New “It” All-Day (and All Night) Spot in Chinatown

Everything you need to know about the buzzy new spot in the former Oriel space.

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GuidesLos Angeles

Where to Drink Cocktails Right Now in Los Angeles

So you’re looking for Los Angeles’ best cocktails? Right this way for our top picks for the city’s restaurants and bars that do drinks right.

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Doto's fried chicken sandwich

Letter of RecommendationLos Angeles

How I Fell in Love With Doto

An appreciation for this small-but-mighty neighborhood spot, which combines California cuisine, izakaya inspiration, and more to offer something for everyone.

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InterviewsLos Angeles

How Dive Bar Chez Jay Became a Celebrity Hangout & Santa Monica Icon

We sat down with the owner of beloved West side dive bar and restaurant Chez Jay to get the history and best stories out of the space.

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New on ResyLos Angeles

Now on Resy: Thunderbolt, Papille Gustative, and More Local Favorites

From a beloved KBBQ chain to an acclaimed cocktail bar, these are just a few of the beloved Los Angeles spots that…

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Resy SpotlightLos Angeles

L.A. Izakayas Are California Cuisine’s Next Frontier

How a new wave of chefs and modern izakayas in L.A. are building the next chapter of California cuisine as we know it.

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GuidesLos Angeles

Where to Eat Near Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre

Our restaurant guide to pre- and post-show eats at two iconic L.A. summer concert institutions.

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