Welcome to the vibrant culinary landscape of Los Angeles! In this sprawling metropolis, the trendiest restaurants serve as epicenters of creativity, innovation, and cultural fusion. When I send clients to LA, I’m always asked to recommend the trendiest and most timeless dining establishments. After all, if you’re staying at a luxury hotel, like the Hotel Bel Air, you don’t want to be caught at a TGI Fridays because you didn’t make reservations at one of the nice places in time.
Stay up to date with the latest luxury travel trends!
So – I’ve put together a list of the trendiest restaurants in LA that I send my clients to. That’s right – this isn’t just an aggregate of what the internet says is trendy. I actually send my clients to the restaurants on this list and they LOVE it. Keep reading to find out!
Table of Contents
Craig’s
Craig’s in Los Angeles is a favorite haunt for celebrities, offering classic American cuisine served in an intimate and chic atmosphere, where patrons can often spot A-listers enjoying their meals. One of the most popular dishes is the Craig’s Spaghetti Bolognese. This hearty and flavorful pasta dish features a rich meat sauce served over al dente spaghetti, delighting diners with its comforting flavors and generous portions. With its elegant ambiance and upscale menu, Craig’s has become a go-to destination for those seeking both exceptional food and the chance for a star-studded sighting in the heart of West Hollywood.
The Ivy
The Ivy in Los Angeles is an iconic dining destination beloved for its upscale Californian cuisine, charming outdoor patio adorned with lush greenery, and frequent celebrity sightings, making it a quintessential Hollywood hotspot. With its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, The Ivy offers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of LA’s glamorous dining scene.
At The Ivy in Los Angeles, one of the most popular dishes is the Grilled Vegetable Salad. This signature dish features asparagus, zucchini, corn, avocado, tomatoes, baby lettuce, and scallions. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that perfectly captures the essence of California cuisine and is beloved by locals and celebrities alike.
Nobu Malibu
Nestled along the picturesque coastline, Nobu Malibu offers an elegant al fresco dining experience with its sleek design and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Renowned for its innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, Nobu Malibu tantalizes diners with signature dishes like the Black Cod Miso, featuring buttery fish marinated in sweet miso sauce.
Reservations are notoriously difficult to get here. I recommend using your luxury travel agent (like me!) or your hotel’s concierge to get a reservation. You can also stay at the incredible Nobu Ryokan Malibu for priority restaurant reservations!
Giorgio Baldi
Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles is a revered Italian restaurant known for its intimate atmosphere and authentic Tuscan cuisine. Frequented by celebrities, this charming eatery is celebrated for its handcrafted pastas and the Osso Buco, a hearty dish of braised veal shank served with risotto Milanese.
Catch LA
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Catch LA offers a trendy rooftop dining experience with its stylish decor and vibrant ambiance. The most popular dish at Catch LA is the Truffle Sashimi, a delectable fusion of thinly sliced fish drizzled with truffle oil, soy sauce, and citrus, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Chateau Marmont
Chateau Marmont exudes old Hollywood glamour with its iconic setting and discreet charm, attracting celebrities and industry insiders alike. The standout dish at Chateau Marmont is the Chateau Burger, featuring a juicy patty topped with caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and a secret sauce, served with crispy fries.
Take note! Reservations can be made only 30 days ahead of time. Another handy reservation that be left in the capable hands of your travel agent or hotel concierge.
Dan Tana’s
A legendary establishment in West Hollywood, Dan Tana’s is renowned for its classic red leather booths and timeless Italian-American fare. The most popular dish at Dan Tana’s is the Chicken Parmesan, a comforting favorite featuring tender chicken breast smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, served with a side of spaghetti.
Spago Beverly Hills
Owned by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, Spago in Beverly Hills offers an elevated dining experience with its innovative American cuisine and elegant ambiance. One of the most popular dishes at Spago is the Smoked Salmon Pizza, a culinary masterpiece featuring thin crust topped with house-smoked salmon, caviar, and a dollop of creme fraiche.
The Tower Bar
The Tower Bar exudes classic Hollywood glamour with its Art Deco-inspired decor and intimate ambiance, attracting a sophisticated crowd. The standout dish at The Tower Bar is the Tower Bar Burger, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with caramelized onions, bacon, and melted cheese, served with truffle fries. Note that the Tower Bar has a strict no photos policy – sorry Instagrammers!
Malibu Farm
Situated on the Malibu Pier, Malibu Farm offers a laid-back dining experience with its fresh, organic, and locally sourced dishes. The most popular dish at Malibu Farm is the build-your-own Fish Tacos, featuring a fresh branzino filet, red salsa, and cilantro crema.
Delilah
Delilah in Los Angeles is a glamorous supper club transporting diners back to the roaring 1920’s with its opulent decor and upscale American cuisine. You’ll find live music and dancers here to facilitate the old Hollywood atmosphere. Do note that Delilah has more of a bar and club vibe than an actual sit down restaurant, though you can still go for dinner. Just don’t be surprised at how crowded it can get!
The Polo Lounge
Nestled within the Beverly Hills Hotel, The Polo Lounge is a timeless dining destination beloved for its classic American cuisine and legendary ambiance. With indoor and outdoor seating plus live music to set the mood, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this restaurant. The most popular dish at The Polo Lounge is the McCarthy Salad, a refreshing blend of chopped greens, turkey breast, bacon, egg, and beets, tossed in a tangy dressing and served with garlic bread.
Curious about iconic The Beverly Hills Hotel? Read my full review of this property including my dining experiences here: 11 Things to Know About the FAMOUS Beverly Hills Hotel
Special Shoutout
I have to mention a new contender to the trendy LA dining scene. Opened in 2022, Mother Wolf is a contemporary restaurant renowned for its Italian cuisine – think pastas and pizzas. No one says it better than the Michelin Guide:
Everyone and their mother, quite literally, is here for dinner. Located in the landmark Citizen News building in Hollywood, Funke’s latest opening is massive in scale, with columns wrapped in red tile, olive trees planted across the dining room and red-and-white patterned upholstery that resembles candy canes. Thin-crust pies charred in a wood-burning oven and a host of Roman pastas — cacio e pepe, amatriciana, carbonara — form the heart of the menu. A chef’s counter at the edge of the open kitchen offers prime seating for solo diners.
Flights
Looking to price out roundtrip flights to/from LAX? Use this handy tool below to quickly see how much fares cost over your dates.
Which is your favorite restaurant in LA? Let me know in the comments below!
Leave a Reply