Now in its 15th year, DineLA makes Los Angeles even more delicious for two weeks every spring and fall—and that time is officially upon us. Now through October 20, participating restaurants have prix-fixe lunches and dinners that range from $15 to $65 per person, along with a few wildcards in the mix like a stellar $120 omakase. Translation: It’s the perfect time to check some restaurants you’ve been dying to try off your list.
Whether it’s a pastry cart for brunch, a soothing bowl of pho, or a luxe lobster roll, here are 10 DineLA meals you don’t want to miss.
Baar Baar
Enjoy a modern Indian feast at this newer DTLA stunner. The $55 four-course dinner kicks off with an Indian street food canape before moving onto Kerala duck birria tacos and butter chicken. For dessert, there’s a ragi flour brownie with orange chutney.
Connie and Ted’s
Famed chef Michael Cimarusti’s more casual, East Coast-style seafood joint in West Hollywood is slinging a half-dozen oysters for $18 at dinner. There’s also a set $25 lunch and $55 dinner with favorites like the chowder sampler, lobster roll served hot with butter or cold with mayo, and the chef’s choice grilled fish of the day.
Homegirl Cafe
This casual Downtown restaurant, part of the Homeboy Industries program, has a $15 lunch with mix-and-match vibes: Choose an entree (tacos, chilaquiles, or a chile relleno sandwich), a drink (think agua frescas in flavors like pineapple-cucumber and berry), and a dessert (coffee cake, cheesecake, or a cookie).
Kiitsu
Head to this Brentwood gem for Japanese classics. Build your own bento box at lunch ($25) with black sesame salad, miso soup, white rice, and the choice of an entree and a roll. A $65 dinner has agedashi tofu, a sashimi of the day, miso cod, and more.
LAVO Ristorante
If a rollicking brunch is part of your weekend plans, this elegant West Hollywood Italian restaurant has your number—and a sfogliatelle cart from which you can choose a pastry and a juice. Mains on the $35 brunch include lemon-ricotta pancakes and a burger topped with truffled pecorino. Round out the afternoon with a gelato or bomboloni with an Oreo frappuccino for dipping. There’s also a three-course dinner for $65.
Little Sister
Little Sister in Redondo Beach is the place to be for a bowl of pho as the weather starts to cool down. The Vietnamese restaurant’s $35 lunch and $55 dinner features favorites like papaya salad, banh mi, and Little Sister’s staple, beef pho.
Omakase by Osen
Silver Lake’s sophisticated sushi spot has a $120 omakase menu with luxuries like chawanmushi with uni and salmon roe, as well as Japanese butterfish. Or go full-on fancy with add-ons like A5 Wagyu, monkfish liver, and a $50 sake pairing.
Superfine Playa
Chef Steve Samson’s Westside spot has a $45 three-course dinner that’s perfect for date night with Italian favorites like smoked mozzarella arancini, eggplant parm, and a fior di latte affogato.
Theía
Gather a group of friends to feast on Mediterranean classics at this modern West Hollywood restaurant. Theia’s $25 three-course lunch and $55 dinner has classics like saganaki and luxurious entrees like bone marrow pasta and pistachio-crusted salmon.
Umaya LA
This Koreatown kaiseki and omakase destination has an elegant $25 bento-style lunch with sashimi or miso black cod, or a vegetarian option with vegetable tempura and meat-free sushi. Get even more to choose from with the $55 five-course dinner that can be ordered vegetarian as well.
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Karen Palmer is a pizza- and pasta-obsessed food writer based in Los Angeles. Follow her on Instagram at @karenlpalmer.
