Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you know Issa Rae from her smash hit HBO show “Insecure” and blockbuster films like “Barbie” and “Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse.”
But you may not know that the actress and writer is also part of the Los Angeles restaurant community: She partnered with Hilltop Coffee founders on the Jazz Age-influenced Somerville and the newly opened DTLA pizza destination Downtown Dough.
When Issa wants to go out to eat in LA, she seeks out everything from elegant seafood at Joyce to neo-African fare at Two Hommés to omakase menus at Uchi West Hollywood, and so much more.
Read on for the LA restaurants Issa Rae loves to visit, and then book them on OpenTable.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
Somerville (View Park-Windsor Hills)
Issa’s restaurant pays homage to the Jazz Age of South Central LA and has a menu of modern American plates (we’re talking dishes like a popular collard green lasagna), live music, and an elegant dining room.
Why Issa loves it: “I indulge in the fried chicken caviar sliders way more than I should, but what really keeps me coming back is the perfectly curated vibe—from the live jazz band every night to the beautiful, well-dressed people who walk through the doors. Somerville is a crown jewel in my neighborhood.”
Barrique (Venice)
This beloved neighborhood restaurant blends traditional Italian dishes with a homey vibe (the restaurant is actually in a cozy yellow house).
Why Issa loves it: “I stumbled into this intimate spot one day accidentally while roaming Venice with one of my BFFs. The staff was so inviting and the service was so impeccable. We sat on their balcony, and I tasted some of the most delicious Italian food I’ve ever had. You can’t go wrong ordering anything on the menu, and they always have amazing specials, but their red-beet pasta is outstanding. [I] also love their wine pairings.”
Two Hommés (Inglewood)
Lifelong friends and LA natives Marcus Yaw and Abdoulaye Balde blend West African flavors with California ingredients at this vibrant Inglewood restaurant.
Why Issa loves it: “Listen, I’ll be the first to admit that outside of Ethiopian food, the pickings for African food are very slim in LA. However, thank God for Marcus and Abdoulaye, who have created a dream West African fusion menu of deliciousness right in Inglewood. The lamb and jollof platter are a must.”
Joyce (Downtown)
Seafood is the star at this stunning, midcentury-inspired Downtown restaurant that blends Southern and soul-food flavors with sustainable fish.
Why Issa loves it: “[It’s] one of my favorite brunch spots in LA. The drinks are great and as the daughter of a pescatarian and a lover of seafood myself, this is the perfect spot to bring your family or to roll up and day-drink with your friends. I’m coming back to try the oxtail hash.”
Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse (West Hollywood)
This family-owned spot on Melrose is where you want to go when you want some of the juiciest grass-fed meats, live piano music from time to time, and a cozy feeling.
Why Issa loves it: “[I] had a last minute New Year’s Eve dinner here, and I’ve been a regular ever since. I’m a rib-eye girlie, but for my fellow carnivores, they have such a great variety of perfectly seasoned meats to choose from and a great wine list.”
Bacari W. 3rd (Mid-Wilshire)
Italian and Mediterranean small plates (shawarma tacos, ricotta and beet gnocchi) are the go-to at this gorgeous garden restaurant that feels like an escape from the city.
Why Issa loves it: “As a person who has order-envy, this tapas-style restaurant is perfect for anyone who wants to try everything on the menu without the guilt of wasting food. I love their brunch in particular.”
Downtown Dough (Downtown)
Wood-fired pizzas and bold Italian flavors take center stage at Issa’s newest collaboration with the Hilltop Coffee team which debuted in early May.
Why Issa loves it: “I’m still drooling over the spaghetti and meatballs from this ’70s funk-inspired pizza spot. The pepperoni and honey pizza is outstanding, too, but the playlist will keep you dancing while you eat.”
Uchi West Hollywood (West Hollywood)
James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s inventive Japanese creations are best enjoyed omakase-style at this swanky sushi destination.
Why Issa loves it: “[I] first tried this delicious spot in Dallas and was willing to plan a monthly trip to revisit. So imagine my delight when they opened one in WeHo that’s just as great. I love omakase and while trusting the chef’s creation is the best way to go, they’re really great about catering to your preferences and dietary restrictions.”
Hungry Joe’s Jamaican Restaurant (Inglewood)
A community staple, Hungry Joe’s does some of the best versions of Jamaican favorites like oxtail, curried shrimp, and fried chicken.
Why Issa loves it: “Hungry Joe’s serves my favorite Jamaican food in LA. It’s super lowkey in a strip mall but there’s nothing humble about the flavors. The oxtail and goat combo is my favorite.”
Rusty Pot Café (Inglewood)
Breakfast fare gets a Southern twist at this easygoing neighborhood spot where Angelenos return for favorites like the overloaded breakfast sandwich and crispy chicken and waffles.
Why Issa loves it: “It’s a small little cafe that specializes in comfort-food breakfast and every dish hits. The breakfast sandwich is my favorite, but their chicken and waffles are the best in LA. I said what I said.”
El Cholo on Western (Pico-Union)
The oldest surviving Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles still serves up big platters of comforting food more than a century after it first opened.
Why Issa loves it: “I grew up coming here and it was down the street from our church, so on very special Sundays, we’d get to have lunch at El Cholo outside of our occasional weekend family night ‘special occasion’ visits. This restaurant is where I first fell in love with Mexican food and to this day, that Fiesta Platter is a must order.”
Karen Palmer is a pizza- and pasta-obsessed food writer based in Los Angeles. She is the former editorial director of Tasting Table, and her work has appeared in Eater, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and many other publications. Follow her on Instagram at @karenlpalmer.
