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The Best Bars for Foodies in Los Angeles

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated December 15, 2023

In Los Angeles, the best drinking establishments and the best restaurants are often one and the same. The city is home to countless spots that showcase the kind of creativity that this city is fueled with. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Check out our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. From the best Santa Monica bars to the coolest spots in downtown LA, here are some of the city's best for cocktails and creative cuisine, each with a special star quality of its own.

A photo of The Tower Bar restaurant
The Tower Bar
4.8
4.8 (1943)
$50 and over
Californian
West Hollywood
About the restaurant
The request “No photographs, no phone calls” printed on every menu at The Tower Bar strongly hints at its provenance as a wining-and-dining haven for Hollywood elites, but the bright, airy dining space plus poolside terrace is warm and welcoming with a fireplace, rose-colored lighting and numerous cozy nooks encased in walnut paneling. Its home at the historic Sunset Tower Hotel (est. 1929) on the Sunset Strip lends authenticity to the Golden-Age-of-Hollywood atmosphere. The soundtrack is jazz piano, the cocktails are classic and the curated wine list long on champagne and California labels. Menus leaning toward seasonal salads and smoothies plus shared-plate comfort food appeal to a discerning, wellness-minded clientele.
Top review
BrentM
Dined 1 day ago
Classic sophisticated vibe and no cameras. 👍
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A photo of Chicken Pot Pie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken Pot Pie
A photo of Cecconi's West Hollywood restaurant
Cecconi's West Hollywood
4.7
4.7 (4871)
$30 and under
Italian
West Hollywood
About the restaurant
Serving up fine Venetian cuisine to a contemporary Californian crowd, the West Hollywood Cecconi’s (one of seven international locations) features plenty of plant-based, produce-forward and gluten-free dishes along with its signature handmade pasta. From the fresh minimalism of its carpaccios and tartare to the wood-and-charcoal baked gnocchis and eggplant parmigiana, the menu spans all diners’ desires. Another highlight is the wood-oven pizza with squash blossom, black truffle, and goat cheese. The cocktail menu features signature concoctions incorporating heady house-made tonics and nods to Italy with individual aperitivo, spritz and negroni lists. Cecconi’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, plus brunches on the weekend.
Top review
Meganvip
Dined 4 days ago
Antonia is the best server! The food is always excellent, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
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A photo of Rigatoni Bolognese of a restaurant
Popular dish
Rigatoni Bolognese
A photo of Tiramisu of a restaurant
Popular dish
Tiramisu
A photo of Chicken Paillard Cherry Tomatoes Arugula of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken Paillard Cherry Tomatoes Arugula
A photo of Musso & Frank Grill restaurant
Musso & Frank Grill
4.8
4.8 (11042)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Hollywood
About the restaurant
Many an L.A. bar evokes old Hollywood as a concept; at Musso & Frank Grill, open since 1919 and older than the Hollywood sign, it’s reality. The bar is independently considered one of the best in America, as are its martinis. In the now-relocated Back Room, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Kurt Vonnegut wrote and drank in peace around the mahogany bar and leather booths. Patrons soak in the nostalgia while sipping a classic cocktail, and when hunger strikes it’s time to go old school. Red-jacketed servers still present dishes enjoyed a century ago—old-school steaks, chops and roasts, deli-style sandwiches and daily specials like corned beef and cabbage on a Tuesday and duck confit on a Sunday.
Top review
Billvip
Dined 1 day ago
Trip through history with no hype and careful attention to quality of food, service and ambiance. Can almost see Chaplin, Hitchcock or DeMille at the next table
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A photo of Ribeye Steak of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye Steak
A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Spaghetti and Meatballs of a restaurant
Popular dish
Spaghetti and Meatballs
A photo of Catch LA restaurant
Catch LA
4.7
4.7 (10118)
$31 to $50
Seafood
West Hollywood
About the restaurant
Catch LA, which occupies a 12,000-square-foot rooftop space on Melrose in West Hollywood, is the latest offering from Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum, the “Kings of New York Nightlife.” The duo bring their signatures—Asian-influenced seafood, open-air dining and a vibrant club-meets-dinner scene—to a venue boasting a retractable roof and incredible views of the downtown skyline and Hollywood Hills. With an A-list clientele and Instagram-famous #HitMe cake, the vibe is young, pretty and anything-goes. Stop in for a New York-themed cocktail or a selection from an extensive list of high-end Scotches, sakes and cognacs, and order from the raw bar or opt for a full sit-down dinner. The Catch Roll (crab, salmon and miso-honey), Cantonese lobster and wagyu short rib tacos are among the most popular options.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Great vibes and wonderful costumer service 🙏🏻
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A photo of Mushroom Spaghetti of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mushroom Spaghetti
A photo of Truffle Butter Filet of a restaurant
Popular dish
Truffle Butter Filet
A photo of Mushroom Penne of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mushroom Penne
A photo of AKASHA restaurant
AKASHA
4.6
4.6 (3799)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Culver City
About the restaurant
AKASHA, which opened in 2008 in the historic Hill Building in Culver City, is the brainchild of its namesake and chef-owner Akasha Richmond. The self-taught phenom championed seasonal and sustainable cuisine before it was cool, and she brings to AKASHA’s menus global influences from Hawaii and Mexico to Italy and India. Richmond’s background in art and yoga infuses a touch of hippie chic to the venue’s steel, concrete and brick structure. Those scoring a seat at the bar might order a fresh juice cocktail (CBD is an optional add-in) along with organic fries and street-food snacks from the afternoon menu. Weekend brunches come with special cocktails like the farmers market sangria.
Top review
Robert
Dined on Oct 3, 2024
Always a great meal, lovely surroundings, tasty and tasteful. Wednesday nights half off wine by the bottle is very appreciated and always a great happy hour. I'm never disappointed and will come back again. 
A photo of Spago - Beverly Hills restaurant
Spago - Beverly Hills
4.8
4.8 (5811)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Beverly Hills
About the restaurant
Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant is nothing short of exquisite. Every ingredient, from a humble summer squash or heirloom tomato to the world’s finest caviar and truffles, gets treated with the utmost reverence. The multi-course California Tasting Menu for the whole table turns dinner into an unforgettable occasion, but locals and visitors might also stop in for a playfully named cocktail (the establishment might exude sophistication but it’s not above making guests order an I’m So Sexy or Hot Legs) and some bar bites. The smoked salmon pizza is a Spago icon that never leaves the menu.
Top review
KRASSIMIR VELTCHEV
Dined on Sep 25, 2024
One of the best experiences in restaurant in LA! Highly recommend it!
A photo of Perch LA restaurant
Perch LA
4.6
4.6 (11635)
$31 to $50
French American
Downtown
About the restaurant
Perch LA bills itself “an elevated resting place,” a reference to its unforgettable setting on the 15th and 16th floors of the landmark Pershing Square Building downtown. From its open-air lounge, warmed by fireplaces and fire pits, patrons take in 360-degree views of the city that change as the sun sets. Meanwhile the vibe of Perch LA transforms from bohemian Parisian bistro with a jazz soundtrack to a cool late-night cocktail bar slash club. In between is an aperitif hour, which along with the drinks list sprinkled with rare cognacs and French cordials, is a nod to the bar’s Old World inspiration. The brie en croute and pork belly and watermelon skewer both go nicely with Paris-inspired cocktails heavy on citrus, spice and herbaceous notes.
Top review
DanielR
Dined 3 days ago
Celebrated my wife’s birthday here and so happy we did , there was live music which set an amazing vibe , food was great ! After dinner we went upstairs to the top lounge area which had an even better view. My wife really wanted dinner at a location that had a view and outdoors and this was the perfect spot. She loved the pictures we took there
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A photo of Filet Mignon au Poivre of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon au Poivre
A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Frites
A photo of Crab Benedict of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Benedict
A photo of Ca Del Sole restaurant
Ca Del Sole
4.7
4.7 (4001)
$31 to $50
Italian
Toluca Lake
About the restaurant
Serving authentic Italian fare near the studios in Toluca Lake, Ca Del Sole is a weekday lunch hot spot, and on weekends its sunny brick terrace is a delightful destination for brunch with Bellinis. Special brunch drinks come with complimentary refills. An all-night happy hour encourages a cheerful atmosphere for enjoying Italy-inspired versions of classic cocktails like the margarita Disaronno and Aperol daiquiri. Both owner and chef are Italy-born and trained, so expect traditional dishes with contemporary twists. The mezzelune di zucca baruca (pumpkin-stuffed pasta with a butter and sage sauce) and an authentic ossobuco are highly recommended.
Top review
Steve
Dined 2 days ago
We had a lovely time. We were seated at a table in their middle room which was comfortable and quiet. Our waiter and servers were attentive but not intrusive. Our starters came quickly and were very tasty. We had plenty of time to nibble and talk before our main courses were brought. They were delicious. And dessert came right on cue. It was a very special experience. Highly recommend.
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A photo of Rigatoni alla Buttera of a restaurant
Popular dish
Rigatoni alla Buttera
A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Beverly Wilshire restaurant
CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Beverly Wilshire
4.7
4.7 (2845)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Beverly Hills
About the restaurant
The sleek and sophisticated steakhouse, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, has its walls adorned with custom art and photography, an open kitchen and sleek dining room. Its home is the historic (circa 1929) Beverly Wilshire hotel at Wilshire and Rodeo, where CUT holds its own as an integral element of an icon. The menu of course features the highest-quality beef, expertly sourced from Nebraska and Idaho to Japan and Australia. Hungry patrons can order whole roasts for the table and steaks of all sizes slow-grilled over oak and mesquite. The bar holds all the spirits (seriously, all of them) and the wine list stretches across pages and pages. Diners who want to dial back on the excess can order from the lounge menu.
Top review
Lydiavip
Dined 2 days ago
One of the best steaks I’ve had! I order it rare and it usually is not. They made it perfectly seared on the outside but still cool and red on the inside. Equally fantastic was the pistachio soufflé! Worth going just for that!
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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Wagyu Porterhouse of a restaurant
Popular dish
Wagyu Porterhouse
A photo of Steak Tartare of a restaurant
Popular dish
Steak Tartare
A photo of AOC - Brentwood restaurant
AOC - Brentwood
4.5
4.5 (3328)
$31 to $50
Californian
Brentwood
About the restaurant
Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (also owners of Lucques) bring their signature farmers market showcasing cuisine to Brentwood at Tavern. The dinner menu comes categorized into small (green salads, lamb meatballs, Spanish fried chicken), medium (grain salads, skewers, shellfish in broth) and large (salmon, duck, short ribs and steak frites), and there are shareable vegetable sides special enough to hold their own as vegetarian options. The cocktail menu leans toward culinary ingredients: there’s cucumber, arugula and jalapeno in the Goddess and guava, yuzu and maple in the Crying Tree. Happy hour, daily in the Blue Room, offers great deals on drinks and snacks.
Top review
Laura
Dined 3 days ago
Our waiter Ruben was a sweetheart. All the staff was so accommodating and kind and the food was super delicious.
A photo of Nobu Los Angeles restaurant
Nobu Los Angeles
4.5
4.5 (3498)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
West Hollywood
About the restaurant
Can the Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine created by superstar chef Matsuhisa still be considered unique when it’s launched a global empire of over 40 restaurants and hotels? Does it matter? Hit Nobu's West Hollywood venue and enjoy selections from a menu rich in creamy-spicy-crispy dishes and Nobu-style tacos and cocktails. Few places do sushi and sashimi better. The bar tapas menu is available nightly until late, with plates perfect beside a hot sake or spicy acai martini.
Top review
İsmail
Dined today
It esas wonderful day and person(empoyee) so polite .ambians was exiting.thank you for the amazing dinner.
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A photo of Lobster of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster
A photo of Black Cod with Miso of a restaurant
Popular dish
Black Cod with Miso
A photo of Yellowtail of a restaurant
Popular dish
Yellowtail
A photo of Via Veneto restaurant
Via Veneto
4.9
4.9 (1066)
$50 and over
Italian
Santa Monica
About the restaurant
For intimate fine-dining Italian in Santa Monica, make a reservation at Via Veneto on Main Street. Candlelight and twinkling crystal chandeliers promise pure romance, all augmented by cathedral-inspired art work and a stunning stone floor. A comprehensive wine list makes up for the lack of a full bar, and you'll certainly want to raise a glass to an exquisite meal of Italian classics like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, bolognese, or special dishes featuring veal, octopus or langoustines.
Top review
Saharavip
Dined on Sep 27, 2024
Wonderful service, fresh ingredients, good sized menu, excellent taste.
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