LA’s 5 Must Book restaurants for June

None other than Issa Rae owns this Downtown pizzeria that opened in May in collaboration with the Hilltop Coffee team. Neapolitan-style pizzas and bold Italian flavors take center stage in pies topped with twists like truffle cream fondue or pepperoni and honey, and pastas and wood-fired entrees round out the menu. Start your meal with an innovative strawberry or basil spritz while funk classics create a real vibe

MICHELIN-Starred Morihiro is a destination for sushi legend Morihiro Onodera’s thoughtful omakase menus. Grab a seat at the intimate counter in the minimalist, wood-accented space to watch Onodera prepare signature dishes like tofu with grated wasabi plus exquisite sushi and sashimi made with rice grown in his Japanese hometown and hand-milled on-site. It’s all plated on elegant pottery hand-thrown by the chef himself.

This stylish tiki bar is a multi-James Beard nominee for its top-notch wine and beverage program. Come here for tropical-inspired cocktails like the classic Singapore sling and creative originals like a banana-infused riff on the espresso martini. Don’t sleep on the equally strong food menu, filled with Asian-inspired dishes like crispy Japanese fried chicken, or the recently launched weekend brunch.

With high vaulted ceilings and a vibrant floor-to-ceiling mural, this DTLA stunner is acclaimed chef Steve Samson’s love letter to Bologna. Whether seated in the show-stopping dining room or at the sleek marble bar, you can’t go wrong with refined dishes like tortelloni in tomato butter sauce and lasagna bolognese. Bonus points for a lush patio overlooking a courtyard that’s ideal for intimate date nights and special occasions.

Head to Lunasia Dim Sum House in Alhambra for a feast of traditional Cantonese dim sum. Bring a crew to split family-style meals that serve up to 10 people, or choose from an expansive menu of favorites ranging from pan-fried pork dumplings and rice noodle rolls to barbecued meats like a 10-piece Peking duck. Cap your meal with one of the standout desserts, including a refreshing mango pudding and a panda-shaped custard bun.