Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Los Angeles

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Los Angeles? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Baran’s 2239

5.0

5 (1415)

$31 to $50

American

Hermosa Beach

About the restaurant

Baran’s 2239 is committed to serve exceptional food in a casual atmosphere. The idea formed when brothers Jason and Jonathan Baran linked up with long time friend and chef Tyler Gugliotta. Hours of prep and creativity go into every single dish, using only fresh and homemade ingredients. Baran’s 2239 has over 40 craft beers and extensive wine list. Recognized on Michelin's Bib Gourmand 2018 list

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Always amazing. We loved the new dishes. Incredible!

SHU - Sushi House Unico - Bel Air

4.9

4.9 (666)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Bel-Air

About the restaurant

Nestled in the canyons of Bel Air, SHU is a dining experience like no other - a fusion of Japanese, Italian and Latin flavors and influences. The menu features traditional dishes as well as signature offerings, inspired by Giacomino Drago’s love of blending Japanese, Italian and Latin cuisines. SHU’s environment is well-suited to singles, couples and families. The bar seats up to ten people and there is a special booth that seats six people. Private dinning room is available to accommodate up to 12 guests. Signature dishes included halibut carpaccio with sun-dried tomato, Kobe Beef sashimi and albacore sashimi with shaved truffles.

Top review

Karine

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Great food. Very worth it. Loved the ambience as well.

Marino Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (1544)

$31 to $50

Italian

Hollywood

About the restaurant

Marino Ristorante is deeply rooted in Hollywood since the late 1950’s when Ciro (Mario to friends) Marino landed in Hollywood and has ever since had generations of who’s who in the movie, record, art, political and business LA community at his tables. Today it is still family owned and given its warm welcome flavor by the second generation of Marinos, Mario in the dining room and brother Sal in the kitchen.

The decor is modern and comfortable with memorabilia from a 60 year career which all come together to create its appeal. Described by many marrying the quintessential NY Italian in Los Angeles for its history coupled with today’s seasonal menu, highlighting the best locally sourced ingredients and top notch freshest seafood available.

Top review

TraceyVIP

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

As always the most amazing restaurant and food. Cozy and elegant neighborhood restaurant run by an incredible Italian family who has been in the business for generations. The food is incredible and creative and seasonal Along with longtime family favorite recipes handed down for generations. Chefs kiss 😘

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Popular dish

Pasta

Upper West

4.9

4.9 (2701)

$30 and under

American

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

**Contact us today to schedule your next event! We can accommodate parties of 10 to 150 guests**

Upper West's ever-changing menu draws inspiration from around the world while maintaining eclectic flavors unique to them. The bar offers Happy Hour Wednesday-Sunday from 4:30-7:00pm serving refreshing craft cocktails, handcrafted beer. The dinner menu is always evolving and includes ingredients sourced locally from the Santa Monica Farmers Market as well as local farmers such as Weiser Farms and Niman Ranch. Upper West is the perfect place to book large events for 20 or more guests and is an excellent private party venue for hosting corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday festivities, rehearsal dinners, and more.

Top review

EricVIP

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Great food! Great service! I would highly recommend.

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Popular dish

STEAK TACOS (16oz)

Popular dish

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD

Popular dish

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH

Spaggi's

4.9

4.9 (1390)

$50 and over

Italian

Upland

About the restaurant

Everyday at Spaggi"s is a new culinary experience, where Executive Chef and Owner Henry Gonzalez dishes up delightful, surprising and delicious Italian Cuisine, also offering a wide range of Steaks and Seafood. "Just like people, food should be beautiful from the inside out." he says. The result is Spaggi's award-winning menu that bring customers from all over Southern California coming back for more.
Offering dining in our main dining room, we also have two private rooms , for 20 or 30 or two rooms combined for a maximum of 50. For information about private party dining please call Ana Gonzalez directly 909-223-7985
We also offer outdoor dining. Reservation are recommended

Top review

LaurelVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Spaggis is one of my favorites, the food is always excellent

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Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Beverly Hills

4.9

4.9 (347)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Beverly Hills

About the restaurant

Laid-back luxe. Enjoy upscale contemporary cuisine in our newly remodeled Mariposa®. Experience the magnificence of LED lumen technology in art panels from the Neiman Marcus permanent collection while sipping a cocktail or glass of wine. Delight in a favorite menu selection or try an exciting, seasonal creation from our daily specials menu. Whichever you choose, you'll experience delectable food with exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Looking to host an event? We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

Maggie

Dined on May 9, 2025

Always a pleasure to visit Mariposa. A stylish atmosphere with elegance and beautiful booths. The light fixtures add furniture set up make it the ideal place to meet with friends for special occasions. The lobster salad is sooo good. Savoring The chicken broth and bread (that are offered once you sit down) have become iconic rituals when visiting Mariposa.

A Food Affair Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1585)

$31 to $50

French

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Come Celebrate Father's Day Sunday June 15th from 4:30 To 9 :00 PM . Thank you for supporting our small, family-owned business.

We offer private dining across our charming spaces: front patio, cozy interior, and back garden patio. Perfect for gatherings of 10–80 guests. Call or email us to inquire!

A Food Affair was founded in 2012 by Babette & Christian Royère—a French couple based in Los Angeles, married over 30 years and still going strong. With Christian’s 40+ years of culinary experience and Babette’s warm hospitality, they’ve created a Provence-inspired dining experience that feels like home. As our mural says, “Come as a stranger, leave as family.”

Top review

Nicole

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Outstanding!!! Can’t wait to go back and explore more of the menu!

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Popular dish

Mom's Beef Bourguignon

Sushi Nikkei - Belmont Shore

4.9

4.9 (127)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Chef Eduardo Chang Ogata brings Peruvian flavors and elements to traditional Japanese Sushi.
Sushi Nikkei on Bixby Knolls received Michelin recognition on 2022 and 2023.

Top review

JasonVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

We go hear all the time and try something new every time we go. Their Ceviche is the best in town and their Sushi is one of a kind. Keep coming back and keep being pleasantly surprised. Service is amazing and the restaurant is spotless. Will always go back

Zira Uzbek Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (16)

$30 and under

Uzbek

Central Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself in the culture of Uzbekistan in Los Angeles! Try our Halal Uzbek cuisine! Had-pulled noodles, juicy steamed dumplings, flaky samsa, hearty soups and refreshing salads, kebabs (called shashlik in Uzbekistan:) and of course the biggest hit our Plov! Everyone needs a sprinkle of Zira in their life! Let us add some to yours! #AddZira

Top review

JoshVIP

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

An amazing place, everything is delicious!! Order anything they tell you to

Caffe Pinguini

4.8

4.8 (1649)

$31 to $50

Italian

Playa del Rey

About the restaurant

We are open for curbside pickup, takeout and delivery and offering a 10% discount on all orders! Lunch will be open from 12pm-2:30pm & Dinner from 5:30pm-9:30pm.

Italian owners, Tony Cotrufo and Enrico Fiorentini, both hail from Rome and have been serving fresh authentic Italian cuisine at their Playa Del Rey location since 1997. They offer homemade pastas, an excellent wine list, outdoor seating and daily specials.

Caffe Pinguini was awarded with the "Marchio Ospitalita" Italiana - Seal of Authenticity". The seal distinguishes those restaurants with the highest quality of Italian hospitality.

Top review

Karina NovelliVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Love it! Food so delicious. Thank you for being in Playa

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