A.O.C.

A.O.C. might not turn heads from the outside, but once you step into its charming courtyard, you'll quickly realize why it's one of L.A.'s most coveted dining spots. Specializing in small plates that beautifully blend Californian and French influences, A.O.C. offers a menu full of flavor-packed dishes like roasted beets with goat cheese and slow-braised lamb. Pair these with selections from their impressive wine list—over 50 different wines available by the glass, half bottle, or carafe.

• Web:

  www.aocwinebar.com

• Address:

  8700 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 310 859 9859

Bestia

Tucked inside a converted warehouse in L.A.’s Arts District, Bestia is the brainchild of chef duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. The menu leans rustic yet refined Italian cuisine, with standouts like slow-roasted lamb neck, squid ink bottarga pasta, and blistered wood-fired pizzas, all served in an industrial-chic ambiance, with high ceilings and an open kitchen.

• Web:

  https://bestiala.com

• Address:

  2121 E 7th Place, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 213 514 5724

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5pm–11pm

Chinois On Main

Chinois On Main is a Los Angeles classic and one of the famous chef Wolfgang Puck’s first restaurants, serving a fusion of French and Chinese cuisine. In a colorful and exotic interior, you can taste Asian dishes served with California’s fresh products combined with French culinary skills.

• Web:

  https://wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/chinois-santa-monica

• Address:

  2709 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA

• Phone:

  +1 310 392 9025

• Opening hours:

  Sun, Wed & Thu 5:30pm–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 5:30pm–10pm, Mon & Tue closed

Guelaguetza

Guelaguetza in Koreatown is a beloved Oaxacan gem that brings the bold flavors of southern Mexico to Los Angeles with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its exceptional moles, with the rich, smoky flavors of their seven-mole sampler stealing the show. Other menu highlights include the tlayuda (a crispy tortilla topped with cheese, beans, and meats) and the comforting tamales.

• Web:

  www.ilovemole.com

• Address:

  3014 W Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 213 427 0608

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri & Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 9am–9pm, Mon closed

Marugame Monzo

At Marugame Monzo in Little Tokyo, it's all about fresh, hand-pulled udon noodles made right before your eyes. This popular spot, loved by both locals and tourists, serves up a variety of udon dishes, from classic broths to creative toppings, in a casual, bustling atmosphere.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/marugame_monzo

• Address:

  329 1st Street, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 213 346 9762

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 11:30am–9pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am–10pm

Musso & Frank Grill

Opened in 1919, Musso & Frank Grill is Hollywood's oldest restaurant, offering a timeless and refined dining experience. With its red booths, dim lighting, and white-jacketed waiters, it’s like stepping back into Hollywood’s golden age. The menu showcases classic American fare, and the martinis are legendary. This iconic spot has long been a favorite of stars like Charlie Chaplin—who even had his own booth.

• Web:

  https://mussoandfrank.com

• Address:

  6667 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood

• Phone:

  +1 323 467 7788

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 5pm–11pm, Sun 4pm–10pm, Mon closed

Cinespia

For a truly unique cinematic experience, head to Cinespia's outdoor screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. These iconic movie nights, usually held on Saturday nights during the summer, offer an unforgettable setting as classic and contemporary films are projected on the cemetery's lawn. Expect a lively crowd that sometimes includes celebrities and filmmakers. When it's off-season, Cinespia also brings screenings to various venues in Downtown L.A.

• Web:

  https://cinespia.org

• E-mail:

  info@cinespia.org

• Address:

  Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

• Phone:

  +1 323 522 6870

Elevate Lounge

Perched on the 21st floor of a downtown high-rise, Elevate Lounge delivers a sleek and stylish nightlife experience with unmatched city views. This penthouse hotspot blends a sophisticated lounge atmosphere with a high-energy dance floor, where DJs keep the crowd moving late into the night. The open-air design makes the L.A. skyline part of the experience, while expertly crafted cocktails and a chic crowd complete the vibe.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/elevatelounge

• Address:

  811 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 213 400 1560

• Opening hours:

  Fri & Sat 10pm–2am

Far Bar

Tucked away in the heart of Little Tokyo, Far Bar offers a relaxed vibe perfect for those looking to unwind with a drink and a bite to eat. The bar serves up a delicious fusion of American and Asian flavors, with crowd favorites like burgers, sushi, and the must-try wasabi fries. With an impressive selection of beers and cocktails, it's a great spot to enjoy a casual evening, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or lingering over drinks.

• Web:

  www.farbarla.com

• E-mail:

  contact@farbarla.com

• Address:

  347 1st Street, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 213 617 9990

Good Times at Davey Wayne's

This bar lives and breathes the 70s — DJs play classic 70s hits and guest musicians rock the stage. Enter through the secret refrigerator door and order a spiked snow cone — both are a must-do here.

• Web:

  https://goodtimesatdaveywaynes.com

• E-mail:

  info@goodtimesatdaveywaynes.com

• Address:

  1611 N El Centro Avenue, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 323 498 0859

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8pm–2am, Sat & Sun 2pm–2am

Hollywood Improv

The Hollywood Improv is a legendary comedy club where many of Hollywood’s biggest names got their start, including Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, and Jerry Seinfeld. Today, it remains a go-to spot for top-tier stand-up, with surprise drop-ins from A-listers like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Ali Wong. Alongside the heavyweights, the stage also gives up-and-coming comics a chance to shine.

• Web:

  https://improv.com

• Address:

  8162 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 323 651 2583

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 5pm–midnight, Fri & Sat 5pm–2am

La Cita Bar

La Cita Bar is where L.A.’s underground music scene meets Latin dance party energy. By day, it’s a casual dive with a relaxed patio, but after dark, the place comes alive with live indie rock, DJ-driven Latin beats, and a hip, eclectic crowd.

• Web:

  https://la-cita-bar.shop

• Address:

  336 S Hill Street, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 213 687 7111

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 11am–2am, Sat & Sun 10am–2am

Alcove

Set within two of the oldest homes in Los Feliz, Alcove blends history with a chill neighborhood vibe. This charming café and bakery, housed in a 1916 Spanish duplex and an 1897 Craftsman cottage, serves up American classics with a fresh, artisanal touch. Whether you're here for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy dinner, the menu offers everything from fluffy omelets and burgers to handcrafted cocktails and house-made chocolates. The leafy, dog-friendly patio makes it an ideal spot to linger over coffee or a slice of cake.

• Web:

  www.alcovecafe.com

• E-mail:

  info@alcovecafe.com

• Address:

  1929 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 323 644 0100

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 9am–10pm, Fri 9am–11pm, Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 8am–10pm

Cafe Gratitude

Café Gratitude is a staple for those seeking a mindful and nourishing dining experience in the heart of Los Angeles. This acclaimed, plant-based café offers a menu brimming with wholesome, organic dishes like the "I Am Fortified" grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and avocado or the "I Am Magic" smoothie, packed with chia seeds, almond milk, and cacao.

• Web:

  https://cafegratitude.com/pages/larchmont

• Address:

  639 N Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 323 580 6383

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10am–9pm, Sat & Sun 9am–9pm

• More info:

  2nd location in Venice (512 Rose Avenue)

Joan's On Third

Joan's on Third is a beloved family-owned marketplace and café that has become a culinary landmark in Los Angeles. Beyond its extensive selection of cheeses, olives, and freshly baked pastries, the market offers an array of freshly prepared meats, fish, and poultry for takeout. If you want to experience more of the market's atmosphere, you can take a seat and enjoy Joan's sandwiches, salads, soups, and homemade sweets right there on the spot.

• Web:

  https://joansonthird.com

• E-mail:

  info@joansonthird.com

• Address:

  8350 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 323 655 2285

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–8pm

Kings Road Coffee and Café

Kings Road is a warm, welcoming café where you’ll feel right at home. The menu features everything from omelets and waffles to sandwiches and salads, all served in generous portions, making it a go-to spot for satisfying comfort food.

• Web:

  www.kingsroadcafe.com

• Address:

  8361 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 323 655 9044

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–3pm

Original Pantry Café

A true L.A. institution, The Original Pantry Café has been serving up no-frills, hearty American fare since 1924. This old-school diner is known for its massive portions, quick service, and nostalgic charm, where everyone from locals to late-night wanderers pulls up a seat at the Formica counter. Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends, as hungry patrons line up for classics like pancakes, steak and eggs, and their famous sourdough toast.

• Web:

  https://pantrycafe.restaurant

• Address:

  877 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles

• Phone:

  +1 213 972 9279

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Fri 7am–3pm, Sat & Sun 7am–5am, Mon & Tue closed

The Cow's End Cafe

Established in 1989, The Cow's End Cafe has become a beloved local hangout in Venice Beach. Family-owned and situated just half a block from the beach and the Venice Pier, it offers a cozy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Beyond its renowned espresso and smoothies, the café serves an all-day breakfast, wraps, and salads.

• Web:

  www.thecowsendvenice.com

• Address:

  34 Washington Boulevard, Marina Del Rey

• Phone:

  +1 310 574 1080

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–6pm