With chefs descending on the City of Angels from all across the globe – including Australia’s very own Curtis Stone – the dining scene in Los Angeles is as diverse as it is deliciously exciting. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, French, American, Mexican or beyond, you’ll find a restaurant to satisfy your appetite. While there’s no shortage of restaurants in LA, we’ve picked out hottest restaurants in town. Here are 10 of the best restaurants to hit up on your next trip to Los Angeles.
Recently added to the California Michelin Guide, this lively Culver West spot offers a broad range of contemporary Southern American classics, such as deviled eggs, pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes. The back of the restaurant houses a separate bar named Old Man’s Bar, which serves up beautiful cocktails from 8pm to 2am. hatchethallla.com
Helmed by Aussie celebrity chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke Stone, Gwen offers a Michelin-starred dining experience right in the heart of Hollywood. Gwen is redefining fine dining in LA, bringing diners both an old-world, European-style butcher shop and an elegant restaurant. A menu that calls on fire-based cooking techniques, guests have flexible options including á la carte or a five-course menu. gwenla.com
A modern French bistro in the Arts District, Camphor offers a unique flavour identity with a South Asian and classical French twist. Camphor presents a menu of shareable small plates, hearty entrees and classic cocktails. Highlights include Baby Shrimp with ‘gunpowder,’ Dungeness Crab Barbajuan and Marzipan with Meyer Lemon ice with whimsically re-imaged cocktails such as the Provence Martini, Saint-Germain and Opera. camphor.la
Located in Culver City’s Platform development, Juliet invites guests to enjoy an ode to Parisian dining with a seafood-forward, French-inspired menu featuring seasonal California ingredients. The 120-seat restaurant includes a patio space, shaded terrace, communal seating, an interactive barside cart, and a walk-up bar serving an all French wine list. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Juliet’s bright menu includes Moules Persillade, Carpaccio de Thon, Chocolat Chaud, Madeleines au Beurre Noisette, and more. juliet.la
A former recording studio home to the likes of David Bowie, Neil Young and Stevie Wonder, Grandmaster Recorders has been reimagined into a sprawling, multi-faceted dining space. Combining 50 years of musical history, Aussie hospitality powerhouses Grant Smillie and David Combes have transformed the historic building, which now hosts 71 Studio Bar, a destination rooftop deck, and a restaurant helmed by Aussie culinary director Monty Koludrovic (formerly of Bondi’s Icebergs) that incorporates Italian food with modern flourishes and global influences. grandmasterrecorders.com
Located in LA’s Arts District development, Girl & the Goat’s menu draws from a global flavour palette constructed in Chicago and filtered through a market-driven California prism. As the name suggests, diners can expect lots of goat-inspired dishes on the menu – such as goat liver mousse with crumpets, goat curry with masa chips and goat’s milk yogurt alongside an Indian-inspired chickpea preparation. The balanced menu also draws from the ocean and soil for bold veggie dishes and salads, and incorporates a multicultural bread program. girlandthegoat.com/los-angeles
For a fun, casual, yet elevated Mexican dining experience, head to LA Cha Cha Chá in LA’s Arts District. Perfect for every occasion, this beautiful rooftop restaurant is known for its delicious tostadas and tacos, as well as its killer cocktail menu (don’t skip the margaritas!). chachacha.la
Located within Downtown LA’s luxury shopping and dining precinct, The Grand LA, San Laurel marries the bold, beautiful flavours of Spain with fresh, sustainable products from Los Angeles’ local farmers’ markets. Led by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés, diners can expect culinary delicacies like Santa Barbara sea urchin paired with scallops, lardo and caviar, and juicy and tender bone-in wagyu ribeye. San Laurel is open daily for breakfast and dinner. sanlaurel.com
Mother Wolf pays homage to the Eternal City and culinary heritage of La Cucina Romana. The menu echoes themes of Rome through wafer-thin wood fired pizzas, hyper-seasonal antipasti and traditional handmade pastas. Located in the historic Citizen News Building, Mother Wolf transports guests to a Roman banquet hall in their luxurious, intricate space. motherwolfla.com
Presented by star chef Wes Avila, Ka’Teen serves a menu of flavours from the Mayan Riviera and Yucatán peninsula, with elements including plants, palm fronds, tostadas, ceviches and tacos. Located in the new Tommie Hollywood (sister property to Thompson Hollywood), Ka’teen is housed in a lush outdoor environment featuring 5,000 square feet of dining space. kateenla.com
