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LA Restaurants to Add to Your Bucket List

Los Angeles is a mecca for foodies, with an endless array of restaurants serving up cuisine from around the world. From hole-in-the-wall joints to high-end eateries, there is no shortage of places to satisfy your cravings in the City of Angels. Here are some LA restaurants whose kitchens turn out must-eat food.

Animal

Animal is a trendy eatery in the heart of Los Angeles that specializes in meat dishes. The menu features everything from pork belly sliders to chicken liver pate, and the restaurant is known for its inventive and flavorful dishes. Animal has a lively atmosphere and is a favorite spot among locals and celebrities alike.

Republique

Republique is a stunning French restaurant in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles. The space is housed in a former 1920s movie theater and features high ceilings, a marble bar, and an open kitchen. The menu offers classic French dishes like escargots and bouillabaisse as well as more modern fare like ricotta dumplings with mushroom ragout.

Guerrilla Tacos

Guerrilla Tacos is a food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Arts District of Los Angeles. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect to find unique and flavorful tacos like sweet potato with almond chile and Baja-style fish with cabbage slaw. The restaurant also offers brunch on the weekends, with dishes like chilaquiles and fried chicken and waffles.

Bestia

Bestia is a trendy Italian restaurant in the Arts District of Los Angeles. The menu is inspired by traditional Italian cuisine and features dishes like handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The space is industrial-chic and features a stunning bar area and an open kitchen.

Sqirl

Sqirl is a charming cafe in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. The menu is focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients and offers dishes like ricotta toast with seasonal fruit and sorrel pesto rice bowls. Sqirl is also famous for its house-made jams and preserves, which are available for purchase.

Providence

Providence is a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles. The menu offers a range of seafood dishes, including an omakase-style tasting menu that has the chef’s choice of the freshest catches of the day. The space is elegant and sophisticated, with a sleek bar area and an open kitchen.

Langer’s Deli

Langer’s Deli is a legendary Jewish deli in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. The restaurant has been serving up classic deli fare since 1947, including their famous #19 sandwich with pastrami, swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Langer’s is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience classic Jewish deli cuisine.

Gjusta

Gjusta is a bakery and deli in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles. The space is bright and airy, with high ceilings and an open kitchen. The menu features a range of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, including a smoked salmon sandwich and a hazelnut croissant. Gjusta also has a selection of house-made breads and pastries for purchase.

Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles

Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a beloved LA institution that has been serving up soul food since 1975. The menu features classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Roscoe’s has several locations throughout Los Angeles and is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for comfort food.

Sushi Park

Sushi Park is a hidden gem in the West Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The restaurant is tucked away in a strip mall, but don’t let its unassuming location fool you – Sushi Park is one of the best sushi spots in LA. The omakase-style tasting menu features the freshest fish and expertly crafted sushi rolls. The space is small and intimate, with only a handful of seats at the sushi bar.

Jon & Vinny’s

Jon & Vinny’s is a casual Italian-American restaurant in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles. The menu offers classic Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara and meatballs, as well as pizzas and sandwiches. The space is cozy and welcoming, with a laid-back atmosphere and an open kitchen.

République Bakery

République Bakery is the sister establishment of the aforementioned restaurant, République. The bakery is located next door and has a range of freshly baked pastries, breads, and desserts. The croissants are a must-try, as are the seasonal fruit tarts and chocolate éclairs.

Kogi BBQ

Kogi BBQ is a Korean-Mexican fusion food truck that has taken LA by storm. The menu features dishes like Korean barbecue tacos and burritos as well as kimchi quesadillas and short rib sliders. Kogi BBQ is often credited with kickstarting the food truck trend in LA and is still going strong after more than a decade in business.

Trois Mec

Trois Mec is a Michelin-starred French restaurant in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The menu is prix fixe and changes frequently, with dishes like foie gras and black truffle croquettes and Wagyu beef with smoked oysters. The space is small and intimate, with only 24 seats, and reservations are required.

Howlin’ Ray’s

Howlin’ Ray’s is a Nashville-style hot chicken spot in the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. The menu features chicken tenders, sandwiches, and wings, with heat levels ranging from mild to “howlin’ hot.” The lines can be long, but the wait is worth it for some of the best hot chicken outside of Nashville.

Los Angeles is a city of endless culinary possibilities, with something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Italian, modern French, or fusion cuisine, you’ll find it all in LA. These restaurants are just a small sample of the incredible food scene in the city, but they are all must-visit spots for anyone looking to experience the best of LA dining. So, add them to your bucket list, and get ready for a culinary adventure in the City of Angels.