Here’s Where to Dine in LA When Only the Best Will Do

Los Angeles is known to be one of the best culinary destinations in the world—even the Michelin Man agrees. According to the latest rankings from the Michelin Guide, LA is now home to 25 Michelin-starred restaurants, four of which have earned two stars. While most Michelin-worthy establishments fall on the fancier side of the aisle, there are a few casual eateries that have also managed to impress the world’s harshest food critics. From high-end sushi restaurants with traditional omakase menus to neighborhood spots that chef and serve literal art, these 23 Michelin restaurants in Los Angeles will have you saying, “Yes, Chef!” 

 

Orsa & Winston

⭐One Star

Orsa & Winston blends Asian and Italian effortlessly in an artsy and sleek space in the heart of DTLA. Chef Josef Centeno takes your taste buds on a journey with a five-course tasting menu that costs $150 per person. The menu changes nightly, so you never know what to expect. That said, each course is just as beautiful as it is delicious, featuring innovative plating techniques that tease the eyes before enticing the palate. Typically, you’ll indulge in courses with pasta, raw and cooked  seafood and seasonal produce. In addition to counter seating, Orsa and Winston also offers more traditional tables and booths. 

Location: DTLA

 

715 Sushi

⭐One Star

Experience a truly traditional Japanese dining experience at 715 Sushi in DTLA. Located in an unassuming brick building with an oddly shaped door, the minimal interior of this Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant ensures there are zero distractions as guests indulge in an unforgettable omakase dinner. You can expect some of the best sushi in LA here. Chef Seigo Tamura has created an intimate counter with only eight seats for guests, and the beloved omakase experience costs $350 per person. Indulge in fresh fish flown in straight from Japan, some of which is aged in-house for a more vibrant flavor profile. 

Location: DTLA

 

Camphor

⭐One Star

Helmed by chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, Camphor fuses French fare with Southeast Asian flavors. The bright and elegant space is perfect for a date-night dinner and is located within LA’s bustling Arts District. In addition to a stellar list of wines, Camphor also serves craft cocktails that are sure to impress. Take the Provence, for example: a beautiful martini served sidecar style and made with an herb-infused vodka that is washed in French olive oil. Food highlights include the steak frites, saffron-sauce lobster and scallop pasta. 

Location: DTLA

 

Shibumi

⭐One Star

New to Kappo-style cuisine? Shibumi provides the perfect introduction in the heart of DTLA. Make yourself at home while sitting at the 400-year-old cypress counter as you explore a seasonal omakase with optional supplements like the two-month cured uni. The tasting menu costs $125 per person and includes eight courses, all of which are made with traditional Japanese techniques that date back to the 1600s. And don’t miss out on the beverage omakase, which starts at $85 per person. Expect a lot of seafood ranging from sashimi to abalone and charred octopus. 

Location: DTLA

 

Holbox

⭐One Star

Holbox received its first Michelin star in August 2024, making it an exciting addition to the Los Angeles culinary elite. A stark contrast from the standard fine dining establishments that make the Michelin list, Holbox is a much more casual eatery where patrons order at the counter before chowing down on a daily menu of raw and cooked seafood. From scallop ceviche to grilled octopus, all of the ingredients are sustainably and consciously sourced. On Thursdays and Fridays, you can also make a special reservation for their eight-course tasting menu. Counter seatings are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for $120 per guest.

Location: DTLA

 

Hayato

⭐Two Stars

Hayato is a bucket-list culinary experience in Los Angeles created by chef Brandon Hayato Go. Located at The Row DTLA, Hayato has only seven seats in the restaurant, providing a truly authentic kaiseki experience with a heavy focus on seafood. The open kitchen ensures that guests can witness the preparation process as their food gets plated to perfection. Since there is only one seating a night, this dining experience is among the most exclusive in the city. Dinner costs $400 per person and starts at 6:30 p.m. each night.

Location: DTLA

 

Kato

⭐One Star

Also located at The Row DTLA, Kato is a deftly styled dining room helmed by chef Jonathan Yao. Previously located in an unassuming strip mall, the new location (opened in 2022) is bright, airy and modern, which sets the scene for diners indulging in the $325 tasting menu. The food revolves around Taiwanese fare with a contemporary twist, and the beverage program is equally as impressive. In addition to a traditional wine flight, Kato also offers a vintage wine flight for $185 and an alcohol-free flight for $105. 

Location: DTLA

 

Morihiro

⭐One Star

Many credit Chef Morihiro Onodera with playing a huge role in the development of LA’s dynamic sushi scene, and Morihiro is a beautiful example of his talents. While the space includes private tables, the sushi bar offers the most exclusive experience and costs $400 per person. Enjoy an array of handcrafted bites before diving into a special selection of carefully prepared nigiri made with Chef Onodera’s signature Akitakomachi sushi rice. Each dish is served on handmade pottery, adding to the intentionality behind this meal. 

Location: Atwater Village

 

Kali

⭐One Star

Between its charming, neighborhood vibe and contemporary California cuisine, Kali is the perfect spot for foodies seeking Michelin-worthy cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. While the $195 tasting menu is best for diners who prefer a robust experience, you can also order a la carte. The seasonal produce is always locally sourced, and 90% of the menu is organic and sustainable. Start with the beef tartare “cigar” and yellowtail crudo before indulging in the buttery sea urchin pasta. For the ultimate Kali experience, however, splurge on the nine-course chef’s menu for $250.

Location: Melrose

 

Providence

⭐Two Stars

Chef Michael Cimarusti’s Providence is one of the most legendary fine dining restaurants in Los Angeles. This Relais & Châteaux establishment specializes in seafood with a sustainable focus, earning them a rare Green Star alongside its two Michelin stars. The multi-course tasting menu changes regularly, but you can always start with oysters or farm-raised caviar alongside their $100 Electric Margarita. Though seafood is the star of the show here, you can supplement your final savory course with A5 Wagyu. The tasting menu costs $325 per person, and you’ll definitely want to opt for the $155 wine pairing. 

Location: Melrose

 

Osteria Mozza

⭐One Star

Created by Chef Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza is the ultimate spot for upscale Italian in Hollywood. The classic yet creative menu shines a light on the beauty of mozzarella, and no visit to this Michelin restaurant in Los Angeles is complete without a few appetizers from the mozzarella bar. When it comes to pasta, the sweet corn cappellacci and ricotta and egg raviolo are two of the most popular dishes, but if you prefer a red sauce, the tagliatelle with oxtail ragù is a stellar choice. The secondi options are also worth exploring, with the crispy duck confit being a highly regarded favorite. 

Location: Hollywood

 

Gwen

⭐One Star

Helmed by Australian celebrity Chef Curtis Stone, Gwen is a one Michelin-star restaurant in Los Angeles that doubles as a premier butcher shop. Located in the heart of Hollywood, this meat-focused establishment uses fire-based cooking methods across a variety of cuts, seafood and veggies. Since steak is a must here, consider the 30-day ribeye or 16-ounce New York strip, both from Creekstone Farm. For appetizers, curate a little surf and turf action with the yellowtail crudo and beef tartare. If you can get the whole table on board, splurge on the $130 chef’s Carte Blanche menu.

Location: Hollywood

 

Sushi Ginza Onodera

⭐One Star

With locations all across the globe, Sushi Ginza Onodera has collectively gathered 13 Michelin stars, with the West Hollywood location holding one of those. This award-winning LA restaurant specializes in Edomae sushi, a process that involves dry-aging fish that has a more vibrant and savory flavor profile. They serve an omakase menu here that costs $400 per person. Since the menu is chef-driven, there is always something new to try, making this LA Michelin-starred restaurant the ideal place for a celebratory dinner or anniversary. Each piece of nigiri is perfectly dressed, and the panna cotta dessert is worth saving room for.

Location: West Hollywood

 

Nozawa Bar

⭐One Star

Nozawa Bar is a concept created by the same masterminds behind Sugarfish. This upscale omakase experience focuses exclusively on nigiri, sashimi and handrolls. There are only two seatings per night, Monday through Saturday, and dinner costs $225 per person. The 20-course experience is created by Chef Nozawa and Master Chef Osamu Fujita each day after visiting local fish markets to select the freshest available ingredients. Though the menu tends to kick off with sashimi, the majority of the menu is nigiri with a few handrolls sprinkled throughout. Typical offerings include Santa Barbara uni, Hokkaido scallop and monkfish liver. 

Location: Beverly Hills

 

Vespertine

⭐Two Stars

Following a four-year closure, Vespertine is back and better than ever. After reopening in April 2024, it has already regained its two-star status, proving it still has what it takes to remain among LA’s most elite eateries. The one-of-a-kind architecture and futuristic design match the other-worldly courses, all of which are plated in a manner that is meant to entice all of the senses. Only 20 diners can dine each night, with the $395 tasting menu consisting of 14 courses. Vespertine sets out to be as much of a journey as a dinner, where diners are guided through different parts of the restaurant to consume certain courses. 

Location: Culver City

 

n/naka

⭐One Star

n/naka takes a modern approach to kaiseki by putting a California twist on classic Japanese cuisine. The traditionally zen space sets the mood as you kick off your experience with house-infused sake alongside small bites. The expansive meal then delivers heart-warming broths, fresh sashimi and cooked seafood, all of which change regularly depending on the season. Since opening in 2011, celebrities and foodies alike have flocked to Chef Niki Nakayama’s n/naka for an unforgettable meal. The 13-course tasting menu costs $365, and reservations are released every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Location: Palms

 

Citrin

⭐One Star

Chef Josiah Citrin’s namesake, Citrin, is a Santa Monica restaurant focused on contemporary California cuisine. The space is elegant yet lively, featuring a fun bar where you can enjoy a more casual experience, as well as spacious booths for the formal pre-fixe menu. Start with one of the signature cocktails like the Night Flight or a glass of wine from the renowned list before ordering kampachi crudo and hamachi collar as appetizers. For your main course, opt for the truffle risotto or almond-crusted Dover sole. The tasting menu is a four-course option that presents some of Citrin’s best dishes. 

Location: Santa Monica

 

Mélisse

⭐Two Stars

Mélisse is the more exclusive counterpart to Citrin, boasting two Michelin stars and only 14 seats in its dining room. That said, you’ll definitely want to come hungry—dinner here includes 18 courses of pure innovation. The ingredients are carefully sourced from farmers all along the California coast, and you’ll find both classic and modern techniques when it comes to plating. Like with any Relais & Châteaux establishment, patrons can expect the best of the best as they enjoy an intimate dining experience, complete with everything from golden Osetra caviar to Santa Barbara spot prawns. 

Location: Santa Monica

 

Pasta|Bar

⭐One Star

The sister restaurant to Chef Phillip Frankland Lee’s Sushi|Bar, Pasta|Bar is a 12-course experience that pasta lovers won’t want to miss. The meal kicks off with a complimentary welcome cocktail before guests are escorted to the dining area. Each guest faces the open kitchen, ensuring that you have an up close and personal view of the chefs as they whip up each course. Obviously, pasta is the star of the show, but the seasonal menu also includes dishes like duck breast and A5 Wagyu.

Location: Encino

 

Sushi Inaba

⭐One Star

Located in LA’s South Bay, Sushi Inaba is a charming and unique sushi spot located within I-naba Restaurant. There is a secret wooden door that leads to the intimate dining space, and upon entering, guests are greeted by a six-seat counter. The $280 tasting menu is the only one available, and since each seat is served at the same time, it’s important to be on time  so that you don’t miss any courses. Though you can bring your own bottle of wine or sake for a $60 corkage fee, Sushi Inaba does offer a solid selection of sake and beer.

Location: Torrance

 

Shin Sushi

⭐One Star

Shin Sushi is well worth a trip to the Valley. Chef Taketoshi Azumi has managed to blend five-star sushi with a laid-back and cozy setting. Enjoy traditional counter service while ordering a la carte at your leisure or opt to indulge in the tasting menu. Pick your favorite kinds of nigiri like salmon, bluefin tuna or uni as you sip on a bottle of cold sake. Compared to most Michelin-starred restaurants in LA, the prices at Shin Sushi are extremely fair, especially considering the quality.

Location: Encino

 

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

⭐One Star

The emerald green accents, tiled floors and tropical greenery make any meal at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura a picture-perfect experience. Whether you’re craving a luxe lunch after a day of shopping or you have a hankering for pasta while in the 90210, this adorable eatery brings a true taste of Italy to California. A few menu highlights include the tortellini in a rich Parmesan sauce and the poached seafood salad. While lunch is a la carte, you can choose between a six- or nine-course tasting menu at dinner if the whole table is ready for an adventure. 

Location: Beverly Hills

 

Sushi Kaneyoshi

⭐One Star

Chef Yoshiyuki Inoue has wowed Little Tokyo with Sushi Kaneyoshi, which provides a traditional sushi experience to locals and visitors alike. There are only 10 seats in the restaurant with one seating per night, always at 7 p.m. The omakase dinner costs $300 per person, and the simple, modern Japanese setting allows you to focus on the food rather than your surroundings. Keep in mind that this restaurant is extremely low-key and difficult to find, but once you enter, expect a culinary journey of fresh nigiri alongside chef-driven bites ranging from oysters to cooked fish. 

Location: DTLA