From Massages and Sushi to 360-Degree Views of LA, Here Are the Most Memorable Places to Dine in LA
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles culinary scene is chock-full of innovative dining concepts—offering up next-level experiences you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. From Michelin-starred menus and visionary chefs to top-tier tasting menus, unheard-of atmospheres and vibrant presentations that set a sensational scene, the city’s clout as a pioneer in creative cuisine continues to capture attention across the globe. Book your spot at these nine must-dine restaurants in LA that are sure to serve up an experience like no other!
Yamashiro
Originally modeled after elements of traditional east-Asian architecture and the types of Japanese palaces one would find nestled in the mountains of Kyoto, beloved Hollywood dining destination Yamashiro (literally translating to “Mountain Palace”) has been delighting guests with its sweeping city views and lush botanical gardens since its initial construction in 1914. Over a century later, the location has seen many incarnations, from a Prohibition-era hideaway tucked into the Hollywood hills to the star-studded culinary staple and official national landmark it’s known as today. Be sure to admire the majestic pagoda and say hello to the antique Buddha on your way in.
Location: Hollywood
Tomoko Spa
Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills offers a one-of-a-kind experience that rewrites the book on indulgence. The luxurious spa and private dining hybrid blends multi-sensory couples massages with fine Japanese cuisine. By selecting “The Japanese Experience,” you and your guest will be treated to a lavish three-hour treatment that begins with a detoxifying Ashiyu foot massage, followed by a full Tomoko tandem massage. Next, you’ll be invited to unwind in your own private Ofuro (Japanese Hinoki bath) and sit down to a traditional en-suite sushi spread for two, complete with hot organic tea and a selection of Japanese sweets.
Location: Beverly Hills
9/14
71 Above
With 360-degree views of downtown Los Angeles, 71 Above boasts one of the most stunning atmospheres in the city. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramic views of the glittering skyline, you’ll feel like you’re dining in the clouds whether sipping signature cocktails at the bar or lounging on a sofa in the Sky Lounge. For a truly special evening, snuggle up at one of The Edge seats for two and admire a sunset across the urban landscape. You can also opt for the Chef’s Table experience, where you’ll cozy up in a private booth and watch the culinary team craft your five-course meal.
Location: Downtown LA
Barton G
The LA outpost of Barton G—a hospitality group that prides itself on “doing things bigger, bolder and more dramatic”—is famous for putting a big twist on big dishes. With a dreamy color palette of romantic lilacs and lavenders to go with its showpiece pink onyx bar, this Beverly Hills hotspot features dazzling dinner displays, such as swordfish with an actual sword in it. Fun and unexpected dishes like Lobster Poptarts or Light ‘Em Up Lobster Mac along with desserts with whimsical monikers like the Marie Antoinette and Dolla Dolls Bills Y’all will truly take your taste buds for a spin.
Location: Beverly Hills
6/22
Openaire
Run by two-Michelin-starred Chef Josiah Citrin, Openaire serves up a smorgasbord of flavors with dishes highlighting both the land and sea. A self-proclaimed “plant lover’s paradise,” the space is mindfully designed as a lush greenhouse concept, where you can lounge and luxuriate amid the vibrant greenery and garden greens. Intended to embrace each season as it changes, the eclectic menu incorporates cultural diversity inspired by the melting-pot culture found in Los Angeles. Best of all, guests of the Line LA hotel can even enjoy a selection of signature dishes while lounging poolside!
Location: Koreatown
Vespertine
Billed as a “gastronomic experience seeking to disrupt the course of the modern restaurant,” Vespertine vows to wow guests with its buzzed-about, multi-dimensional setting that goes far beyond simply dining out. Housed in a veritable architectural art installation dropped in the heart of Culver City—known as the Waffle Building—with an aesthetic resembling a game of Jenga, the sleek and ultra-modern 22-seat interior space is as much of a conversation piece as the ambiguous culinary concept and unusual exterior. Come for the 18-course tasting menu, offering “a dinner experience in four acts” that can only be described as otherworldly.
Location: Culver City
Workshop Kitchen LA
With its sleek and ultra contemporary industrial aesthetic, the newly minted Los Angeles location of Workshop Kitchen brings the minimalist design of its desert counterpart to La Brea. Twenty-foot ceilings and artful skylights showcase the sweeping space, and its massive dome-shaped dining “cocoons” flank two rows of tables, which are overlooked by a modern mezzanine and a sprawling bar. Sample fresh flavors from two five-course tasting menus—one of fishes and meats, the other fully plant-based. Try a wine pairing with vintage varietals or flag down the rolling cheese cart for dessert.
Location: La Brea
Gucci Osteria
Fashionistas rejoice! Perched on the rooftop of the Rodeo Gucci flagship store is the hallowed Gucci Osteria, bringing Beverly Hills an array of innovative Italian culinary creations and opulent cocktails gorgeous enough to grace your ‘Gram. Childhood friends Marco Bizzarri (CEO and President of House of Gucci) and Michelin-starred Chef Massimo Bottura joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience, inspired by the flavors of Florence. Don your designer duds, grab your Gucci bag and get ready to snap a few Insta-worthy photos on the terrace.
Location: Beverly Hills
Paris Tokyo
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If it’s a toss up between sushi or French for your next culinary adventure, let Paris Tokyo settle the dinner debate. The current iteration of Héritage Wine Bar—Beverly Hills’ erstwhile neighborhood nook—has given the space a timely tweak, now presenting as a hybrid of French flair and Asian atmosphere. The groovy nightspot features a flashy entrance—attracting the social scene from far and wide for flirty photos—and a luxe lounge, where you’ll be served opulent sushi boats with sparklers and fanfare while you bop to the beats of the evening’s DJ set.
Location: Beverly Hills
Based in Los Angeles, Kandace has spent the past ten years in the fashion and lifestyle space, and recently in entertainment at Sony Pictures Studios. She has a Masters in Journalism from Emerson College and has studied in Paris, Firenze, and Washington DC, beginning her career as a style editor and tastemaker for NBC. She is an internationally award-winning filmmaker, having studied screenwriting for film and television at UCLA, and her work has been celebrated around the world, in cities like London, Nice, New York, and Montréal. Paying homage to her French heritage, she is also the creator of The Chic American--a style and culture editorial destination for Francophiles, dedicated to the art of living an elevated, French-inspired lifestyle.
