The best new restaurants in Los Angeles to try right now

What is it? A farm-to-table bistro operating out of a beautifully restored Victorian era Craftsman bungalow just outside of Chinatown.

Why we love it: This former pop-up run by chef Miles Thompson and Lolo Wine Bar alum Andy Schwartz serves the most inventive, memorable and delicious wine bar fare I’ve ever had in Los Angeles. Back in 2023, the pair originally debuted Baby Bistro as a short-term pop-up inside Koreatown’s Hotel Normandie, where it quickly became one of the summer’s hottest tables. Now, the pair’s ultimate vision has come to life inside the same trendy Victor Heights complex as Perilla LA, Bakers Bench, Heavy Water and Cassell’s Hamburgers. The charming indoor atmosphere of the century-old former residence adds a stylish touch to a meal here, but the best seats in the house might actually be on the tiny back patio, where tables overlook a grove of banana trees and the complex’s lush garden. For a full meal, the menu is designed to be ordered in its entirety—which costs somewhere between $90 and $100, including supplements—though you can also order just a few for more of a drink and light bites experience. I loved the housemade onion bread, piled high with bright orange Liptauer cheese, and the clever, salt-forward cucumber squid salad, but Thompson lavishes every seasonal dish with the care and attention it deserves. Street parking.

Time Out tip: If you drink alcohol, order at least one glass of wine—Schwartz has put together an excellent, reasonably priced wine list, and even the by-the-glass selections are awesome. 

Address: 1027 Alpine St, Building B, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–11:30pm

What is it? A stylish Fairfax lounge and restaurant serving a tightly curated menu of Afro-Caribbean cuisine that’s unlike anything else in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Lucia manages to capture the glitz and glamour of West Hollywood while leaving much of the pretension behind—and the restaurant’s culinary game is on point as well. Founded by serial restaurateur Sam Jordan, the upscale restaurant isn’t just a dinner destination, it’s also a late-night cocktail lounge for those looking to get dressed up for a lively night on the town. Jamaica-born head chef Adrian Forte, who’s also worked as a private chef for Black visionaries like Drake, Alicia Keys and Virgil Abloh (as well as appeared on Top Chef Canada), has put together an elevated, lounge-style menu of dishes and drinks that nod to traditional Caribbean fare. Think a martini topped with pickled okra, jerk-marinated rib eye and a sorrel (a.k.a. hibiscus) lychee ceviche. Not every dish totally wowed me—the coconut fried chicken was a bit dry, and the $30 trio of wagyu patties was comically small—but paired with the excellent drinks and stunning ambience, Lucia easily earns a spot on my list of this summer’s must-visit restaurants. Look out for Forte’s late-night bites menu for the after 10 o’clock crowd. Metered street and $15 valet parking.

Time Out tip: The pepper shrimp toast with chandon beni (also known as culantro) is a must-order.

Address: 351 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 6pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–2am; Sun 6pm–midnight

What is it? An Africa-meets-California street food concept inside Culver City’s Citizen Public Market.

Why we love it: At a time when every new restaurant that opens seems to be Italian, Japanese or another small plates bistro, Jikoni is a breath of culinary fresh air. Drawing inspiration from her Kenyan-Nigerian heritage and Bay Area childhood, chef-owner Kiano Moju is serving an extremely delicious fast-casual menu of skewers, sides and other dishes adapted from her cookbook AfriCali: Recipes from My Jikoni. After a wildly successful summer residency, Moju has decided to make Jikoni—or “kitchen” in Swahili—a permanent fixture inside this ever-changing Westside food hall. Each protein comes individually seasoned; I loved the lamb suya, but a pair of diners can easily try all four options with a family-style tasting menu that includes a little bit of everything, including the housemade chapo (flatbread) and creamy butter beans inspired by Kenyan coastal cuisine. This fall, she plans to expand the menu further with brand-new dishes and add reservations at the counter. All meat used is also certified halal, further expanding the reach of Moju’s phenomenal cooking. Beyond Ethiopian food, most Angelenos aren’t familiar with African cuisine—which I believe is all the more reason to head to Citizen Public Market and give Jikoni a try. Outdoor dining available. One hour free, $1 per hour afterwards at the Culver Steps, Cardiff and Watseka parking garages.

Time Out tip: On the weekends, Moju also runs chef’s specials like Swahili chicken biryani and shrimp jollof arancini. 

Address: 9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Wed–Sat noon–9pm; Sun noon–8pm

What is it? The first U.S. location of Sushi Zanmai, one of Japan’s most popular middle-tier sushi chains.

Why we love it: With late-night hours, reasonable prices and surprisingly solid nigiri, Sushi Zanmai is poised to become an absolute juggernaut within L.A.’s competitive sushi scene. On my visit, I enjoyed both the sweet yukhoe tuna crispy rice and its more conventional spicy tuna counterpart. Every single one of the nigiri I tried was just above-average, but excellent for the price, and the cooked items (chicken karaage, asparagus goma-ae and vegetable toban) were tasty as well. Most importantly, the final bill for a party of four came out to around $200 before gratuity, an absolute steal in this current economy. The only dish I didn't like was the salmon skin roll, which featured a soggy, unappealing uramaki. The server we had was friendly and helped explain the tablet-style ordering system—a common sight at restaurants in Japan, but relatively rare in Los Angeles, even in the wake of the pandemic. Limited valet and metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Sushi Zanmai has yet to receive its liquor license, which has kept the ambience relatively relaxed for a late-night joint—but that is likely to change once the restaurant begins serving wine and beer. 

Address: 3465 W 6th St Ste 150, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Opening hours: Daily 11am–3pm, 5pm–midnight

What is it? A Korean barbecue restaurant in the former Magal space specializing in Pyongyang-style naengmyeon, or cold buckwheat noodles. 

Why we love it: Seogwan, which is run by the same group as Yellow Cow Korean BBQ in Gardena, brings something unique and refined to Koreatown’s oversubscribed Korean barbecue scene. The restaurant offers exemplary banchan and high-quality meats alongside four types of cold noodles, including a slightly bland rendition originating in Pyongyang. The North Korean capital is actually the birthplace of naengmyeon—and while the near-flavorless broth wasn’t to my liking, the addition of sweet housemade vinegar helped make it more palatable. The mild noodle dish also serves as a surprisingly refreshing complement to Seogwan’s generous meat combos. The Set C ($200) includes several kinds of beef, banchan and your choice of family-style hot pot and easily feeds four people. Other distinctive menu items include mung bean pajeon and bracken fern sourced from Jeju Island’s famous haenyeo divers, set Seogwan apart. The restaurant could easily go head-to-head with other KBBQ heavyweights in L.A., and it’s a worthy newcomer for the next time you’re craving freshly grilled meats. Private lot and metered street parking.

Time Out tip: The family-style hot pot included in Sets C and D is quite large, so I recommend ordering maybe just one bowl of noodles or a single appetizer unless you have a huge appetite. 

Address: 3460 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 11am–3pm, 4–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–3pm, 4–10pm; Sun 11am–3pm, 4–9pm

What is it? A seasonal Cal-Italian restaurant in the heart of Mar Vista with charming ambience, reasonable prices and most importantly, impeccable culinary execution.

Why we love it: Since opening in late March, Beethoven Market has filled up at all hours with Westsiders and hyperlocals in search of a delicious, not-too-pricey meal of pasta, pizza and other small plates offerings determined by the farmers’ market. In a part of town that’s downright lousy with Italian restaurants, a logline like that might sound like a snoozefest, but talented executive chef Michael Leonard (an alum of Rustic Canyon and all three of Evan Funke’s restaurants) makes the crowd-pleasing menu shine through high-quality ingredients and an industry veteran’s attention to detail. The classic caper-topped tuna crudo here is one of the best I’ve ever had, and the three-day fermentation process for the pizza dough translates into a wonderfully chewy, lightweight crust that stands out in L.A.’s Neapolitan-heavy pizza scene. The reasonably priced cocktail menu is overseen by lead bartender Nicole Mitchell, an alum of now-closed Cassia, who has revived a version of her former employer’s beloved piña colada, strawberry lava flow and all. Nothing here reinvents the wheel, but the convivial atmosphere and first-rate dishes and drinks translate into a lovely way to spend a summer evening on the deep Westside. Street parking.

Time Out tip: The restaurant technically opens at 4pm for happy hour and a limited menu of bar bites—which is when many parents in the neighborhood drop by for some well-deserved drinks—but the full menu is only served at 5pm.

Address: 12904 Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5–9pm; Thu–Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it: A stealth West L.A. opening from the team behind Tokyo’s La Bombance, a 20-year-old restaurant known for its contemporary kaiseki tasting menu. 

Why we love it: Outside of omakase bars, there’s almost nothing else in Los Angeles that feels as straight out of Japan as Asakura. The restaurant offers two different seasonal kaiseki menus—about eight courses for $200 and close to a dozen for $300. At that price point, it’s competing with the city’s fine dining greats, but Asakura delivers a delicious, slightly quirky mix of fusion-leaning dishes like noodles topped with cucumber and smoked caviar and grilled eggplant topped with uni and tosazu (vinegar jelly). For now, the kitchen is temporarily manned by chefs from Sudachi, one of La Bombance’s sibling concepts in Tokyo, so expect a bit of a language barrier unless you speak a little Japanese. Unlike hometown kaiseki greats like n/naka and Hayato, Asakura offers more of a native Japanese chef’s interpretation of modern kaiseki. In practice, this means unique details like slippery globes of konjac kelly and a slightly viscous fish soup topped with scallions and myoga (Japanese ginger). It’s not for everyone, but it will certainly delight Japanese cuisine aficionados—so if you love kaiseki in all its various forms, book a seat at the bar. On-site and nearby metered street parking.

Time Out tip: If you don’t finish all the rice in the kamado (cauldron) served at the end of the meal, the chefs will gladly let you take it home. The night I visited, they shaped the leftover grains into two little onigiri. 

Address: 11901 Santa Monica Blvd #111, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Opening hours: Mon–Sat, 5pm and 7:30pm seatings

What is it? A seasonal British-Japanese café and bistro in the Arts District.

Why we love it: The first time I visited an early version of Cafe 2001 last fall, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the pork katsu sandwich—the meat slipped out from between the slices of milk bread as I tried to eat—and the seasonal fruit tart was just fine. Since then, however, chef Giles Clark has expanded and refined the menu to include a litany of British-influenced delights, including smoked trout with hashbrowns and huckleberry jam, a thick-cut bacon sandwich and a refreshing falafel salad. Unlike most L.A. openings, Cafe 2001 serves the kind of subtle, light but still delicious cuisine perfect for a casual breakfast or midday meal. For sweets, I liked the jelly doughnuts and a recent seasonal watermelon cake, which helps round out the fleet of thoughtfully constructed daytime beverages—an iced seasonal fruit matcha latte and hojicha among them. I’ve yet to try the afternoon menu or cocktail offerings, but if those are anything at all like the café-centric parts of the menu, they’re just as great. Street parking and nearby private lots.

Time Out tip: If you’re trying to score a piece of watermelon cake, arrive right before 1pm. Also, plan ahead: Clark also told me that the seasonal dessert will likely go off the menu by the third week of September.

Address: 2001 E 7th St North Entrance, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 8am–4pm; Fri–Sun 8am–8:30pm

What is it? A Mexican restaurant and bar in Sherman Oaks from the same team behind Mírate in Los Feliz. 

Why we love it: Max Reis is the mastermind behind one of the best bars in the city. Here, the Gracias Madre alum brings that same level of craft and focus to margaritas, which come in both sweet and savory renditions. Whether traditional or inventive, each cocktail is impeccably thought out. There’s a bright purple margarita inspired by a Baja-style fish taco, a verdant slushie that riffs on guacamole and a mangoneada version topped with fruity popping boba. What surprised me the most, however, were Daisy’s standout culinary offerings, which are a solid cut above most of the other Mexican options in the immediate area. Head chef Alan Sanz, formerly of Maisano in Costa Mesa, brings an upscale, modern twist to classic dishes like aguachile and guacamole. I loved the vegan-friendly aguachile de chayote and impeccably grilled branzino. The botanas (bar snacks) were especially clever, including the chicharrón del parque, which uses a puffed wheat cracker as a base for cured yellowfin and macha verde. Metered street parking and $10 valet parking.

Time Out tip: Skip the so-so tacos in favor of a starter and one of the surprisingly well-executed entrées (“fuertes”), and you’ll have an excellent meal here.

Address: 14633 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–1am; Sun 5pm–midnight

What is it? A (mostly) plant-based Chinese restaurant in Echo Park serving modern takes on dim sum and traditional tea ceremony in the old Cosa Buona space.

Why we love it: Married co-owners Alex Falco and Minty Zhu have distilled essential Chinese flavors into one neat, plant-based package right in the heart of Echo Park. While I’ve heard a few reports from trusted sources of inconsistent cooking and service, the valiant attempt to veganize dim sum essentials like char siu bao—listed on the menu as “monkey buns”—and other staple dishes translate into a slightly quirky Chinese eatery and a veritable dining destination for plant-based diners. The zhajiangmian made with seitan offers all the flavors of the northern Chinese classic, minus the meat, though some might turn up their noses at the thick udon-like noodles (the traditional version normally uses a far thinner variety). A weekend brunch menu (11am–4pm) debuting August 2 includes optional egg add-ons to a “Binglish” muffin and an avocado bao, plus plant-based versions of soufflé pancakes and beignets. Outdoor dining available. Street parking. 

Time Out tip: Note that the dining room is fully outdoors—the interior of the restaurant is reserved solely for tea ceremony bookings.

Address: 2100 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am–4pm, 5–10pm

What is it? A former Smorgasburg pop-up turned brick-and-mortar inside USC Village.

Why we love it: The only thing I didn’t like about Sam Hong and Josh Kim's viral Oklahoma-style smashburger pop-up was that it was, well, just a pop-up. Now, after months of anticipation and teaser videos, the pair of social media-savvy, first-time restaurant owners has debuted Softies’ permanent home within USC Village. The airy new space features free Wi-Fi for students and plenty of seating, plus the same standout smashies that first put Softies on the map back in 2022. I highly recommend the Aji, which pairs griddled onions and pickled jalapeños with a punchy bright green cilantro mayo full of two of my favorite things: garlic and lime juice. Newer menu items include a New York-style chopped cheese and the seasonal Crispy Shroom, which tops your smashburger with a whole enoki fried mushroom (though it can also be made vegetarian if you forgo the patty entirely). I particularly enjoyed the dairy-free Orange Bang, which uses oat milk in lieu of cow’s milk. Soon, Softies plans to debut a breakfast menu geared towards hungry students and other folks affiliated with the university. Two hours free parking inside USC Village’s underground lot.

Time Out tip: Order the key lime pie for dessert.

Address: 835 W Jefferson Blvd Unit 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90089

Opening hours: Daily 11am–8pm

What is it? A Koreatown restaurant serving a homestyle take on hanjeongsik—an elegantly arranged traditional table spread that includes banchan, rice, soup and more. Here, over two dozen unique dishes are placed on a table-sized tray that a server slides on top of your actual table.

Why we love it: Starting at $50 per person (with more premium $70 and $100 options to come in the near future), J Korean offers a bounty of reasonably priced, tasty items at a relative steal. Each set includes multiple soups and stews; familiar cooked dishes like spicy pork bulgogi and bossam; plates and plates of banchan that you’d be hard-pressed to find at most other Korean restaurants; and a few sweet things to end your meal. Not every dish is great, but everything’s at least pretty good, and I found the meal in totality to be deeply satisfying due to the sheer variety and homestyle preparations. J Korean comes from the same group behind nearby Borit Gogae, which also offers a bountiful set meal, albeit at a lower price and more focused on vegetables. Best of all, it’s fun to try and sample every dish on the table, since every dish is carefully allocated so every person in your party can try a little bit of everything. On-site valet parking and nearby metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Ask your server for a glove or two to eat the spicy marinated raw crab, which requires getting a little messy.

Address: 210 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–2:30pm, 4–9pm; Fri 11am–2:30pm, 4–9:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am–9:30pm

What is it? A Michelin-recognized international ramen chain specializing in toripaitan, or chicken ramen.

Why we love it: After softly opening in the middle of May, the first L.A. outpost of Mensho Tokyo is already firing on all cylinders, at least in the culinary department. On my visit, I tried the signature tori paitan, which uses a creamy chicken broth base and adds three kinds of chashu (A5 Wagyu, fermented pork and duck), truffle sauce, burdock chips and more. I also ordered the Garlic Knock Out, which is Mensho’s maximalist version of a spicy ramen, but ultimately preferred the milder signature, at least as a first-timer. The array of appetizers here are just as well considered, from buttery corn ribs to a tasty chicken karaage served with spicy garlic sauce or house fermented black vinegar. The Wagyu-obsessed will probably appreciate the A5 nigiri, which can be topped with scallions or ikura, but I found the dish to be rather underwhelming. Nevertheless, Mensho Tokyo is a serious contender for my highly vetted guide to the best ramen in the city—do you need any more recommendation than that? Nearby public parking (3846 Cardiff Ave and 3844 Watseka Ave) with one hour free, $1 per hour thereafter. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant doesn’t offer reservations or even a formal waitlist, and the queue can end up taking about 45 minutes or more on weekend evenings. For best results, arrive early, or try coming on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.

Address: 9516 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9pm 

What is it? An Arts District soda-slash-tea fountain masquerading as a fast-casual fried chicken concept from Joshua Skenes, the Bay Area fine-dining veteran behind temporarily closed Leopardo.

Why we love it: Two hot Sichuan-esque chicken tenders (these ones are made with sansho peppercorns, a close relative of Sichuan variety), a “liquid” waffle (it’s actually just dipped in waffle-infused maple syrup), fries and a soda may cost $26 at Happies, but Skenes knows how to make seriously great spicy fried chicken. The real reason I’m recommending Happies, however, is for the great, over-the-top array of desserts and drinks, both boozy and booze-free. I'm talking an impeccably crafted cold brew topped with an entire Krispy Kreme doughnut; a boozy, light purple Kyoho grape slushie; and a slate of housemade milk teas and sodas that includes an alpine strawberry soda and a must-try milk and honey oolong tea. The same soft-serve made famous at the now-closed Angler LA and more recently, at Skenes’ Leopardo (which is slated to reopen later this year) is also available at Happies with several different sauces, including butterscotch and passion fruit. The concept shares a space and kitchen with Tatsu Ramen. So if you find yourself anywhere near Downtown L.A. (after the anti-ICE protests and related curfews, the entire region certainly needs the business!) and are looking for a quick jolt of culinary dopamine, Happies more than fits the bill. Street and on-site parking.

Time Out tip: On the weekends, guests can park in the next-door parking lot, which normally belongs to the crossfit gym.

Address: 427 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Wed–Sun noon–8pm

What is it? A casual yakitori joint in Culver City serving seriously delicious à la carte skewers and a kushiyaki omakase ($120).

Why we love it: Run by a pair of best friends who’ve known each other since kindergarten, Gokigen Tori has transformed the former Harajuku Taproom space into a yakitori-focused eatery straight out of Tokyo. The prices per skewer are a little steep compared to other kushiyaki options I’ve tried in L.A., but the high-quality ingredients and cooking translate into a juicy, flavorful and still quite reasonably priced meal. A mandatory $5 surcharge lets you indulge in unlimited lightly dressed cabbage salad, which balances out the smoky char of the skewers. On my visit, I tried the omakase, which includes surprisingly tender chicken hearts (usually, they're a little overcooked and dry) and a hefty skewer of A5 Wagyu. For the price, the omakase provides a generous mix of skewers and cooked items, plus one of the simple but satisfying desserts of the day. Aside from skewers, Gokigen Tori also serves a handful of lesser known Japanese dishes like nikujaga—a cozy meat and potato stew—and a mini bowl of tori paitan. This place is the only Japanese skewer spot on the Westside that compares to Sawtelle’s longtime, perpetually busy Nanbankan. For area locals, it's almost certainly worth a visit. Metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Grab bar seats to take in all the action going on at the kushiyaki grill. All night long, the chefs rotate various meat and vegetable skewers and occasionally dip them into the jug of tare (a sweetened mix of sake and soy sauce).

Address: 4410 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5–10pm 

What is it? The new L.A. flagship location of Ipuddo, an international ramen chain that began in Fukuoka, Japan. 

Why we love it: Ipuddo first came to L.A. by way of a much-hyped Santa Monica debut back in 2018, only to quietly close that location during the early days of the pandemic. A second outpost in West Hollywood opened in 2019, but I thought the ramen bowls there were merely okay in comparison to the wealth of other ramen options available in Los Angeles. Now, thanks to an expanded menu that includes more starters, appetizers and vegan options, the all-new Ipuddo in Culver City seems to finally live up to the reputation for a brand long considered by our New York counterparts as one of the city’s best ramen joints. The classic pork tonkotsu broth here is milky, rich and satisfying—and gets even better with the housemade spicy “bolognese,” which is completely plant-based. The mushroom-infused vegan broth serves as a compelling option for those avoiding animal products. Plus, the signature buns inspired by Taiwanese gua bao and chicken karaage are just as delicious as when I first tried them in Santa Monica seven years ago—even if they’re no longer quite as cool. Nearby public parking (3846 Cardiff Ave and 3844 Watseka Ave) with one hour free, $1 per hour thereafter. 

Time Out tip: Try the mazemen, which is one of the best dishes I’ve had all year. Each order consists of a bowl of thick, chewy noodles made of dark rye flour; sides of various toppings, including pork chashu and bamboo shoots; and a condiment caddy that includes furikake, vinegar, chili oil and minced garlic that lets you season the dish to your liking. Trust me on this one—it’s unlike any other mazemen I’ve tried in L.A. 

Address: 3847 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–11pm; Sun 11:30am–9:30pm

What is it? A New Agey, plant-based six-course tasting menu ($99) in West Hollywood and the L.A. offshoot of a popular Orange County vegetarian restaurant. 

Why we love it: The creativity manages to shine through the measly portion sizes at Taste of Beauty, which draws inspiration from Chinese tea ceremony but incorporates ingredients and flavors across Asia. Both vegetarian and vegan menus are available here, as well as additional à la carte desserts and a traditional tea ceremony that uses loose-leaf tea leaves. On my visit, I opted for the vegetarian menu, which included a delicate mushroom and quail egg broth served out of a teapot and a lettuce-wrapped fried oyster mushroom topped with a whimsical cutout of Peppa Pig (really). Although Taste of Beauty seems to have made little changes to the space's decor from its previous tenant, I still enjoyed my experience. At a time when L.A.’s vegan and vegetarian restaurants are closing at an alarming rate, my meal at TOB’s West Hollywood location was a refreshing reminder of the possibilities of meat-free dining; despite its shortcomings, I still consider it a worthwhile special-occasion spot for anyone who doesn’t consume meat or other animal products. Street parking.

Time Out tip: Note that dessert isn't included in either of the tasting menus, and the restaurant is still in the process of getting its liquor license to sell wine and beer.

Address: 616 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5:30–9pm

What is it? An upscale, vibes-first restaurant at Westfield Century City from SBE and Dani Garcia, one of Spain’s most famous chefs. 

Why we love it: Sometimes, you need a conveniently located restaurant with a little bit of something for everyone—and with an impeccably designed high-volume dining room that offers dinner and lunch, Casa Dani delivers on the promise of a sit-down meal at one of L.A.’s most popular malls that offers something special. The lack of socarrat on the paella will disappoint most Spanish food lovers and I wasn’t impressed by the tortilla española, but look to the tuna-centric menu items and never-fail appetizers like fried calamari and jamón ibérico for a fleeting taste of the Iberian peninsula in the heart of Los Angeles. There’s also the oxtail brioche with bull sauce, meant to be inverted and eaten like a slider, which tastes like a mass-produced version of the oxtail bao from three Michelin-starred Somni (and I mean this as a compliment). Throw in the tableside flourishes and freshly caught seafood on display as you walk in the door, and you’ve got a halfway decent option for local talent agents and shoppers in need of a special-occasion meal at the mall. On-site paid parking (first 60 minutes free, $4 for next 30 minutes, $4 per hour thereafter)

Time Out tip: Skip the Burger That Made It All Make Sense—with an oversalted patty and minimal textural contrast, it makes absolutely no sense at all.

Address: 10268 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–3pm, 5–10pm