The 21 best West Hollywood restaurants

Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s trend-setting L.A. stalwart is still getting it right after all these years. And for you to get in the right frame of mind for their modern French-meets-Mediterranean restaurant, you must be willing to try absolutely anything: Goin is fantastically inventive, using obscure ingredients in exuberant and unlikely combinations that’ve been wowing us since 1998. Fill the center of your table with appetizers and then order a main dish or two. And, after all these years, the Sunday-night prix-fixe menu is still one of our favorite deals in town.

Get ready for natural wine and tons of neon, because Night + Market is a party. It’s also one of the best Thai restaurants in L.A., and it’s led by chef-owner Kris Yenbamroong: son of the restaurateurs who opened the wildly popular Talésai, one of the city’s first introductions to the cuisine. He serves a menu like none other, inspired equally by the night market street foods of Bangkok and the rustic cooking of rural northern Thailand, where he still has distant relatives. The moo sadoong (“startled pig”) is a phenomenal dish, a fiery, sinus-jolting, tear-jerking slap in the face that tastes a lot like grilled pork with lemongrass, fish sauce and a fistful of Thai bird chiles. And nobody makes a better crab fried rice. Period.

The Brentwood pizzeria, which turns out some of the best neo-neapolitan–style pies in town, headed east for its second location, and twice the Pizzana is certainly better than one. Now you can find chef Daniele Uditi’s Italian small plates, and there’s even a sizeable patio, plus beer, wine and desserts. Uditi uses his family’s dough starter—transported from Italy—along with recipes he’s inherited. (That bolognese that pops up on the menu from time to time? That’s his mom’s.) Our tip? Keep your eye on the chef’s Instagram account to learn about new dishes and one-offs.

Located on the second floor of a nondescript plaza on Sunset Strip, Sushi Park is where Angelenos—and the occasional Hollywood celeb—in the know get their sushi fix. Grab a seat at the sushi bar for so-fresh-you-can-taste-the-Pacific omakase where the chef will take you through multiple courses of sushi, sashimi and small plates for a hefty price. Note the limited hours for lunch and dinner and the now-famous, all-caps rules of the house: “No takeout, no trendy sushi, no salad, no veggies, no California roll, no spicy tuna roll, no teriyaki, [no] tempura.”

Come on, nobody goes to Dan Tana’s just for the cooking. It’s not that the simple, old-fashioned Italian fare is bad—it’s more that the Old Hollywood atmosphere is such a throwback, you can’t help but get transported to another era as you feast on large portions of cheesy garlic bread and chicken parm. The seasoned servers can tell you what L.A. was like back when this food was cutting-edge, a time when they were much younger but Dan Tana’s looked the same. It’s still favored by celebs trying to conjure the spirit of Old Hollywood, not to mention a cast of locals, who mostly perch at the bar to sip martinis.

Easily the most fun dining spot along WeHo’s La Cienega strip, E.P.’s Pan-Asian dining house blends Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Fijian flavor by way of new executive chef Sabel Braganza, whose Filipino roots provide recent additions (hello, lumpia and chicken inasal) to the spot's stalwart wild curries, tender twice-cooked short ribs and one of the neighborhood’s best brunches—all set in a neon-tinged dining room—make this spot an always-option. Set against rooftop views of the Hollywood Hills, the upstairs bar, L.P., adds even more fun to the mix with boba-dotted cocktails, outdoor movie screenings and a separate late-night munchie menu with items such as a spicy fried chicken sandwich.

Like the younger, more fashionable sibling to Dan Tana’s, Jones is a red-checkered and celeb-beloved hideaway that’s big on red-sauce charm and plush booths. Take advantage of the low lighting and curl up for a romantic date over some skillet spaghetti or the famous apple pie for two, or slink in for one of our favorite late-night happy hours in town, the “beggar’s banquet,” where select pizzas, pastas, salads and cocktails can all be found under $10.

Whether you’re among hanging plants, in the bustling dining room or holed up at the chef’s table, there’s no bad seat in this lively Peruvian-food haven, where foot-high flames shoot up from an open kitchen offering table-sized skillets of paella and so-fresh-they’re-still-alive scallops. Steak and ceviches shine, as do vegetables, which receive the same care as their meatier counterparts. Enjoy not one but a few of the vibrant cocktails and finish with house-made bonbons, for best results.

Simply put, Crossroads is a high-end vegan restaurant for carnivores. Plant-based innovator and chef to the stars Tal Ronnen reinvents meat-free meals with flavorful dishes that come served in a cozy, white-tablecloth Melrose dining room. Grab one of the comfy round booths and dig into artichoke “oysters” layered with puréed artichoke, a fried oyster mushroom, kelp caviar and a drizzle of yellow Bearnaise; and lasagna made with layers of creamy almond ricotta cheese and marinara. At brunch, you’ll find faux chicken and waffles, along with Jann’s Bagel: a phenomenal spread of almond cream cheese, smoked-carrot lox, capers and onions on an everything bagel.

New England in L.A.? Check. Seafood from a Michelin-starred chef? Double check. The lofty-but-casual seafood spot from Providence’s Michael Cimarusti features a patio overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard, plus a raw bar, where you can order oysters, clams, lobsters, crabs, shrimp and spot prawns as you watch the action. Two-fisters include the lobster and clam rolls, served on a griddled top-split bun, or you could opt for classic seaside plates like grilled or steamed lobster served with drawn butter, fried clams served with tartar sauce and fries, and a clam bake with steamed potatoes and corn. Our tip? Don’t just dig into the shellfish; the Hook Burger here is one of the city’s best. And always finish your meal here with a blondie—always.

Traditional Japanese technique meets modern, sustainable California flavor at Reika Alexander’s intimate bungalow on the edge of Chateau Marmont. The space is almost as delicate and detailed as the plates, with the soft lighting and golden wallpaper adding a glow to your sashimi, rice pots and uni-topped ice cream. This is, hands down, one of the neighborhood’s most impressive date spots, and it’s great for à la carte shareables—we’re looking at you, A5 wagyu, Japanese fried chicken and house-made tofu—or a coursed kaiseki meal, available in both omnivorous and vegan varieties.

WeHo's secret garden also serves up a killer negroni. Cecconi’s is a classic California-meets-Italian restaurant tucked behind an ivy-covered wall, so every breakfast, lunch and dinner feels like a discovery. The menu covers everything from pizza to fish to exemplary pastas—and you can enjoy it all on one of the city’s best patios. The wine menu is just as diverse: Choose from more than 50 varieties on hand (hint: test the waters at Cecconi’s happy hour, which serves bites and sips from $3 to $9).

Known for its famous clientele, Craig’s is the poster child for Hollywood-royalty dining with some of the best people-watching in the city. But once you make your way past the paparazzi waiting out front, you’ll find there’s more to this no-windows restaurant that’s like a second home to A-list regulars. The menu skews American, but we’re partial to the Italian dishes (hello, clam show). Desserts here don’t get enough love, so we’re here to tell you: These sundaes and baked goods are decadent and comforting, especially when they involve the house-made ice cream; even the vegan variety is worth a trip alone. Just don’t forget to make your reservation a few weeks ahead of time, and have some fun yelling “Sorry, no photos” on your way out the door.

Despite being on the Sunset Strip—home to many restaurants that give off a tourist-trap vibe—Eveleigh manages to feel like a cozy neighborhood restaurant. Tucked among the flash and the neon, this California-cuisine spot serves the likes of duck confit with lentils; pappardelle with pork ragu; hanger steak with romesco sauce; and a rotating cast of market vegetables, the kitchen keeps it simple and gets it right. Brunch is a relaxed affair, frequented by people who probably never visit the Strip at night. Most of the seating is outside, either on the front patio, which is covered in shaggy astroturf, or on the enclosed back terrace, which offers views of the city.

Matt and Marissa Hermer entered L.A.’s restaurant scene with a charmer, the Palisades’ Draycott, but their West Hollywood sibling spot is the true stunner: Fabric drapes hang from the ceiling, tassels dangle off velvet stools at the bars, and the patterned wallpaper practically glows in the evening. Out front, the airy and trellised patio is a perfect and breezy place to dine (or, you know, stop for a selfie). Of course, it’s not all glamour: The coastal European menu comes from seasoned chef Michael Fiorelli, who turns out lobster spaghetti for two; grilled Spanish octopus, fabulous house-made bread; and a range of cheffy seasonal vegetables. The scene here is trendy, so dress to impress.

The iconic Sunset Strip stretch is where the French-inspired Tesse whips up impressive house-made charcuterie, hearty braises and handmade pastas in a modern, low-lit setting. It’s the kind of place where deals are made and out-of-town family and friends get impressed by the sleek surroundings and chic French technique from chef Raphael Francois. Looking to wash all that menu opulence down with something just as classy? The comprehensive wine list—and accompanying boutique bottle shop—should do the trick.

La Peer Hotel’s rustic-yet-refined Italian gem feels almost hidden, tucked into a side street just off Melrose. But once inside, it’s all marble and brass and warm wood—a so-chic setting that sets the pace for equally-cool cuisine. Between the décor and the menu, you’ll never want to leave: saffron fried rice with clams; the astounding 50-some-odd-layer Pasta alla Piastra lasagna; a handful of artful crudos; an array of seasonal vegetables; and wood-grilled meats make for an overwhelming bounty. If you want to dabble, Viale also offers a few tasting menus so you can really make the most of the kitchen.

If you want caviar, seek no further. When it comes to French restaurants in L.A., Petrossian is just what you need in a sea—pun intended—of elaborate tasting menus—especially when a number of dishes come topped with some of the best caviar in the world. The brand is known the world over for its roe, and in its full-service restaurant, you’ll find it sprinkled over just about everything: frites, smoked salmon, burgers, uni toast, blinis, flatbreads—you name it. For a white-tablecloth restaurant, this spot sports a relaxed vibe, especially at brunch, which is easily the best meal here.

The Hudson is West Hollywood’s answer to an elevated gastropub—and we can all thank Timothy Hollingsworth for it. The Otium chef stepped in to redesign the menu of this spacious white marble-topped bar, so now you can enjoy short rib tacos and cast-iron johnny cakes from the comfort of those industrial-craft stools and upholstered banquettes. The comfort fare satisfies across the board, with options like roasted-jalapeño mac and cheese and the beloved brioche grilled cheese, with more high-end mains such as duck risotto on board if you’re feeling fancy.

Good-looking people, a beautiful atmosphere, gorgeously-plated food: There’s more to this restaurant than twinkling tea lights and Prada clutches, though there’s plenty of that. The menu skews Modern American, with crudos and salads and pork belly in spades. Pasta is made in-house, so you’d be wise to order the hand-cut spaghetti in kale pesto (far better than the one you might find at your neighborhood trattoria), or a sweet butternut squash tortellini. The only better way to finish off the meal is with dessert—maybe a banana bread pudding—and a hundred selfies taken on the see-and-be-seen staircase outside.

It should be said right off the bat that Gracias Madre is beautiful. In fact, the scene and the setting here is a huge part of the draw: A cross between Mexican chic and Palm Springs casual, the vegan Mexican restaurant is decorated with festive cushions and tiles, a gorgeous courtyard and, inside, high ceilings and a comfortable bar. Wherever you choose to sit, order the guacamole, or the sopes con piña, looking like mini savory quiches, piled high with pineapple salsa, cabbage, beans and guacamole. Gracias Madre is a necessary reminder that vegan doesn’t have to mean void of flavor.