The 22 best West Hollywood restaurants

AOC West Hollywood is technically in Beverly Grove. But given its proximity, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s institution of California-Mediterranean small plates can’t be left out of anyone’s WeHo (much less CA) bucket list. The pair opened this original location on West Third Street in 2002 to critical acclaim and nearly two decades later, Goin’s seasonally-changing farmers market-driven menu continues to dazzle. Iconic dishes like bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with parmesan, arroz negro with squid and saffron aïoli, Spanish fried chicken with romesco and chili-cumin butter and a whole roasted “ode to zuni” chicken are best enjoyed on the beautiful patio or in a cozy fireside booth.

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.

Get ready for natural wine and tons of neon, because Night + Market is a party. Its flagship WeHo location has led to spinoff openings in Silver Lake and Venice (and even Las Vegas) and remains one of the best Thai restaurants in L.A. It’s all 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. 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 on Robertson, 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.

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.

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.

Easily the most fun dining spot along WeHo’s La Cienega strip, E.P. re-opened in May 2021 as an entirely reimagined restaurant after over a year hiatus. New head chef Nicholas Russo (formerly of Mei Lin’s Nightshade, Michael Voltaggio’s Ink and Michelin-starred Bouley in NYC) has introduced menus that combine California produce and European tradition with nods to culinary director Monty Koludrovic’s native Australia. Brunch is a delight with cheesy eggs, breakfast burritos with crispy bacon and tater tots, or poached Maine lobster and little gem lettuce salad. Finish the day or night upstairs at bar L.P., set against rooftop views of the Hollywood Hills. L.P. adds even more fun to the mix with tropical cocktails, outdoor movie screenings and a separate late-night munchie menu.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite being on the Sunset Strip—home to many places 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.

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 on the planet. 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.

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.

Established in 1939, this onetime Hollywood haunt was reborn in 2019 after a three-year closure with decor and a menu that pays tribute to the influence of Chinese Americans in the Golden Age of Hollywood. The vintage-inspired interior of bright red walls and red leather booths is transportive and pairs well with vibrant tiki cocktails and dishes like Chinese orange chicken, walnut shrimp and egg rolls. Look out for weekly comedy nights in the historic Yee Mee Loo bar.

With its bright yellow upholstered booths, hand-crafted cocktails and airy 7,000-square-foot multi-faceted dining room, Soulmate fits right in with the party culture of West Hollywood. But the fun doesn’t distract from the food: Chef Rudy Lopez (formerly of the NoMad Los Angeles and José Andrés’s Mi Casa in Puerto Rico) brings a Spanish Mediterranean menu that highlights the best of California produce.

Wolfgang Puck’s newest L.A. endeavor reigns from the rooftop of the Pendry Hotel. Guests take in sweeping views of the City of Angels while Puck delivers his signature style of French Californian cooking that incorporates Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors. Littleneck clams are cooked en papillote with kaffir lime, lemongrass and Thai basil, and whole black bass arrives crispy with yuzu ponzu. And of course Puck’s iconic dishes like the famous Chinois chicken salad is still a hit.

Michelin-starred chef and L.A. native John Fraser has returned from his time in Paris (Taillevent) and New York (Dovetail) to bring his vegetable-forward sensibilities to the EDITION hotel. And though plant-based dishes like sweet potato curry with puffed rice and jackfruit stand out, Fraser also excels with seafood in various forms and meat on the grill or plancha. The verdant dining room is the apropos place to drink one of Ardor’s garden-inspired cocktails like the “Green”—garden vodka with avocado, green chartreuse and lime.

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.”

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.