The best steakhouses in Los Angeles

What is it? Aussie celeb chef Curtis Stone’s European-style butcher shop by day, and a glamorous, Michelin-starred steakhouse by night—and the place to meet your meat needs. 

Why we love it: Before the parade of protein, you’ll break bread: warm, hand-pulled stecca—a free-form, baguette-adjacent loaf with a shattering crust—served with warm, rich Normandy butter. It’s some of the best bread service in the city. Like produce, animals have seasons, and Gwen moves with them, priding itself on unique cuts of beef, pork, veal, lamb—you name it—when they're at their prime. Animals arrive in complete, carcass-y form and are broken down to the smallest parts. Case in point: that powdery mountain giving cocaine vibes atop a grilled cipollini onion—served alongside a pristinely marbled, medium-rare flat iron wagyu—is powdered beef tallow. And that wagyu? The Stone brothers opened an import company to bring Australia's Blackmore wagyu from the motherland to L.A. One bite and you’ll understand why. If wagyu ratings are your thing, you'll be salivating to know Gwen's is MBS 9+. For the non-geeks, that's an insane amount of intramuscular fat.

Wagyu aside, Gwen’s packing plenty more meat in its floor-to-ceiling glass dry-aging locker, which only men seem to waltz over to view—the long-dormant instincts of the ancient hunter still smoldering in the subconscious. Worth mentioning that Gwen was just awarded Gold Certification by The Beef Advocate, a first for any restaurant in North America. Depending on the nightly specials, you'll have your pick from Kansas's Creekstone Farms, Tasmania's Cape Grim, and Australia's O'Connor—anywhere from 30- to 120-day-aged ribeye, short loin, T-bone, New York, porterhouse, zabuton, or something you’ve never heard of (besides zabuton, which is more commonly known as Denver steak). As you can imagine, the charcuterie board is cured in-house and stellar. Stellar also describes the smoky, exquisitely tender lamb ribs with pomegranate molasses, pomegranate crème fraîche and crispy grains. And the hyper-fresh stonefruit set in a bed of silky, smoked stracciatella and dotted with arugula pesto, chopped almonds and basil—a sweet, tart, herbaceous, nutty medley.

Time Out tip: The upstairs speakeasy-style mezzanine, complete with a bar and piano, is ideal for small celebrations or if you’re trying to keep a low profile (ahem, Dave Grohl). 

Address: 6600 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-9pm; Fri 5-9:30pm; Sat 4:30-9:30pm; Sun 4:30-8:30pm 

What is it? A Manhattan Beach steakhouse with stunning retro-chic design and excellent cuisine. 

Why we love it: Mad Men may be over, but the martini-drinking, steak-consuming era of the ’60s still lives on. In Manhattan Beach, it comes in the form of prolific chef David LeFevre’s steakhouse (Fishing with Dynamite, M.B. Post, Ryla, Attagirl). Curved booths and geometric patterns can be found here, along with a menu that’s equally decade-appropriate. Steaks—big juicy ones, perfect for sharing—are available in various cuts, wet or dry, with both obvious sauces (béarnaise) and ones that might make you pause (Vietnamese caramel). Kansas City strip, rib eye, Wagyu, New York strip and more are all represented here, but you’d be wise to start with the popovers, which come with a strawberry butter that is thoroughly addictive. Once you’ve made it through the steaks, old-school desserts await on the other side: a banana split, maybe, or an apple fritter topped with ice cream.

Time Out tip: Plan a little extra time for parking during busy summer weekends and major holidays, when downtown Manhattan Beach is particularly crowded. 

Address: 903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4–9:45pm; Thu–Sat 4–10:45pm; Sun 10am-2pm, 4-9:45pm

What is it? A Rat Pack era steakhouse in Culver City that’s now run by Michelin-recognized chef Josiah Citrin and Hans and Patti Rockenwagner. 

Why we love it: In and around Los Angeles, every restaurant that’s been around for more than a couple of decades seems to declare that Frank Sinatra was a regular. In the case of Dear John’s, this was actually true: The steakhouse was a haunt for the crooner and his cronies from the time it opened in the early ’60s. Since 2019, Citrin—the chef behind Charcoal, Melissé and Augie’s on Main—has given the kitchen at Dear John’s a new lease on life. Step into the comforting darkness for old-school-cool ambience and a delicious menu of classics with a twist, including a cheese-stuffed chicken parm and “bougie” tots topped with creme fraiche, caviar and salmon roe. Just know that Dear John's is here for a good time, not a long time—the steakhouse narrowly avoided demolition for the umpteenth time in 2023, and is likely to stick around for just a few more years. 

Time Out tip: If you’re craving pasta, Frank’s spaghetti and clams will do the trick. 

Address: 11208 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–9:30pm

What is it? A longtime Argentinian steakhouse along Melrose Avenue.

Why we love it: Run by the Bozoghlian family since 1996 and around for even longer, Carlitos Gardel offers an intoxicating mix of high-quality steaks and old-school vibes, all at a fairly reasonable price. For groups of four (or ambitious parties of two), the move here is the parrillada, a family-style mix of sweetbreads, sausages, skirt steak and short ribs served on a miniature grill. I heavily recommend the wedge-like Caesar salad, which features whole anchovies on halved romaine hearts and thick shavings of Parmesan cheese. Sides like creamed corn and garlic fries are effortlessly constructed, and the house chimichurri, served alongside complimentary bread, is second to none. Carlitos Gardel is also one of the rare few spots in L.A. that features its own wine cellar, with a curated selection available by the quarter-liter for those who don’t want to commit to a bottle. At meal’s end, indulge in a delightful array of desserts made by matriarch Azniv Bozoghlian, including a set of crepes stuffed with mouthwatering dulce de leche.

Time Out tip: To cut through all the meat and carbs, I recommend ordering a side of salsa criolla (diced tomatoes and onions tossed in chimichurri) with your mains. 

Address: 7963 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm

What is it? A wagyu specialist in Beverly Hills and Brentwood from the team behind Sugarfish, Kazunori and Uovo.

Why we love it: Story goes that when searching for the perfect grass-fed beef for what would become Matū and Matū Kai's signature product, it was measured against Kobe beef cooked by chef Kazunori Nozawa himself. Not only did it win out, but apparently that was "the last time Nozawa ate Kobe beef." True or not, we can vouch for the high-quality, 100% grass-fed wagyu that makes Matū one of the best places to enjoy steak in Los Angeles, without all the pomp and circumstance (or surcharge) of a traditional steakhouse. You won't find suited servers or silver trays showing off the raw cuts. What you will find is guests in flip-flops and caps right next to the date-night set, enjoying highly marbled First Light Farms beef from New Zealand in all shapes and cuts. You can go à la carte or, drawing inspiration from Sugarfish's wildly successful "Trust Me," opt for the thoughtful, coursed-out steak omakase, which begins with a rich 24-hour bone broth and might include steak tartare, 8-hour braised beef cheek, center-cut filet, ribeye, picanha, NY strip and more. If you have trust issues with your steak's temperature, Matū is the perfect place to let go of them. Its trademarked Warm Red is the product of thousands of hours of testing and somehow threads the needle between rare and medium rare, but with an exterior char a level down from black-and-blue. Simply put, it's ineffable—quite like the flourless chocolate cake that manages to be mousse-like, fudge-like and cake-like all at once. Every bite—from wagyu to dessert—is worth chasing with their structured Matū Reserve cab sauv from St. Helena.  

Time Out tip: The legendary cheesesteak can be had a few ways: at the bar during lunch or dinner at either Matū or Matū Kai, as well as at the table with the Lock, Stock & Barrel prix fixe for four (cheesesteak is served as the dessert course), or at the Cheesesteaks by Matū window—so long as you're willing to drive to Pasadena or Calabasas.

Address: Beverly Hills: 239 S Beverly Dr, Ste 100, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; Brentwood: 11777 San Vicente Blvd, Ste 134, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Opening hours: Beverly Hills: Daily 11:30 am–2 pm, 5:30–10 pm; Brentwood: Mon–Thu 11:30 am–2 pm, 5:30–10 pm; Fri 11:30 am–2 pm, 5:15–10 pm; Sat 11:30 am–2 pm, 5-10pm; Sun 11:30 am–2 pm, 5-10pm

What is it? A moody upscale steakhouse that swaps pomp and circumstance for sacrilege. Think stained-glass saints, oversized portraits of Scorsese and Pam Anderson, and exquisitely dapper servers who could moonlight at The Magic Castle or be vampires. No one takes themselves too seriously here, and that’s part of the fun. What is taken seriously is what's on the altar: prime beef, mostly Creekstone Farms, treated with genuine reverence.

Why we love it: The chapel-meets-steakhouse bit could easily be all sizzle, but Fia Steak’s got the chops (pun intended). Start with the enormous portion of grilled Castelvetrano olives that’ll have you snacking through the entire meal, as they should (and do in Italy). A caviar-loaded ahi tuna cigar arrives in a humidor (your server will even offer to light it for a photo op), and the baby gem Caesar—traditional or grilled tableside—is exquisitely dressed and loaded with white anchovies. The star of the show is the steak, with the option to go Australian or Japanese wagyu (including A5). Not sure what tickles your fancy? You will once you see the raw cuts presented on a silver platter. A 14-oz New York strip, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, is ideal for two to share at $89. I didn't think the steak needed any sauce, but they've got the classics—peppercorn, bordelaise—plus truffle butter and chimichurri. A Niman Ranch tomahawk pork chop and New Zealand rack of lamb round out the non-bovine options, and if you happen to bring a pescatarian by accident, the branzino gets an excellent Mediterranean treatment. For dessert, the move is the chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier anglaise. Wash it down with a 40-year-old port. And don’t forget to genuflect on the way out.

Time Out tip: Skip the $99 tasting menu and go à la carte. And don't sleep on the NA cocktails—the penicillin and spicy paloma are dangerously close to the real thing, and among the best zero-proof renditions in LA.

Address: 2458 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Opening hours: Tue-Wed 5:30-9pm; Thu–Sat 5:30-9:30pm; Sun 5:30-9pm

What is it? A unique Uruguayan-Argentine open-fire steakhouse in Studio City, helmed by Michelin-trained chefs Esteban Klenzi and Juana Castellanos, built on the Rioplatense traditions of asado and sobremesa—the art of lingering after a meal.

Why we love it: Bread gets its own section of the menu, four wildly different styles, each served with a specialty butter—don't miss the cheesy chipa with tomato butter. The only meat imported from Argentina is the braised beef in the empanadas, which are made by hand daily. They are a must, and just the thing to whet your appetite for the beef to come. Steak is offered à la carte, with an emphasis on sourcing, seasoning (or deliberate lack thereof), and resting. Klenzi considers resting the most important part of the meat-cooking process. Wet-aged New York strip sits in a warm, high-airflow zone on top of the grill, on a tray coated with infused tallow to keep it moist and shiny. Indeed, it arrives at the table glistening and oozing with flavor from the house beef tallow (rendered from ribeye and NY strip trim) infused with koji rice and roasted garlic paste. A fatty ribeye gets the same seasoning treatment, only it's been dry-aged, resulting in richness and tenderness, with delicate charring around the edges. The menu also features the classic Argentine cut: asado de tira (short rib). Alto uses only the center cut—the best three bones of a ten-to-twelve-bone rack, cut to a precise one and a half inches thick. It's dry-aged and cooked over the fire with no seasoning. Zero. Nada. Zilch. Klenzi aims for pure beef flavor, which he earns by cooking it medium, allowing for a less chewy but still tender texture. But the sleeper on the menu—and Alto’s greatest hit—is the pork chop. Pork is brined and cold-smoked over almond wood on day one, wrapped in kombu seaweed on day two, then sous vide and ready to serve on day four or five. It's as rich as it is laborious. All mains have a suggested side-dish pairing. Grilled little gem lettuce doused in lemon vinaigrette to cut the beefy intensity of the short rib. Glorious confited (in beef tallow) and slightly charred piquillo peppers play on the umami of the NY strip. Potatoes cooked in ash for 12 hours and layered with crème fraîche foam almost overpower the richness of the ribeye. Should you still have room for dessert, a dulce de leche soufflé topped with dulce de leche ice cream proves that too much dulce de leche is never enough.

Time Out tip: Trust the kitchen on the medium temperature of the classic Argentine short-rib or you’ll likely be disappointed. 

Address: 12969 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 5:30-10pm; Sat, Sun 5-10pm

What is it? The Beverly Hills dining destination that put prime rib on the map back in 1938.

Why we love it: There are steakhouses, and then there are legends. One of L.A.’s longest-running restaurants, Lawry’s is an institution, and it’s the one that really put prime rib on the map. To say that the atmosphere is formal is putting it mildly: Meat is carved tableside on massive silver carts by men wearing tall chef’s toques, and the service is fantastic. The iconic meal may be traditional—choose what size cut you’d like, what temperature and whether or not to add a vegetable—but Lawry’s recently revamped its menu for the first time in 80 years, adding a slew of new dishes (some even vegan-friendly). So no matter what you order, a few bites in and you’ll know why Lawry’s has been around for nearly a century. By the time you leave, you’ll wonder why you don’t eat from silver carts every night.

Time Out tip: If you’re an adventurous martini drinker, the meat-and-potatoes martini (with prime rib and horseradish-stuffed olives) is a little gimmicky but still quite fun.

Available in limited quantities—just 20 served each evening in The Bar® or dining room, until sold out.

Address: 100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4:30–9pm; Fri 4:30–10pm; Sat 4–10pm; Sun 11:30am–2pm, 4–9pm

What is it? A modern steakhouse in Venice and Beverly Grove with some of the best wood-fired steaks in the city.

Why we love it: Forgive the casual atmosphere and unflattering top-down lighting: This Venice steakhouse serves some of the best wood-fired steaks and seafood in the city, plus an array of delicious, globally inspired starters and sides. In fact, American Beauty serves my favorite steak under $100 in Los Angeles. and the restaurant recently expanded to the Grove, where you’ll also find a cozy fire pit, lunch and weekend brunch. The wood-grilled flatbread with smoked honey and labneh is, quite frankly, out of this world, and the rosti-like stuffed hash browns (which resemble a giant potato pancake) pair well alongside any of their simply finished steaks. For seafood lovers, the must-order is the grilled prawns. Coming two to an order, they’re huge, sweet and delicious even before the side of lemon and herb butter enters the picture. The Flannery 15-day dry-aged prime rib eye is one of the best steaks we’ve ever had in L.A., all at a fraction of the cost of most other steakhouses serving the same quality of meat. 

Time Out tip: The much grander dining room at American Beauty Fairfax translates into a date night slam dunk for those living in Central L.A., and another good reason (sigh) to come to the Grove.

Address: Venice: 425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291; Beverly Grove: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Venice: Mon 5:30–9pm; Tue–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm; Sun 5:30–9pm; Beverly Grove: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm

What is it? An excellent steakhouse on Beverly Boulevard that’s quietly hummed along for the last two decades. 

Why we love it: For the last two decades, Campanile alum Suzanne Tracht eatery has served a lightly Asian-inspired seasonal menu that has kept Angelenos hooked thanks to a delicious char siu pork chop (once featured on the Cooking Channel’s Best Thing I Ever Ate) and a melt-in-your-mouth signature pot roast. Traditional sides like blue cheese wedge salad and creamed corn get the white-glove treatment here, and every cut of beef, pork or chicken is worth an order. It’s also worth noting that the mid-century modern dining room has made several notable film appearances, including a pivotal scene in La La Land, and for good reason: with a well-made cocktail in hand and delicious food in front of you, the dimly lit dining room feels downright cinematic.

Time Out tip: Due to the all-around culinary consistency and top-notch service, Jar is one of my top picks for large groups and special occasions, especially during the holidays. 

Address: 8225 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Opening hours: Wed 5:30–9pm, Thu–Sat 5:30–10pm, Sun 5:30–9pm

What is it? A luxe over-the-top chain steakhouse started by the family who founded Mastro’s.

Why we love it: Steak 48 offers top-quality cuts, enormous martinis and ultra-decadent sides, including a warm skillet of complimentary bread that tastes like Pillsbury crescent rolls in the best way possible. Steak 48—named after Arizona, the 48th state in the Union—doesn’t reinvent the wheel otherwise, but the five-star service and attention to detail make all the difference. Every diner receives a hot plate (be careful), which keeps the steak slices warm throughout the meal. There are not one or two, but five different potato sides, including an au gratin preparation with caramelized onions, plus gouda and mozzarella cheese. While I’ve found quality at Mastro’s has flagged in recent years, Steak 48 offers the kind of consistently great upscale chain experience most diners can appreciate, including me.

Time Out tip: The over-the-top quality of Steak 48 extends to the sprawling dessert menu, which includes ice cream cake, two different chocolate options and a warm vanilla caramel cake. 

Address: 9680 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–9:45pm; Fri, Sat 4–10:15pm; Sun 4–9:45pm

What is it? A scene-y Sunset Strip steakhouse with satellite locations in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach.

Why we love it: With its sultry interior design, reasonable prices (for a glitzy steakhouse, that is) and a commitment to consistency and high-touch service, it’s no surprise that BOA has stuck around for over two decades. These days, executive chef Brendan Collins—formerly of Fia in Santa Monica—has refreshed the menu with a slate of new seafood items, including caviar-topped spicy tuna cones, tartare served on a bed of dry ice and a knockout lobster pasta spiced up with Calabrian chili. Signature dishes, such as  the Wagyu meatball and classics like truffle mac-n-cheese, deliver the sort of familiar, craveable comfort that explains why BOA holds such wide appeal: The restaurant is just as popular among Gen Z influencers and starry-eyed tourists as it is among BOA’s regular, typically older clientele of professionals and Hollywood power brokers. For a more subdued but still sultry vibe, try their more relaxed beachside outposts, both of which are perfect for an oceanside dinner date. 

Time Out tip: A wagyu flight lets you sample two ounces of meat from three different Japanese prefectures.

Address: West Hollywood: 9200 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069; Santa Monica: 101 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401; Manhattan Beach: 3110 Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Opening hours: West Hollywood: Mon–Thu 5–10:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–11:30pm; Sun 5–10:30pm; Santa Monica: Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri 5:30–10:30pm, Sat 5–10:30pm, Sun 5–10pm; Manhattan Beach: Mon–Thu noon–9pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

What is it? An Asian-influenced steakhouse in Pasadena that’s originally from the Bay Area. 

Why we love it: There are plenty of places in L.A. where you can easily spend $200 or more a person on steak, but the Asian-influenced cuisine, first-rate service and excellent meats (at any price) justify the expense at this Pasadena steakhouse—and distinguish it from overpriced spots around town like Gwen and CUT. Alexander’s likes to push its large selection of Japanese and Australian wagyu, but you’ll have just as fine a time with their far cheaper cuts from Nebraska and California. Dishes like the tobiko-studded fried rice and a Chinese chicken salad-inspired wedge topped with sweet-and-spicy bacon hit the right fusion notes, and the signature hamachi shots never fail to delight. Thoughtful service touches, such as complimentary cotton candy, plus a delicious cookies-and-creme soufflé, round out an extravagant, beef-centered meal here. 

Time Out tip: The complimentary house bread is phenomenal, but try not to fill up. Any refills cost $12 extra, anyhow—and you’re going to want to save room for the steaks and dessert.

Address: 111 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

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

What is it? An old-school steakhouse in Koreatown and La Canada known for its affordable pricing and no-nonsense staff. 

Why we love it: What’s this old-school joint doing in 2025? Thriving. Taylor’s doesn’t look like it’s changed one bit since it opened over more than 50 years ago: The menus still boast classics like shrimp scampi and French onion soup. The steaks here are by no means the best in the city, but the affordable prices and sense of history still keep nights at Taylor’s buzzing like it’s 1953. Taylor’s may be one of the best-bargain steakhouses in town, and also one of the most comfortable. From the big leather booths to the decades-old menus on the walls, this is one Koreatown classic that’s truly timeless.

Time Out tip: My advice? Skip the prime rib; instead, opt for cuts from the char-broiler such as extra-thick, prime top sirloin served on a sizzling platter.

Address: Koreatown: 3361 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005; La Canada: 901 Foothill Blvd, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

Opening hours: Koreatown: Tue–Thu 4–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 4–10:30pm, Sun 4–9:30pm; La Canada: Mon, Wed–Thu 3–9pm; Fri 11:30am–9pm; Sat, Sun 3–9pm

What is it? A Tuscan steakhouse on the ground floor of the Waldorf Astoria from Edoardo "Edo" Baldi, of the Baldi family legacy behind Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica and e.Baldi in Beverly Hills.

Why we love it: If you’re looking to go all out, you’ll be in good company at Baldi, where corporate cards and one-percenters reign supreme. Dinner here is quite the spectacle, and it’s one worth splurging on if your business is paying or you’re celebrating a special occasion. 

The restaurant is a stunner, and service is the type you’d expect from the Waldorf Astoria: white-glove. Cocktails lean heavily into aperitivo hour while the wine list highlights Italy’s high-end labels (nothing in the red department is under $36 a glass). Food-wise, the menu touts the Etruscan philosophy of less is more. Think a shaved fennel, artichokes, and pecorino salad; steamed spinach with nothing but garlic, olive oil and lemon; and a bounty of grilled vegetables—Japanese eggplant, shishito peppers, shiitake, endive, leeks, tomatoes—piled on a platter. Roberta’s beef polpettine starter is a must. Named after Baldi’s mother, the little meatballs in a pool of traditional Italian soffritto and piquant tomato sauce show the finesse of a recipe that’s been passed down and perfected for generations. I could easily eat half a dozen on my own and call it a meal, perhaps with paccheri pomodoro. But this is a steakhouse after all, and all steaks (a selection of USDA Prime beef and a trio of wagyu styles—American, Australian and Japanese A5) are grilled on an olive wood-fired grill, visible through the glass separating the dining room and kitchen. Everything but the Japanese wagyu is marinated in a proprietary Italian, rosemary-forward blend that sets Baldi apart from other steakhouses, so if you prefer your steak truly unadulterated, this might not be your place.

Time Out tip: Steak is not a requisite for a solid meal at Baldi. In fact, you might have an even better time if you keep the meat lean and focus your attention on the extensive pasta section of the menu, namely the pillowy mascarpone and sweet corn tortellini with truffle butter.   

Address: 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Daily 5-11pm

What is it? A standout South Bay steakhouse serving well-executed classics of the genre with hints of pan-Asian flair.

Why we love it: Pitch-perfect cocktails and juicy, marbled steaks might be run of the mill in Beverly Hills or Downtown L.A., but there’s something special happening at the Rex. Run by Faith & Flower alum Walter Nunez, the Redondo Beach chophouse offers a version of the now-closed Downtown restaurant’s critically acclaimed milk punch, plus a unique, umami-rich steak tartare studded with black garlic and preserved mushrooms. Two different steak flights, including a Wagyu option, allow diners to try a little bit of everything; you can also opt for the bone-in tomahawk or porterhouse cuts, which easily feed two or even three, if you factor in the Rex’s ample vegetable sides. For dessert, the butter cake is better than Mastro’s (I said what I said), but lighter options, such as the soft-serve and a deconstructed pavlova, reflect Nunez’s commitment to first-rate culinary distinction, even in more provincial parts of Los Angeles.

Time Out tip: The chef doesn’t like chocolate, so don’t expect any chocolate-forward desserts here. 

Address: 221 Avenue I, Ste 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5–10pm

What is it? An old-school steakhouse in the Pacific Palisades that’s been given a modern rebirth.

Why we love it: What happens when one of the Westside’s old-guard restaurants gets new owners? You get reimagined steakhouse classics all in the same sleek leather booths that defined the original Golden Bull. In 2017, the team that brought us Ashland Hill on Main Street took over the northern Santa Monica staple, a dark and charming old-school steak spot just blocks from the beach. Now you can find vegan-friendly options and excellent sides like roasted mushrooms, stuffed potato skins and Yorkshire puddings alongside the bone-in rib eye, filet mignon and other cuts that have made the Golden Bull a Santa Monica institution since 1949. Finish your meal off with the fudgy gluten-free brownie or the s’mores casserole, which will definitely leave a smile on your face. 

Time Out tip: While the restaurant stays open until midnight or 2am most nights of the week, the kitchen closes at 9pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and 10pm Friday and Saturday—so call ahead if you’re hoping to score a late-night meal. 

Address: 170 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Opening hours: Wed 4:30pm–midnight; Thu, Fri 4:30pm-2am; Sat 4:30pm–2am, Sun 4:30pm–midnight

What is it? A Burbank institution located across the street from Warner Brothers that has served generations of celebrities, studio execs and other industry folks of all stripes.

Why we love it: “Fine food at a fair price.” The neon sign that’s hung outside Smoke House since 1946 says it all. Valley locals love the place for its affordable, perfectly cooked steaks, but we also love the funky, generously dressed wedge salad, the fact there’s a dessert tray to pick from at the end of your meal and the steak Sinatra—a linguine platter topped with a mix of beef, peppers and onions once beloved by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. You can find better prime rib at Lawry’s (or the Tam), but Smoke House serves that too, as well as a slew of crowd-pleasing starters like spinach-artichoke dip and the cheese-encrusted “world’s greatest” garlic bread, which, funnily enough, is also available without garlic. The red booths, wood paneling on the walls and live music on weekends add to the old-school charm, but wave away the house photographer that’s likely to come around; that’ll cost ya.  

Time Out tip: Smoke House also offers a $52 prix fixe Sunday brunch that includes bottomless mimosas (limited to an hour and a half). Kids under 12 are $40 per person, while children under 5 eat free. 

Address: 4420 W Lakeside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505

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

What is it? A chain steakhouse with locations in Beverly Hills, Downtown and Malibu.

Why we love it: The Beverly Hills outpost is packed to the gills every night, thanks to a charming supper club space that feels like an old-school boys’ club. Excess is the name of the game here and Mastro’s wears it well: Servers in white dinner jackets bring mountainous seafood platters, gargantuan steaks and that mouthwatering butter cake. The two-story restaurant’s less formal Penthouse features an alfresco patio that caters to a younger, clubbing crowd, while the Malibu location is a bit more casual and breezy, literally—it’s right on the ocean, with a dining room view that can’t be beat. 

Time Out tip: If you’re going specifically to Mastro’s, stick to Beverly Hills and Malibu. The Downtown location primarily caters to the Crypto.com Arena, Convention Center and L.A. Live crowds, which can translate into long waits at the valet and plenty of area traffic.

Address: Multiple, incl. Beverly Hills, Downtown and Malibu

Opening hours: Varies by location