19 famous Los Angeles restaurants actually worth trying

Bestia’s sterling reputation preceeds itself, which is why nearly a decade after opening, the modern-Italian destination still requires weeks-out reservations. It shouldn’t be surprising, given chef-owner Ori Menashe’s penchant for nailing straightforward but innovative dishes, which arrive hot from the Arts District restaurant’s centerpiece of a wood-burning oven. But the space and its clientele alone aren’t the reasons for fame: Some of Bestia’s menu highlights have become modern icons of L.A.’s dining scene in and of themselves. The Spaghetti Rustichella under dungeness crab is synonymous with this hard-to-land reservation, as is the currant-and-pistachio–laden dish of Agnolotti alla Vaccinara, filled with rich braised oxtail. The desserts by pastry chef and co-owner Genevieve Gergis are equally iconic, and god help anyone who tries to get in between us and a forkful of chocolate budino tart.

With late hours and solid homestyle Korean fare, this iconic L.A. restaurant’s Wilshire Boulevard location has endured for decades as a longtime after hours spot for the clubgoing crowd in Koreatown and beyond. Crack an egg into BCD’s extremely solid soondubu with your choice of protein or vegetables, and you’ll soon see why. Combined with the cozy atmosphere and camaraderie among patrons, there’s no better way to unwind after 2am.

Few go to Dan Tana’s simply for the cooking. It’s not that the simple, old-fashioned Italian-American fare is bad: it’s more that the Old Hollywood atmosphere is wonderfully thick. The long-time servers can tell you what L.A. was like back when this red-sauce joint was cutting-edge, a time when they were much younger but Dan Tana’s looked the same. It’s favored by celebs with respect for Old Hollywood, too, so don’t be surprised to see the likes of George Clooney cutting into that signature, massive chicken parm in the red booth next to yours.

California gets a little dose of Canada with Courage Bagels, an always-packed Virgil Village bagel shop slinging wild-yeasted, Montreal-style bagels. Featured in the New York Times, the bagels are worth the early morning wait on this sleepy Silver Lake-adjacent stretch for anyone who considers themselves a true bagel aficionado. Slightly burnt, lightly chewy and barely sweet, they’re crispier and thinner than your standard New York style—all the better to throw on farmers’ market veggies like heirloom tomatoes and sustainably farmed lox. 

The word “institution” barely does it justice. Lawry’s prime rib is downright legendary: The meat is carved tableside in massive silver carts by men wearing tall chef’s toques, while your salad gets spun tableside, too. The steakhouse-leaning meal may be traditional, but it’s not complicated: If you’re ordering the prime rib—the most famous item available—then there are only a few decisions to make, including what size cut you’d like, what temperature and whether or not to add a vegetable (tip: always add the creamed spinach). By the time you leave, you’ll wonder why don’t eat from silver carts every night.

The chef behind Howlin’ Ray’s, Johnny Zone, may have spent time in the kitchen with some of the world’s best chefs, but he’s really found his calling bringing Nashville hot chicken to Los Angeles—and the world took note. Spice fiends fly in from around the world and head to his brick-and-mortar in Far East Plaza for a plate of chicken (white or dark) or a sandwich in whatever level of heat you can handle, from “Country” to “Howlin’.” You’re supposed to be sweating. You’re supposed to get messy. You’re supposed to be eating some of the best fried chicken in town. Of course, the fact that it’s some of the best is no secret—Angelenos and tourists alike wait in lines that can take up to three hours long and snake their way through the plaza. Our tip? Keep your eyes on this spot’s social media for line updates.

Follow the smell of taquitos to this L.A. institution that sits on the edge of historic Olvera Street. The tiny stand has been serving freshly stuffed, rolled and fried taquitos since 1934, enough to earn its street cred title of “world famous.” The thing to order is obviously taquitos, though there are also burritos and chile relleno, which come smothered in guacamole sauce and optional beans and cheese. (Always go for the beans and cheese.)

Queue up and ring around a U-shaped counter at this West L.A. institution, which has somehow managed to escape time. Burger patties sizzle on the griddle that’s been around for decades (since 1947, to be exact) and served by friendly waiters that seem to have been around for just as long. The go-to order: Don’t miss the smoky hickory burger, which comes slathered in house sauce and can only be made better by ordering double the cheese. Pair it with an order of crispy fries and save room for a slice or two of the equally-famous house-made pies (á la mode, all the way). Be prepared to pay cash only and, on a sweltering day, opt for a seat by the door at this no-AC joint.