Patricia Kelly Yeo

What makes a decent bar in Santa Monica? Depending on age, relationship status, income level and tolerance for bumping into blacked out tech bros, that answer may vary widely. Putting aside the beachside city’s singles hotspots and tourist draws—we’re looking at you, Bungalow and Victorian—we’ve rounded up the 10 best bars in Santa Monica for people who appreciate a stiff, well-made drink (or elegant glass of wine) and great ambience.  On this list, you’ll find steal-worthy happy hours, divey karaoke and grown-up wine and cocktail spots worthy of a celebratory night out. With something for everyone, don’t knock drinking in Santa Monica until you’ve tried one of these destination-worthy bars. Editor’s note: New to this year’s guide is Father’s Office—which really should have been on the guide all along. I’ve also removed Library Alehouse, the Chestnut Club and Bar Chloe. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. All food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good,” and we’ve also standardized how most listings are structured. For more on our new policies, feel free to check out How we review at Time Out.

Whether your tastes run classic or contemporary, there’s a delicious sandwich for you in Los Angeles. After all, it’s not hard to stumble across a decent sandwich at a burger stand, farmers’ market, food truck or grocery store—but what about the truly great between-bread experiences, from the crunchy-soft baguette of a budget-friendly banh mi to the wonders of sliced rye, our preferred vehicle for pastrami delivery? Though not all of these shops specialize in a traditional, counter-style sandwich shop experience, these standout L.A. sandwiches are all worth a try in their own right. Some menus run large, others small; others are tried-and-true, while others run more artisan new-school than anything else. Over two years of continuously updating this guide, I tried over 175 sandwiches from 65 different purveyors—so you can trust that I've seen it all when it comes to all things nestled between two slices of bread. Without further ado, here are L.A.’s very best sandwich shops (excluding the bagel and fried chicken varieties, which deserve lists all of their own)—because the humble sandwich is worth celebrating every day of the year.  Editor’s note: I’ve added two new outstanding sandwich shops for 2025: Dan’s Super Subs in Woodland Hills and Mamie in West Hollywood.

Since the pandemic, rising inflation has put a damper on L.A.’s late-night dining scene, with plenty of classic after-hours joints closing earlier and earlier to trim down on operating costs. In the last year or two, though, we’ve seen enough of a return in late-night dining options (beyond tacos and fast food, of course) to put together this up-to-date guide. The definition of “late,” in our honest opinion, means until at least midnight, and we’ve also included the best late night food options that go past official last call at most lounges, bars and nightclubs.Maybe you just got off your flight at LAX, or you want the party to go a little bit longer before you head home for the night. Whether you’re grabbing takeout as a bedtime snack or just trying to stave off a hangover, these late-night restaurants—many of them iconic—will definitely fit the bill. May 2025: Since last year, the Four Brothers street stall has mysteriously vanished from the Thai Town dining scene. This year’s update removes Fluffy’s, Cole’s, JJ Hong Kong Cafe and Dante Beverly Hills in favor of a few old-but-new additions in Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Burbank, San Gabriel and Chinatown. This includes another late-night KBBQ option in the form of Hae Jang Chon, excellent cold noodles and stews from Lee Ga and HK Macau Bistro, a truly standout Hong Kong-style café. I’ve also added Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank (which now stays open until 3am on weekends), Chinatown classic Hop Woo and vegetable-forward noodle shop

Since its initial revitalization in the late aughts, the Downtown L.A. dining scene has honestly seen better days. In the two years, great all-day options in the Historic Core and South Park like Little Sister and Woodspoon have shuttered. Last summer, the area also lost the Varnish, one of the city’s premier craft cocktail speakeasies. The bulk of the action has largely moved to the Arts District—now home to some of the best restaurants in the entire city.  Still, you’ll find a few decent options for lunch and dinner if you’re willing to walk around a bit—and thanks to slightly better public transit than the rest of the city, it’s just a hop, skip and jump to all the great ramen, sushi and other Japanese fare in Little Tokyo and classic Chinese spots and sandwiches in Chinatown. Whether you’re looking to splurge or save for a rainy day, here’s where you should be eating the next time you head Downtown.RECOMMENDED: Where to eat in the Arts District May 2025: Since last year, Yangban has unfortunately closed (though owners Katianna and John Hong are looking for a new location). This year’s update includes Camélia and Baroo, two new additions to the dynamic Arts District dining scene. I’ve also opted to trim down the list, and thus have removed Badmaash, Sonoratown, Smorgasburg and Cole’s from the Downtown dining guide.  Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. All food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresp

L.A. is bursting with phenomenal food from every cuisine—Indian, Mexican, Korean, you name it—but the French food scene here is alive, well and better than ever. From traditional French cooking to experimental prix-fixe menus, food from the tres chic country takes a number of forms. But where to start? If you're looking for some top-notch places to get your steak frites fix—or maybe just a really good omelette—check out our guide to L.A.’s best French restaurants.

Despite the rising cost of doing business, L.A. is still home to one of the most innovative, exciting and diverse food scenes in the country. Brick-and-mortar restaurants, Instagram pop-ups, street vendors and food trucks: No matter the form, you can find amazing food in a city whose reputation is built as much on off-the-beaten-path tacos and pop-ups as it is on fine dining-trained chefs making quick work of farmers’ market produce and mainline access to the top-notch Pacific seafood.At its core, L.A.’s restaurant scene thrives on diversity, resulting in genre-bending formats and cuisines that have given rise to some of the country’s best omakase restaurants, fine dining institutions and strip mall hidden gems. Every month, we visit dozens of restaurants across the city looking for amazing eats, great ambience and top-notch customer service. We also crowdsource recommendations from readers and industry insiders on the best places to grab a meal—but a restaurant can’t get onto this guide until we’ve actually visited it multiple times. We prioritize fun, flavor, freshness—and value at every price point. This list is updated regularly to reflect changes in menu offerings, style of service, new locations and the ever-changing pulse of the city’s food scene. If it’s on the list, we think it’s awesome and worth the hype, wait and money —and we bet you will, too. May 2025: Since April, I revisited Kato and reviewed Somni, L.A.’s most expensive restaurant, which—despite a five-star

After years of struggling through the pandemic, L.A.’s bar scene has learned to roll with the punches, and there’s always no better time than now (or this weekend) for a good, well-made drink, preferably with a side of good, old-fashioned camaraderie with slightly buzzed strangers. After all, bars, like restaurants and public parks, give rise to the sought-after sense of belonging and community that characterizes what sociologist Ray Oldenburg called “third spaces.” Right now, L.A.’s drinking scene is back and better than ever, and we’re glad to be back at a busy bar, credit card in hand, hoping to flag down a bartender. L.A. might have cozy dives near the beach, happy hours with views of the Hollywood Hills, and plenty of buzzier new watering holes, but if you’re really asking us, here are the 18 best bars in Los Angeles—for any occasion. May 2025: I’ve added information on the current North America’s 50 Best Bar rankings for Mírate and Thunderbolt, as well as new details on Mírate’s brand-new Valley sibling, Daisy Margarita Bar. For more on our editorial policies and ethics, feel free to check out How we review at Time Out.

Before the Yelp ratings and “best of” accolades start to roll in, how do you know what’s actually good or not among L.A.’s just-opened eateries? Every month, I put myself through the wringer attempting to visit every new, notable restaurant around Los Angeles. Usually, I enjoy revisiting the city’s best eateries and sipping cocktails at tried-and-true bars, but scouting for the best new restaurants and bars in L.A. is, to put it nicely, kind of a grab bag. Whenever I’m out scouting for the latest openings, I’m just as likely to blow hundreds of dollars on an overhyped dud as I am to stumble upon the city’s next truly great restaurant. With Time Out’s guide to L.A.’s best new restaurants, you don’t need to sift through pay-to-play influencer videos and user-generated reviews to decide where to head next—I’ve done the work for you, from looking for parking and waiting in line to trying those ultra-pricey tasting menus, since there’s nothing worse when dining out than wasting your precious free time and, of course, money. I also strive to include valet prices and parking information for every restaurant—further taking the headache out of trying the next great new spot. Questions I ask myself before including a spot on this guide: Does this new restaurant offer something more interesting, delicious or unique than any of L.A.’s existing restaurants? Is it worth the hype (and money)? Is it worth going out of the way for? If the answer to any of these is “No,” I don’t include it. Ge

L.A. gets plenty of its reputation from the film industry, but we prefer when our stars come draped in a tablecloth and feeding us some of the best food we’ve ever tasted. And in this golden age of dining destinations, plenty of our city’s restaurants have become their own sort of icons. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, believe the hype: These famous Los Angeles restaurants have stood the test of time or made waves with newer fare, and live up to their reputation. From hole-in-the-wall Japanese cafés to Victorian-era food halls and star-studded fine-dining, here’s where to find L.A.’s most famous restaurants worth a visit—and who knows, maybe you’ll see a a celebrity there, too (but we all know the real draw is the food). April 2025: After revisiting half a dozen classic dining establishments across the city, I’m pleased to add Pann’s and the Tam o’ Shanter to this year’s guide. Departing this year are Pink’s and Lawry’s the Prime Rib. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. All food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good.” We’ve also standardized how most listings are structured. For more on our new policies, feel free to check out How we review at Time Out

Your mom’s been through a lot: She did your laundry, got through those angsty teen years and probably even let you control the car’s radio without batting an eye, even when all you did was blast boy bands for hours on end. And while Mother's Day brunch won’t completely compensate for all those years of emotional distress, you can still show her you’re really, truly thankful for all of that with a meal to end all meals from one of L.A.’s best brunch restaurants. With endless mimosas and rosé, seaside eggs Benedict and fresh-baked pastries, these Mother’s Day brunch specials around town are the perfect way to say “I love you.” Whether she’s looking for something cozy and low-key or decadent and classy, here’s where to find the best Mother’s Day specials around L.A. this year. April 2025: This year, I’ve opted to add a few afternoon tea options to the guide. I personally spend Mother’s Day enjoying a delightful afternoon tea with my own mom last year, and it hits all the same marks of brunch, with far less of a caloric hangover. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to Mother’s Day in L.A. (which, FYI, is May 11 this year)

There’s no official alfresco season in L.A., a city where outdoor dining is technically possible year-round, so of course it’s full of decidedly alfresco restaurants. You know the ones. These are the types of places where you can hear the waves crashing, watch the city lights sparkle from a rooftop or get lost in the greenery—or scenery—that surrounds your table. While most Angelenos know by now that most meals can be enjoyed outside, whether you’re at a coffee shop, a taco truck or a fine-dining restaurant, there are still plenty of destination-worthy scenic spots worth visiting for the views (as well as the food). I've included a few restaurants with less-than-outstanding cuisine, but rest assured the views and ambience more than make up for any culinary shortcomings. Here are the best restaurants for outdoor dining in L.A. April 2025: Since my last major update, Cafe on 27 has temporarily closed, first due to the Palisades Fire and then for renovations. New to this quarter’s guide are Chez Mia and Superba Hollywood. Time Out has also instituted a sitewide change in review policies. All food and drink venues included in guides now have star ratings, with five stars corresponding to “amazing,” four to “great” and three to “good,” and we’ve also standardized how most listings are structured. For more on our new policies, feel free to check out How we review at Time Out. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in Los Angeles

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires, it’s safe to say that those of us living in Los Angeles have been contemplating the impact of human activity on the environment more than ever. While human-caused climate change may not be responsible for the Santa Ana winds or the individual fires, local climate scientists agree they definitely made conditions worse—and lingering questions remain as to the fires’ long-term effects on the safety and quality of our soil, air and water. Ahead of Earth Day, we’re announcing the global launch of Time Out’s Sustainable Stamp, which shines a spotlight on editor-approved, externally accredited restaurants, bars and other venues making a proactive effort to lessen their impact on the environment around the world. A recent “Planet & People” survey of Time Out readers found that most respondents would be willing to change how they eat out. In fact, 68 percent said they’d choose restaurants with locally sourced ingredients, and 67 percent said they’d choose venues that employ reduced food waste practices.  In conjunction with these efforts, I’ve also chosen nine of my favorite sustainable restaurants in L.A. to highlight in this guide, explaining their eco-conscious practices wherever possible. Not all have been certified by a third-party accrediting body or government agency, but it’s important to note that many of L.A.’s small businesses do not have the time or money to go through labor-intensive environmental certification processes.

This newer, Black-owned Santa Monica wine bar serves natural wine with a side of vinyl music on the weekends and relaxed neighborhood vibes. A little less buttoned up than Esters and more youthful than Wally's, Offhand also offers craft beers, natural sakes and wine cocktails alongside the usual list of pet-net bottles and selection by the glass. Snack on bites like marinated olives, charcuterie boards and a killer grilled cheese sandwich with your glass of wine or two. Moreover, Offhand offers a stacked monthly calendar that includes regular DJs, visiting winemakers from around the gloebe and occasional food pop-ups. 

This review was originally published on March 29, 2023, and has since been been updated to changes in menu availability. If you’re at all familiar with the relaxed ambience and polished drinks at Everson Royce Bar in the Arts District, it’s easy to understand why Vamos Vamos initially whipped Santa Monica into a frenzy after opening in 2022. The Westside drinking establishment is the farthest west E.R.B. owners Randy Clement and April Langford have ever gone; all of the couple’s other beloved concepts, including Echo Park’s Triple Beam,Hippo in Highland Park and Good Neighbor Bar in Altadena are miles and miles (and by car, at least two freeways away) from the 405. Now, anyone in the general vicinity of the beachside city’s tree-lined Main Street has ready access to the same level of high-quality food and cocktails that has long made E.R.B. one of the city’s best bars, albeit with a Southwestern, family-friendly twist. As with its sibling in the Arts District, the down-to-earth fare at Vamos Vamos complements the house agave cocktails perfectly. They do tend to run on the sweeter side, but all that sugar balances out the salty, savory components of the food; you’re gonna want to order at least one of them, or—if you’re going for a non-alcoholic outing—an agua fresca. First-timers should try the nachos, which combines beef or chicken, refried beans, tomatillo salsa and three kinds of cheese. While the delights of the high-lowbrow approach may be lost on the snobbier “food peop

After extensive renovations (including a larger-than-life outdoor mural of King Charles), the Daily Pint is back with its impressive collection of over 500 whiskeys, plus billiards, darts and other bar games for extra added fun. The ever-changing line-up of craft brews on tap have made the Daily Pint a go-to among serious beer lovers in Santa Monica, but the cozy neighborhood atmosphere and countless regulars has kept this place around for over three decades—and counting.

Chez Jay is something different to everyone: an institution, a dive, a time warp, a wormhole to a totally bizarre experience. To me, it’s all of the above, with the red-and-white checkered tablecloths, taxidermied fish mounted on the wall and bit-of-everything clientele. It’s the diviest dive, but comfortable, and just as ready to serve you a heavy pour of well rum as it is some steamed clams or steak at cutthroat prices. Since the pandemic, the restaurant also operates its breezier outdoor counterpart, the Backyard, which closes earlier, offers weekend brunch and serves margaritas. The indoor cocktail menu includes all the classics, plus the mezcal-based Chevy to the Levy, which also involves amaro, fresh pineapple and a splash of citrus. If you’re into Santa Monica history, order the swordfish “roti” au poivre, which uses a recipe developed by local Josiah Citrin, the chef behind nearby two Michelin star Mélisse.

For an affordable, conveniently located and lively place to stay in Brooklyn, you can't do much better than Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg. The South Williamsburg outpost of Marriott’s youthful, party-oriented boutique hotel brand offers thoughtfully designed city hotel rooms and a sleek lobby restaurant and bar, Bar Bedford, that supports both work and play. On-site dining and entertainment options include Mesiba, a full-service Israeli restaurant with unlimited $28 schnitzel and frites every Tuesday night; Lillistar, a seasonal rooftop cocktail lounge; and Jolene Sound Room, a Dolly Parton-inspired basement nightclub. A full calendar of special events every month and guest discounts at local fitness studios and shops add further intrigue for travelers, but the top appeal of the Moxy is its convenient location. The one caveat, in my eyes, is the amount of city noise you’ll hear while trying to sleep every night; this only gets worse in the summer, when the crowds at Lillistar go into full swing. (The staff is happy to provide earplugs, however.)  Why stay at Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg?For business and pleasure in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, the Moxy is an excellent, reasonably priced option that will get the job done. The rooms don’t have much in the way of space, but the lobby is a great place to get some computer work done, with free Wi-Fi all day and complimentary coffee in the mornings (7–10am). The hotel is also situated near the Williamsburg Bridge and three major trains

After several years of delay, the Thompson Palm Springs is finally open, and I can honestly say the long wait was worth it. Located at the northern, slightly less touristy edge of Palm Canyon Drive, this snazzy, design-forward 168-room boutique hotel is the rare, trendy upscale hotel that does it all. Partially owned by Hyatt and the Dallas-based Hall Group, the lobby and sprawling second floor—which houses the restaurant, bar, main pool, outdoor lawn games and a few firepits—is full of hotel-commissioned art pieces, including three colorful mosaic murals by Jeffrey Gibson, the first Indigenous artist to represent the United States with a solo show at the Venice Biennale. As the culturally relevant, boutique brand of a corporate hotel chain, Thompson Palm Springs combines the best of both worlds—and does it all with verve and style. Why stay at the Thompson Palm Springs?Every aspect of the experience is polished, from the seamless check-in process to the D.S. & Durga bath products and comfortable bathrobes and slippers provided in every room. The hotel pool area includes a full bar, reservation-only cabanas and a hot tub, which comes in handy in the desert’s colder, far busier winter months. Lola Rose Grand Mezze, the sprawling second-floor restaurant and bar, is beautifully appointed with straightforward, tasty renditions of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Many of the rooms also offer striking views of the San Jacinto Mountains. While you can see those same peaks from other h

Since opening in 2018, the Hoxton Williamsburg has made serious waves in the Brooklyn hospitality scene for its focus on outstanding design, dining options and nods to the trendy, ever-changing local neighborhood. Situated near the waterfront, the London-based boutique brand offers 175 compact city hotel rooms—many with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline—plus a bustling, ultra-chic lobby and common area that houses K’Far, a critically acclaimed and all-day Israeli restaurant. The Hoxton also hosts rotating exhibitions by local artists inside the Apartment, the hotel’s collection of five dedicated event spaces. Easy public transit access, two other great alfresco dining options (one on the roof, another on the hotel’s mezzanine level) and friendly and knowledgeable front desk staff translate into an extremely stylish, convenient hotel choice for your next stay in New York City.  Why stay at the Hoxton Williamsburg?If you want to stay in the bleeding heart of Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhood, the Hoxton should be your top choice. It's stylish, comfortable and depending on when you book, fairly affordable. Blocks away from the waterfront and Bedford Avenue—home to countless popular restaurants, bars, shops and venues—there’s always something lively or interesting happening within walking distance of the hotel. The L train is only a 10-minute walk away, which means that much of Lower Manhattan is just a half-hour commute once you exit the lobby.   The beautiful design, of c

This charming Japanese diner's been around since 1972—and while Suehiro recently relocated from Little Tokyo to Downtown L.A., the unpretentious menu still offers just as much old-school Japanese comfort from a much larger, sleeker dining room. Even in new digs, the unpretentious menu still offers just as much old-school comfort from a much larger, sleeker dining room. Dishes like curry udon, shrimp tempura, straightforward donburi and okonomi combo plates always satisfy, but my favorite dish is the beef hayashi rice: a rich, comforting demi-glace sauce topped with a supplemental fried egg. Over in Chinatown, you can find much of the menu available for delivery until 12:40am via Suehiro Mini, which offers a truncated (but vegan-friendly) menu of ramen, udon, curry and rice bowls and a handful of seats for dine-in. The Downtown menu is surprisingly vegan-friendly, with plant-based takes on yakisoba, mapo tofu and ramen.

Before “plant-based” went mainstream, this Tokyo-based ramen shop had already begun making a range of flavorful broths with kombu (seaweed), mushrooms and other vegetables back in 2011. In Little Tokyo, it’s the best among the late-night ramen options—though the original Daikokuya stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and the Shin-Sen-Gumi outpost doesn’t shut its doors until 11pm. While most of the broths are made from plants, the toppings don’t have to be; unless you’re ordering one of the vegan options, most bowls come topped with chashu pork and half of a soft-boiled egg. On my last visit, I particularly enjoyed the Amber (made with soy sauce, dried sardines and bonito flakes). No matter which one you order, the unique soups are light and flavorful, with none of the greasiness commonly associated with tonkotsu broth. If you’re particularly hungry, you can also get one of the rice bowls or a couple of appetizers.

It’s all in the details at LA Tofu House, a strip mall gem on the eastern end of Koreatown giving a certain three-letter soondubu spot a run for its money. Whether opting for a standard tofu soup or their delicious octopus bibimbap, each dish supersedes others in quality by leaps and bounds, with a slight premium to match across the (still quite affordably priced) menu. Combined with late-night and easy, fairly cheap valet parking, this tiny restaurant on Vermont Avenue is a must-go for neighborhood residents, those who love homestyle Korean cuisine and night owls in search of a cozy afterhours meal.

Run by the second generation of a family of SoCal pho restaurant owners, this workhorse Vietnamese restaurant in the South Bay and Long Beach offers the convenience of late-night hours—the Gardena location is now open until 2am—and a straightforward, vegetarian-friendly menu centered around pho and familiar khai vi. Pho Daily’s namesake nourishing broth delivers flavor with minimal grease and plenty of herbs, while the summer rolls with pork sausage arrive with a tasty, high-quality peanut sauce. Beyond pho, there’s also a vast array of other common Vietnamese dishes, some more well-executed than others—making Pho Daily a great option for any and all late-night Vietnamese cravings and a solid takeout and delivery go-to for locals.

Run by the Simms family since 1973, the Kettle has been a mainstay of downtown Manhattan Beach and the South Bay writ large for decades. Though a little too upscale in ambience to be considered a true diner, the casual, crowd-pleasing menu has fed generations of locals. On weekend evenings, it’s one of the best places in the area for an after-hours meal; in fact, if you’re within a 10-minute drive of Manhattan Beach, I wouldn’t recommend anywhere else. Everything is made from scratch; service is warm but efficient; and thoughtful details like the extensive craft beer list and delicious muffins—served with every salad, omelette and dinner entrée—will remind you that the Kettle is a far cry from the average greasy spoon. After midnight, the local nightlife crowd files in for the panko-encrusted chicken tenders and zucchini fries, which come dusted with parmesan cheese and served with your side of dipping sauce (I recommend the buttermilk ranch).

If you haven’t been to the Third Street Promenade lately, we don’t blame you. Santa Monica’s outdoor shopping district has struggled in recent years to attract locals amid empty storefronts and increased public safety concerns due to the sizable increase in the area’s homeless population. While the area still sees heavy tourist traffic in the summer and on the weekends, even newer restaurant openings like an oceanfront Din Tai Fung have largely failed to lure back the Promenade’s pre-pandemic crowds. Now, Santa Monica will be turning the entire three-block area into an open container zone sometime in June—which means you’ll be able to walk and drink freely along the Promenade from approved to-go containers between 6pm and 2am. ABC 7 Los Angeles reports that the zone’s borders will be between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway. Last night, the city council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance in a likely bid to change the fate of the struggling commercial district.  The move seems to dovetails perfectly with the newest occupants of the Promenade, which has seen the departure of major retailers. These days, area landlords are experimenting with “experiential retail,” according to the Los Angeles Times, which includes pickleball and boozy art classes. Last fall, the area saw the opening of Holey Moley, a mini golf club that sells booze and offers Instagrammable courses. Apparently, per the Times, people are also live-selling on TikTok on the Promenade. The new “Outdoor Enter

From the whimsical yellow giraffe at the front entrance to the red number stamped on the back of the menu presented at the end of the evening, every aspect of Somni has meaning, intent and purpose. The outdoor sculpture, according to chef-owner Aitor Zabala, nods to the animal’s meaning in some cultures as a symbol of good fortune, elegance and tranquillity. The little red digits correspond to the thousands of diners the newly revived tasting menu restaurant (back after a four-year hiatus) has served since its buzzy debut in West Hollywood last November.  Before you even take a single bite or sip, there’s the breathtaking hidden courtyard, where dreamy white cloud sculptures suspended from the trees overhead sway in the breeze. (The feeling is no coincidence—Somni means “dream” in the chef’s native Catalan.) By the time you nibble on a delicate cheese feather and crunch into a fried almond painstakingly reconstructed to resemble the original in its shell, you can almost forget the fact it costs at least $840 per person, with a minimum party size of two, to be there. Photograph: Patricia Kelly Yeo for Time OutThe courtyard at Somni, where guests enjoy early snacks and drinks. Six months after reopening, Somni is undisputedly L.A.’s most dazzling, destination-worthy fine dining experience. Playful, elegant and downright delicious, the Spanish-influenced meal is full of avant-garde delights and insider nods to now-closed Michelin giants like Spain’s famous El Bullí—where Zabal

The official Michelin Guide ceremony won’t happen in Sacramento until June 25, but the multinational tire company just added another three notable L.A. County restaurants to the guide. All additions are considered “recommended” and could go on to receive either a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand (the guide’s budget-friendly category) later this year.  In greater Los Angeles, three restaurants made the guide: Komal, a masa-focused street stall in South L.A.’s Mercado La Paloma from two Holbox alums. The second is Somni in West Hollywood, the most expensive restaurant in Los Angeles. Founded by Jose Andrés in 2018, the Spanish-leaning modernist tasting menu held two Michelin stars in its previous iteration. Last fall, former day-to-day lead Aitor Zabala revived Somni as an independent project. The third is Vin Folk, a tiny South Bay bistro run by two Somni alums serving casual bistro dishes with fine dining flare and an impeccable wine list. Elsewhere across the state, Michelin recognized restaurants like Sungho, a homey Korean spot in San Francisco and Atelier Manna in Encinitas, which the guide describes as a “hipster haven” with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Three more restaurants down in San Diego County made the cut: Tanner’s Prime Burger and 24 Suns in Oceanside, as well as Lilo in Carlsbad.  Photograph: Patricia Kelly Yeo for Time OutThe courtyard at Somni, where guests enjoy early snacks and drinks. Two months ago, Michelin added seven other L.A. restaurants to

The votes for 2025 are in: Six L.A. chefs, restaurants, bars, bakeries and writers have been named James Beard Awards finalists. Known widely as the “Oscars of food,” the awarding body recognizes chefs, restauranteurs, bar directors, authors and journalists across the nation.  While the restaurant and chef awards were first announced on April 2, the media awards weren’t announced until today. Whittled down from 16 semifinalists, just three L.A. County chefs, restaurants and bakeries have advanced to the final round: Kato’s Jon Yao in “Best Chef: California” category; Redbird’s Tobin Shea in “Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service”; and Gusto Bread in Long Beach—which I consider one of the city’s best bakeries, and totally worth the drive—for “Outstanding Bakery.”  Photograph: Patricia Kelly Yeo for Time OutGusto Bread In the media category, three local journalists from the Los Angeles Times have picked up nominations. Critic Bill Addison received a nomination in “Dining and Travel” for his guide to San Francisco and columnist Jenn Harris was also recognized for her work in the “Craig Claiborne Distinguished Criticism” category. In “Home Cooking,” senior editor Danielle Dorsey received a nomination for her recipe and reporting package on Black Thanksgiving traditions. Within Southern California, a few of our neighbors in Orange County also picked up nominations: Anaheim tiki bar Strong Water (Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program) and Daniel Castillo of San Juan

For the second year in a row, Mírate in Los Feliz and Thunderbolt in Historic Filipinotown have made this year’s list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, which dropped late last night. Veteran L.A. drinkers likely won’t find this surprising given the strength of Mike Capoferri’s precise, delicious and sustainably made cocktails at Thunderbolt and Max Reis’s stellar bar program at Mírate, which incorporates pre-Hispanic indigenous fermented beverages and showcases rare agave spirits from smaller producers you can’t find anywhere else in the United States.  This year, however, Mírate has jumped significantly in the ranking, coming in at 12th across the continent after debuting on last year’s list at number 46. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants organization, which also decides the annual North America’s 50 Best Bars list, also awarded Mírate the Nikka Highest Climber Award and named the Los Feliz restaurant and bar the “Best Bar in the West.” Conversely, Thunderbolt has fallen out of its top 10 ranking at number 8 to number 24—but don’t worry, we still love you Thunderbolt. The organizations touts the bar’s open patio and “bright and breezy” feel, but also shouts out the drinks program as “boundary-pushing” in a way that weaves community, philanthropy and sustainability. As such, the Historic Filipinotown bar also earned the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2025. In the last year, both Capoferri and Reis have been busy working on other new concepts around town. Last December, Capoferr

Can a little star power help revive Downtown’s struggling restaurant scene? Actor and writer Issa Rae—along with cofounders Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan—is opening a pizzeria and bar at 718 South Hill Street inside the same historic early-20th-century building that houses Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen and Lost, a rooftop cocktail and taco bar that opened last September.  Named Downtown Dough, the restaurant’s menu will be centered around the space’s wood-fired pizza oven, with dishes incorporating seasonal produce. Think classic, nostalgia-inducing dishes like cheesy garlic bread made from toasted focaccia, crispy Old Bay calamari and banana pudding tiramisu. Guests can also expect clever twists on cauliflower pizza and lobster pasta. Two years ago, GVO Hospitality—the group owned by Hagos and Relan—first debuted the fourth location of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen within the space, which previously housed the short-lived Gusto Green (pictured below). Now, after 6pm, venue will flip into the 179-seat Downtown Dough.  Photograph: Time Out/Patricia Kelly YeoThe dining room of the previous tenant, Gusto Green. Rae has also previously collaborated with GVO Hospitality on Somerville, a soul food-inspired jazz club in View Park-Windsor Hills that opened last fall. Downtown Dough’s first day of service for is slated for this Saturday, May 3; look out for reservations on OpenTable. Downtown Dough 718 S Hill StLos Angeles, CA 90014Wed–Sun 6–11pm

It feels like every day another iconic L.A. restaurant is closing or struggling—which is why it’s all the more heartbreaking that Papa Cristo’s, the longtime Greek restaurant at the corner of Pico and Normandie, is closing its doors on May 4. Originally founded as an import company in 1948 by Sam Chrys, this family-run neighborhood institution predates the formation of Koreatown as we know and love it today.  Chrys Chrys, the son of Sam, confirmed the news and announced the final day of service in an Instagram post on April 3. “After 77 unforgettable years on the corner of Pico and Normandie, it’s time for me to hang up my apron and for us to say goodbye (for now),” the current owner of Papa Cristo’s wrote. “We will close this chapter with our hearts full of love and gratitude for the incredible community that has supported us for generations.” Chrys bought the original Greek import business from his father in 1968, turning it into a restaurant in the early 1990s. In 2010, Chrys’s daughter Annie joined the family business. On April 1, the restaurant property was spotted on Loopnet with an asking price of $5.2 million.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Papa Cristo’s Greek Food (@papacristos) According to Chrys himself, Papa Cristo’s will live on in some form. “The story of Papa Cristo’s doesn’t end here—exciting things are coming,” the restaurant’s owner wrote at the end of his farewell message. The family already have a pre-existing line of he

Cheese-obsessed local ghost kitchen chef Eric Greenspan will run the upcoming, now politically charged Tesla diner (and drive-in) in Los Angeles, according to Sawyer Merritt, a self-professed Tesla investor who periodically shares news related to Elon Musk’s electric car company on X. The March 26 post says that the yet-to-open project will feature “1950s retro charm” and “dazzling neon lights,” along with the scent of burgers and milkshakes.  Merritt also confirmed that the property will feature two drive-in movie screens and 75 V4 charging stations—the fastest tier of Tesla’s chargers. Musk himself commented on the post less than an hour after it was published, appearing to confirm the news—or at least not deny its veracity. “It will be cool,” he said. “When’s it opening?” Merritt replied, to no response. Though a resident of Los Angeles, Greenspan hasn’t run a sit-down restaurant in several years. Instead, he’s turned his focus to delivery-only concepts, a.k.a. ghost kitchens, and New School American, a boutique cheese company that’s used in the burgers at Chi Spacca, one of the city’s best restaurants. His previous concepts include the Foundry on Melrose, the Roof on Wilshire and Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese. He’s also starred in or appeared in several food-related TV shows. Reporting by The New York Times further uncovered via expired job postings that L.A. restaurant industry veteran Bill Chait will also be involved in the restaurant, which sits at the border of Hollywoo

République—one of L.A.’s most critically acclaimed restaurants—has become the recent subject of online political controversy after one of its owners, Walter Manzke, was quoted in the New York Times as voicing support for Elon Musk’s yet-to-open Tesla diner in West Hollywood, where Tesla owners could charge their cars and grab a meal. Since news about the drive-in project first broke in 2022, the CEO of Tesla has morphed from space-obsessed billionaire to an icon of the far-right, as well as President Trump’s right-hand man. “It sounds exciting,” Walter told former Times restaurant critic Pete Wells. “[République co-owner Margarita] told me the other day that she wants to buy a Tesla, so I can tell you what side she’s on.” The Manzkes are the veteran chefs behind République, which is equally beloved across the city for its California-inspired French savory menu and Margarita’s James Beard Award-winning pastries. One anonymous user of Reddit reposted the article in the subreddit r/FoodLosAngeles, which fields regular discussion about all matters related to the L.A. dining scene. “Looks like Republique is off my list,” the post title reads. As of publication, the post is the subreddit’s top most-read post for the day.  In response, the Hancock Park restaurant released a statement on its Instagram around 3pm on Friday afternoon. “At République, we believe in focusing on what we do best—creating exceptional food and a welcoming experience for all our guests. In response to a rece

In honor of the restaurant’s 25th anniversary (and while the Mexico City original is closed for repairs), Pujol is coming to L.A. for a 10-day tasting menu stint inside Damian in the Arts District. As first reported in Forbes, between April 22 and 30, chef-owner Enrique Olvera plans to bring back classics from the two Michelin star restaurant’s early days, including a potential ravioli-style avocado with shrimp tartar and a coconut squash blossom soup. Each night will offer two 90-minute tasting menus—one starting around 5:50pm and another at 8:30pm—as first reported in the Los Angeles Times. A portion of the pop-up’s proceeds will benefit local nonprofit No Us Without You, which provides assistance to undocumented workers in the L.A. restaurant industry. A separate beverage pairing featuring agave spirits and Mexican beer and wine will also be available. Reservations for the Pujol pop-up will go live on Friday, March 21 at noon Pacific time, on Damian’s Resy page. Photograph: Courtesy DamianPujol previously popped up inside Damian for the restaurant’s New Year’s Eve Party in 2021. Per the Times, the April pop-up will also include a separate à la carte concept, Molino el Pujol, that will take over Ditroit Taqueria, Damian’s more casual daytime counterpart. The more formal six-course experience, for which pricing has yet to be determined, will definitely offer Pujol’s famous mole madre. The dish uses an approximately decade-old mother sauce that Olvera has continuously added

If you or a loved one have ever paid $27 for a lone sausage and a measly scoop of mashed potatoes at a certain buzzy wine bar and left hungry, you may be entitled to financial compensation.  At least, I wish that were the case. At a time when restaurant math isn’t working for anyone involved, the humble wine bar has ascended in cultural and algorithmic significance as a legitimate dining genre in Los Angeles. For diners, there’s still the thrill of going out to eat, plus less sticker shock, at least upon initial glance at the menu. Still, order more than a few of the carb-heavy, flavor-forward small plates offered at most trendy wine-centric spots—enough to make a full meal—and the grim, undeniable fact remains: The plates are indeed small, the prices don’t always match up and the expectations-to-reality gap, especially after factoring in TikTok or media hype, is usually larger than anticipated. Which is why it’s been such a joy to head down the 405—yes, even during rush hour—and tuck into a meal at Vin Folk, a reasonably priced, deeply satisfying 45-seat bistro in Hermosa Beach. Run almost entirely by trained chefs, this nearly four-month-old restaurant offers a winning menu of French-leaning, globally inspired dishes imbued with the flare of modernist fine dining. Think Singaporean chili crab remixed into a creamy risotto that uses crab caught off the Southern California coast and tender beef tongue flavored with Russian-style spicy horseradish and tatsoi (a type of Asian b

This Wednesday, March 12, Michelin added 15 new restaurants to its California guide, including seven in the Los Angeles area. All additions are considered “recommended” and could go on to receive either a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand (the guide’s budget-friendly category) later this year. Other additions up north include Stationæry in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Four Kings in San Francisco. In L.A., all new guide additions have opened since last summer. Among them you’ll find Tomat in Westchester, which I recently featured in a longform review for its ambitious restaurant garden within smelling distance of the LAX In-N-Out, and West L.A.’s Mori Nozomi, which also earned a profile on its eponymous chef, Nozomi Mori, one of the city’s few rare female sushi chefs. Photograph: Daniel Carranza for Time OutTomat In alphabetical order, the seven L.A. area restaurants are as follows, with full inspector notes available via Michelin’s official press release. All restaurants are within city limits unless otherwise specified; we’ve linked to Time Out’s write-ups for each, and noted our own star designations with brackets.  Bar Etoile [4 stars] Kusano (Culver City)  Mori Nozomi [5 stars] Rasarumah [3 stars] Seline (Santa Monica) Tomat [4 stars] Restaurant Ki [4 stars] For those unfamiliar with how Michelin restaurants are selected, here’s how it works: Anonymous Michelin inspectors travel across a given region, awarding the best of the best anywhere from one to three stars. Here in L.A.,