12 Most Unique Restaurants in Los Angeles for Foodies

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Los Angeles is a city that knows how to do food right. I’ve visited several times over the years, and each trip has taken me to some of the coolest dining spots you can imagine. Whether you’re having sushi with a sunset view in Malibu, enjoying rooftop tacos in Downtown LA, or savoring authentic street food in the heart of Koreatown, LA’s food scene never disappoints.

The city is packed with foodie-friendly neighborhoods, from the trendy cafes of Silver Lake to the hidden gems of Venice Beach. It’s a mix of flavors, cultures, and dining styles that makes every meal an adventure. Here are 12 of the most unique and fun restaurants in Los Angeles that you absolutely need to check out!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this Downtown LA food tour. They bring you to six eateries, including bakeries and ethnic food restaurants. You also get to hear a lot about LA and Hollywood history, and its local food scene. This tour is an absolute must-do on any Los Angeles itinerary in my opinion.

Unique Restaurants in Los Angeles, California: 12 Coolest Places to Eat in LA

Are you eager to explore the most unique restaurants in Los Angeles? There’s an extensive array of places to eat in LA that cater to all tastes and budgets. Are you looking for a rooftop dining experience with panoramic city views? Or would you prefer a cozy, hidden bistro tucked away in a historic alley? Whatever your palate desires, Los Angeles has it all. Here’s your in-depth guide to the most unique restaurants in Los Angeles.

1. Yamashiro Hollywood

• 📍 Location: Hollywood Hills (Above Hollywood Blvd)
• 💲 Price range: $60-$120+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cal-Asian, Sushi
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic Japanese palace, panoramic city views, garden courtyard.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic dates, special occasions, and impressive views.

High up in the Hollywood Hills, Yamashiro offers dining with truly epic city views. Built in 1914 as a replica of a Japanese palace, this historic spot provides incredible panoramic vistas. Enjoy flavorful Cal-Asian cuisine and fresh sushi in a setting that feels miles away.

The atmosphere is undeniably romantic. Consider their signature sushi rolls, like the “Yamashiro Roll”. Fresh sashimi platters or flavorful miso-glazed black cod and the crispy rice spicy tuna are also excellent choices. Grabbing cocktails at the Pagoda Bar at sunset is a must.

2. Redbird

• 📍 Location: Downtown LA (DTLA – Historic Core)
• 💲 Price range: $80-$150+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American
• 🔥 Standout Features: Former cathedral rectory, stunning architecture, retractable roof.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Architecture lovers, sophisticated dinners, and special celebrations.

In DTLA’s Historic Core, Redbird resides within the former rectory of St. Vibiana’s Cathedral, a seriously impressive setting. The restaurant blends historic architecture with modern design, especially in the main dining room under a retractable glass roof. Chef Neal Fraser delivers refined Modern American dishes.

Trying their New Zealand Tai Snapper with uni and yuzu is a good plan. The barbecue smoked tofu with kimchi fried rice or their perfectly cooked aged ribeye and the Parker House Rolls are also standouts. Don’t sleep on the top-notch cocktails.

3. Barton G. The Restaurant

• 📍 Location: West Hollywood
• 💲 Price range: $150 – $250 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Experiential / Theatrical
• 🔥 Standout Features: Outrageous dish presentations, liquid nitrogen cocktails, celebratory atmosphere, Instagram-famous food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Milestone birthdays, bachelorette parties, and anyone who loves a spectacle.

This isn’t just dinner; it’s a show where your plate is the stage. Barton G. The Restaurant is an experience where everything is a huge production. The room buzzes with gasps and laughter as servers deliver dishes with wild props. It’s loud, it’s flashy, and it is an unbelievably fun night out from start to finish.

The food is as wild as the theatrics. The laughing bird popcorn shrimp arrives in a real popcorn machine. For a showstopper, get Marie Antoinette’s head—a towering cotton candy wig on a mannequin. Another classic is the dolla dolla bills y’all dessert, a giant chocolate gold bar that’s pure, edible fun.

4. The Magic Castle

• 📍 Location: Hollywood
• 💲 Price range: $$$$ (Invite needed + drinks/dinner cost)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Continental (Secondary to experience)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Exclusive magicians club, multiple magic theaters, strict dress code, historic mansion.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Magic enthusiasts, unique LA experiences, and special celebrations.

Getting into The Magic Castle is part of the allure – it’s a private club, so you need an invite. Once inside this historic Hollywood mansion, you’re transported into the exclusive world of the Academy of Magical Arts. Adhere to the dress code for this enchanting evening!

Classic American dinner is served, like prime rib or grilled salmon. A traditional Caesar salad is a popular starter, and the New York cheesecake is a favored dessert. The real stars are the world-class magicians and the enchanting, old-world atmosphere.

5. Guelaguetza

• 📍 Location: Koreatown
• 💲 Price range: $25-$50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Oaxacan Mexican
• 🔥 Standout Features: James Beard Award winner, premier Oaxacan cuisine, complex moles, live music.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies seeking authenticity, mole lovers, and cultural experiences.

Often called the temple of Oaxacan cuisine, Guelaguetza in Koreatown is a must-visit. This vibrant, family-run James Beard winner brings authentic Southern Mexico flavors to life. They’re legendary for incredibly complex and flavorful moles that transport you to Oaxaca.

Trying their mole negro with chicken or pork is essential. The tlayudas (large, thin crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and meat) or the rich barbacoa de chivo (goat barbecue), and the chapulines (grasshoppers) are also fantastic. The atmosphere is always buzzing.

6. Clifton’s Republic

• 📍 Location: Downtown LA (DTLA – Historic Core / Broadway)
• 💲 Price range: $$-$$$ (Varies by bar/floor)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cocktails / Bar Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic multi-level venue, themed bars, massive fake redwood.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Explorers, themed bar enthusiasts, and history buffs.

Clifton’s Republic isn’t just a bar; it’s a fantastical multi-story exploration in a historic DTLA building. Discover multiple themed bars across several floors – wander through an indoor forest, find the hidden tiki bar (Pacific Seas), or sip in an Art Deco lounge.

It’s less about a sit-down meal and more about exploring. Grab creative cocktails like a classic “Mai Tai” in Pacific Seas or an “Old Fashioned” in the Monarch Bar. Some bars offer small bites or bar snacks like coconut shrimp. Check out the quirky taxidermy displays.

7. Musso & Frank Grill

• 📍 Location: Hollywood Blvd
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $120 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Old-School American / Steakhouse / Classic Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Oldest restaurant in Hollywood, iconic red booths, legendary martinis, career waiters in red jackets.
• 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs, classic cocktail fans, and anyone wanting a true taste of Old Hollywood.

Step into Musso & Frank Grill and you’re instantly transported back in time. As Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, its red leather booths have seated screen legends for over a century. The vibe is pure classic, with career waiters in sharp red jackets and the timeless sound of martinis being shaken at the bar.

This is the undisputed home of the classic martini, and getting one is practically a requirement. For food, the kitchen still uses the original recipe for its famously creamy fettuccine alfredo. Another must-try is the light, crepe-like flannel cakes—an insider favorite you can order any time of day.

8. The Last Bookstore

• 📍 Location: Downtown LA (DTLA – Historic Core)
• 💲 Price range: $ (Free to browse, cost of books/art)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: N/A (Experience/Retail)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Largest CA used/new bookstore, iconic book tunnel, grand former bank.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Book lovers, photographers, and explorers.

Okay, not a restaurant, but The Last Bookstore is an essential DTLA experience. Housed in a stunning old bank building, it’s California’s largest independent bookstore – a paradise for book lovers. Get lost wandering the massive collection, but check out the cool book sculptures.

No food here, but it’s perfect for browsing before or after grabbing food nearby. The famous book tunnel is a must-see photo op. Head upstairs to browse the artist studios and galleries of the Spring Arts Collective. It’s a unique cultural hub.

9. Cafe Gratitude

• 📍 Location: Multiple (Larchmont, Arts District, Venice, Newport Beach)
• 💲 Price range: $20-$40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Plant-Based / Vegan / Organic
• 🔥 Standout Features: 100% plant-based organic, affirmation dish names, bright airy vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegans/Vegetarians, health-conscious eaters, and brunch/lunch crowds.

Cafe Gratitude is a go-to across LA for vibrant, feel-good vegan food. Everything on the menu is 100% organic and plant-based, served in bright, welcoming spaces. Dishes are named as positive affirmations – you’ll order by saying “I Am…”

Expect creative salads and hearty bowls. The “I Am Humble” (a delicious quinoa bowl with Indian curry sauce) is a standout. The “I Am Magical” (a great veggie burger with black beans) or their flavorful kelp noodle pad thai, and the “I Am Grateful” bowl are also popular.

10. 71Above

• 📍 Location: Downtown LA (DTLA – Financial District, US Bank Tower)
• 💲 Price range: $90-$180+ per person (Prix-fixe menu focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Highest restaurant west of Mississippi, 360-degree panoramic views, US Bank Tower.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Stunning views, special occasions, and romantic dinners.

For views that will take your breath away, head to 71Above near the top of DTLA’s US Bank Tower. Sitting 950 feet high, it offers incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the LA basin. The vibe is sleek, modern, and upscale.

The food matches the setting, featuring elegant Modern American fine dining. Consider their scallop crudo with citrus and chili. A tender dry-aged duck breast or the rich Wagyu beef tartare, and the poached oysters are also exquisite choices. It’s a splurge for that view.

11. Bestia

• 📍 Location: Arts District (DTLA)
• 💲 Price range: $70-$130+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Rustic Italian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed rustic Italian, industrial-chic, house-cured meats, bone marrow.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Serious foodies, trendy dinners, and group sharing plates.

Still reigning as one of LA’s hottest reservations, Bestia in the Arts District consistently delivers phenomenal rustic Italian food. Set in a buzzy, industrial-chic warehouse, the restaurant excels at bold flavors and house-cured charcuterie. Book early for this coveted spot!

Their roasted bone marrow with spinach gnocchetti is a must-try. Creative handmade pastas, like the cavatelli alla Norcina (ricotta dumplings, sausage, truffle), or perfectly blistered wood-fired pizzas such as the margherita, and the pan-roasted chicken are exceptional.

12. Guisados

• 📍 Location: Multiple (Boyle Heights, Echo Park, DTLA, West Hollywood, Burbank, etc.)
• 💲 Price range: $10-$20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Mexican Braised Tacos
• 🔥 Standout Features: Braised stews (guisados), handmade corn tortillas, unique taco fillings.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Taco lovers, authentic Mexican food seekers, and quick & casual bites.

Guisados stands out in LA’s taco scene by focusing on homestyle guisados – deeply flavorful, slow-braised meat and veggie stews. Served generously on thick, fresh handmade corn tortillas, these aren’t your average tacos. The vibe is super casual and always bustling.

Getting the sampler plate to try six different mini-tacos is a smart move. Standouts include the cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), rich mole poblano with chicken, or the spicy tinga de pollo. The steak picado is another favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Most Unique Restaurants in Los Angeles, CA

Are you looking for more information about where to eat in LA? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Los Angeles’s most unique restaurants.

What food is unique to Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is renowned for its street tacos, which are a testament to the city’s rich Latin heritage. These tacos, often filled with grilled meats, fresh salsas, and creamy guacamole, are a staple in the LA food scene. Additionally, the city’s fresh seafood, especially the Pacific salmon, is a dish that truly captures the essence of LA’s culinary prowess.

What is the food scene like in Los Angeles?

Absolutely! Los Angeles boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene that caters to a range of palates. From its world-class restaurants and trendy cafes to its bustling food markets and street food stalls, LA offers a culinary experience that is both rich and varied. The city’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and its innovative culinary techniques make it a food lover’s paradise.

What are the most popular restaurants in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is home to a plethora of renowned restaurants. Some of the city’s favorites include the upscale dining at Canlis, the unique Italian-American flavors at The Pink Door, and the authentic Caribbean delights at Un Bien. For seafood aficionados, The Crab Pot and The Walrus and the Carpenter are must-visit spots.

Where do celebrities dine in Los Angeles?

Celebrities in Los Angeles often dine at exclusive and upscale restaurants where privacy is as much a part of the menu as the food. Some of the popular celebrity hangouts include:

1. Nobu Malibu – A hotspot for sushi and ocean views, frequented by stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian.
2. Craig’s – Located in West Hollywood, this American eatery is a favorite of George Clooney and Jennifer Aniston.
3. Spago – Owned by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, this Beverly Hills institution attracts A-listers like Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey.
4. The Ivy – Known for its floral décor and British-inspired menu, it’s a popular spot for celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Victoria Beckham.
5. Chateau Marmont – This iconic Hollywood hotel has a restaurant that’s a magnet for celebrities; everyone from John Belushi to Lindsay Lohan has been spotted here.
6. Giorgio Baldi – An Italian restaurant in Santa Monica that’s a favorite of Rihanna and Taylor Swift.
7. Catch LA – A seafood-focused restaurant in West Hollywood where you might spot celebrities like Kylie Jenner or Mariah Carey.
8. Gjelina – Located in Venice, this trendy spot is popular with stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman.
9. Delilah – A modern-day supper club that attracts a young, hip crowd including Drake and the Hadid sisters.
10. BOA Steakhouse – A high-end steakhouse in West Hollywood where you might see celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sofia Vergara.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan specialties in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a haven for vegetarians and vegans. The city offers a variety of plant-based dishes that are both delicious and innovative. From vegan sushi rolls to plant-based burgers and dairy-free ice creams, LA is at the forefront of the vegetarian and vegan culinary movement. One must-try is the vegan ramen, which has gained immense popularity among locals and tourists alike.

What is the most famous food in LA?

The most famous food in Los Angeles has to be the street taco, a culinary staple that captures the city’s rich cultural diversity and love for casual dining. Tacos in LA come in many forms, from traditional Mexican styles to innovative fusion variations. Food trucks and taco stands throughout the city serve up these handheld delights, often late into the night.

However, LA’s food scene is incredibly diverse, so tacos are just the tip of the iceberg. The city is also known for its sushi, thanks in part to a large Japanese community. Additionally, LA is famous for its health-conscious cuisine like avocado toast, acai bowls, and various vegan options.

From food trucks to fine dining, Los Angeles offers a culinary experience as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic In-N-Out Burger or a gourmet meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, LA has something to satisfy every palate.

How does Los Angeles’s food scene compare to other major cities?

Los Angeles’s food scene stands out due to its diverse cultural influences and commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. While cities like New York and Chicago have their own culinary identities, LA’s food landscape is a melting pot of flavors, from Asian to Latin and Mediterranean. This diversity, combined with the city’s innovative culinary techniques, positions LA as a significant gastronomic hub on the global stage.

Can I find international cuisines in Los Angeles?

Definitely! Los Angeles is a global city, and its food scene reflects that. You can find authentic dishes from almost every corner of the world. Craving some spicy Korean BBQ, aromatic Indian curries, or savory Mediterranean kebabs? LA has got you covered. The city’s multicultural population ensures that there’s a wide variety of international cuisines available, each offering a taste of home for the city’s diverse residents.

Recap on LA’s Unique Restaurants

Los Angeles, with its iconic landmarks and star-studded streets, holds another gem within its vast expanse: a dynamic and ever-evolving dining scene. From the bustling streets of Downtown to the serene beaches of Malibu, each restaurant and café offers a distinct experience that resonates with the city’s eclectic vibe. And there are so many cities and towns nearby with their own amazing food scenes! Take Irvine and Riverside, for example. SoCal is truly a paradise for foodies!

With influences spanning from Asia to Latin America and beyond, LA’s dining scene is a vibrant mix of flavors and cultures. It’s a place where you can savor a bowl of authentic ramen in Little Tokyo by day and indulge in fresh ceviche by the Santa Monica Pier by night. This diversity is what makes the city’s food scene stand out on the global stage.

In all, Los Angeles offers a gastronomic landscape that’s as diverse and captivating as its skyline, inviting food lovers to explore and savor its gastronomy.