The Top Restaurants in Los Angeles You Have To Try
Posted by Johnny Ice on June 17 2025
Los Angeles doesn’t just serve food—it serves unforgettable experiences. Here are the top 5 restaurants you simply can't miss, each for its unique flavor, ambiance, and cultural impact.
1. n/naka (Palms – Michelin-starred Kaiseki)
Chef Niki Nakayama’s two-Michelin-starred kaiseki temple is an edible art gallery. Each dish weaves storytelling with immaculate technique and seasonal Californian ingredients. With only 26 seats and a 13-course tasting menu, dining here is a highly curated, intimate journey into Japanese cuisine—a bucket-list experience.
2. Orsa & Winston (Downtown LA – French-Japanese Fusion)
Chef Josef Centeno blends Japanese precision with Italian and French flair at this Michelin-recommended gem. The 33-seat modern dining room delivers an innovative, globally inspired menu—ideal for those craving refined fusion in a relaxed, artful atmosphere.
3. Camphor (Arts District – French with South Asian Influence)
A daring spin on French bistro classics, Camphor impresses with dishes like duck à l’orange and crab rice enhanced by Southeast Asian spices. Housed in a minimalist, zen-like space, it’s a top pick for diners wanting both creativity and serenity in one plate.
A benchmark for sustainable fine dining, Providence is Michael Cimarusti’s seafood sanctuary. Expect impeccably sourced uni, lobster, and abalone served in an elegant, intimate dining room. It’s the standard-bearer for oceanic haute cuisine in L.A.
A Yelp Top 100 and Michelin-listed darling, Holbox brings Mayan-inspired seafood—ceviche, grilled octopus, fish tacos—to the lively Mercado La Paloma. Casual yet thrillingly delicious, it delivers fresh coastal flavors with an unpretentious vibe that feels authentically Angelino.
Why These Stand Out
Restaurant
Why Go?
n/naka
Immersive, artful, and tenderly precise tasting-menu journey
Orsa & Winston
Sophisticated global fusion in a charming, intimate setting
Camphor
Bold, refined French classics with a creative twist
Providence
Premier sustainable seafood in a luxurious fine-dining space
Holbox
Festive, fresh Mexican seafood with a community vibe
Tips for Visitors
Book early: n/naka, Providence, and Orsa & Winston fill up months in advance.
Dress smart: Fine‑dining calls for business‑casual attire.
Go casual at Holbox: No reservations needed—just show up ready for flavor.
Embrace tasting menus: Most of these restaurants shine when you let the chef lead.
From Michelin-starred masterpieces to vibrant street‑style feasts, these five restaurants showcase the best of L.A.'s culinary landscape—must-visit destinations for locals and travelers alike.
Frank
