There are certain cities that stay with you long after you leave, and for me, Los Angeles is one of them:
This guide to where to eat and drink in Los Angeles was originally written after an extended stay in Los Angeles and has been thoughtfully updated to reflect the city as it is today.
It’s not exhaustive (LA never is), but it is personal, and shaped by neighbourhood — because in Los Angeles, where you are matters just as much as what you eat.
If you’re planning your itinerary, you might also enjoy my companion guide to what to see and do in Los Angeles.
Where to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles: A Local-Inspired Guide to LA’s Best Spots
Los Angeles’s restaurants and bars are as varied as its neighbourhoods and also spread out over a large area. In this guide to where to eat and drink in Los Angeles I have grouped the bars and eating places by area to make it easier to plan your day.
Where to Eat and Drink in Beverly Hills & Miracle Mile
There is something undeniably cinematic about Beverly Hills — even if you’ve never been, it somehow feels familiar.
Best for: Elegant shopping breaks, relaxed brunches, and a touch of old Hollywood glamour
When to go: Late morning is ideal — you’ll avoid the crowds on Rodeo Drive and enjoy a quieter, more refined atmosphere. Early evening works beautifully too, especially for a cocktail at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Beverly Hills offers a shoppers’ heaven, located within an area known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, which encompasses world famous Rodeo Drive, the quaint pedestrian ‘Two Rodeo Drive’ and ‘Department Store Row’, where you can find many of the well-known American department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman-Marcus.
If you feel in need of refreshment after all that shopping then you can continue in Julia Roberts’s footsteps and drop into the Beverly Wilshire for a cocktail!
There are several restaurants in the area, notably on Two Rodeo Drive, but there are also many cheaper restaurants on Beverly Drive, Wilshire Drive and West Pico Boulevard.
For something more relaxed, head towards The Grove. It’s one of those rare places that manages to feel both lively and easy. The dancing fountain, the open-air layout, and the gentle hum of conversation give it a distinctly Californian charm.
I still have a soft spot for The Cheesecake Factory, made famous by ‘The Big Bang theory’, for its generous menu, relaxed atmosphere, and, of course, the indulgent desserts.
It’s the kind of place that works when everyone wants something different, as they provide a good value for money selection of pizza, pasta, burgers, steaks, fish, seafood and “superfoods”; and, as the name implies, the choice of cheesecakes is extensive (I have yet to find one I don’t like!!) For a list of locations and the menu; have a look at the Cheesecake Factory site
Just next to the Grove, you will find the ‘Farmer’s Market’, renowned for it’s fresh food stalls and also it’s many healthy eating stalls and restaurants from American to Asian, French, Mexican and Italian. However, you should bear in mind that not all the stalls accept credit cards! For more information have a look at the Farmers Market site
For a more elevated dining experience in this area, République offers a beautiful space, a French-inspired menu, exceptional pastries by day, and refined cuisine by night — a perfect blend of style and substance.
What to order: At République, the pastries are exceptional — perfectly flaky, beautifully presented, and worth arriving early for. If you stay for dinner, opt for dishes designed to share for a more relaxed, Californian-style meal.
Pro tip: Start at The Grove and wander into the Original Farmers Market — it’s one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to experience LA’s food diversity without overplanning.
Where to Eat and Drink in Larchmont Village
Larchmont Village is an oasis of calm amid the bustle of Los Angeles. Although it is small, it has everything you might need, including a drug store, a book- store, a beauty salon, boutiques selling unique items and many coffee shops and restaurants.
Best for: Slow mornings, coffee stops, and a more local, residential feel
When to go: Weekday mornings are particularly peaceful — you’ll see the neighbourhood at its most authentic, with locals stopping for coffee or picking up groceries.
Small, walkable, and quietly charming, it has the feel of a self-contained neighbourhood — the kind of place where people know your local coffee order.
There are many coffee shops and restaurants in Larchmont, including ‘Bricks and Scones‘, ‘Noah’s bagels‘ , ‘Cafe Gratitude‘ and ‘Go Get Em Tiger‘ for excellent coffee and a relaxed, design-led atmosphere.
What to order: Keep it simple — excellent coffee and a light breakfast are all you need here.
Pro tip: Visit on a Sunday morning if you can — the Farmers’ Market makes the whole area feel even more intimate.
Where to Eat and Drink in Hollywood, Los Angeles
Hollywood is often busier and more chaotic than people expect — but hidden within it are some wonderfully original places.
Best for: Unique bars, lively evenings, and something a little unexpected
When to go: Arrive early evening if you want to avoid queues — especially at “No Vacancy” — or later if you’re happy to embrace the full energy of the night.
One of the most unusual bars in Hollywood is ‘No Vacancy‘ and I won’t spoil the surprise, but the entrance to this bar is unique. If you are a large group, you can reserve a table, but otherwise be prepared to get there early and queue. The bar is in a restored Victorian home and the theme is a speakeasy during the prohibition. There is also an outdoor patio which is a perfect location for a summer drink. Be warned that dress code is smart.
Nearby, Good Times at Davey Waynes, which also boasts an unusual entrance, offers a completely different mood — a playful, 1970s-inspired space that feels like stepping into someone’s very eclectic house party.
For food, rather than relying on chains, I would suggest something a little more refined:
Mother Wolf brings Roman-inspired cuisine to Hollywood in a setting that feels both elegant and contemporary — ideal for an evening that feels just a little special.
What to order: Cocktails are the focus here — at Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, go for something playful and slightly nostalgic to match the 1970s vibe.
At Mother Wolf, the handmade pastas and Roman-inspired dishes are the highlight — ideal for a more refined evening out.
Pro tip: Dress slightly up rather than down — many of these venues have a subtle dress code, and you’ll feel more comfortable (and more in tune with the setting).
Where to Eat and Drink in Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA has changed enormously over the years, and it’s now one of the most interesting areas for food and drink.
Best for: Rooftop views, destination dining, and a more contemporary LA feel
When to go: Sunset is the moment here — book ahead at “Perch” for that golden-hour light over the city.
For atmosphere and views, Perch is still hard to beat. Set high above the city, it offers a distinctly European feel — part rooftop bar, part Parisian-inspired brasserie — with sweeping views that are particularly beautiful at sunset.
The main bar and restaurant is on the 15th floor and the setting is beautiful. You can choose to eat in the indoor area or at one of the outside patios, with their amazing views over Los Angeles.
For something more modern, the nearby Bavel is a standout. Its Middle Eastern-inspired menu is vibrant, generous, and designed for sharing — the kind of meal that becomes a highlight of the trip.
What to order: At Bavel, order several dishes to share — the menu is designed for it, and it’s the best way to experience the variety of flavours.
If you prefer a more curated experience, there are also guided food tours in Downtown Los Angeles that include some of the city’s most interesting restaurants and bars.
Pro tip: Plan your evening around one key reservation — Downtown LA is more spread out than it looks, so it’s better to enjoy one place fully than rush between several.
Where to Eat and Drink in Santa Monica
There’s a different rhythm to Santa Monica — softer, slower, shaped by the ocean.
Best for: Beachside dining, relaxed brunches, and sunset drinks
When to go: Morning for a peaceful start by the ocean, or late afternoon into sunset — when Santa Monica is at its most beautiful.
For a relaxed start to the day, a beachfront café like Back on the Beach Cafe is still a lovely choice for breakfast or brunch and is perfectly positioned for a post-brunch walk along the sand (or a siesta).
For drinks, ‘The Bungalow‘, on the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Ocean Ave. , remains as popular as ever. With its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, soft lighting, and slightly nostalgic feel, it’s easy to see why people linger here into the evening. However, be aware that is can get very busy, especially at weekends.
Along Third Street Promenade, you’ll find plenty of casual options, but for something more memorable, I would suggest heading slightly away from the main strip.
Elephante is a beautiful spot for a sunset dinner — Mediterranean-inspired dishes, sea views, and an atmosphere that feels effortlessly polished.
And, if none of these options tempt you, then you can find the Cheesecake Factory and The Curious Palate in the the Santa Monica Place shopping centre.
What to order: At Back on the Beach Cafe, keep things light and simple — breakfast or brunch works best here.
At Elephante, Mediterranean dishes and a glass of wine at sunset create a more elevated experience.
Pro tip: Bring a light layer — even in summer, the ocean breeze can make evenings surprisingly cool.
Where to Eat and Drink in Venice, Abbot Kinney & Marina del Rey
Venice Beach has always had a slightly bohemian edge, and nowhere is that more evident than along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Best for: Bohemian atmosphere, stylish dining, and slow afternoons
When to go: Late morning or early afternoon for browsing Abbot Kinney Boulevard, or early evening for a relaxed dinner before the area gets busy.
Here, you’ll find a thoughtful mix of independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants — it’s one of the most enjoyable places to spend a slow afternoon.
Gjelina is still one of the best-known names in the area, and for good reason. Its seasonal, produce-driven menu captures the essence of Californian dining — fresh, simple, and beautifully executed.
I would also recommend “C&O Cucina“ on Washington Boulevard in Marina del Ray (close to Venice beach). It offers an excellent selection of pasta, and house specialities, such as fire-grilled shrimp and chicken picatta and the garlic dough balls are delicious!
What to order: At Gjelina, seasonal vegetables and wood-fired dishes are the standout — simple, fresh, and very Californian.
At C&O, lean into the comforting Italian classics — generous, unfussy, and perfect for sharing.
Pro tip: Combine Venice Beach with Abbot Kinney in one visit — start with a walk along Venice Beach, then move inland for a more curated, design-led experience.
Rooftop Bars in Los Angeles: Where to Drink Above the City
There is something about Los Angeles at sunset that invites you to slow down — and nowhere is that more apparent than from above.
Rooftop bars are part of the city’s rhythm: a place to pause after a long day, to take in the light as it softens, and to see Los Angeles from a slightly different perspective.
When to go: Sunset is the moment — but it’s also the busiest. If you prefer a quieter experience, arrive earlier and linger as the light changes.
One of the most atmospheric remains Perch, where a distinctly European feel meets sweeping views of Downtown LA. Arrive just before sunset and stay as the city lights begin to flicker on.
For something more modern, Harriet’s Rooftop offers a more contemporary setting, with panoramic views that stretch across the city — ideal for an elegant early evening drink.
Closer to the coast, Elephante brings together sea views, Mediterranean flavours, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere that works beautifully at golden hour.
Perched above Beverly Hills, The Rooftop at The Waldorf Astoria offers sweeping views across the city, with the ocean visible in the distance on a clear day. The atmosphere is calm and polished — less about being seen, more about enjoying the moment. If you’re looking for a rooftop that feels effortlessly refined, this is one of the most elegant in the city.
What to order: Keep it simple: a well-made cocktail or a glass of wine. These are places where the setting is just as important as what’s in your glass.
Pro tip: Choose just one rooftop per evening and enjoy it fully — it’s far more memorable than trying to fit in several.
Planning Your LA Food Itinerary
Los Angeles is vast, and distances can be deceptive. The best way to experience it is to plan your days by neighbourhood — choosing one or two areas at a time, and allowing space to enjoy them properly.
Pro tip: Resist the temptation to do too much in one day — in Los Angeles, the most memorable moments are often the ones you don’t rush.
Final Thoughts on Where to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is not a city you “complete” — it’s one you experience in moments.
- a long lunch that turns into an afternoon.
- a rooftop drink as the sun sets over the city.
- a quiet coffee in a neighbourhood you almost didn’t visit.
This guide to where to eat and drink in Los Angeles is simply a starting point — a collection of places that shaped my own time there, now updated with a few new discoveries I would happily return to. If you’re planning your own Los Angeles itinerary, you might also enjoy my guide to what to see and do in Los Angeles.
If you enjoyed this feature, I would really appreciate it if you would share it. You can do this by saving any of the images to your Pinterest board or clicking on one of the icons below the post to share to Twitter, Facebook or Linked’In, and you can also share it by email to just one person (or more) by clicking on the email icon below.
I will be back soon with more city guides and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,
With love,
Great spots and reccomendations!! Thanks for sharing Julia
xx
Marcy
Thanks for reading Marcy xx
I’ve never been to Los Angeles but I do want to go one day, thanks for the travelers tips!
Have a wonderful day, xx
My Vogue Style
Thank you so much Camila! Have a great day too xx
Amazing post! Makes me want to visit LA soon.
Happy weekend!
Thank you! Happy weekend to you too!
I love your blog, thank you for sharing!
xoxo, Hadasah
http://www.styletolove.com
Thank you so much Hadasah! Have a great weekend xx
I loved this travel post! I’m such a big foodie especially when I travel! I had such an amazing time in Santa Monica the last time I visited LA too! Seems almost like you’re visiting a different place!
xoxo Rina
Thank you for reading x
I have never been!! makes me excited to come visit!
Thank you! 🙂
Seems absolutely amazing place to visit, I love your post, truly inspiring, thank you for sharing!!!
xxx
Thank you Nora! It’s definitely worth a visit! xx
Honestly , i have booked mark your post ! We are planning are trip to LA … Your posts will be a super guide ! Thanks girl …. Hope you had a time of your life .
Hira ,
Thank you Hira! I’m so glad that you found it useful! Hope you have a great trip to LA! xo
What a wonderful post!! I love Perch!! =) Next time I travel to France, I’ll have to hit you up for recommendations!
xoxo,
Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie! I agree Perch was one of the highlights of my trip!! 🙂
I always wanted to visit LA and to live there 🙁
I hope you get to visit soon! 🙂
I want to go to L.A. right now! Ahhhh! Thanks for sharing these places – adding them to my bucket list haha!
Thank you Emily!
I needed this list for my visit haha. Although I did check out the farmers market in The Grove it was so cute and everything was delicious
Filipa xxx
PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram
Thank you Filipa! The Farmers market is definitely worth a visit! Next time I can definitely recommend some of the bars too! 🙂
No Vacancy, Davey Wayne’s, and Bungalow are some of my favorite bars here!
Mine too Colleen! xo
This is such an incredibly helpful post, especially for someone like me who’s never been to LA before! I’ve heard that there are so many options, which can certainly be overwhelming as a first timer, so this is great! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thank you so much Jalisa! I’m so glad you found it helpful! xo
I’m dying to go to LA and your pictures are not helping things! Everything looks delicious!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Thank you Siffat! Have a great weekend x
This is so helpful, thanks! I will be there in a month!
mallory
Hope you have a great time there Mallory 🙂
OMG! Those food photos are so mouth watering! <3
Angelie
Thank you for reading 🙂
Thanks for sharing this post with us! I plan to travel to L.A. one day soon and I’m sure this will be useful to me, as I love to eat and drink 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/ivory-gone-luxe/
Thank you Candace! I love to eat and drink too!
Have a great trip to LA! 🙂
It all looks fantastic! So many things to do! I would love Santa Monica! Have to love Hollywood too
Thank you – Santa Monica is amazing xx
So many nice places to eat and the foods are mouth-watering. This will come in handy with me when I visit LA one day 🙂 Thank you!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you 🙂
All of this food looks delicious! We are hoping to plan a trip to California next summer, I have never been. I need to remember this post!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you Carrie! I hope you have a great trip to California xo
I just moved to LA a few month ago so that post is perefect, thank you! xo, Sophia
Thank you for reading! Enjoy LA xo
I wanted to try Gjelina when I was in town but didn’t have enough time. I will next time!
Great post!!!
Meghan
Thank you for reading Meghan! Hope you get to try Gjelina next time! xo
Great list! I just moved to LA so I can definitely use this!
Xx
Molly
Thank you! Have fun in LA! I wish I was still there! xo
Wow just amazing, I would love to visit these places too.
xoxo
flowery
http://www.beautynature.ch
Thank you x
Very nice! I love LA!
http://sbr-fashion-fashion.blogspot.com/
Me too! It’s a great place !
This makes me want to visit LA so badly, especially after seeing how delicious that pancake looks!
Thank you! Yes, the pancake was delicious! xo
Wow, all the food looks so delicious and such great tips! Would love to visit LA one day! x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Thank you! I hope you get to visit LA! It’s worth the trip! xx
Great shots! All this yummy food makes me hungry!
xx
Jen
http://www.belledecouture.com/2016/07/cactus-poms.html
Thank you Jen! It’s making me hungry too! 🙂
What a great post! I’ve lived in LA for three years now and still haven’t tried most of these. Life of a hermit. Haha! But it’s definitely time to go out more now that it’s summer and try new things. Can’t wait to go down this list! 🙂 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
Hope you enjoy them Sharon! xo
The grove is one of my favorite places to eat!
xoxo, Candice
Me too Candice! I wish I was still in LA! xx
Great suggestions! I love the farmers market at the Grove! I would also suggest trying Korean BBQ – so good in LA!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Thank you Tina! The Farmers market is great and thanks for the tip about the Korean BBQ!
Wow.. thanks for sharing this girl. I always wanted to go to LA. What a lovely post and amazing pics. Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!
Have a great week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Thank you so much Len! Have a great weekend xx
All of these photos makes me so hungry!
I know! Me too! 🙂
Definitely need this post when I hit up LA later this summer! 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you for reading! 🙂
I love LA! I’ll definitely keep these addresses in mind next time I go !! 🙂 Xx
Thank you for reading x
helpful tips. i am going to Las Angeles tomorrow. will visit these places.
Thank you Maria! Hope you have a great time in LA! xo
My husband and I are taking a road trip to LA in a few weeks, so I’ll definitely have to check some of these places out! I love The Grove!
Jamie
Thank you Jamie! The Grove is definitely a great place to while away a few hours!
LOVE the post and it’s so timely too since I’ll be there this Thur! I took note of your fave places, thanks! 🙂
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you Vanessa! I saw that you were heading out to Cali! Hope you have a great time and I can’t wait to see all your photos! xo
Amazing.. I will have to keep this in mind if I ever visit there! I always love to make new blogger friends by the way, let me know if you would like to follow each other and stay in touch! x
adelelydia.blogspot.com
Thank you Adele! I will definitely head over to your blog x
Next time try Old Town Pasadena – only old by California standards but a lot like a European city centre the kind you walk around with a mix of boutiques, bars and restaurants
Thank you Martin! I will definitely try this next time (which I hope will be soon!) xx
The food looks so delicious, lovely tips! Love frozen yogurt, always add too much topping though hahah! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thank you! I love frozen yogurt too and it is really easy to add too much topping!
Wonderful post, I’m ready for my lunch now that’s for sure 😀
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you Gemma x
Great roundup of places in LA! Thanks for the holiday wishes. This post is making me hungry. Have a wonderful week Julia!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you Kathrine!
Oh, this makes me want to go and eat in LA! Such cool places!
Thank you 🙂