Central Downtown La Restaurants

Boasting a decidedly contemporary and chic décor, BOA Steakhouse is a refreshingly unpretentious steakhouse. Serving classic steakhouse fare in a particularly un-classic setting, BOA brings a fresh, modern face to the “surf and turf” dining concept. While you’ll find all the old favorites—petit filet mignon, dry-aged New York strip, Maine and Australian lobster—creative fare also peppers the menu. Begin with the Table-Side Prime Steak Tartare, and then move on to favorites like the Chilean Sea Bass and the American Kobe Beef Flat Iron Steak. But the ultimate decadence may just be the foie gras butter you’ll find gracing your Kobe … Learn More »

Chameau offers exotic southern French and Moroccan cuisine while using the freshest ingredients. The menu is seasonal and changes every three months. This restaurant makes its own bread, handmade couscous from semolina, fresh yogurt, creams, and vinegars. Couscous is their specialty and is created in many variations. The atmosphere is very colorful with bright reds and blues that illuminate the restaurant. The décor is detailed with a Moroccan style. If guests would like to take a piece of this French-Moroccan cuisine home, marinated olives, harissa sauce, preserved lemon dip, eggplant dip, and argan oil are available for purchase. Learn More »

Located in the trendy Melrose district of West Hollywood, Pizzeria Mozza touts some of the biggest names in the culinary world: founding partners Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. With a trio like that at the helm, you know you can expect something good. If you’re not feeling like pizza try Nancy’s chopped salad or Monday’s dish of the day, featuring Ricotta cannelloni. With a fun, informal atmosphere Mozza offers the opportunity for a fantastic meal. Avoid the hassle of waiting and be sure to book in advance. Learn More »

Lola’s in West Los Angeles is a popular hangout featuring eclectic cuisine that combines classic comfort food with the glitter and glam of new Hollywood. The bar is famous for creating the Apple Martini, and along with that signature cocktail, the bar serves up well over 50 other custom Martinis. That is right, over 50! Brunch on the weekends is immensely popular as well, and it is no wonder, with 10 flavors of mimosas and 7 unique bloody marys. Nevertheless, enough about the booze, the food at Lola’s is just as popular as the drinks. Dishes like the Baked Brie … Learn More »

On Melrose, along a popular strip of hip West Hollywood restaurants, Lucques retains its standing as an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, and drinks. In its eighth year, the restaurant excels with its short-list of savory French-Mediterranean cuisine combining subtle, yet distinct, flavors with fish, poultry, and meat. Executive Chef Suzanne Goin uses seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are inventive, fresh, and flavorful. While not extensive, the selections are sufficiently unique to appease finicky Angelenos and most likely tantalize them to return. The wine list is extensive and hand selected by co-owner Caroline Styne. Learn More »

Sushi Chef Hiro Nishimura’s restaurant certainly lives up to his name. The atmosphere here is soothing and intimate; to get to the restaurant diners walk through a Japanese garden out front. Amid the minimally decorated dining room, the sushi shines, with Chef Nishimura’s master hand creating some of the best sushi and sashimi in Los Angeles. In addition to sushi, hot Japanese dishes are also served, although it is the raw creations particularly the succulent toro, that have built Nishimura’s flawless reputation. Learn More »

Inspired by coastal living, Providence in Mid Wilshire offers diners an assortment of the world’s finest wild seafood and shellfish presented in a pure and simple form. Chefs Michael Cimarusti and Donato Poto have developed a menu of exceptional quality influenced by the treasures of the ocean. In addition to noteworthy cuisine and excellent service, an excellent selection of wine graces Providence's walls, showcased in an elegant glass cellar in the restaurant. Diners can order a la carte, a tasting menu, as well as the chef menu. For those looking to sample the tasting and chef menus, be aware that … Learn More »

At Xiomara Melrose, Executive Chef and owner Xiomara Ardolina masterfully crafts exotic, Cuban-influenced dishes that pay homage to the home cooking she grew up with. A hint of fine dining mingles with authentic and flavorful Cuban traditions, resulting in such diverse dishes as Nicaraguan Skirt Steak with huitlacoche and blue cheese mashed potatoes, and Chino Latino Pan Seared Duck Breast atop a sautéed plantain and portobello mushroom with soy ginger cilantro sauce. Almost everything is house made, right down to the fresh squeezed cane juice in the famous mojitos. While situated in a prime location in the middle of Melrose … Learn More »

Simplicity and authenticy are two words that describe this traditional Osteria. A tiny place, yet a busy room where guests rave about the great food and ambience. A special in olives, polenta and scallops are among the wonderful eats at this great place! Learn More »

A slice of Old Hollywood, Dan Tana’s is still a place to grab a hearty bite to eat while gazing at the stars of the big screen. For more than 45 years, this Hollywood institution has served patrons heaping portions of Italian fare. The staff at Dan Tana’s is nearly as renowned as the client list, Mike the bartender, regarded by many patrons as a Los Angeles treasure, still serves up stiff drinks to those looking to whet their whistles while waiting for a table. Reservations are mandatory, as the restaurant is on the small side, and demand always outstrips … Learn More »

Sparkling lights line the welcoming patio at Il Piccolino Trattoria where the atmosphere is cozy and romantic. The menu offers a range of both casual and exquisite Italian fare, and the service is some of the most gracious around. The kitchen utilizes organic, local, and sustainable produce when possible. The house bread is vegan and the only cooking oil used is extra virgin olive oil, be it for dressing, cooking or frying. Other fine attentions to detail include Balsamic vinegar aged at least a decade, natural gray sea salt, daily fresh seafood, and house made salad dressings. With an eye … Learn More »

Chef Suzanne Tracht’s has rejuvenated proverbial American cuisine through her newest bistro, Jar, creating tangy and zestful editions of classic favorites. Her signature Kansas City Steak and Prime Porterhouse can be sided with her award winning French Fries, made scrumptious by being dusted with garlic and parsley, or the Creamy Spinach, both buttery and rich. The delectable menu ties in well with the warm setting, wrapped in browns and hues of orange. The minimalist décor allows one to experience the retro-modish theme of Jar’s 1940’s-premised dining room. Come enjoy this new twist on American cuisine. Learn More »

Koi Restaurant group has claimed prime real estate in some of the trendiest cities in the world, from New York to Bangkok. The Los Angeles branch of Koi Restaurant, located in West Hollywood on Cienega Boulevard between Waring and Melrose, is the place to be for those who want to be seen. This chic restaurant and lounge serves ultra modern Japanese fusion plates in a modernly decorated atmosphere with a Zen sensibility. Food is arranged with the same aesthetic harmony, blending traditional Japanese ingredients with California style. Just order the Hamachi Fusion to understand this unification. Thin slices of yellowtail … Learn More »

La Bohème rhapsodizes with a quintuplet of dazzling crystal chandeliers looming majestically overhead in a large, yet intimate two-tiered dining space. The semi-private booths downstairs and the rock star booths upstairs, along with the opulent ruby-red décor glimmering softly under the glow of two huge open fireplaces make this seductive bistro one of the a romantic destinations in L.A. Guests are also welcome to dine on the Garden Patio, Café La Boheme’s own al fresco paradise, where they can bask in the warmth of a beautiful fireplace framed by roses and greenery. For more casual diners, the bar lounge offers … Learn More »

The cozy and urban Madeo features a warm and comforting atmosphere, with an immense wood bar and curved booths set among old black-and-white photos of old Italy. The immensely popular hangout offers a varied selection of Northern Italian cuisine, with dishes that include mouth watering veal-stuffed ravioli, classic pizza Margherita, and whole striped bass. The made in-house desserts are the finale to this authentic show, with delights such as mille-feuille with pastry cream and ricotta cheesecake. Learn More »

In a city where restaurants vie for celebrity patronage and flashy presentations sometimes precede flavor, The Palm Steakhouse in West Hollywood remains the unpretentious favorite of locals and celebrities alike. Since its opening in 1975, The Palm has been garnering a crowd of devoted followers with its simple, stunning presentations of high quality meat, seafood, and favorite Italian classics, like Veal Scallopine and Linguini with Clam Sauce. Its lively atmosphere, generous portions, and highly attentive service make The Palm an ideal destination for a special occasion dinner, even as the relaxed bar scene invites old friends to re-connect over a … Learn More »

In Mid-City West LA on 3rd Avenue and S Croft Avenue, patrons enter the rock-clad building of Sushi Roku to experience innovative Japanese preparations that utilize ingredients unusual for a sushi restaurant. Sushi Roku’s menu features traditional nigiri and sushi rolls, but selections like the Salmon Carpaccio in truffle soy vinaigrette will excite guests’ palates with generous flakes of shaved black truffle. Edamane Hummus and the Albacore Tacos are bite-sized tributes to the clash of cultures found in LA. For those adventurous guests, the Sushi chefs are always happy to prepare untraditional dishes like halibut with kumquats, or toasted scallops … Learn More »

Set in a cozy yet elegant atmosphere reminiscent of Hollywood's past, The Tower Bar offers knockout views of the city coupled with an exclusive atmosphere. A live pianist hammers out famous jazz tunes while stylish diners chat over elegant cocktails, before being served selections from Chef Dakota Weiss's elegant menu. The cuisine is light French and Italian-inspired California cuisine, and the wine list offers a perfect pairing for entrees ranging from Sautéed Ruby Red Snapper to Braised Short Ribs. A "no cell phones, no photographs" policy makes the dining room a safe haven for even the most famous of celebrities, … Learn More »

Aroma settles in a quaint venue that is nestled away off West Sunset Boulevard. Patrons can feel like they are in a very homey Italian eatery surrounded by friends and family. The atmosphere is laid back and classy at the same time due to the inclusion of several paintings across the walls. Enjoy a great wine before dinner while browsing a menu full of pastas and meats with savory flavors. The staff and chef are always complimentary and love meeting customers and getting their opinions of the dishes. Learn More »

Engine Co. No. 28 is an American restaurant reminiscent of the classic grills of San Francisco and New York with its mahogany booths, granite bar, and Ella Fitzgerald music in the background. This Los Angeles landmark is set in a beautifully restored 1912 Los Angeles firehouse. Inspired by traditional firehouse cooking, Engine Co.’s menu features a wide variety of timeless American fare. Dishes are inventive, delicious, and full of fresh ingredients. Step back in time as you dine at this authentic firehouse still complete with its original fire pole and brick walls. Learn More »