Iconic Restaurants Near Los Angeles *
Los Angeles is a hub of culinary diversity, boasting a multitude of iconic restaurants. These culinary gems offer an array of flavors, from gourmet to street food. Explore this ABC Moving Systems guide to discover eight sections dedicated to the most renowned eateries in the City of Angels.
Hollywood Legends
In the sprawling culinary landscape of Los Angeles, “Hollywood Legends” stands out as an iconic dining category. These establishments have not only satisfied the hunger of movie stars but have also become legendary landmarks in their own right.
From Musso & Frank Grill, serving classic American fare since 1919, to the historic Yamashiro Hollywood, perched atop the Hollywood Hills with Asian-inspired cuisine and panoramic views, these restaurants exude a sense of old Hollywood charm.
The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel is another classic, famous for its elegant brunches and celebrity sightings. For a touch of modernity, Catch LA combines upscale dining with a rooftop lounge, offering seafood and stunning vistas of West Hollywood.
Hollywood Legends restaurants are a journey through the glamour of the past and present, where a dash of stardust always seasons your meal. Whether you’re indulging in a martini at Musso & Frank or enjoying sushi at Yamashiro, you’re not just dining; you’re experiencing the allure of Hollywood’s rich history. These iconic restaurants near Los Angeles are a testament to the city’s enduring cultural influence and continue to attract locals and tourists alike with their timeless allure.
Beachside Delights
- The Ivy at the Shore: Nestled in Santa Monica, this beachfront gem offers Californian cuisine with a side of ocean views.
- Nobu Malibu: A hotspot for celebrities, Nobu blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors right on the Malibu coast.
- Malibu Farm: A farm-to-table concept overlooking Malibu Pier, serving fresh, organic dishes with stunning sunset backdrops.
- Duke’s Malibu: Named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant pays homage to the beach culture with a diverse menu.
- Shutters on the Beach: Combines elegance with beachside vibes; their signature restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
- Gladstone’s Long Beach: Known for seafood, Gladstone’s sits on Rainbow Harbor, serving up Pacific vistas alongside their dishes.
- Geoffreys Malibu: Perched on a cliff, this restaurant boasts a seasonal menu and breathtaking views of the Pacific.
- The Lobster: A historic spot on Santa Monica Pier, serving lobster and seafood classics with an oceanfront setting.
Beachside Delights in Los Angeles provide a unique culinary experience where the sound of crashing waves complements the exquisite flavors. From Malibu to Santa Monica, these restaurants capture the essence of Southern California, making them must-visit destinations for locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s fresh seafood at Gladstone’s or Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Shutters on the Beach, the beachside dining scene offers a taste of coastal paradise.
Ethnic Enclaves
Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is deliciously reflected in its “Ethnic Enclaves,” where authentic cuisine from around the world thrives. Here, you can embark on a culinary journey without ever leaving the city.
Thai Town: Located in East Hollywood, Thai Town is a haven for lovers of Thai cuisine. Try Jitlada for fiery curries and Night + Market Song for trendy street food-inspired dishes.
Little Tokyo: Nestled in Downtown LA, Little Tokyo offers a taste of Japan. From sushi at Sushi Gen to ramen at Daikokuya, it’s a haven for Asian food enthusiasts.
Olvera Street: The birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera Street in El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is the heart of Mexican culture in the city. Savor tacos and tamales at Cielito Lindo.
Koreatown: This bustling neighborhood boasts authentic Korean barbecue joints, like Kang Ho-Dong Baekjeong, and cozy spots for bibimbap and kimchi.
Chinatown: An array of Chinese flavors awaits you here, from dim sum at Yang Chow to fusion cuisine at Howlin’ Ray’s.
Little Armenia: Experience the flavors of Armenia at Carousel, renowned for its kebabs and mezzes.
Little Ethiopia: This area along Fairfax Avenue is a must-visit for lovers of injera and kitfo at restaurants like Meals by Genet.
Little India: For a taste of India, Artesia’s “Little India” features restaurants like Surati Farsan Mart and Ashoka the Great.
These “Ethnic Enclaves” paint a vibrant culinary picture of the city’s cultural diversity, inviting you to explore the world’s flavors without leaving Los Angeles.
Retro Diners
- The Apple Pan: Step into this timeless diner and savor their legendary hickory burger and classic pies since 1947.
- Mel’s Drive-In: A Hollywood icon, Mel’s offers a classic diner experience, complete with burgers, shakes, and vintage charm.
- Rae’s Restaurant: An unassuming gem in Santa Monica, Rae’s whisks you back to the ’70s with hearty breakfasts and comfort food.
- Pann’s Restaurant: A mid-century modern marvel in Ladera Heights, Pann’s is known for its fried chicken and retro atmosphere.
Retro diners in and around Los Angeles are more than just places to eat; they’re a step back in time. The vinyl booths, checkered floors, and jukeboxes transport diners to an era when malt shakes and burgers reigned supreme. Whether you’re indulging in a classic burger at The Apple Pan or enjoying a hearty breakfast at Rae’s Restaurant, these diners offer a taste of nostalgia alongside their delicious comfort food. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or introducing a new generation to the charm of retro diners, these iconic establishments remain a beloved part of the Los Angeles dining scene, and a personal favorite of ABC Moving Systems staff and crew.
Haute Cuisine
In the vibrant culinary scene of Los Angeles, “Haute Cuisine” takes center stage, offering an elevated dining experience that blends artistry and flavor. These iconic restaurants near Los Angeles are known for their innovation and attention to detail, providing a refined culinary journey.
Providence: This Michelin-starred gem in Hollywood presents an ocean-inspired tasting menu, showcasing the best of seafood in meticulously crafted dishes.
n/naka: Renowned for its modern interpretation of kaiseki, n/naka in Palms offers a tasting menu that harmonizes Japanese flavors with a contemporary twist.
Spago: Wolfgang Puck’s iconic restaurant in Beverly Hills has redefined fine dining with a fusion of European and Californian cuisine.
Patina: Nestled in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Patina delivers an exquisite French-inspired dining experience, with a renowned chef’s tasting menu.
Melisse: This Michelin two-star restaurant in Santa Monica offers an elegant, ever-evolving tasting menu that showcases the best of California’s produce.
The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse: Located in Pasadena, it’s a paradise for steak lovers, offering premium cuts and an extensive wine list.
République: A vibrant, French-inspired bakery and restaurant in a historic building on La Brea Avenue, offering a range of gourmet dishes.
Haute Cuisine establishments in Los Angeles represent the pinnacle of gastronomy, combining culinary artistry, luxurious ingredients, and exceptional service. These restaurants push the boundaries of taste, ensuring a memorable dining experience for those seeking the finest culinary indulgence in the city.
Street Food Wonders
- Grand Central Market: This historic food hall in Downtown LA offers a kaleidoscope of street food options, from tacos to pupusas.
- Kogi BBQ Truck: Pioneers of the Korean-Mexican fusion trend, they serve mouthwatering tacos and sliders around the city.
- Guerrilla Tacos: Known for inventive, ever-changing taco creations that blend international flavors in the Arts District.
- Mariscos Jalisco: Famous for their crispy shrimp tacos, this truck in Boyle Heights is a seafood lover’s paradise.
- El Chato Taco Truck: A local favorite offering a diverse range of tacos, sopes, and mulitas in various LA neighborhoods.
- Smorgasburg LA: A weekly open-air market featuring a rotating selection of gourmet street food vendors in Downtown.
Los Angeles’ street food scene is a vibrant, dynamic world of flavors. From the bustling Grand Central Market, where you can sample diverse street food delights, to food trucks like Kogi BBQ, reimagining classics with a twist, there’s a feast for every palate. Guerrilla Tacos’ inventive creations and Mariscos Jalisco’s iconic shrimp tacos keep foodies coming back. El Chato Taco Truck and the weekly Smorgasburg LA add to the diversity, showcasing the city’s rich street food culture. These street food wonders provide a taste of global culinary traditions right on the streets of Los Angeles. ABC Moving Systems employees are big fans of the L.A. street food scene, and all the culinary diversity it offers one’s palate.
Celebrity Hotspots
Los Angeles, often referred to as the entertainment capital of the world, is home to a plethora of “Celebrity Hotspots.” These dining establishments attract not only food enthusiasts but also the glittering stars of Hollywood, making them iconic in their own right.
Craig’s: Located in West Hollywood, Craig’s is a classic celebrity haunt offering upscale American cuisine and a trendy ambiance.
Nobu Malibu: Nestled on the Malibu coast, this renowned restaurant, co-owned by Robert De Niro, attracts A-listers with its exceptional Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine.
Catch LA: With locations in West Hollywood and New York, Catch LA blends seafood and Asian-inspired dishes in a stylish setting popular among celebrities.
The Ivy: This iconic restaurant in Beverly Hills boasts a lush garden patio and is a favorite among stars for its Californian and Italian cuisine.
Chateau Marmont: This legendary hotel on Sunset Boulevard features a restaurant and bar known for its Hollywood history and celebrity patrons.
Malibu Farm: Located on the Malibu Pier, it offers organic, farm-to-table cuisine with breathtaking views, making it a celeb-favorite spot.
These “Celebrity Hotspots” are where the worlds of fine dining and stardom converge. From the classic elegance of The Ivy to the seaside charm of Malibu Farm, these restaurants offer more than just exceptional cuisine; they provide an opportunity for diners to dine alongside the stars, making them a quintessential part of the Los Angeles dining experience.
Hidden Gems
- Cassia: Tucked away in Santa Monica, it marries Vietnamese and French cuisine, offering an exquisite dining experience.
- The Little Door: A hidden Mediterranean gem in West Hollywood with a romantic courtyard, perfect for a romantic night out.
- République: Housed in a historic building on La Brea Avenue, it’s known for artisanal pastries and French-inspired cuisine.
- Langer’s Delicatessen: A family-owned deli in Westlake, famed for its pastrami sandwiches, a true LA institution.
- Eszett: A Silver Lake restaurant that blends German and Californian cuisines with creative and seasonal dishes.
- Bavel: A Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant in the Arts District, offering vibrant flavors and a visually stunning atmosphere.
- Guelaguetza: Serving Oaxacan cuisine in Koreatown, it’s known for its rich mole sauces and traditional dishes.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles’ restaurant scene lie these “Hidden Gems.” These establishments may not the most iconic restaurants in Los Angeles, but they are cherished by locals and food connoisseurs who seek culinary excellence in quieter corners of the city. From the fusion delights of Cassia to the romantic ambience of The Little Door, these hidden gems promise a unique and unforgettable dining experience for those willing to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Iconic Restaurants Near Los Angeles – An Overview:
Los Angeles’ iconic restaurants provide a diverse culinary journey, from star-studded hangouts to hidden gems. Whether you seek gourmet dining or street food adventures, LA’s dining scene has it all. Explore Hollywood Legends or savor Beachside Delights. Ethnic Enclaves beckon with global flavors, while Retro Diners offer a nostalgic twist. Haute Cuisine and Street Food Wonders cater to all palates, while Celebrity Hotspots exude glamour. Finally, uncover Hidden Gems for a unique dining experience in the City of Angels. ABC Moving Systems feels you’re in for a great dining experience, no matter which category you choose for your meal.
Mike and Richie are top notch! They are professional, keep their word and are extremely knowledgeable. From the moment Mike answered the phone and the questions he asked to the answers he gave to mine, I knew I found the right company. I had been dealing with a ton of flakey local movers that had great reviews yet their customer service was sub par. The hassle it was to even get someone out to give me a bid was mind blowing. I am extremely grateful that I crossed paths with these guys for my 39k sq foot move. Angel, the project lead was so helpful, polite and communicated every step of the way. Thank you ABC moving for all you did for me. You are a cut above the rest. In a league of your own. Truly.
WOW! We needed to move a truckload of items ASAP from Brentwood, LA to Hermosa Beach, and they def delivered. They were fully prepared and were able to add in extra items as needed on the fly. This was my first time hiring a moving company, so I was a little nervous. They were A+++. Highly recommended and we will definitely be using them again. Thank you guys SO MUCH!!
ABC Moving Systems, I can’t thank you enough for all the help you provided for this move. This was my very first corporate business move that I’ve ever done and was so nervous that something was going to go wrong, but ABC Moving Systems made this job so easy for me. I want to thank Richie for being responsive, professional and easy going. The movers, WOW! Osiel’s Team was incredibly efficient and fast. I didn’t realize how fast they moved everything. I felt safe, comfortable and they were so patient with me with the move.
Thank you ABC Moving Systems! I can’t wait for our Second Move with Osiel’s Team!
I highly recommend this company.
There are just so many great things to say about ABC Moving. I am so happy I stumbled across them in my search for a mover for our Corporate Offices. From the first phone call, they seemed completely professional, organized and responsive to all my questions. Richie was the one who helped me from that first phone call, to the walk through and quotation, and eventually throughout the 10 days of moving our offices. He always treated me like I was his only customer, he would answer my calls or texts immediately. We did a 72,000 SF move and they were SPOT ON from the beginning to the end. Their pricing was literally almost exactly what they quoted. I added services along the way like packing help and extra labor for garbage removal and they were always up for it. I typically had (8) movers each day working on my move and they were all very hardworking, but especially Angel and Illias (sp?) were incredible. If and when I do another move in Los Angeles, I will call ABC without hesitation. I have coordinated four corporate moves in my career but this one with ABC was the best. Thank you guys!!!!
Hi there this is Vicki . I just want to thank you for the super super job that your crew did moving my stuff from storage. They were so careful and so good. I’m sure that anybody who’s thinking of a short distance move in my building who saw how fast they were able to get everything moved was impressed. The beauty shop will be the next one to be calling you. I’m sure she will ask and request Angel adn his wonderful crew. Again thank you so very much you saved me tremendously thanks again bye.
Dear ABC Moving Company,
Thank you so much to the entire crew whose names I would seriously misspell. They did an absolutely phenomenal job today. I think they helped me much more than the job would usually require. It was a long demanding day with a lot of driving and very heavy lifting, but they were positive and helpful the entire time.
They were prompt and neat and knowledgeable and professional. Buying a house for the first time is such a huge undertaking and has so many moving parts. My moving day was a highlight of the whole business. I would highly recommend your company without hesitation.
Many thanks to crew and office staff!!
Claudia R
I worked with Scott on my move and storage, he was fantastic. He always answered the phone when I called, was quick with his quote and answered all my questions. The day of the move the guys were exactly on time and did a fantastic job of packing up some things like all my bed parts and large wall art. They stored my stuff for five months and then just a quick call to Scott to set up the delivery to my new home 2 hours away. This time the guys were early and unloaded and put everything where I asked them too in under 2 hours. the cost for each move was very fair and competitive. I highly recommend ABC Moving Systems, you will not be disappointed.
The Goethe-Institut Los Angeles has used the services of ABC Moving Systems on several occasions: move out of our space, long-term storage over 3.5 years, and move into the new space. We are thoroughly satisfied with their professional service, quick and reliable communication and the on-time execution of each job. All the staff was wonderful! We highly recommend ABC Moving Systems for your moving or storage needs.
Great experience, painless (other the having to actually move), efficient, hard working, great communication. This experience was great and I would definitely recommend and use this company again. The team, Joseph, Enrique and Carlos, worked non-stop, were friendly , professional and kept me in the loop at all times. Thank you!
Thank you for making the move out happen and being patient with us each step of the way. I know firsthand how laborious the job was. I also know who hard it is to find great staff. Please know that ALL of your movers were wonderful. I wish other vendors had your personnel. Everyone was accommodating and I did not feel like I had to stay on them like I do with other contracted vendors. Thank you so much!
We have moved many times all over the country, and I would rate ABC Moving Systems in Los Angeles as one of the best companies I’ve dealt with. Their communication is clear and consistent from start to finish. Their staff is exceptionally competent, helpful, respectful of property, efficient and organized. I sought several bids for this local move and their bid was fair, clearly stated and comprehensive. They know what they are doing. Use them!