Los Angeles is a massive and sprawling city. But if you take the time to explore its many unique and charming neighborhoods, you’ll find some of the best bars, restaurants, and cafes in the world. With that in mind, here are 20 best places to eat and drink in Los Angeles, California.

20 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles, California

[ COCKTAIL BARS ]

BAR CHLOE
Santa Monica

Bar Chloe is a trendy and intimate spot that boasts one of the best cocktail menus on the Westside. Located not far from the famous pier in downtown Santa Monica, this is the perfect place for drinks after a day at the beach or shopping at the 3rd Street Promenade. Not only that, they also serve delicious bar bites and burgers.

EMPLOYEES ONLY LA
West Hollywood

Employees Only is the LA outpost of one of the most famous speakeasies to come out of New York City, consistently voted as one of the best bars in the world. Try their twist on the Manhattan with Grand Marnier, or the above Malena – a Boulevardier riff that utilizes Ruby Port. Unlike some other speakeasies, this one is large and spacious, and even includes a full dinner menu, from wood-fired pizzas to Steak Frites.

BIG BAR
Los Feliz

To get to Big Bar, go inside Alcove Cafe & Bakery then left through the doors. Grab a seat at the bar or outside on the patio. Take advantage of the fact that this is one of the few bars I found open during the day. Or come in the early evening during happy hour and nibble on well-priced bites while sipping on their inventive and unique drinks, such as the above Taco Stand which uses al pastor-washed mezcal.

THE NOMAD HOTEL LA
Downtown

The NoMad Hotel was one of the most anticipated openings last year in LA. This stylish hotel came from New York City, along with its award-winning food and beverage programs from one of the best chefs (Daniel Humm) and best mixologists (Leo Robitschek) in the world. Its Giannini Bar is just off the main lobby, where delicious cocktails can be enjoyed day or night.

Treat yourself to a relaxing meal at The Lobby Restaurant, among the plush furnishings and soaring ceilings. Because nothing says vacay like a 2-hour brunch with Beet Bloody Marys!

APOTHEKE LA
Chinatown

Once you go through the massive front door and heavy curtains at Apothéke, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. This glowing transplant from New York City (I’m sensing a pattern here) is just what the doctor ordered. Grab a couch to lounge on and order off the “prescription list”. This is the perfect bar to have a drink or two before going off to dinner at the nearby restaurant from celebrity chef David Chang (see further down).

[ RESTAURANTS ]

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex
Sawtelle

There are several Tsujita ramen shops in LA, which can confuse some visitors. So be sure to go to the Annex at 2050 Sawtelle Blvd., which serves up their famous tsukemen (dipping-style ramen) with pork broth and thick noodles. When you’ve finished your noodles, ask the chef for “soup wari”, where they ladle some secret broth into your leftover normally too-rich-to-drink dipping sauce. After that, sip and enjoy.

Milk Bar LA
Fairfax

Chef Christina Tosi’s sweet treats can be found here at Milk Bar LA. For instance, their famous Cereal Milk Soft Serve, Crack Pie, Birthday Cake, Compost Cookies, and many more. Lines can be long, but move quickly. Be sure to snap a photo of yourself in front of the pink “Please, Don’t Instagram This” wall for, obviously, your Instagram feed.

All Time
Los Feliz

All Time is the perfect LA neighborhood breakfast joint. Grab a table outside (because LA weather is almost always amazing) and enjoy one of the best soft scrambled egg & cheese toasts around. Their constantly changing dinner menu was also taunting me, which I will have to try at a later date.

Ma’am Sir
Silver Lake

Ma’am Sir (pronounced “mum sir”) has got to be one of the hottest modern Filipino restaurants in LA, even based on my limited knowledge of the cuisine and area. I barely managed to grab the last open spot at the bar on this packed Thursday evening, where the main dining room was fully booked for the entire night. I quickly found out why – the above shrimp mousse & uni lumpia, along with the sweetbreads pork sisig, were simply mind blowing. Their tropical-influenced cocktails were just as unique, such as this pineapple rum & coconut-banana shrub concoction.

Night + Market Song
Silver Lake

The acclaimed and authentic Thai food at Night + Market Song is not messing around. This is what I imagine the difference is between “Thai spicy” and “American spicy”. For example, the larb gai above, while delicious, had me sweating and wishing I had a second Singha beer. My only regret was not having room for their famous fried chicken sandwich. Next time!

Sqirl
East Hollywood

I literally got off the plane, hopped in my rental car, and drove directly to Sqirl for a late brunch. Their “famous ricotta toast” is a must (and buy jars of that jam to take home). If you get the above sorrel pesto rice with lacto-fermented hot sauce, dress it up more than I did by adding bacon and avocado.

Konbi
Echo Park

Konbi is a small Japanese-style breakfast & lunch-only restaurant that’s famous for their freshly prepared sandwiches. The name comes from “コンビニ” (“konbini”), the Japanese word for convenience store (think 7-11 but way, way better than what we have here). I had an impossible time deciding between their katsu (fried pork cutlet) or egg salad sandwiches. I’ll be back.

Smorgasburg
Downtown

Smorgasburg is a weekly food market that’s only open on Sundays, 10 AM to 4 PM. It’s very popular with the foodie and Instagram crowds, so go early before they open to be among the first ones in. Come with lots of hungry friends because you’re going to want everything. Once you’re fully stuffed with pastrami, spam musubi, giant fried chicken, and $70 A5 wagyu katsu sandos (I wish), walk it all off by browsing the retail shops at the nearby Row DTLA.

Howlin’ Ray’s
Chinatown

Howlin’ Ray’s is as famous for their long lines as their fried chicken sandwiches. Be prepared to wait 2+ hours if you don’t go about 1 hour before they open at 11 AM. But you’ll be well rewarded for your time and patience. Just look at that huge & crispy deliciousness! Personally, I found the mild not spicy enough, but I’ve been warned by others that the medium is a giant leap in spice. Please order accordingly.

Pro tip – after you order, grab a seat at the counter. The staff are all passionate and friendly, and will present your sandwich to you in dramatic fashion. They are also generous – at first I thought there was a mistake when I was given fries, pickles, and comeback sauces when all I ordered was a sandwich! I learned that this was indeed a common occurrence for us counter sitters, after speaking with others. This place deserves all the love!

majordōmo
Chinatown

As I alluded to earlier, majordōmo is Chef David Chang‘s LA outpost that is not far from Apothéke. This is not an easy reservation to snag so book early through Resy – I reserved mine almost a month in advance. You’ll be happy you did, as you enjoy his unique approach to Asian-American cuisine with influences from Korea, China, Vietnam, and the American South. The above Benton’s reserve ham, sold only to his restaurants, pairs beautifully with their strong cocktails.

[ CAFES ]

Maru Coffee
Los Feliz

Maru Coffee is a cute and minimal spot that specializes in matcha, but serves a full range of coffee drinks as well. Perfect for your morning sip or a chat with a friend, but not ideal for working.

Dinosaur Coffee
Silver Lake

Stop by Dinosaur Coffee not just for their delicious lattes, but also to be reminded by the amazing wall art that, yes, things will be fine! Before you leave, pick up one of their “F*** It” mugs.

Intelligentsia Coffee
Silver Lake

Intelligentsia Coffee, right in the heart of Silver Lake, is the perfect cafe to setup shop, ,work, and sip.

Alfred Coffee
Silver Lake

The wall at Alfred Coffee spoke the truth. Non-coffee drinkers need not apply.

[ BONUS – MUSEUM ]

The Broad
Downtown

I didn’t only eat and drink for four days straight, I swear. For example, I visited The Broad, which I highly recommend. Not only do they have an amazing art collection, but it’s also free! If you can plan in advance, get a timed ticket from the website. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait in a fairly long, but briskly moving, line at the door.

Once inside, immediately turn left and head straight for the iPad kiosk so you can put your name and number down to join the queue for Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, because it may take several hours to receive the text that your turn is up. However, this gives you plenty of time to go upstairs and leisurely browse the rest of the collection. Keep in mind that, once inside the mirror room, you only have 45 seconds to take in the experience (and photos and videos). Therefore, plan accordingly.

I hope you liked the my recap of the 20 best places to eat and drink in Los Angeles, California. What are your favorites?