Every spot personally vetted, frequented, and loved as an LA local for 12 years, so you know it’s worth your time.
Finding the best places to dine in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, but whether you’re a local looking to elevate your go-to spots or visiting LA craving the city’s culinary highlights, this exclusive roundup brings you inside my personal restaurant playbook. From power lunches in Beverly Hills to hidden gems and coastal classics, here’s where I actually dine and exactly what I order.
🍝 E. Baldi – Beverly Hills
A timeless Italian classic and one of the best places to dine in Los Angeles when seeking an elegant, consistently exceptional meal.
✅Order: Langoustine, corn agnolotti, meatballs, chicken salad, and the branzino.
🍣 Nobu Malibu – Malibu
The best Nobu you’ll ever go to—an absolute must at golden hour.
✅Order: Yellowtail jalapeño, miso cod, crispy rice, and a lychee or espresso martini.
💡Jo’s Tip: Book 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best view in LA.
🍽️ Craig’s – West Hollywood
One of the best places to dine in Los Angeles for A-list sightings and comfort food classics.
✅Order: Chicken parmigiana, rigatoni alla vodka, and the “Tinx Sunday” if you’re celebrating.
💡Jo’s Tip: Ask for the newly remodeled back patio—it’s a whole vibe.
🍷 South Beverly Grill – Beverly Hills
Understated, always reliable, and a favorite Hillstone restaurant dining spot in LA.
✅Order: Coconut shrimp roll and the French dip.
💡Jo’s Tip: Sit at the bar for a laid-back local feel. If their reservations are sold out, try the bar, or go next door to Honor Bar for the chicken sandy.
🍝 Cucina Alba – West Hollywood
Hot and happening, quickly becoming one of the best places to dine in Los Angeles for Italian-style flair.
✅Order: Orecchiette arrabbiata, focaccia della casa, eggplant parmigiana, accanto salad.
💡Jo’s Tip: Book early via Resy—this one’s a new favorite in town.
🥂 Best 3-Course Lunches Under $40 – Beverly Hills
Cipriani & Avra, among the best places to dine in Los Angeles for upscale yet affordable lunches.
✅Avra: Greek salad, swordfish, baklava – $38 prix fixe.
✅Cipriani: Burrata, tagliatelle, meringue cake – elegant every time.
💡Jo’s Tip: Ideal for lunch meetings.
🍝 Il Pastaio – Beverly Hills
Power lunch vibes, classic pasta, and people watching.
Il Pastaio is a longtime Beverly Hills favorite, buzzing every day of the week for lunch and dinner. The food is consistently good.
✅ JoAnna’s Favorites: Wednesday-only Baked Eggplant Spaghetti – a hidden gem on the menu and one of my absolute favorite pasta dishes.
🎯 Scene Score: Iconic, buzzy, and very Beverly Hills—in all the best ways.
🎥 Watch & Reset: LA Dining Moments on YouTube
Craving a visual taste of the spots I actually dine at? From sunset sushi in Malibu to cozy canyon dinners, I share the real-life foodie moments behind the guide. You’ll see what I order, how I book, and the vibes in full color.
✨ Tap into LA’s best restaurants with me—no gatekeeping, just great food.
👉 Subscribe to my YouTube channel @intheknowjo
🇬🇷 Louka – Beverly Hills
Cozy and authentic Greek flavors, perfect for casual dining in Los Angeles.
✅Order: Horiatiki salad, grilled sea bass, spanakopita, and baklava.
💡Jo’s Tip: Outdoor patio is great, or indoor booths are perfect for date night.
🇬🇷 Alisa – Venice
New Modern Greek hotspot located on Abbot Kinney.
✅Order: Flatbread, eggplant dip, feta with tomato jam, chicken skewers
💡Jo’s Tip: Outdoor patio is lovely to enjoy a nice Greek wine paired with your food!
☕ Maru Coffee – Beverly Hills
Minimalist design. Max flavor. One of the best coffee spots in LA.
✅Order: Iced breve macchiato and vanilla bean latte.
📍Location: Right next to The Maybourne Hotel
💡Jo’s Tip: Go early to avoid the line—but even if you wait, it’s worth it. They move it remarkably fast!
🌲 Pace – Laurel Canyon
A canyon classic offering rustic charm and consistently delightful meals.
✅Order: Grilled salmon, pasta arrabbiata, wood-fired pizza.
💡Jo’s Tip: Avoid going during heavy traffic times.
🍣 Matsuhisa – Beverly Hills
Nobu’s original, still iconic, and easily one of the best places to dine in Los Angeles.
✅Order: Tiradito scallops, baked crab hand roll, and Kobe beef tacos.
💡Jo’s Tip: Go Tuesday night—Nobu himself is often there. Sit at the sushi bar and ask for Yoshi.
🇮🇹 Locanda Portofino – Santa Monica
Under-the-radar Italian dining loved by locals.
✅Order: Handmade pastas, branzino, and a crisp glass of white wine.
💡Jo’s Tip: Cozy, authentic, and romantic.
🌸 The Ivy – West Hollywood & Santa Monica
Iconic LA people-watching and floral patio charm.
✅Order: Margarita pizza, grilled vegetable salad with shrimp, hot seafood platter
💡Jo’s Tip: Robertson Blvd is all about the scene. Ivy at the Shore is its breezy, beachy sister spot.
🌴 The Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills
Old Hollywood glamour paired with unforgettable dining experiences. Undoubtedly one of the best places to dine in Los Angeles for special occasions.
✅JoAnna’s Must-Do’s:
- Polo Lounge – A splurge-worthy spot. Ask for Salvatore as your server—he’ll make your night. Go for dinner, dress up, enjoy the live music, and the unparalleled people-watching.
- Fountain Coffee Room – A hidden gem for breakfast. Pancakes are hands-down the best in town. Sit at the counter and chat with Ruth, Denise, or Jerry—they deliver true 5-star service with warmth and personality.
🌿 SunLife Organics: My Go-To Spot for Smoothies and Healthy Food
If you know me, you know I’m all about fueling my body with the highest quality ingredients—and SunLife Organics is the best for this. Yes, it’s definitely on the pricier side 💸, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. From the purity of their products to the story behind the brand, this place delivers on all fronts ✅
My personal go-to’s ✨
The Buddha Bowl – nutrient-packed, flavorful, and always satisfying
Pink Cloud Smoothie with Whey Protein – dreamy, energizing, and packed with goodness
Mint Chocolate Smoothie – tastes like dessert but fuels like a superfood
Protein Bagel with Light Cream Cheese – 17 grams of clean protein in one delicious bite
What sets SunLife apart is its founder, Khalil Rafati. If you haven’t read his story yet, take a moment—it’s powerful. From addiction and homelessness to creating a wellness empire, his journey is nothing short of miraculous and speaks to the power of healing, self-love, and second chances 💫.
Whether you’re new to LA or a longtime local, this hot spot absolutely earns its place among LA’s best eats & sips. It’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and a reminder that what we put into our bodies matters—always. 💖
Questions, Comments?