LOS ANGELES

ALL TIME

This is a superb destination for a hearty breakfast due to its delectable and savory flavors. The cheesy eggs on toast is a true gem. The richness of the cheese is perfectly balanced with the eggs, resulting in a creamy culinary experience that will make other scrambled eggs pale in comparison. Keep in mind that this establishment experiences high traffic on weekends.

Recommended Dishes:

Cheesy Eggs on Toast

Avocado Toast

French Toast

Breakfast Burrito

Tee Scale Rating: 5/10

CAFE VIDA

Located in Culver City and the Palisades, Cafe Vida is a delicious option to try when craving a protein packed yet flavorful meal. I can attest to the fact that their balance bowl with grilled chicken is the perfect choice for a comfort meal at any time of the day- the combination of brown rice, egg whites, mushrooms, tomato sauce, and guacamole is incredible. All of the salads are also extremely fresh and delicious, making them a perfect option for those who want a lighter yet flavorful meal. I personally love the tex mex and bbq chicken salad. This Latin American and LA-inspired menu is a testament to the diverse culinary landscape of California, and does a great job doing so. While the restaurant itself has a cozy and local atmosphere, Cafe Vida is also an excellent option for takeout, with quick and efficient service that ensures your food stays fresh and delicious.

Recommended Dishes:

Buttermilk Pancakes

Huevos Rancheros

Balance Bowl and add either Grilled Chicken or Tofu

BBQ Chicken Salad

Tex Mex Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Turkey Burger

Turkey Meatloaf

Spicy Tuna Roll

Tee Scale Rating: 6/10

SUNLIFE

THE VITAMIN BARN

The Vitamin Barn is Malibu locals best kept secret as it is home to the best smoothie in the world….. the lean protein. Made with matcha powder, banana, almond butter, and more, this smoothie tastes like a healthy milkshake except it's even better! I truly cannot express how this drink encapsulates my childhood, as it has been a solid staple in my family's life for years! The immunity shot as well as the immunity tea are holistic ways to cure and prevent sickness, especially from the common cold. The Vitamin Barn, hence the name, also sells a wide range of different health supplements and vitamins. Stock up on all your different health needs while waiting for the group of the loveliest employees to create your smoothie. I also suggest calling or ordering ahead so you can skip the wait. If you are planning on going to Malibu for a beach day, make sure to check out this spot!

Recommended Dishes:

Lean Protein

Immunity Shot

Banana Smoothie

Immunity Tea

Tee Scale Rating: 9.3/10

SWEET LADY JANE

Indulge in a slice of heaven at Sweet Lady Jane, where every bite of their baked goods will transport you to a world of pure sweetness. Their triple berry cake is simply iconic, with the combination of the berries with whipped cream layered in between yellow cake providing a symphony of flavors in every bite. Their New York style cheesecake is smooth and creamy with the perfect amount of graham cracker crust on the bottom. The freshly baked pastries found in the display case are all to die for with my go-tos being the sea salt brownie and the oatmeal date bar. If you're feeling peckish, their sandwiches, specifically the Tuna, and salads are delectable.

While there was some drama as the stores all randomly shut down one day, this bakery is now under new management and is back up and running.

Recommended Dishes:

Triple Berry Cake

New York Cheesecake

Sea Salt Brownie

Oatmeal Date Bar

Apple Pie

Roast Turkey Avocado Sandwich

Albacore Tuna Salad

French Toast

Tee Scale Rating: 6.8/10

SIDE CAR

If you're in search of handcrafted doughnuts that are both gourmet and fresh, you should definitely visit Sidecar! Even though I am not a doughnut enthusiast, I can confidently say that their offerings are out of this world. Susie’s blueberry pancake and saigon cinnamon crumb doughnuts are among my favorite flavors, as perfectly enhance the fluffy, moist dough. The best part is that the doughnuts are made hourly in small quantities, which means that you'll likely be treated to a warm, freshly made doughnut every time you visit!

Recommended Dishes:

Butter and Salt

Old Fashion

Huckleberry

Vanilla Bean Glazed

Susie’s Blueberry Pancake

Saigon Cinnamon Crumb

Samoa

Tee Scale Rating: 7.9/10

GREAT WHITE

Great White is famous in LA for their breakfast burritos, and while these burritos are stacked with flavor, the rest of their menu is not to be missed. In my opinion, the best way to start any meal is by having a sharing component, preferably something sweet when dining earlier in the day. Therefore, the banana bread with whipped honeycomb butter is the IDEAL way to begin your experience here, as its delectable flavor palette marks the beginning of a phenomenal meal. While you cannot go wrong with any items here, I suggest the avocado toast for your main brunch course and, if dining later in the day, the truffle chicken sandwich and truffle funghi pizza. Enjoy the three different locations of this casual cafe anytime of the day, but note that anytime before 4pm are walk-ins only while after 4pm you will need a reservation.

Recommended Dishes:

Banana Bread with Whipped Honeycomb Butter

Avocado Toast with Fresno Chili, Market Radish, Chili Oil, Sourdough

Poached Eggs on Toast

Breakfast Burrito

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Truffle Funghi

Tee Scale Rating: 7.1/10

TARTINE BAKERY

The long queue outside Tartine Bakery is a testament to the outstanding quality of their pastries and food. With an abundance of mouth watering options, it may be wise to peruse their menu online in advance to avoid feeling overwhelmed. My personal go-to is the avocado tartine, which is elevated by Tartine’s unique seasoning blend atop their perfectly toasted bread. Their country sourdough loaf boasts a satisfyingly crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior that is simply unmatched. It is highly recommended to grab an extra loaf of any of their delectable breads from one of their locations or farmer’s markets to take your meals to the next level. And do not forget to indulge in their scrumptious cookies, particularly the chocolate chip, which serves as the perfect sweet treat to cap off your meal or day.

Recommended Dishes:

Avocado Tartine

Smoked Salmon Tartine

Green Goddess Salad

Egg Sandwich

Country Sourdough Loaf

Porridge Loaf

Matcha Latte

Tee Scale Rating: 6.8/10

ELEPHANTE

Securing a table at Elephante may prove to be a challenge, but the gastronomic experience that awaits you is well worth the effort. The restaurant's terrace offers a front-row seat to the magnificent Santa Monica sunset over the beach while savoring exquisite bites and drinks. The dazzling golden hour setting here is an unforgettable sensory feast that will captivate both your taste buds and social media feed. Start your meal with their iconic whipped eggplant dip, which is accompanied by a luscious, fluffy puccia that serves as the perfect complementing dish to your cocktails. For your main course, I recommend the tuscan kale salad and the vodka sauce pasta, which together create an extraordinary taste symphony that will leave you craving for more.

Recommended Dishes:

Whipped Eggplant

Tuscan Kale

Brussel Sprouts

Fusilli Pesto

Cacio E Pepe

Vodka Sauce

Margherita Pizza

Burrata Pizza

Tee Scale Rating: 7.7/10

GRACIAS MADRE

Gracias Madre is a plant-based restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience through its use of high-quality ingredients, meticulously crafted recipes, and inventive combinations that can rival traditional meat and dairy dishes. The enchiladas verdes are incredibly mouth watering and my absolute favorite thing to order on the menu. Their locally sourced and organic produce offers an explosion of flavors in each dish, showcasing their organic and fresh commitment to Mexican cuisine. The sophisticated ambiance of the restaurant is elevated by the addition of beautiful olive trees on the patio and elegant decor. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance.

Recommended Dishes:

Guacamole and Chips

Mushroom Quesadilla

Chorizo Empanadas

Oaxaca Bowl

Coliflor

Chile Relleno

Enchiladas Verdes

Taco Trio

Grilled Broccolini

Churros

Tee Scale Rating: 7.3/10

OSPI

Ospi is my go-to dinner place with friends due to its swift service, fair pricing, and lively atmosphere. The dish that always satisfies my cravings is the crispy provolone, paired with their signature spicy vodka sauce. This delectable creation is a testament to the chef's ingenuity and the cheese pull is a sight to behold. As for the kale salad, it's the perfect accompaniment to any meal with its fresh avocado and tangy dressing. You simply cannot go wrong with their homemade entrees, specifically the mezze maniche and vodka pizza. Reservations recommended, but you can usually make it the day of if the party is smaller in size.

Recommended Dishes:

Crispy Provolone

Kale Salad

Neapolitan Meatballs

Garlic Fett’unta

Vodka Pizza

Spicy Rigatoni

Mezze Maniche

Tee Scale Rating: 7.3/10

IL PASTAIO

Step into Il Pastaio and you'll be transported to an Italian oasis in the heart of Beverly Hills. This charming restaurant is famous for their homemade pasta, which is served with a wide range of mouth-watering sauces. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you simply cannot leave without indulging in their arrabbiata dish, which will leave your taste buds singing with delight. To complement your meal, don't miss out on the refreshing tricolore salad, made with the freshest radicchio, endive, arugula, and parmesan cheese. Although it's possible to snag a table as a walk-in, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to guarantee a spot at this buzzing hotspot. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Il Pastaio offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Recommended Dishes:

Calamari Fritti

Tricolore

Arrabbiata

Paccheri Alla Justin Bieber

Risotto Funghi

Tee Scale Rating: 7.6/10

JON & VINNYS

If you want to impress your friends and family with an cozy and classic dining experience, look no further than Jon and Vinny's. This hotspot is a must-visit for anyone who loves food that is both delicious and heavenly. Whether you're in the mood for something light and refreshing like the gem lettuce salad or the mozzarella sticks, Jon and Vinny's has got you covered. Do not sleep on their famous spicy fusilli, which is heavenly. Trust me, it's worth every bit of the hype. The portions are meant to be served family style, so plan accordingly when you order! But why stop at just enjoying the food in the restaurant? Take your meal to the next level by ordering the spicy fusilli to-go and heading down to the beach to enjoy it while watching the sunset. The combination of the fiery pasta and the stunning view is sure to make your night amazing. Don't forget to save room for dessert! The cookies and soft serve are the perfect sweet ending to this meal. Make sure to have a reservation and if you do decide to order take out, make sure to do so with ample time.

Recommended Dishes:

Garlic Bread

Mozzarella Sticks

Gem Lettuce

LA Woman Pizza

Spicy Fusilli

Cacio E Pepe Rigatoni

Chicken Parmesan

Shells and Cheese

Funfetti Cookie

Snickerdoodle Cookie

Strauss Family Creamery Soft Serve

Tee Scale Rating: 6.9/10

YSABEL

As you approach Ysabel, you'll notice a discreet entrance that leads to a spacious and stylish restaurant with a seamless indoor-outdoor ambiance. It's a great spot for a group dinner with friends, a romantic date night, or for showing out-of-town guests the quintessential LA vibe. Indulge in their standout dishes, the spicy tuna tartare and hand-cut rigatoni, which boast flavors that are truly exceptional and fresh. The brussels sprouts and truffle fries are also great dish additions that I think are worth a side order. I suggest reserving at least 3-4 days in advance.

Recommended Dishes:

Multigrain Flatbread

Brussels Sprouts

Spicy Tuna Tartare

Hand Cut Rigatoni

Lemon Pasta

Pan Roasted Scallops

Organic Rotisserie Chicken

Truffle Fries

Tee Scale Rating: 7.6/10

BLUE PLATE TACO

If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant that won't leave you disappointed, Blue Plate Taco is the place. This restaurant offers delectable seasonings in their dishes without overwhelming your taste buds with too many ingredients. Their salsa is particularly noteworthy, and the chicken tacos are an absolute must-try. It's an excellent choice for a laid-back meal out, or for ordering in when you're craving hearty food.

Recommended Dishes:

Chicken Tacos

Guacamole, Salsa, and Chips

Taquitos Deliciosos

Chicken Quesadilla

Tee Scale Rating: 7/10

FIA

Led by Michelin star chef Brendan Collins, the menu for Fia is a masterful composition of flavors and textures. Despite its unassuming outside appearance, the inside of the restaurant is gorgeous. Dining on the back patio is a must, especially during warm weather when the ambiance is simply delightful. You simply must try the spicy salmon tartare cones, tortellini, and roasted sprouting cauliflower, each of which are as uniquely tasting as they are picturesque. And for dessert, the chocolate dome will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also provide a theatrical experience as it's set aflame before your eyes.

Recommended Dishes:

Spicy Salmon Tartare Cones

Salt and Pepper Calamari

Burrata

Tortellini

Handmade Cavatelli

Crispy Brussels

Roasted Sprouting Cauliflower

Chocolate Dome

Tee Scale Rating: 6.5/10

LAUREL HARDWARE

Nestled in the heart of West Hollywood, Laurel Hardware boasts an impressive culinary experience that utilizes organic and locally sourced ingredients. The chopped kale salad is a true standout, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that is both refreshing and fulfilling. The wild mushroom pizza is a delightfully decadent dish, featuring a crispy crust that pairs with the well seasoned mushrooms quite well. And, if you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the sticky toffee pudding – a rich dessert that is rare to find in Los Angeles. With its charming ambiance and exceptional cuisine, Laurel Hardware is the perfect spot for a pre-night out gathering with friends. Advanced reservations recommended.

Recommended Dishes:

Spicy Salmon Tartare

Ahi Tuna Tartare

Chopped Kale

Spaghetti Arrabiata

Wild Mushroom Pizza

Truffle Fries

Croissant Bread Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Tee Scale Rating: 7.5/10

WABI ON ROSE

Wabi on Rose is a charming sushi eatery in Venice that boasts a harmonious blend of authentic Japanese cuisine and whimsical floral decorations. The tiger king roll and crispy rice are must-tries, bursting with unconventional flavors. The stunning ambiance is perfect for Instagram, with plenty of opportunities for snapshots against the striking backdrop of floral installations. Note that bookings for Wabit on Rose can be made through Opentable with ease.

Recommended Dishes:

Crispy Rice

Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Yellowtail Special

Greenie Roll

Tiger King Roll

Spicy Tuna Roll

Tee Scale Rating: 6.6/10

SUGAR FISH

Sugar Fish has undoubtedly revolutionized the sushi game with their signature "Trust Me" boxes, which provide a stunningly curated assortment of sushi, rolls, and sashimi that will leave you satisfied. These boxes are a work of art in themselves, as they are thoughtfully and elegantly packaged. Though I prefer to order them to-go and share them with friends at picnics, the restaurant does offer their “Trust Me” menu for those who wish to dine-in. Please note, Sugar Fish does not take reservations, so arriving early is the ideal move.

Recommended Dishes:

Trust Me

Tee Scale Rating: 8.1/10

NOBU MALIBU

Nobu Malibu is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning locations of this iconic restaurant brand that I've ever visited. Situated right above the beach, it ambience transports you to a dreamy paradise that's perfect for an indulgent dining experience. While the prices are certainly on the higher side, the quality of the food is unparalleled. I highly recommend the melt-in-your-mouth black cod with miso, the perfectly crispy rice with spicy tuna in butter lettuce cups, and the divine yellowtail jalapeño rolls that pack a flavorful punch. And don't even get me started on their decadent desserts, like the heavenly chocolate spring rolls that you'll still be dreaming about long after your meal is over. Make sure to book your reservations well in advance, as this is a must-visit spot for both discerning locals and tourists alike.

Recommended Dishes:

Tiradito Nobu Style

New Style Sashimi

Artichoke Salad

Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

Crispy Shiitake Salad

Black Cod with Miso

Rock Shrimp Tempura

Jidori Chicken with Teriyaki

Chilean Sea Bass with Dry Miso

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Baby Corn

Miso Soup

Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll

Chocolate Spring Rolls

Tee Scale Rating: 9/10

KATSUYA

Katsuya is an iconic sushi destination that I have been frequenting since childhood and it still remains one of my top picks for an immaculate dinner. Make sure to start off your meal with their eccentric Crispy Brussels Sprouts, that has the most incredible flavor palette for these vegetables out of any restaurant I have ever been to. The spicy tuna crispy rice is an absolute must-try as the seared rice cake infused with butter blends harmoniously with the spicy tuna and jalapeños on top. For the vegetarians, their grilled sweet corn and maitake mushrooms are equally divine and are a must-order. Enjoy the local Brentwood scene at their San Vicente location, aka my Katsuya of choice!

Recommended Dishes:

Yellowtail Jalapeno

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Rock Shrimp

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Seaweed Salad

Miso Glazed Black Cod

Fried Rice

Sweet Corn Grilled

Maitake Mushrooms Grilled

Lava Cake

Tee Scale Rating: 6.6/10

CHOLADA

Located conveniently on Pacific Coast Highway, this Thai food establishment is the perfect option for those on-the-go looking for a delicious meal to enjoy at the beach. Their succulent chicken satay, crispy fried spring rolls, and flavorful chicken pad thai never disappoints, making them the perfect picnic accompaniment. You can conveniently order by phone or online, with the latter being my preferred method. With their exceptional taste and speedy service, it's no wonder this restaurant has become a local favorite.

Recommended Dishes:

Golden Bags

Chicken Satay

Fried Spring Rolls

Papaya Salad

Chicken Pad Thai

Sticky Rice

Tee Scale Rating: 7/10

BLUE RIBBON SUSHI

With multiple locations, blue ribbons dedication to fresh fish, attentive service, and dishes sent out at proper temperatures is remarkable. I suggest starting off with their spicy tuna crispy rice, wakame salad, and cauliflower tempura. The fried chicken wings might seem like a strange choice, but the seasoning and preparation is divine. While you cannot go wrong with any of their rolls or sushi, I highly suggest ordering the spicy tuna and tempura flakes roll as well as the salmon carpaccio. This is a great restaurant to go to when looking to catch up with friends or have a date night.

Recommended Dishes:

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Wings

Wakame

Cauliflower Tempura

Salmon Carpaccio

Sake Taiseiyo

Spicy Tuna and Tempura Flakes Roll

Yuzu Hama Roll

Tiger Roll

Negi Hama

Shiitake Yasai

Chocolate Bruno

Tee Scale Rating: 7.6/10

LA SCALA

La Scala is home to their iconic chop salad, which everyone from LA knows is truly outstanding. While the dressing is light and minimalistic, the chop of the iceberg lettuce with mozzarella is really what makes this salad incredible. From the original chop with salami to the different meat additions like turkey, chicken, and tuna, you can find a salad fit for anyone. The penne alla vodka is extremely creamy and luxurious. The Beverly Hills location is great for a sit down, while the Santa Monica location is a satellite best for taking out and enjoying on the go.

Recommended Dishes:

Original Chop Salad with Chicken

Penne Alla Vodka

Chicken Parmigiana

Tee Scale Rating: 8/10

THE HIDEAWAY

Located in the Rodeo Collection, The Hideaway is a gorgeously curated restaurant showcasing a delectable take on Mexican cuisine. The attention to detail in the design of everything from the furniture, the tile color, the blinds, the napkins, to the tableware is nothing short of incredible and visually appealing. The meal starts off with homemade tortilla chips and salsa, which pairs incredibly with their guacamole and ceviche de pescado. The drinks also go phenomenally with these dishes, as they utilize ingredients native to Mexico, like prickly pear. This restaurant is a good location for not only a business meeting during lunchtime hours, before the rowdy night crowd, but also a fun larger meal with friends. Reservations as well as walk-ins are welcomed.

Recommended Dishes:

Guacamole

Ceviche de Pescado

Queso Fundido al Fuego

Crispy Cauliflower

Pan Roasted Pulpo

Chicken Empanadas

Hernando’s Chop Salad with Chicken

Duck Carnitas

Tee Scale Rating: 6.8/10

KITSU

Right on San Vicente, Kitsu is a quaint sushi restaurant perfect for casual and exquisite Japanese bites. The pork and shitake mushroom gyoza as well as the truffle salmon sashimi are excellent starters, with the latter being extremely light and refreshing. The Kitsu roll is a new take on the classic Californian roll, with the addition of spicy tuna, avocado, albacore, peppered tuna, crispy onion, tempura flakes, garlic aioli, eel sauce, and jalapeño sauce. Please note Kitsu is open Tuesday through Sunday, and reservations are welcome.

Recommended Dishes:

Cucumber Sunomono Salad

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Pork and Shitake Mushroom Gyoza

Karaage Fried Chicken

Truffle Salmon Sashimi

Albacore Onion

Kitsu Roll

Westside Roll

Tee Scale Rating: 7.4/10

CENTO

Cento is known for their homemade pasta and when I tell you it is beyond incredible with its intriguing menu offerings I truly mean it. I have had a lot of food, and finding combinations that truly impress me can be a rarity; however, the sweet corn agnolotti was mind blowing. The buttery sweet corn as the stuffing provides the best of both worlds as it expertly encapsulates the feeling of a hug in each bite. The charred octopus also had just the right amount of flavor to enhance the smokiness. Make sure not to miss out on the banana puding tiramisu, which has been rated as one of the best desserts in Los Angeles! Reservations recommended.

Recommended Dishes:

Gem Caesar

Charred Octopus with Romesco, Potato, and Celery

Spicy Pomodoro with Calabrian Chili, Truffle, Ricotta, and Basil

Sweet Corn Agnolotti

Banana Pudding Tiramisu

Tee Scale Rating: 7.9/10