Dorothy Parker once said that Los Angeles was 72 suburbs in search of a city: It’s spread out in pockets that have all grown up, in their own way. And that sentiment is at the heart of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, and part of what has allowed LA to climb to the top of everyone’s list of dining destinations in the past decade. Few cities in the world can hit so many home runs with a plethora of diverse cuisines, and at so many different points of entry and price points. Meaning: You’re likely to be blown away by that $8 taco prepared in a food truck parked at a busy intersection as you are by the $250, reservation-only tasting menu. Were it not for the fact that you might have to sit in traffic for an hour in between meals, it might just be the platonic ideal of a food city—and there’s something to behold in every part of town. Here, the best restaurants in Los Angeles.
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How we choose the best restaurants in Los Angeles
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.