11 hours Ago
Every Friday, our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here now are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town. Los Angeles experienced an unprecedented climate catastrophe in early January when the Palisades Fire ravaged Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu , and the Eaton Fire tore through much of Altadena .
Across the city, restaurants have mobilized to provide support, relief, and free meals to impacted residents and first responders . The effects of the fires have been felt across the wider industry, as impacted restaurants face a future of rebuilding, while others find their dining rooms empty. These recommendations reflect our ongoing support of the industry as a whole.
For a delightful modern Mexican feast in Los Feliz: Mírate There’s no easy to put it, but Los Feliz just doesn’t have a lot of great dinner options despite being one of the most charming, walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Mírate, though no longer helmed by the talented chef Joshua Gil, still manages to be the best grown-up, full-service restaurant on the block thanks to its reliable modern Mexican fare. The bi-level space that was once Rockwell feels enchanting on chilly LA winter evenings, the waning sun allowing a few more rays to poke through its semi-open roof.
The drinks by bartender Max Reis aren’t just unimpeachable — they’re maybe the best in Los Angeles, blending modernist techniques with stellar agave selections. A half chicken with black garlic salsa macha over pipián verde sauce has all the layers of delicious Mexican cooking. Just add on some blue corn tortillas and dive in.
1712 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90027. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest.
For Italian food worthy of a suit or cocktail dress in Beverly Hills: Marea It wasn’t surprising that venerated coastal Italian restaurant Marea was going to be great out of the gate when it expanded to Beverly Hills earlier this month. I hadn’t visited the Manhattan original but always heard good things. Even after one visit, the New York restaurant has almost rocketed to the top of my favorite Italian spots in town, a credit to polished cooking, high-quality ingredients, and a very suave interior ambience.
Yes, the honey onyx bar is a bit gaudy in 2025, but I wouldn’t be hanging out there anyway. Instead, I’ll wear a dinner jacket at the tables and actually enjoy a real date night in Los Angeles. Crisp octopus, dressed with balsamic and placed lovingly over roast baby potatoes, makes for an elegant appetizer.
The pastas aren’t just incredible — they’re also very generous, giving one the sense of eating actual comfort food instead of something fussy. Desserts are fine dining-level, swoonworthy and Instagram-ready. Marea is the one example of a smash-hit New York transplant in Los Angeles, which makes me wonder what else would do well here (Estela, perhaps?).
430 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest For burgers and beef tallow fries: Smack Burger The relationship between Los Angeles and the Bay Area can be complicated at times.
It’s not so much a sibling rivalry, but more of a sibling relationship where one is openly upset (the Bay), while the other just says, “What’s up with the hostility?” (LA). But then, the cultures collide in the most beautiful manner when recording artists like Kendrick Lamar celebrate LA’s and Oakland’s uniqueness in his current song “Squabble Up,” or in the different (yet similar) car cultures. So when the Bay Area smash burger specialist Smack Burger opened in the former Chabelita Tacos with bright yellow paint on Western Avenue near the 10, Angelenos went immediately.
Smack Burger runs a tight ship; it offers a compact menu with double cheeseburgers layered with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and proprietary Smack Sauce. Add-ons include bacon and Mike’s Hot Honey. One can try the Hellapeno burger that swaps in pepper jack cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and onion rings.
Beef tallow waffle fries can come plain or smothered in cheese, onions, and, again, Smack Sauce. It’s a perfect addition to LA’s robust burger scene, and from a family member. By the way, Oakland, LA has nothing but “hella” love for you.
2001 S. Western Avenue, Harvard Heights, CA, 90018. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest For cocktails and a burger: Lowboy I’m often in search of a restaurant that’s just easy.
I’m looking for a straightforward menu with hits that can please a group, a list of fun cocktails, and at least one very cheap beer. Luckily, Lowboy in Echo Park satisfies all my requirements, and in a gorgeous, vibey dining room to boot. A Lowburger is an easy choice if in the mood for a burger, but a meal made up of fries and a Caesar salad is also a tempting option.
Wings make for a great sharing order, while Gator Fries are a must if looking for something to soak up the alcohol. Cocktails here are fairly priced and well made, but most importantly, a Miller High Life is only $5. 1540 W.
Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Related Sign up for our newsletter. Check your inbox for a welcome email.
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