Owners Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan along with partner Issa Rae pay tribute to the Jazz Age at this contemporary American restaurant in South Central LA. Why Halle loves it: “I love Somerville—the food feels like elevated comfort and tastes amazing. The live music is always incredible as well. I’m so happy for Issa [Rae, a partner at the restaurant.]”

Chef Avner Levi makes some of the best pasta in town at this rustic spot where Angelenos still keep coming back for the cult-favorite beet spaghetti. Why Halle loves it: “Cento has some of the best handmade pasta I’ve ever had; Get the tiramisu…trust Me. Chef Avner is the best, and so kind.”

American heritage cooking—with a wood-fired hearth at the center of the restaurant guiding everything—is in the spotlight at this Glassell Park restaurant from longtime Los Angeles chef Brian Dunsmoor. Why Halle loves it: “It’s far for most people, but if you’re willing to make the drive, every bite is worth it. The fact that it’s cooked on an open fire is so different and feels rustic but you taste the flavor in every bite. P.S., get the corn bread. It’s worth the calories.”

This acclaimed restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Dave Beran is one of the pinnacles of French dining in Los Angeles. Why Halle loves it: “pasjoli is one of those places where I remember each dish days later; the cooking is refined but never pretentious, and the duck might be one of the best I’ve ever had.”

Come for shareable plates like beef shawarma and wood-fired lamb at this light-filled restaurant from chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. Why Halle loves it: “Saffy’s never misses—the Middle Eastern flavors are huge and vibrant, the hummus is ridiculous, and I always end up ordering way more than I planned.”

This Abbot Kinney spot is synonymous with Los Angeles dining, and you can still find some of the best wood-fired pizzas here alongside top-notch grilled vegetables. Why Halle loves it: “The pomodoro pizza with burrata might be my favorite pizza in LA but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”

Second-generation owner Sylvie Gabriele transformed this former French restaurant. It’s now a go-to destination for housemade pastas, seasonal antipasti, and other excellent Italian food more than a decade ago. Why Halle loves it: “Whatever you do, get the roasted chicken.”

Executive chef James Bailey leads Dave Chang’s LA flagship with dishes like smoked bo ssam, short rib, and other dishes that celebrate California’s bounty. Why Halle loves it: “I don’t go downtown often but Majordōmo is one of those things I will travel for—the Korean-inspired dishes have so much flavor, and the short rib is a star.”

For two decades running, James Beard Award winner Nancy Silverton’s restaurant has remained a leading LA destination for pizza, antipasti, and salumi. Why Halle loves it: “Nancy Silverton is a genius and the menu is amazing. Get everything you can’t go wrong.”

Get a birds-eye view of the LA skyline along with dishes like steak frites with truffle cheese fries at this plant-covered rooftop destination. Why Halle loves it: “I don’t know if there is a better view from a restaurant in the city. Amazing date night.”