“I was so excited to bring Kristen Bell to Little Dom’s because this place holds a special spot in my heart. Justin and I used to come here on dates when we were first getting to know each other, and after we got married it was one of the first neighborhoods we lived in together. There’s something about the cozy booths, the red-sauce comfort food, and the low-key vibe that just feels like home. Sharing it with Kristen made the whole episode feel extra nostalgic—and delicious.”

Bringing Sarah Hyland to Gracias Madre was a no-brainer—she’s into healthy eating (but let’s be clear, not plant-based), so I figured I’d sneak it in without telling her. Mission accomplished. The food is so good you forget it’s vegan—until you’re halfway through the nachos and realize no actual cheese was harmed in the making of your meal. The space is peak West Hollywood: lush patio, killer cocktails, and that perfect mix of laid-back and just-fancy-enough."

“Roy Choi has known chef Enrique Olvera for years, but somehow he’d never actually been to Damian—so I was thrilled to be the one to bring him. Watching Roy experience Enrique’s food for the first time was honestly kind of spiritual. The way he closed his eyes, took a bite of the duck carnitas, and started describing it like he was composing a poem—it was pure magic. The whole episode felt like a love letter to creativity, friendship, and really, really good food."

"This was actually Joshua Jackson’s suggestion—he’s been a regular at Tatsu for years and knows the menu inside and out. It felt great to bring him to one of his go-to spots. The broth is rich, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the whole vibe is casual but solid. Watching Josh talk about his favorite bowl made it clear why he keeps coming back. If you want straightforward, satisfying ramen, this is the place.”

“Margaret Cho brought me to one of her favorite spots in Koreatown—Chosun Galbee—and it’s easy to see why. Korean food is a huge part of L.A.’s food culture, and this place delivers with great cuts and a fun, lively vibe that never feels overwhelming. Sitting around the grill, flipping meat, and sharing laughs with Margaret made it feel like a real celebration. Pro tip: Don’t miss the naengmyeon—Margaret swears by it.”

“I took Kathryn Hahn to Mazal, and it turned out to be the perfect spot for us to catch up—and for her to fully embrace her “California vegan” lifestyle (aka vegan...but steak-curious). Luckily, Mazal’s all-vegetarian Israeli menu more than delivered. We dived into the mezze sampler—think creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and spicy tahini—then tore into the Jerusalem bagel toast like we hadn’t eaten in days. But the real scene-stealer? The shawarma-rubbed oyster mushrooms. So good."

“Taking Sofia Vergara to Dante in Beverly Hills felt like the most natural pairing—glamour meets glamour. Perched atop the Maybourne Hotel, Dante offers stunning views of the Hollywood Hills and a chic, see-and-be-seen atmosphere. We ordered the salmon (perfection) and the pizza Bianca, which Sofia ordered in a way only she can—let’s just say it’s worth tuning in to hear. Dante’s signature Garibaldi was a must—mine virgin—and the whole night was pure fun, from the first sip to the last slice.”

“I took Simu Liu to the iconic Formosa Café—an old Hollywood gem that’s seen everyone from Sinatra to Monroe slide into its red leather booths. We went all in on the classics: XLB soup dumplings, crispy egg rolls, sweet walnut shrimp, and tender Chinese BBQ pork. The vibe is pure vintage L.A.”

“I took Bryan Cranston to Great White on Melrose, and it might be one of the most stunning spots in L.A.—transporting you from Melrose to Tulum or Santorini. Bryan ordered the salmon coconut curry bowl and I had the poke bowl—both were bright, fresh, and totally satisfying. It’s the kind of place where you can have a deep conversation, eat something great, and also low-key wish your house looked like the restaurant.”

"I took my Modern Family buddy Nolan Gould to El Compadre—the place I hit up way back when I first landed in L.A. It’s kind of my OG Mexican food spot, and honestly, it’s got a special little corner of my heart (and my stomach). Plus, Nolan’s a Mexican food connoisseur, so I knew he would appreciate the cheesy, spicy goodness as much as I do.”