Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s stunning 23-year-old California bistro was recently added to the Los Angeles Times’s Hall of Fame list, making it a true LA classic. Why Kat loves it: “When I was a culinary student, I came to LA on my externship. My brother was an actor and would treat me to dinner at A.O.C. I have such fond memories of sitting at the bar with him, eating the bacon-wrapped dates.”

Caitlin and Daniel Cutler’s pizza restaurant on Melrose is known far and wide for its best-in-class Neapolitan-style pies, excellent cocktails, delicious vegetable dishes, and immaculate vibes. Why Kat loves it: “I was at an event nearby recently and popped in for a quick dinner. The Sweet Cheeks pizza [a white pie topped with house-made guanciale, ricotta and peppery honey] was amazing. I can’t stop thinking about it.”

This new-ish restaurant from duo Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan, which melds Japanese and French influences in dishes like abalone pot pie, has already landed on many best-of lists in LA and beyond. Why Kat loves it: “I was in Paris recently, and I really fell in love with bistro culture. Bistros, like Camélia, just really have their own personality. And I’m a big wine drinker, but you can go to Camélia and have an entirely different experience with sake.”

Legendary family-owned Valley Mexican restaurant Casa Vega is now run by third-generation owner Christy Vega-Fowler and serves classics like nachos, chicken mole, lobster enchiladas, and, of course, strong margaritas. Why Kat loves it: “Generational cooking is so important to LA and telling the LA story. I love how Casa Vega is always evolving while honoring the past. That’s what we try to do at Yangban.”

Husband-and-wife team Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gerghis have built a mini empire of restaurants with a personality all their own—including their stunning Middle Eastern restaurant Bavel, with its high ceilings and impressive greenery. Why Kat loves it: “I attribute a lot of their success to Genevieve. She’s a master of spaces and tones. She’s a genius.”