Chef Aitor Zabala recently reopened his ambitious, intimate fine-dining tasting-menu restaurant. The courses here take inspiration from Zabala’s Catalan background. Why Jon loves it: “[This is] my favorite fine-dining restaurant in the city. [It’s] definitely an inspiration and [the] awe-inspiring precision is a given. [I] love that fine-dining perspectives are getting more specific in the city.”

Visionary chef Jordan Kahn’s Vespertine is an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience in LA. The restaurant received two MICHELIN Stars and a Green Star for sustainability soon after it reopened in 2024. Why Jon loves it: “[It’s an] incredible, all-encompassing, holistic experience. [It’s] also very inspiring every time I go. [It] changes how you perceive and internalize the act of eating.”

Bavel is the second LA restaurant opened by husband-and-wife team Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis after Bestia, and it’s a love letter to Middle Eastern cuisine and bold flavors. Why Jon loves it: “I live super close and it’s so sharp and vibrant. I love all of chef Ori’s restaurants but this is my favorite.”

Chef-owner Brian Dunsmoor has perfected the art of open-fire cooking at his eponymous, candle-lit restaurant that incorporates some of the greatest hits from his culinary career (hint: get the cornbread). Why Jon loves it: “I always love to see open hearths and how people use it. I have to stop myself from just getting full from the opening section but the pork chop with smoked pork fat is a must.”

Meat is what’s on the menu at iconic chef Nancy Silverton’s Italian steakhouse, which serves everything from housemade charcuterie to a 42-ounce tomahawk pork chop. Don’t overlook the substantial Italian wine list. Why Jon loves it: “[It is] great for large groups of friends and incredible grilled proteins. The cured meat plates are also incredible. If my dad asks to get taken to a steakhouse-type restaurant for a celebration, he’s talking about this.”

In addition to two MICHELIN Stars and a Green Star for sustainability, chef Michael Cimarusti’s 20-year-old ode to the sea has also earned him a James Beard Award for Best Chef: West. Why Jon loves it: “[I] have to pay respect to one of the longest standing fine-dining restaurants in the city. [It’s] a temple of seafood and incredible local farming. The menu is always changing, and it’s always a special experience.”

The owners of Tsubaki and OTOTO meld Japanese and French flavors at their stunning Arts District bistro, which has a sake selection that’s as impressive and thoughtful as the wine list. Why Jon loves it: “[It’s] the neighborhood bistro for me. You can go and put together a long menu for yourself or just stop in for an entree, but the Japanese-French connection just ends up feeling so comforting and perfect for a weeknight.”

République by chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke is quintessential LA and a destination for its best-in-class pastries, elevated French fare, and iconic architecture. Why Jon likes it: “[It’s] great for dinner and one of my favorite brunch spots. [It’s] great to be able to step into a large airy room for breakfast, coffee, and incredible pastries.”

This casual spot serves no-fuss, flavorful Vietnamese fare and is especially known for its signature pork spring rolls, pork chop rice, and banh mi sandwiches. Why Jon likes it: “[They make] incredible spring rolls. I have to go at the very least once every two weeks. Always do the bun bo hue, lemongrass chicken rolls, and sour pork rolls.”

A go-to for homestyle Taiwanese dishes in the San Gabriel Valley, locals love heading back to Lu’s Garden for its popular buffet. Why Jon loves it: “[It’s] the closest thing I can find to my mother's cooking. This is a weekly staple for us. Choose anything out of the hot case [and] you can’t go wrong with a side of white rice.”