One of only two Los Angeles restaurants with the coveted three-MICHELIN-Star status, chef Michael Cimarusti’s restaurant remains an incomparable seafood destination in the city. Why Brian loves it: “Michael Cimsarusti and Donnato Pato have been operating at the highest level in Los Angeles for over twenty years now. On top of all of the restaurant’s accomplishments, these two legends did it all while running their business with the utmost integrity and kindness."

Head to this Venice favorite for seasonal, vegetable-forward food from chef Juan Hernandez. Grabbing a window seat to watch the action on Abbott Kinney is an LA rite of passage. Why Brian loves it: “Chef Juan is crushing it with the market vegetables. The hyper-seasonal menu never stops changing. A true representation of what real California cuisine can be.”

In the heart of the Arts District, this spacious, greenery filled restaurant is the place to go for exceptional Middle Eastern fare from chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. Why Brian loves it: “Ori and Genevieve, the KING and QUEEN of DTLA, never miss at their ‘mecca of Middle-Eastern cuisine.’ Some things never go out of style.”

For more than 85 years, this LA institution has been the go-to spot for the famous roasted prime ribs sliced from shining silver carts. The restaurant’s spinning bowl salad is just as popular. Why Brian loves it: “Always and forever will be a Los Angeles staple. Tried and true. One more gin martini with olives please.”

The crown jewel in James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton’s Mozzaplex, this MICHELIN-Starred restaurant is where you want to go to celebrate over refined Italian cooking. Why Brian loves it: “Dear to my heart. Osteria Mozza is a true love letter to Nancy’s slow summers in the Italian countryside.”

Next-level omakase from chef Morihiro Onodera along with a stellar a la carte await you at this charming Echo Park restaurant. Pair it with unique sake pours that are hard to find in LA. Why Brian loves it: “World class sushi tucked away in a cozy neighborhood restaurant. Every bite is better than the last. At the end of the meal you feel so comfy you don’t want to leave.”

James Beard Award winner Dave Beran leads this French stunner where you can expect showstoppers like a pressed duck for two served in an elegant dining room. Why Brian loves it: “Dave Beran comes from the pointiest end of fine dining but can do casual too. This is a MICHELIN Star chef’s nod to the classic French bistro. Get the tater tots! Wait, Are tater tots French?”

This LA outpost of famed pizzaiolo Chris Bianco’s restaurant serves the fresh, wood-fired pizzas topped with local ingredients that the original Phoenix restaurants are legendary for. Why Brian loves it: “Pizza with soul from the most lovable chef in America. When you eat one of Chris’s pies, you immediately see his smile whether you want to or not.”

Thai taco Tuesdays and other thrilling dishes make chef Justin Pichetrungsi’s restaurant a must-visit. The Los Angeles Times named it the restaurant of the year in 2022. Why Brian loves it: “Did somebody say party in the alley? Taco Tuesdays at Anajak Thai are a wild time. Thai twisted tostadas, who would have thought? Very LA of you Chefy.”

At MICHELIN-Starred Kato, chef Jon Yao cooks Taiwanese-inspired food filtered through a Los Angeles lens in a restaurant that’s unlike anything else in the city. Why Brian loves it: “You can taste the nostalgia in Jon Yao’s cooking whether it’s nostalgic to you or not. The team at KATO is transforming Taiwanese soul food into beautiful fine dining expressions. Paired with Ryan Baily’s wine list, the experience is a true culinary journey. Don’t skip out desserts either."

Chef Chad Colby takes inspiration from the Italian countryside to serve up stellar handmade pastas, woodfired meats, and more at this rustic restaurant. Why Brian loves it: “Just keep the pasta coming my way. And the wine too!”

Also part of chef Nancy Silverton’s Mozzaplex, chi SPACCA is the place to go for epic meaty mains like a 50-ounce bistecca Fiorentina alongside an impressive Italian wine list. Why Brian loves it: “This is where you go to get grilled meats in Los Angeles.”