The best restaurants on the Westside

What is it? A Michelin-starred kaiseki spot in Palms from chef-owner Niki Nakayama, a protégé of the legendary Morihiro Onodera and one of the stars of the Netflix documentary Chef’s Table (2011).

Why we love it: Nakayama focuses her talent on kaiseki: a classical style of Japanese cooking that dictates a specific progression of textures, temperatures, tastes and seasonal ingredients. À la carte is not an option, and when every dish is this good, that’s okay by me. n/naka typically offers a 13-course tasting menu ($365) with a vegetarian option, plus wine and sake pairings. A newer renovation has given the dining room a sleeker look—with a requisite price bump to match—but n/naka still delivers the most delicious, wonderfully serene dining experience in the city.

Time Out tip: Years in, these are still some of the hardest reservations to land in all of Los Angeles. It’s best to follow along on Instagram for announcements and watch n/naka’s Tock page like a hawk.

Address: 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Opening hours: Wed–Sat ~5:45 and ~9:15pm seatings

Closed through at least mid-September due to a minor structure fire.

What is it? The Beverly Hills crown jewel of Evan Funke’s city-spanning pasta empire, complete with glass-encased pasta workshop, walk-in rooftop bar and priceless works of art on the walls.

Why we love it: While I’ve had great experiences at the chef’s other restaurants, it’s clear Funke and his pastry chef, Shannon Swindle, have switched their focus to this glitzy multi-level restaurant, where a brand-new section of hand-rolled pastas (“fatta a mano”) and an absolutely delicious sfincione palermitano ups the ante on the plush focaccia loaf first made famous at Felix in Venice. The ambience may not be as fun as Mother Wolf in Hollywood, but the quality of the food and service are far more consistent here at the moment. During my last meal at Funke, I loved the pesto trofie, carciofi alla giudea and Swindle’s seasonal meringata made with Harry’s Berries, a variation only offered in the summer months.

Time Out tip: Reservations, which are released seven days in advance at 9am on Resy, are practically required, so plan ahead. For a meal with less booking hassle, head to Felix or Mother Wolf instead for a pan-Italian menu that never fails to please, but be warned: I've found the latter somewhat inconsistent lately.

Address: 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9:45pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm

What is it? A spartan storefront along Pico Boulevard serving impeccable Tokyo-style Neapolitan pies—and in my humble opinion, after trying 70 different leading pizzas across L.A., the best pizza in the entire city. 

Why we love it: Made with San Marzano DOP and other high-quality ingredients, pizzaiolo William Joo’s heavenly circles of thin, blistered dough possess crusts with an addictingly mochi-like consistency. Though pricey for their size, these wonderfully delicate pies are as delicious as they come. Factor in the tiny antipasti selection and a perfectly airy tiramisu, and it’s easy to understand why Pizzeria Sei sometimes sells out early—a reflection of the fact that Angelenos are willing to pony up for quality when they see it. Just note that they’re better fresh out of the oven (i.e. while dining in), but you can also order takeout on weekdays.

Time Out tip: Do you really, really love pizza? Sei is the home of the city’s very first Tokyo-style pizza omakase, which now happens once a month on Tuesday evenings. The next one hasn’t been announced, but keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram for more updates. Priced at $150 per head, Resy bookings for this one-of-a-kind experience are typically released a week in advance and usually sell out within seconds. Follow Pizzeria Sei on Instagram to find out exactly what time “omakasei” slots will be released.

Address: 8781 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Fri 4–10pm; Sat, Sun noon–10pm

What is it? A tiny fast-casual spot along Westwood Boulevard serving the best Persian-style kebab in the city, minus the extra frills. There's also well-executed homier dishes like tahdig—a pan-sized sheet of crispy rice, typically eaten with stew—and ash reshteh, a traditional herbaceous chickpea and white bean soup.

Why we love it: I’ve sampled kebabs of all stripes from over a dozen L.A. restaurants, and while other places offer more opulent ambience—or, in the case of Saffy’s, cool-kid vibes—the main focus at Taste of Tehran speaks for itself. Served with rice and a grilled tomato, cuts like beef and chicken koobideh (ground meat kebabs) always come juicy, well-marinated and perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of onion. Best of all, Saghar Fanisalek’s fast-casual eatery is relatively affordable.

Time Out tip: On Wednesdays and Thursdays, pairs can share the generously portioned Tehran plate special, which combines beef koobideh, chicken and filet mignon shish kebab and full plates of rice and salad.

Address: 1915 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–9pm

What is it? An elegant West L.A. omakase run by one of L.A.’s few female sushi chefs.

Why we love it: A sense of restrained elegance threads itself throughout each meal at Mori Nozomi, the newest omakase experience to occupy the former Mori Sushi space. Five nights a week, Ginza Onodera alumna Nozomi Mori serves an exquisite omakase ($280) with a touch of Osaka-style flair and elements of traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The all-female team—a rarity in the predominantly male world of sushi—has crafted a standout high-end sushi experience complete with minimalist floral arrangements, an optional artisan tea pairing ($50) and Mori’s delicate one-of-a-kind wagashi at the end of every meal. I loved the thinly sliced penshell clam wrapped in nori and tamago soaked in hot dashi broth, but what really sets the restaurant apart is the grace and beauty of ceremonial tea-serving on display every night of service. 

Time Out tip: Have a particular date in mind? Set your alarm—Tock reservations for Mori Nozomi are released every Sunday at 10am.

Address: 11500 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Opening hours: Tue–Sat, 7pm seating

What is it? A Beverly Hills omakase counter that’s the crown jewel of the Sugarfish empire.

Why we love it: In the last few years, the number of omakase options in L.A. has likely quadrupled, but I still think this Michelin-starred sushi counter ($225 per person) in the back of Sugarfish Beverly Hills delivers one of the best mixes of quality and value. As with Sugarfish, the shari (sushi rice) here is warm and sweet—which may not be to everyone’s liking. New executive chef Jay Sada plays fast and loose with tradition, delivering a transcendent array of generously portioned pieces over approximately two hours—a quicker meal, so to speak, in fine dining terms. In that time frame, you’ll find yourself immersed in a cornucopia of flavors and textures, starting with something like a rich, solid piece of sweet freshwater eel and a sashimi trio consisting of Japanese octopus, New Zealand shrimp and succulent bluefin tuna. Lobster makes multiple appearances, and you’re guaranteed a course of succulent Santa Barbara uni, piled high atop the loosely packed shari.

Time Out tip: If you’re still hungry at the end of each meal, you can normally add a supplemental nigiri to your meal; Sada-san normally keeps extra portions of fish on hand for just this reason.

Address: 212 North Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Opening hours: Mon–Sat, 6pm and 8:30pm seatings

What is it? One of L.A.’s best omakases, served within the pristine bleached wood confines of a sushi bar in a sleepier part of Santa Monica.

Why we love it: This Westside sushi bar run by eponymous chef Shunji Nakao and his wife Yuko Sakurai offers a streamlined, exclusive approach to top-notch sushi in the form of a $295 omakase—one of the best in the city’s upper sushi echelons. If you’re not into Nozawa Bar’s warm rice and unwilling to trek to the South Bay or Little Tokyo for high-end sushi, Shunji is your best bet. Every night of service, after a brief sequence of kaiseki-style appetizers, Nakao breaks out a wood block of sliced fish, each brilliant, shining row ready to be prepared for each guest. The luxurious selection always satisfies, as does Sakurai’s ultra-refined sake selection. 

Time Out tip: Note that Shunji doesn’t accommodate most food restrictions.

Address: 3003 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Opening hours: Tue–Sat, 5:15 and 7:45 seatings

What is it? A Rat Pack era steakhouse in Culver City that’s now run by Michelin-recognized chef Josiah Citrin and Hans and Patti Rockenwagner. 

Why we love it: In and around Los Angeles, every restaurant that’s been around for more than a couple of decades seems to declare that Frank Sinatra was a regular. In the case of Dear John’s, this was actually true: The steakhouse was a haunt for the crooner and his cronies from the time it opened in the early ’60s. Since 2019, Citrin—the chef behind Charcoal, Melissé and Augie’s on Main—has given the kitchen at Dear John’s a new lease on life. Step into the comforting darkness for old-school-cool ambience and a delicious menu of classics with a twist, including a cheese-stuffed chicken parm and “bougie” tots topped with creme fraiche, caviar and salmon roe. Just know that Dear John's is here for a good time, not a long time—the steakhouse narrowly avoided demolition for the umpteenth time in 2023, and is likely to stick around for just a few more years. 

Time Out tip: If you’re craving pasta, Frank’s spaghetti and clams will do the trick. 

Address: 11208 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–9:30pm

What is it? A modern California cuisine institution and one of the best wine bars in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Chef Suzanne Goin’s iconic Mediterranean-inspired small plates and business partner Caroline Styne’s best-in-class wine list combine to make for one of the most steadfast farm-to-table destinations in Los Angeles. The seasonal focaccias, artful salads and family-style entrées always hit the mark for an upscale dinner or brunch, and the Beverly Grove restaurant also has one of the most romantic patios in the city. You can’t go wrong with the signature bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with parmesan and Spanish fried chicken with farm-fresh romesco, but Goin also rotates in newer dishes to reflect the farmers’ market, which keeps the menu fresh even for long-time regulars. Plus, the ever-changing cocktail list—booze optional—provides plenty of fodder for those in the mood for a drink. 

Time Out tip: Don’t neglect the charcuterie board and cheese plates. For a solo diner enjoying a glass of wine at the bar, one order will easily fill you up.

Address: 8700 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5:30–9pm; Fri 5:30–10pm; Sat 10am–2:30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 10am–2:30pm, 5–9pm ​

What is it? A vegetable-forward, London-inspired restaurant in Westchester and one of the city's most ambitious new farm-to-table dining destinations.

Why we love it: Run by husband-and-wife duo Harry Posner and Natalie Dial, Tomat is making some of L.A.’s most delicious, interesting new California cuisine. The couple offer an ever-changing menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner made with farmers’ market produce, plus fruits, herbs and vegetables grown in the restaurant’s garden. Since opening last fall, the restaurant has earned heaps of critical acclaim for its British, Persian and Japanese culinary influences—and though Posner doesn’t hit the bull’s eye with every dish, I appreciate his market-driven approach to cooking and sustainably sourced meat and seafood. Almost anything that can be made in house is made in house, from the hot sauce to pastry chef Bex Chilton’s breakfast pastries. On my most recent visit, I enjoyed a bluefin tuna carpaccio made with fish caught by Connor Mitchell of Venice’s Dudley Market and charred zucchini and baby corn with avocado and citrus. More constant menu highlights include the housemade “barbari” bread served with tomato butter, the dry-aged duck with mole and crispy trout with vegetables inspired by Britain’s classic fish and chips.

Time Out tip: The half English breakfast, available during daytime hours, is an excellent pre-flight meal.

Address: 6261 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Opening hours: Tue 8am–1pm, Wed–Sun 8am–1pm, 5–8:30pm (last seating).

What is it? A family-run South Indian strip mall joint serving L.A.’s best Kerala-style cuisine.

Why we love it: The soup-to-nuts menu caters to locals in search of tandoori chicken and other North Indian dishes, but Angelenos in the know gravitate towards the delicate fish curry served with appam, thin pancakes made of fermented rice flour; the fantastic, comically large dosas; uthappams, a thicker, pizza-like dosa topped with vegetables; and the Kerala special avial, a spicy, yogurt-rich vegetable stew served with rice. Throw in the choose-your-own-adventure thali plates, affordable lunch specials and the relaxed atmosphere, and it’s no surprise Mayura has been around since 2006—it’s simply excellent. 

Time Out tip: Skip takeout mainstays like chicken tikka and saag paneer here; you’ll do better by ordering Mayura’s specialties.

Address: 10406 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11am–9pm

What is it? A no-frills Nayarit-style mariscos specialist serving some of L.A.’s best seafood, especially if you like shrimp.

Why we love it: While Inglewood is the home of the original Coni’Seafood, the smaller Culver City-adjacent outpost serves the same menu of smoked marlin tacos, more than a dozen shrimp dishes from raw to deep-fried and more elaborate house specialties like pescado zarandeado—butterflied snook fish marinated in soy sauce and grilled to savory perfection over charcoal. The chicharrones de pescado involve crispy, pan-fried tilapia chunks with tangy soy and lemon sauce, while another standout dish stars sweet langoustines—bathed in garlic, chilies and lemon juice—and, if you’re lucky, prized roe. My favorite shrimp preparation on the menu is the camerones borrachos: a medium-spicy tequila sauce peppered with garlic, cilantro and crushed pepper chilies.

Time Out tip: Call ahead for the pescado zarandeado to make sure it’s available and reserve a fish in advance.

Address: 4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 11:30am–8:30pm

What is it? A first-rate Italian trattoria at the far edge of Abbot Kinney—and the home of pasta maestro Evan Funke’s culinary comeback.

Why we love it: Forget being the best pasta in Venice—Felix is the original home of some of the best pasta on the West Coast. Though head chef Evan Funke now divides his time between Funke in Beverly Hills (my favorite of his restaurants) and Mother Wolf in Hollywood (a concept since expanded to Vegas and Miami, and which we don’t recommend at all unfortunately), this cozy Venice bungalow is where the Chef’s Table star made a triumphant return in 2017, a few years after closing his original restaurant, Bucato. Every night, you’ll see workers rolling, cutting and forming noodles behind a pane of glass—and while the focus at Felix remains the handmade pasta, you’ll also find a phenomenal sfincione focaccia, blistered crust pizzas and antipasti so good you’ll be tempted to make a whole meal out of them. Years in, and it’s still packed, so make a reservation before heading over, or brave your luck at the cozy bar stools near the entrance.

Time Out tip: When it’s available, order the spaghetti con bottarga. The salted, cured fish roe offers a uniquely Italian blend of savory flavors that’s out of this world.

Address: 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it? A beloved West L.A. institution serving one of the city’s best burgers and amazing pies from a U-shaped counter that’s stayed virtually unchanged since 1947.

Why we love it: It’s a great burger, full stop. In recent years, the Apple Pan has kept up with the times by adding plant-based burger patties and expanded its dining area to include patio seating in the former parking lot. It stays open relatively late (until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11pm otherwise) and offers the kind of efficient, no-nonsense service that’s sadly a rarity in L.A. these days. Everything’s aces, but we’re partial to the smoky Hickory Burger, which comes slathered in secret house sauce (think: sugary, smoky tomato). Pair with an order of crispy fries served in a paper cone, and save room for a slice of house-made apple pie (á la mode, all the way).

Time Out tip: Don’t have the time to wait for a seat at the counter? You can now order ahead for pick-up and delivery on DoorDash.

Address: 10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri, Sat 11am–midnight; Sun 11am–11pm

What is it? The upscale, all-day Cal-Italian dining destination along Abbot Kinney that helped usher in the era of Venice’s full-blown gentrification.

Why we love it: Whether you love or hate it, Gjelina has quite a few disciples, and for good reason. Even in the dead of winter, the seasonally focused menu, eaten alongside a mix of tourists, locals and influencers, can’t help but bring in the sunshine. Founding chef Travis Lett has long since departed the kitchen—you can find him cooking at RVR, a Japanese-inspired restaurant located down the street—but current management has maintained the quality, consistency and seasonality of cooking that Gjelina is well-known for. On my most recent visit, the Weiser potatoes and orange-glazed rainbow carrots with yogurt and chermoula were as delicious as ever. The ever-present anchovy pizza and orecchiette with beef cheek bolognese were equally great. Whether you’re stopping by in the morning or after dark, the restaurant delivers a great meal.

Time Out tip: My favorite seats in the house are on the back patio, particularly during weekend brunch.

Address: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 8am–10:30pm

What is it? A Japanese restaurant on the outskirts of Culver City serving flavorful, plant-based cuisine.

Why we love it: This is one of L.A.’s best vegan restaurants, hands down, and a wonderful option for omnivores looking to eat less meat, vegans and vegetarians and anyone else who appreciates creative cooking. (The restaurant is also fully gluten-free and allergy-friendly—just let your server know.) Unlike its eastward location, Shojin Culver City also features a well-appointed patio where servers dole out a white tablecloth experience fit for special occasions. Highlights include Shojin’s spicy “tuna” dynamite roll, made with tofu and avocado, as well as their Purple Treasure, which swaps out raw fish for pieces of buttery eggplant on top of asparagus and carrot maki rolls.

Time Out tip: Save room for dessert. The tempura banana with chocolate mousse is downright craveworthy.

Address: 12406 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri 5–10:30pm; Sat noon–2pm, 5–10:30pm; Sun noon–9:30pm

What is it? The stylish all-day Lincoln Boulevard hangout spot that Venice never knew it needed.

Why we love it: Part natural wine bar, part restaurant, Companion is the lovingly crafted creation of neighborhood residents Nick and Dakota Monica, who also run nearby Gnarwal Coffee. The narrow, well-designed space serves coffee, breakfast burritos and pastries before switching to a tightly curated Cal-Italian menu during dinner hours. In the evening, Quarter Sheets alum Jack Goode serves impeccable pizzas made with crispy, New Haven-inspired dough, plus seasonal delights like olive oil cake topped with raspberry-apple compote. A well-heeled locals’ crowd and the lure of vinyl spinning after nightfall have already made Companion a total scene (pejorative), but I’ll hold my nose for Goode’s delicious, painstakingly sourced cuisine.

Time Out tip: Companion also offers its crispy, thin crust pizzas for delivery—I particularly recommend the Klaus (Pead & Barnetts spicy pork sausage, red onions and sweet hot peppers).

Address: 1700 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 7am–3pm, 5–9pm

What is it? A trendy, upscale Central American eatery, and one of L.A.’s only restaurants specializing in Panamanian cuisine.

Why we love it: The former James Beach space is now Si! Mon, one of the most interesting restaurant openings to hit Venice in years. If the old venue—an iconic Westside queer space and locals’ watering hole—reflected the needs and wants of a bygone, more eclectic and affordable era in the beachside neighborhood, Si! Mon exemplifies the type of place desired by the area’s new set of monied locals: stylish, pricey and intended for those willing to casually drop $150 apiece on dinner and drinks. It’s run by the same group behind nearby Menotti’s and Townhouse, as well as Culver City’s similarly upscale Hatchet Hall. Head chef José Carles hails from Panama City, where his other restaurant, Fonda Lo Que Hay, has garnered the attention of Latin America’s 50 Best. At Si! Mon, Carles generally justifies the high cost of entry with impeccably made raw dishes, yuca tostadas and other small-to-medium plates that distill the country’s Chinese, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean culinary influences into a satisfying, if fairly expensive meal, the likes of which you can’t find anywhere else in Los Angeles.

Time Out tip: In my book, the gluten-free fried chicken, curry spiced sashimi and crab gaucho are the top dishes to order here.

Address: 60 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight; Sun 5–9pm

What is it? An upscale Southern restaurant serving an array of meat, game, seafood and vegetables—all of it cooked on a wood-burning hearth.

Why we love it: The cuisine Hatchet Hall serves isn’t just Southern; it’s American, or more specifically, early American. While founding chef Brian Dunsmoor has since opened up his own restaurant in Glassell Park, Culver City is still home to a great, though pricey, Southern dinner spot. These days, the food is still rock solid and of course, don’t forget about the vibe: a vast and candle-lit patio, plus a humming, low-lit dining room make for intimate, romantic settings where regulars feel comfortable enough to mingle over smoked country ham, shrimp and grits and fennel-dusted pork chop. Classics like shishito-flecked cornbread dripping with honey and butter and grilled elk loin with bacon vinaigrette offer the kind of culinary decadence that’s often in short supply on the Westside.

Time Out tip: Order a cocktail either here or at Old Man Bar, the whisky-focused bar next door; Hatchet Hall takes its drinks program quite seriously.

Address: 12517 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–10pm; Sat 10am–2:30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 10am–2:30pm, 5–9pm

What is it? One of L.A.’s most quintessential seen-and-be-seen restaurants, complete with a stunning oceanfront location so close to the beach that you’ll overhear children playing on the sand.

Why we love it: Nobu Malibu is one of those places that’s so stunning, you may just hear yourself muttering, “Is this real life?” Whether you’re looking to gawk at celebrities or just want to celebrate a special occasion, the current location on PCH offers excellent views of the water during the day—and a moody, somehow even better atmosphere at night. The pricey fusion-style Japanese cuisine may no longer be cutting-edge, but in our experience it’s still quite delicious and extremely consistent, from signatures like the yellowtail jalapeño sashimi and miso black cod to newer seasonal dishes. Beyond food and ambience, top-notch service and plenty of well-lit nooks and crannies for snagging the perfect selfie make the hassle of booking a table here worth it. 

Time Out tip: Reservations are only available over the phone—310-317-9140—up to 30 days in advance, and the phone lines open at 10am.

Address: 22706 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm