Tag: food

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Best Bars in Los Angeles to Visit this August | L.A. Eats

Los Angeles has never been a one-drink town. Across the city, bartenders are playing with Mexican spirits, natural wines, savory martinis, tropical flavors, and cocktails that borrow from decades past. The result is a bar scene that feels increasingly specific to its neighborhoods.

For late-summer drinks, the best bars in Los Angeles range from polished Sunset Strip lounges to intimate Virgil Village hideaways. Here are 10 destinations worth adding to your list.

Bar Next Door

Location: 9159 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Bar Next Door embraces the history of the Sunset Strip from a space once occupied by the talent agency that represented Marilyn Monroe. Bar director Brynn Smith carries that spirit into playful cocktails like the Hustler Hollywood lychee martini highball and Garden of Allah gin and tonic. There is no kitchen, but guests can bring in food, including a slice from neighboring Prince Street Pizza.

Accomplice Bar

Location: 3811 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Connected to Little Fatty in Mar Vista, Accomplice has become a neighborhood favorite for serious cocktails without the ceremony. Spirit-forward drinks include the Bad Bunny with mezcal, vermouth, Italian bitter aperitif, and carrot. The crisp Japanese highball makes an especially refreshing choice on a warm LA evening.

Force of Nature

Location: 1031 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291

Force of Nature brings an intimate wine and cocktail destination to Abbot Kinney. Opened by Crudo e Nudo partner Leena Culhane, the upstairs space highlights winemakers, distillers, artists, and culinary creatives through its drinks and events. Its natural wines and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the best bars in Los Angeles for an easy Venice evening.

Employees Only

Location: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

The Los Angeles edition of New York cocktail institution Employees Only has developed an identity of its own. The sprawling West Hollywood location pairs a dining room and back bar with expertly executed drinks, from the blackberry-forward Amelia to creative seasonal cocktails. Its Tuesday through Sunday happy hour is another reason to arrive early.

Bar 109

Location: 649 North Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Located at the front of Chef Brian Baik’s Corridor 109, Bar 109 combines polished cocktails with a concise food menu. The Marine Layer martini blends gin, Manzanilla sherry, dry vermouth, saline, and white kelp for a subtle coastal note. Pair it with Baik’s fried fish sandwich or wagyu hot dog.

Mírate

Location: 1712 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Mírate has earned national attention for its inventive drinks and impressive collection of Mexican spirits. Beverage director Max Reis transforms familiar cocktails with ingredients like tepache, jackfruit ponche, mole bitters, and sal de chapulín. Add chef Alan Sanz’s Mexican cooking and the dramatic tree-filled setting, and it is easy to understand why Mírate ranks among the best bars in Los Angeles.

Big Bar

Location: 1927 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Attached to Alcove Cafe, Big Bar has maintained the spirit of a neighborhood watering hole while developing a destination-worthy cocktail program. Seasonal menus often follow playful themes, giving the bartenders plenty of room to experiment. Settle into the intimate bar or grab a table on the brick-lined patio.

The Let’s Go! Disco & Cocktail Club

Location: 710 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Let’s Go! brings 1970s Italian disco energy to the Arts District without letting the theme overpower the drinks. Italian ingredients appear throughout a menu that ranges from zero-proof spritzes to amaro daiquiris. After a little dancing, the tequila and amaro espresso martini makes a fitting nightcap.

Thunderbolt

Location: 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Thunderbolt may have collected major cocktail accolades, but the Historic Filipinotown bar remains refreshingly casual. Drinks include a coconut-washed rye Old Fashioned and a nonalcoholic lychee daiquiri, while its bottle shop offers natural wine and spirits to take home. For inventive drinks without the velvet-rope attitude, it remains one of the best bars in Los Angeles.

Real Charmer

Location: 864 Virgil Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Real Charmer gives Virgil Village a stylish new destination for liquor-forward cocktails. Beverage director Kayla Dowell’s menu includes creations like the Mezze Martini, made with olive oil-washed gin, dill, Kalamata olives, peppercorn, lemon peel, and dry vermouth. Snacks sourced from local markets, including Spam musubi with Sriracha mayonnaise, keep things casual.

From destination cocktail programs to bars that still feel genuinely neighborhood-driven, the best bars in Los Angeles offer plenty of ways to stretch a summer evening. Pick a neighborhood, order something unexpected, and let the night decide the rest.

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Best Montecito Staycation Ideas – A Luxury Weekend on the Coast | Out & About

Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Montecito has mastered the art of slowing down. Just a short drive up the coast from Los Angeles, this elegant seaside enclave offers all the ingredients of an upscale escape without the stress of airport lines or crowded itineraries. Planning the ultimate Montecito weekend getaway is less about rushing through attractions and more about lingering over fresh coastal cuisine, wandering through quiet gardens, and unwinding to the sound of crashing waves. If you are looking for a relaxing escape close to home, here are the top Montecito staycation ideas for a perfectly curated, luxurious weekend.

Wake Up at a Premier Luxury Resort 

Every memorable getaway begins with an exceptional home base, and Montecito features some of the world’s most refined accommodations. Book an oceanfront suite at the iconic Rosewood Miramar Beach for direct sand access, stylish bungalow suites, and Forbes Five-Star pampering at Sense Spa. Alternatively, opt for the historic San Ysidro Ranch, where private cottages tucked into the lush hillside offer ultimate privacy, roaring fireplaces, and creek-side views. Choosing a standout resort is one of the easiest Montecito staycation ideas to ensure your weekend feels worlds away from daily life.

Mornings by the Shore & Coast Village Road 

Begin your morning with a quiet walk along Butterfly Beach, a local favorite known for its calm water, gentle shoreline, and serene coastal views. Afterwards, take a short stroll to Coast Village Road, Montecito’s main thoroughfare for boutique shopping, art galleries, and upscale dining. Grab an artisanal espresso and croissant at Caffe Luxxe or Lilac Montecito before browsing local boutiques. For lunch, indulge in freshly shucked oysters and lobster rolls at Clark’s Montecito, or head to Montecito Country Mart for wood-fired sourdough pizzas at Bettina.

Discover Botanical Wonders and Scenic Trails 

Montecito’s natural landscapes are just as compelling as its high-end amenities. Reserve a morning tour at Lotusland, a world-renowned 37-acre botanical estate. The peaceful sanctuary features rare global plant collections, dramatic cacti, and exotic lotus ponds. Because advance reservations are required, every tour feels intimate and exclusive. If you prefer active outdoor exploration, head to the nearby Hot Springs Canyon Trail. At this local spot, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Santa Barbara coastline and surrounding mountain ridges.

Indulge in Exceptional Coastal Dining 

A true coastal staycation requires top-tier dining, and Montecito’s culinary scene excels at unhurried, elevated meals. End your evening with dinner at Caruso’s. The Michelin-starred, oceanfront restaurant at Rosewood Miramar Beach offers seasonal California-Italian tasting menus that meet uninterrupted Pacific views. For a cozy, romantic setting, book a table at The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch. It’s there that you will enjoy seasonal farm-to-table dishes under citrus trees and ambient candlelight.

Escape Without Going Far 

The beauty of these Montecito staycation ideas lies in their seamless simplicity. You do not need a multi-day flight to feel completely recharged. A brief scenic drive brings you to pristine beaches, world-class dining, and peaceful mountain backdrops. Whether celebrating a special milestone or simply craving a restful weekend away, Montecito is it. Enjoy an elegant, unforgettable sanctuary right along California’s golden coast.

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Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles for August 2026 | L.A. Eats

Los Angeles dining does not ease into late summer. It arrives with rooftop screens, charcoal smoke, new bakeries, seafood counters, and a few serious reservations worth planning around. The best new restaurants in Los Angeles for August 2026 stretch from Silver Lake and Chinatown to Venice, Santa Monica, Altadena, and Alhambra, giving diners plenty of reasons to leave the house before Labor Day.

Whether you want a polished omakase, a lobster roll by the beach, or a late-night sandwich after drinks, these are the best new restaurants in Los Angeles to know this month.

Bar di Bello

Location: 3300 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90026, US

Bar di Bello brings Milanese polish to Silver Lake’s Sunset Row. The cocktail list leans stylish, with drinks like the tomato water and gin-based Greenhouse Martini and the raspberry-balsamic Prima Donna. The food follows with trofie alla Genovese and a chicken cutlet dressed with shallots, guanciale, and capers.

Frank & Frank’s

Location: 943 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012, United States

Frank & Frank’s gives Chinatown a new late-night sandwich shop with real personality. The menu is tight but clever, with a spicy Italian layered with salami, ‘nduja stracciatella crema, and shaved Parmesan, plus a turkey and candied bacon sandwich called the Nostalgia. Weekend hours run late, making it one of the best new restaurants in Los Angeles for after-dark cravings.

Cineopera

Location: 812 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California 90013, United States

Cineopera has turned the former LA Cha Cha Chá rooftop into a relaxed Arts District hangout with skyline views and outdoor screens. The menu is easygoing and built for grazing, with focaccia sandwiches, panzanella, fritto misto, fries, and stuffed peppers. It is ideal for a casual night of sports, movies, and Downtown views.

Bengara

Location: 803 Traction Avenue, STE 140, Los Angeles, California 90013, United States

Bengara brings Japanese binchotan charcoal cooking to the Arts District. The menu centers on slow, low-heat genshiyaki-style preparations, including teuchi citrus soba, grilled rice skewers with uni and red miso, pork shoulder with fermented garlic, and kinako ice cream. It is quiet, smoky, and refined.

The Tasting Kitchen

Location: 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA, 90291, US

The Tasting Kitchen has returned to Abbot Kinney after a long closure, with chef Casey Lane back at the helm. The refreshed menu keeps longtime favorites while adding dishes cooked over charcoal and fire, including mackerel escabeche, bucatini all’Amatriciana, and shrimp tagliolini. Its farmers market-driven approach keeps the restaurant feeling alive in the moment.

San Damián

Location: 1025 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, California 90291, United States

San Damián brings coastal Mexican seafood to Venice from Enrique Olvera’s Casamata group. Chef Chuy Cervantes’s menu includes Kumamoto oysters, clams with salsa macha, local rockfish ceviche, Dungeness crab tostadas, kanpachi al pastor, and pescado asado. For mariscos and cocktails on the Westside, it is easily among the best new restaurants in Los Angeles.

West Side Oyster Club

Location: 1355 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401, United States

West Side Oyster Club gives Ocean Avenue a breezy new seafood spot with East Coast inspiration. Expect fish and chips, blackened shrimp tacos, fried oysters, clam chowder in a bread bowl, lobster rolls, po’boys, and shareable platters. It is casual, coastal, and built for summer.

Sushi Nakazawa

Location: 145 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Sushi Nakazawa finally brings its Michelin-starred omakase experience to Los Angeles. Chef Daisuke Nakazawa serves Edomae-style nigiri flights, with a classic omakase and a larger chef’s menu available. For sushi lovers, this is one of the most anticipated openings of the year.

Pizzeria Sei

Location: 10700 Tabor St, Los Angeles, California 90034

Pizzeria Sei has expanded into a larger Palms home with a sit-down dining room and a broader menu. The pizzas now include Neapolitan, fried montanara, and Roman-style scrocchiarella. Add supplì with vodka sauce, chicken croquettes, or broccolini with bagna cauda to round out the table.

Bar Betsy

Location: 871 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, California 91001, United States

Bar Betsy is an all-day cafe and wine bar from Tyler Wells, located next to Betsy in Altadena. Mornings bring coffee, puff pastries, and brioche breads, while later hours shift toward crudo, focaccia sandwiches, and farmers market-driven plates. It feels like an easy neighborhood habit in the making.

Pinecone Bakeshop and Cafe

Location: 116 West Main Street, Alhambra, California 91801, United States

Pinecone Bakeshop and Cafe brings fruit-focused baking to Alhambra from Joyce Hsieh. Tarts highlight local produce, including Harry’s Berries strawberries and Wong Farms mangos, with crusts made from Tehachapi Sonora wheat. Espresso, matcha, hojicha, and seasonal drinks make it a sweet finish to this month’s list of the best new restaurants in Los Angeles.

From polished sushi counters to breezy seafood rooms and neighborhood cafes, the best new restaurants in Los Angeles for August 2026 show a city still hungry for reinvention. This month, the table is wide open.

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Top Restaurants in Hollywood | L.A. Eats

Hollywood has always been a neighborhood of spectacle, but its dining scene has become just as compelling as its marquees. Between old-school institutions, polished tasting menus, stylish hotel-adjacent dining rooms, and late-night Italian American comfort, the top restaurants in Hollywood offer a mix of nostalgia and new energy. Whether you are planning a celebratory dinner, a pre-show bite, or a lingering night out, these restaurants prove that Hollywood still knows how to set the scene.

Mr. T

Location: 953 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90038, US

Mr. T brings a French sensibility to a high-ceilinged Hollywood dining room filled with music, movement, and well-dressed diners. The menu folds Los Angeles influences into dishes like branzino with beurre blanc, steak tartare with Thai vinaigrette, and beef bourguignon interpreted through the lens of Korean galbi-jjim. At lunch, the bistro burger with cheese foam has become one of the neighborhood’s best daytime orders.

Jones

Location: 7205 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, USA

Jones is the kind of restaurant every city needs: reliable, lively, and open late enough to save the night. After a temporary closure in 2023, the longtime Italian American staple returned with its cozy bar, pizzas, pastas, salads, and whole steamed artichokes. The spaghetti and meatballs are a classic move, but the sizzling apple pie à la mode is the order people remember.

Jacaranda

Location: 6623 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90038, United States

Jacaranda offers a more intimate tasting menu experience from chef Daniel Patterson and Sarah Lewitinn. The 30-seat restaurant focuses heavily on California ingredients, with a vegetable-forward menu that may include artichoke flower, soft tofu with fresh seaweed, and Kauai prawns. It feels refined without being stiff, which makes it one of the top restaurants in Hollywood for a quieter special occasion.

Musso & Frank Grill

Location: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

Musso & Frank Grill is more than a landmark. It is a living dining room where martinis arrive cold, servers move with practiced grace, and the menu still honors its 1919 roots. Order the prime rib, fettuccine Alfredo, or Flannel Cake, then settle into the hum of a room that has seen nearly every version of Hollywood pass through.

Udatsu

Location: 6634 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028

Hidden above Rokusho, Udatsu brings one of Tokyo’s most creative omakase experiences to Hollywood. The eight-seat counter is guided by chef Shingo Ogane, with a progression shaped by rice temperature and pristine fish, much of it sourced from Japan. It is a splurge, but for sushi devotees, it belongs among the top restaurants in Hollywood.

Gwen

Location: 6600 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

Gwen is chef Curtis Stone’s polished steakhouse, butcher shop, and celebratory dining room wrapped into one. The menu starts beautifully with house-made charcuterie before moving into dry-aged steaks and seasonal dishes handled with fine-dining precision. The Art Deco-meets-midcentury space gives the whole experience a little cinematic glow.

Mother Wolf

Location: 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

Mother Wolf turned its corner of Hollywood into a Roman dining event. Evan Funke’s restaurant is grand, busy, and beautiful, with wood-fired pizzas, rigatoni all’Amatriciana, and bistecca alla Fiorentina moving through a room that rarely seems to slow down. Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want to experience one of the top restaurants in Hollywood at its full buzz.

Providence

Location: 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA

Providence remains one of Los Angeles’s great fine dining restaurants. Chef Michael Cimarusti’s seafood-focused tasting menu moves through luxurious courses like caviar, sashimi, Maine lobster, black cod, and optional add-ons such as oysters or Santa Barbara prawns. Nearly two decades in, it still feels precise, graceful, and deeply special.

ABL Hollywood

Location: 1649 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028, United States

ABL Hollywood brings Jamaican-Chinese cooking to an intimate 35-seat space on Cahuenga. Mother-daughter team Aja and Barbara Dawson serve jerk fried egg rolls, chen pi ji-style chicken wings, oxtail macaroni and cheese, patties, coco bread, and escovitch snapper. It is warm, personal, and one of the top restaurants in Hollywood for bold, soulful flavor.

Jemma

Location: 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA, 90028, US

Jemma keeps things approachable with polished Italian American cooking from chef Jackson Kalb. The menu includes meatballs, pepperoni pizza, cacio e pepe, spicy rigatoni alla vodka, and pork osso bucco, all made with care and strong ingredients. It works equally well for a family dinner, an after-work meal, or a casual Hollywood night out.

From century-old dining rooms to modern tasting menus and lively neighborhood newcomers, the top restaurants in Hollywood capture the neighborhood’s layered personality. It is classic, glamorous, strange, stylish, and still very hungry.

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Weekend Events | July 31 – August 2

Close out July with a bang! From fireworks and sound at the Hollywood Bowl to Shakespeare in the park and more, we have you covered with summer fun. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood July 31 through August 2. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | July 31 – August 2 

Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks

When: July 31 – August 1 

Where: Hollywood Bowl | Hollywood

What: Conductor Chloé Dufresne leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s cherished summer tradition, joined by L.A.-based circus company Troupe Vertigo for captivating performances set to highlights from Swan Lake and Marche Slave. The evening concludes with the iconic 1812 Overture, featuring the USC Trojan Marching Band and the Hollywood Bowl’s signature fireworks spectacular.

Death Cab for Cutie

When: August 2 – August 3 

Where: Griffith Park 

What: Catch Death Cab for Cutie live at the Greek Theatre for an evening of the band’s signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and melodic indie rock. Touring in support of their latest album, I Built You A Tower, the longtime favorites will perform two nights of fan favorites and new music at one of Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor venues.

MAUM Market

When: August 1 – December 19 

Where: Arts District | Downtown Los Angeles

What: Discover unique finds at MAUM Market, returning to ROW DTLA with a thoughtfully curated selection of goods from AAPI artists, makers, and small businesses. Browse everything from handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and home décor to beauty products, stationery, clothing, and specialty treats. With free admission and a family- and pet-friendly atmosphere, it’s a wonderful way to support local creatives while enjoying a day of shopping.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | July 31 – August 2 

The Actors’ Gang Shakespeare in the Park

When: August 1 – August 30 

Where: Palms

What: Just when you thought Shakespeare was sounding a little, well, dated, enter the Actors’ Gang. Each summer, the Culver City theater spins a different play from the Bard into a high-energy, family-friendly and free-to-attend production, often wrapped in an irreverent theme (think everything from Toy Story to Power Rangers). This time around, Two Gentlemen of Verona gets a sci-fi twist dubbed Two Gentlebots of Verona. You’ll find the play the first four weekends in August at Culver City’s Media Park, then at the Buena Vista Branch Library in Burbank the last weekend of August.

Chargers Training Camp at the Bolt

When: Until August 17 

Where: El Segundo

What: Get an early look at the upcoming NFL season during the Los Angeles Chargers’ free public training camp in El Segundo. Fans can watch open practices from covered bleacher seating, catch themed events throughout the summer, and experience the excitement of training camp before the regular season kicks off. Space is limited, making this a great opportunity for football fans of all ages.

OC Fair

When: Until August 16 

Where: Costa Mesa

What: A Southern California tradition since 1889, the OC Fair returns with a month of carnival rides, fried food, rodeos, demolition derbies, and classic summertime fun. Beyond the midway, the fair features an impressive concert lineup with performances from Willie Nelson, Cypress Hill, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Alison Krauss, Steve Aoki, Boy George, and more, plus a comedy set from Trevor Noah. It’s part county fair, part music festival, and one of the region’s biggest summer events.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | July 31 – August 2 

The Roaring Rendition Speakeasy Ball

When: July 31 – August 1 

Where: Vitello’s | Studio City

What: Step back into the Roaring Twenties at the 10th anniversary celebration of the hidden Rendition Room. Tucked behind Vitello’s, this beloved speakeasy is marking the occasion with a glamorous themed party featuring a welcome cocktail, buffet dinner, Prohibition-inspired drinks, and a costume contest for guests dressed in their finest 1920s or 1930s attire.

Brand Summer Concert Series

When: Until August 28 

Where: Glendale

What: Pack a picnic and head to Brand Park for Glendale’s annual free summer concert series. Held on Friday evenings through the end of August, the outdoor performances feature an eclectic mix of genres, from retro jazz and soul to pop, Armenian folk, Congolese rumba, Cuban rhythms, and rock. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, settle onto the grassy hillside behind the library, and enjoy a relaxing evening of live music in one of Glendale’s most picturesque parks.

Classic Films Under the Stars

When: Until September 26 

Where: Brand Park | Glendale

What: Spend a summer evening under the stars with the Alex Film Society as it brings classic movies outdoors to Brand Park. Held on the lawn during the warmer months, this seasonal series offers the chance to enjoy beloved films in a relaxed park setting, making it a favorite tradition for movie lovers of all ages.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | July 31 – August 2 

Ventura County Fair

 

When: July 29 – August 9 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura

What: Experience one of Ventura County’s favorite summer traditions at the Ventura County Fairgrounds during the 2026 Ventura County Fair. From carnival rides and live entertainment to farm animals, local exhibits, games, and all the classic fair food favorites, there’s something for every age to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting for the concerts, the midway, or the agricultural displays, it’s a quintessential Southern California summer outing.

100th Anniversary of Jungleland Event at Stagecoach Inn Museum

When: August 1 

Where: 51 S Ventu Park Rd, Newbury Park

What: Celebrate a century of Jungleland at the Stagecoach Inn Museum with a special day honoring Ventura County’s legendary wildlife attraction. The family-friendly event features historical presentations, a gallery walk of rare photos and memorabilia, a portrayal of famed tiger trainer Mabel Stark, children’s activities, animal-themed fun, and local food. It’s a fascinating opportunity to explore a unique chapter of Southern California history.

Camarillo Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

When: August 2 

Where: Pleasant Valley Fields | 150 Westpark Ct, Camarillo

What: Lace up for the Camarillo Marathon, a scenic race day featuring a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K for runners of all experience levels. The race starts and finishes at Pleasant Valley Fields. The courses follow the Camarillo Bike Path and surrounding roads, offering a welcoming community atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.

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Best Restaurants in Malibu for Coastal Dining | L.A. Eats

Malibu dining is more than a meal by the water. It is ocean air, canyon views, fresh seafood, and the kind of effortless coastal setting that makes Los Angeles living feel cinematic. From casual seafood shacks to polished oceanfront dining rooms, the best restaurants in Malibu offer something for every kind of outing, whether it is a beach day lunch, a romantic sunset dinner, or a weekend drive up Pacific Coast Highway.

Here are the best restaurants in Malibu to know for standout coastal dining.

Broad Street Oyster Company

Location: 23359 CA-1 #3874A, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Broad Street Oyster Company has become one of Malibu’s most destination-worthy casual seafood spots. Hidden inside Malibu Country Mart, it serves fresh oysters, scallop crudo, fried seafood, fish tacos, and a lobster roll that has earned serious local devotion. Add extra butter and lobster if the day calls for a little indulgence.

Lucky’s Malibu

Location: 3835 Cross Creek Road, Suite #18, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Lucky’s Malibu brings a classic steakhouse experience to a tucked-away corner of Cross Creek. The menu covers grilled chops, generous sides, matzoh ball soup, chili, and all the familiar comforts expected from a polished steakhouse. It is quieter than some of Malibu’s flashier spots, which is exactly part of its charm.

Lily’s Cafe and Pastries

Location: 29211 Heathercliff Road, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Lily’s Cafe and Pastries is a local favorite for casual, satisfying Mexican food in a no-fuss shopping center off Heathercliff Road. Many Malibu locals and Pepperdine students swear by the breakfast burrito, especially when paired with the restaurant’s spicy salsa. For something lighter, the huevos rancheros and icy horchata make an equally comforting order.

Malibu Seafood

Location: 25653 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA, 90265, US

Malibu Seafood has been a PCH staple since 1972, drawing beachgoers, hikers, and road-trippers with classic seafood stand fare. The menu includes fried fish, shrimp, clam strips, squid, oysters, grilled seafood plates, fish sandwiches, and seasonal steamers. The tiered patio offers sweeping Pacific views, making it one of the best restaurants in Malibu for a relaxed coastal lunch.

Nobu Malibu

Location: 22706 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Nobu Malibu remains one of the most famous dining destinations in the city. Set directly on the ocean, the restaurant pairs sleek service with celebrated Japanese dishes, sashimi, sushi, and signature plates designed for sharing. Reservations are famously competitive, but the setting alone keeps it among the best restaurants in Malibu for a special night out.

Taverna Tony

Location: 23410 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA, 90265, US

Taverna Tony brings lively Greek dining to Malibu Country Mart. The patio fills quickly on warm weekends as guests share taramosalata, calamari, lamb souvlaki, Greek potatoes, and whole branzino. With cocktails, wine, live music, and belly dancers on select nights, it is a festive choice after the beach.

Malibu Farm Cafe

Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Malibu Farm Cafe is practically synonymous with pier dining in Malibu. The counter-service cafe offers ocean views alongside breakfast sandwiches, smoked salmon scrambles, lobster rolls, burgers, and fish tacos. Its easygoing feel makes it ideal for daytime dining with out-of-town guests.

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Location: 23465 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA, 90265, US

Clark’s Oyster Bar brings a refined seafood experience to the Park at Cross Creek. The menu includes oysters, crudo, rockfish ceviche, crab cakes, lobster rolls, wedge salad, and a standout brunch Dungeness crab omelet. Its sunny patio and polished coastal design make it one of the best restaurants in Malibu for a stylish group meal.

Mastro’s Ocean Club

Location: 18412 E Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Mastro’s Ocean Club delivers the grand oceanfront steakhouse experience Malibu does so well. Seafood towers, steaks, fish, and decadent sides all arrive in a dining room framed by rugged Pacific views. Finish with the signature butter cake for a true celebratory meal.

Neptune’s Net

Location: 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Neptune’s Net is a classic Malibu stop with a personality all its own. Since 1956, the restaurant has served fried clams, shrimp, chowder, fish tacos, grilled seafood, and cold beer to surfers, bikers, families, and road-trippers. Its wood-plank patio and ocean views make it one of the most memorable casual dining spots along PCH.

From beachside seafood to refined steakhouse dining, the best restaurants in Malibu capture the effortless beauty of coastal Los Angeles. Whether you are planning a day by the water or an evening overlooking the Pacific, Malibu offers a dining scene as memorable as its views.

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The Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles | L.A. Eats

Dining out with kids does not mean compromising on quality food or a vibrant atmosphere. Finding the best family-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles is simple thanks to the city’s diverse culinary landscape. From interactive pizzerias to cozy diners, LA offers spots where parents and children can enjoy a meal together. Here are eight top locations across the city guaranteed to satisfy diners of all ages.

Tail O’ the Pup

Location: West Hollywood

Few places capture a child’s imagination like eating inside a giant hot-dog-shaped building. Kids adore the $6.95 “Puppy Dog” meal—a mini hot dog stamped with a pup face—served with fries and milkshakes. Parents can enjoy jalapeño-topped dogs and chili, making this iconic landmark an affordable family favorite.

Afuri Ramen + Dumpling

Location: Culver City

Afuri makes dining with toddlers seamless by providing sippy cups, crayons, and coloring paper as soon as you sit down. Little ones love the kid-sized yuzu shoyu ramen bowls and crunchy Japanese fried chicken. Located right by the Culver Steps, kids can play in the open courtyard before or after eating.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria

Location: Santa Monica

Located along the 3rd Street Promenade, this immersive pizzeria brings nostalgic excitement to family meals. Kids can marvel at the neon-lit space while sharing 20-inch pies like the Cowabunga Cheese or Shredder’s Revenge. Crafted by a veteran pizzaiolo, it offers a quick, fun bite that keeps little ones thoroughly entertained.

Vamos Vamos

Location: Santa Monica

This chill taco joint on Main Street serves approachable Mexican favorites in a welcoming environment. Picky eaters can stick to cheese quesadillas, while older kids love beef birria tacos served with small cups of consommé. Friendly servers frequently slip waiting children toys, making it a neighborhood staple for casual family dinners.

The Cloverfield

Location: Santa Monica

Situated near Santa Monica Airport, The Cloverfield sits directly across from a popular public playground. Parents can relax on the expansive patio with sourdough pizzas and beef barbacoa nachos. After finishing warm chocolate brownies for dessert, kids can burn off energy at the adjacent park while parents finish their drinks.

Petit Trois le Valley

Location: Sherman Oaks

For parents craving elevated French bistro fare, Chef Ludo Lefebvre’s Sherman Oaks outpost delivers without excluding kids. The spacious dining room offers pint-sized classics, including mini burgers with fries and miniature versions of their famous French omelettes. Adults can savor steak frites while children enjoy a VIP dining experience.

HomeState

Location: Sherman Oaks

Bringing Tex-Mex comfort food to Southern California, HomeState features a relaxed vibe where children feel right at home. The menu is filled with shareable breakfast tacos, migas, and loaded queso that satisfy every appetite. Crayons, coloring sheets, and stickers keep little hands occupied until the food arrives.

John O’Groats

Location: West Los Angeles

A local staple for over 30 years, this cozy diner specializes in hearty daytime comfort foods. The kitchen accommodates picky eaters and dietary restrictions with ease, serving fluffy pancakes, eggs, and giant biscuits. Kids receive crayons with their coloring paper menu, guaranteeing a stress-free morning for parents.

Navigating the city’s food scene with children is easy when you pick the right locations. These top family-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles deliver memorable experiences and delicious food for the entire group. Plan your next family outing at one of these spots for a stress-free, satisfying meal!

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Top Beachside Restaurants in Los Angeles | L.A. Eats

For luxury homebuyers and coastal lifestyle seekers, dining by the Pacific is part of the Los Angeles experience. From Malibu’s dramatic coastline to Santa Monica’s polished hotel patios and Venice’s creative seafood counters, the best beachside restaurants in Los Angeles offer more than a meal. They deliver atmosphere, sunset views, fresh seafood, and the effortless elegance that defines Southern California living.

Whether you are entertaining out-of-town guests, planning a romantic evening, or simply taking in the coastline after a day near the water, these ten beachside restaurants in Los Angeles are worth adding to your reservation list.

Mastro’s Ocean Club

Location: 18412 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Mastro’s Ocean Club remains one of Malibu’s most glamorous oceanfront dining destinations. After a temporary closure following the January 2025 Palisades Fire, the restaurant reopened in late May 2025, bringing back its signature steaks, seafood towers, live entertainment, and sweeping Pacific views. For a refined evening, order the dry-aged bone-in rib-eye, Japanese A5 wagyu, wedge salad, and sashimi while the waves crash just beyond the dining room. 

Neptune’s Net

Location: 42505 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Neptune’s Net is a Malibu classic with a more casual, road-trip feel. Since 1956, the restaurant has welcomed surfers, bikers, locals, and beachgoers for fried clams, shrimp, chowder, fish tacos, cold beer, and grilled seafood. The Pacific sits just across Highway 1, making it one of the most iconic laid-back beachside restaurants in Los Angeles.

The Jolly Oyster Ventura

Location: 911 San Pedro St, Ventura, CA, 93001, US

The Jolly Oyster is a simple pleasure done beautifully. Set at San Buenaventura State Beach, the compact stand serves raw, grilled, and fried oysters, along with scallop ceviche and sea urchin tostadas. Bring your own drinks and snacks, then linger by the sand with kids, dogs, and a view that feels wonderfully unpolished.

Malibu Farm

Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Malibu Farm is practically shorthand for coastal California dining. Located on the Malibu Pier, the restaurant and cafe serve approachable dishes like crab cakes, lobster rolls, lobster macaroni and cheese, nachos, and fresh daytime fare. The setting is the star, with ocean air and panoramic views that make every meal feel like a postcard.

Marelle

Location: 1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401, United States

Marelle brings a more polished Santa Monica dining experience to Ocean Avenue. Chef Raphael Lunetta’s California menu highlights seasonal produce, Spanish octopus, lamb tenderloin, and elegant coastal flavors in a breezy indoor-outdoor setting. While the ocean views are slightly removed, the atmosphere still captures the sophistication of beachside Los Angeles.

Malibu Seafood

Location: 25653 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA, 90265, US

Malibu Seafood has been a PCH staple since 1972, drawing hikers, beachgoers, and road-trippers with classic seafood plates. Expect fried fish, shrimp, clam strips, squid, fish sandwiches, grilled halibut, swordfish, tuna, and seasonal steamers. The tiered patio offers wide Pacific views, giving this casual stop plenty of coastal charm.

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

Location: 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe is ideal for guests who want to dine with their feet in the sand. The family-owned restaurant dates back decades and offers breakfast, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, coconut shrimp, and live Maine lobster. Chair rentals and beachfront service make it a full Malibu day rather than just a meal.

Sirena at the Georgian

Location: 1415 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401

Sirena at the Georgian feels romantic, elegant, and slightly under the radar. Set beneath a bougainvillea-shaded terrace, the California Italian restaurant serves crudo, grilled octopus, pasta, chicken Milanese, and refined desserts. Its Ocean Avenue setting makes it one of the most stylish beachside restaurants in Los Angeles for a relaxed but elevated evening.

The Lobster

Location: 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

The Lobster is a Santa Monica institution for polished seafood beside the pier. The menu features lobster chowder, charred octopus, grilled lobster, steamed lobster, and fresh shellfish in a dining room built around ocean views. It is a classic choice when the occasion calls for sunset, Champagne, and something from the raw bar.

Dudley Market

Location: 9 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA, 90291, US

Dudley Market is a Venice favorite for seafood lovers who prefer something intimate and modern. Tucked near the boardwalk, the restaurant serves crudos, seafood tostadas, natural wines, and market-driven dishes that change with the catch. It is casual, cool, and one of the most compelling beachside restaurants in Los Angeles for a relaxed coastal night out.

From white-tablecloth Malibu dining to Venice seafood counters and Santa Monica classics, these beachside restaurants in Los Angeles capture the best of coastal living. For luxury seekers, they offer exactly what makes LA County so desirable: refined food, unforgettable views, and the Pacific always within reach.

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The Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles – July 2026 | L.A. Eat

Los Angeles dining is always in motion, and July brings another wave of openings worth adding to the calendar. From refined tasting menus and coastal Mexican seafood to Milan-inspired cocktails, Japanese charcoal cooking, and casual Valley favorites, the new restaurants in Los Angeles this month offer something for every kind of diner.

Whether you are planning a polished night out, a low-key brunch, or a group dinner with plenty to share, these standout spots capture the range and energy that keep LA’s restaurant scene endlessly exciting.

Lielle

Location: 9575 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90035, United States

Chef Marcus Jernmark brings a seasonal California focus to Lielle, a 42-seat restaurant in Pico-Robertson. The four-course menu changes with the market, though the 36-hour proofed bread made with Rouge de Bordeaux wheat is already becoming a signature. Expect elegant dishes like aged squab, barbecued abalone with seaweed rice, and maitake mushroom sauce.

Picala

Location: 3321 South La Cienega Boulevard, STE G, Los Angeles, California 90016, United States

Picala marks Acme Hospitality’s Los Angeles debut with a warm West Adams restaurant shaped by California ingredients and Spanish influence. The menu includes pan con tomate, tortilla Española, shaved asparagus salad, aged prime rib-eye, and paella with chicken, chorizo, peppers, and aioli. It is one of the new restaurants in Los Angeles that feels especially suited for group dining.

Jacaranda

Location: 6623 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90038, United States

Jacaranda brings chef Daniel Patterson’s fine dining experience into a more intimate 30-seat setting. The 10-course tasting menu leans heavily into vegetables and California sourcing, with dishes built around ingredients like artichoke flower, soft tofu, fresh seaweed, and Kauai prawns. Dessert comes from pastry chef Matt Tinder, with fruit-forward finishes that feel refined but not overly fussy.

San Damián

Location: 1025 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, California 90291, United States

San Damián brings seafood-focused modern Mexican cooking to Venice from Enrique Olvera’s Casamata group. Chef Chuy Cervantes’s menu highlights mariscos such as Kumamoto oysters, local rockfish ceviche, Santa Barbara sea urchin, and Dungeness crab tostadas. With kanpachi al pastor, pescado asado, cocktails, wine, and beer, the restaurant feels right at home on Abbot Kinney.

Pizzeria Sei

Location: 10700 Tabor St, Los Angeles, California 90034

Pizzeria Sei has expanded from its tiny Pico-Robertson storefront into a larger Palms location with a full sit-down dining room. The menu features Neapolitan pizzas, fried montanara, and crispy Roman-style scrocchiarella. Starters like vodka sauce supplì, chicken croquettes, gem salad, and broccolini with bagna cauda round out the experience.

Bad Roman

Location: 267 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210, United States

New York’s bold Italian favorite Bad Roman has arrived in Beverly Hills. The maximalist menu includes roasted garlic babka, seafood towers, spicy Caesar salad, house-made pastas, branzino, chicken al limone, and caviar gnocchi. With cheeky design details and a playful sense of excess, it brings serious personality to the list of new restaurants in Los Angeles.

Pawn Shop

Location: 5901 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90038, United States

Pawn Shop turns a former collateral loan space into a sleek, high-energy sports bar. The menu balances casual favorites like wings and fries with upscale touches such as caviar service, kanpachi crudo, and a 40-ounce dry-aged tomahawk. Private suites make it a strong pick for groups who want dinner, drinks, and a game-day atmosphere.

Bar di Bello

Location: 3300 West Sunset Boulevard, #109-110, Los Angeles, California 90026, United States

Bar di Bello brings Milan-inspired style to Silver Lake’s Sunset Row. Cocktails like the Greenhouse Martini and Prima Donna pair with Italian and California wines, trofie alla Genovese, and a chicken cutlet finished with shallots, guanciale, and capers. It is sleek, polished, and ideal for a stylish neighborhood night out.

Bengara

Location: 803 Traction Avenue, STE 140, Los Angeles, California 90013, United States

Bengara introduces Japanese binchotan charcoal cooking to the Arts District. The menu centers on slow, low-heat genshiyaki-style preparations, with dishes such as teuchi citrus soba, grilled rice skewers with uni, pork shoulder with fermented garlic, and kinako ice cream. It is one of the more distinctive new restaurants in Los Angeles for diners looking for smoke, subtlety, and craft.

Bar Betsy

Location: 871 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, California 91001, United States

Bar Betsy is an all-day cafe and wine bar from Tyler Wells, located next to his live-fire restaurant Betsy. Mornings bring coffee, puff pastries, and brioche breads, while the daytime menu moves into farmers market-inspired fare like crudo and focaccia sandwiches. It is easygoing, charming, and built for repeat visits.

Highly Likely Studio City

Location: 12401 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, California 91604, United States

Highly Likely has brought its laid-back all-day cafe energy to Studio City. Breakfast runs until 4 p.m. with green chilaquiles and breakfast burritos, while lunch includes snapper tostadas, burgers, chicken Caesar wraps, and steak frites au poivre. The warm wood, tile, and soft lighting give the Valley location an easy neighborhood appeal.

Cheesesteaks by Matū

Location: 4799 Commons Way, Suite I, Calabasas

Set to open July 14 at The Commons in Calabasas, Cheesesteaks by Matū brings a premium take on the Philly cheesesteak to a casual walk-up setting. The sandwich features 100% grass-fed First Light Farms Wagyu, a custom-seeded bun, Cooper Sharp cheese, grilled onions, and a long hot pepper. Served with house-made chips, it is a strong new option for Calabasas diners.

From Beverly Hills glamour to Altadena wine bars and Arts District fire cooking, the new restaurants in Los Angeles for July 2026 show just how wide the city’s dining scene can be. This month, every neighborhood seems to have a fresh reason to go out.

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The 10 Best Bakeries in Los Angeles | L.A. Eats

A neighborhood’s local culinary scene is a major selling point for real estate. Whether you are searching for a new home or simply exploring LA County, discovering the best bakeries in Los Angeles is an essential part of finding your perfect community. From coastal artisanal spaces to valley hidden gems, here are ten top-tier bakeries to check out.

Gjusta

Location: 320 Sunset Avenue, Venice, CA 90291, USA

This perennial Venice hotspot features a stunning glass pastry case filled with beautiful cakes, pies, and galettes. Try the flaky tahini croissant at breakfast, grab a tuna sandwich, and enjoy the vibiest weekend outdoor patio in Los Angeles.

Petit Grain Boulangerie

Location: 1209 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90403

Run by Clémence de Lutz and Tony Hernandez, this spot ranks among the best bakeries in Los Angeles for French viennoiserie. Enjoy flaky croissants made with local flours and French butter, or pick up their burnished sourdough pan loaves.

Jyan Isaac Bread

Location: 1620 Ocean Park Boulevard (16th Street), Santa Monica, CA 90405

Gjusta alum Jyan Isaac Horwitz offers coveted sourdough rolls, baguettes, and challah. This permanent Santa Monica bakery also serves fresh bagels with cultured butter, alongside glossy croissants and seasonal fruit cruffins. Arrive early before they sell out.

Fat + Flour Culver City

Location: 11739 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90066

Nicole Rucker’s celebrated Culver City staple is famous for banana cream pies, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. For a savory lunch, try the herb omelet or mozzarella and pesto sandwich served on fresh Jyan Isaac bread.

Tommy & Atticus

Location: 1700 Aviation Boulevard, Redondo Beach, California 90278

Garrett McPerry brings top-flight sourdough and seasonal sweets to Redondo Beach. Focused on fresh farmers market ingredients, this South Bay favorite offers an incredible American baking style that makes it well worth the travel for non-locals.

Kouzeh

Best Bakeries in Los Angeles

Location: 5466 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90036, United States

Spago alum Sahar Shomali specializes in authentic Persian breads and pastries in Miracle Mile. The gorgeous pastry case features braided gisou, blistered barbari, and cardamom-infused komaaj-e-hamedaan, highlighting why the best bakeries in Los Angeles offer such incredible culinary diversity.

Friends & Family

Best Bakeries in Los Angeles

Location: 5150 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90027, United States

Anchoring East Hollywood, Roxana Jullapat serves over 40 types of weekend baked goods. Made with Sonoran wheat, her exceptional croissants, scones, and classic caneles showcase why this neighborhood staple is a destination for pastry lovers.

Sweet Valentine Bakery

Best Bakeries in Los Angeles

Location: 17401 South Avalon Boulevard, Carson, California 90746

Customers flock to Carson for Matthew Valentine’s reasonably priced sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and banana pudding. This neighborhood favorite features nostalgic whole bundt cakes, including red velvet and a cinnamon-praline-braided sour cream butter cake.

Proof Bakery

Best Bakeries in Los Angeles

Location: 3156 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039, USA

This employee-owned Atwater Village institution perfectly balances European and American baking sensibilities. From unbeatable classic croissants to seasonal cookies and savory lunch sandwiches, early risers get the absolute best selection from the morning case.

Artelice Patisserie

Best Bakeries in Los Angeles

Location: 117 N. San Fernando Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91502, USA

This stunning Burbank patisserie creates the most beautiful, technically sound desserts in the San Fernando Valley. While the tiramisu is outstanding, don’t miss the savory Italian Princess croissant filled with mushrooms, Parmesan, and basil.

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