MomSkoop
Los Angeles boasts some of the most incredible fine dining restaurants in the world. From celebrity chef hotspots to hidden culinary gems, the city offers amazing food experiences that will make any special occasion unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, impressing a date, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, these upscale restaurants deliver exceptional service, beautiful atmospheres, and food that tastes like pure magic.
1. Spago Beverly Hills
Wolfgang Puck’s legendary restaurant continues to dazzle diners after decades in business. The famous chef created a California cuisine revolution here, mixing fresh local ingredients with international flavors.
Celebrities and food lovers flock to this Beverly Hills institution for good reason. The salmon pizza remains one of the most copied dishes in America, while seasonal menus showcase the best of what California farms offer.
Reservations fill up quickly, especially for patio seating where you might spot a movie star at the next table.
2. République
Originally a Charlie Chaplin studio, this stunning space now houses one of LA’s most beloved restaurants. The soaring ceilings and industrial-chic design create an atmosphere that feels both grand and welcoming.
French-inspired dishes shine here, from perfect croissants at breakfast to incredible steaks at dinner. The open kitchen lets you watch talented chefs work their magic while you enjoy cocktails at the marble bar.
Weekend brunch draws massive crowds, so arrive early or prepare for a wait that’s absolutely worth it.
3. Providence
Michelin-starred Providence takes seafood to artistic heights that will leave you speechless. Chef Michael Cimarusti sources the finest fish from around the globe, treating each ingredient with incredible respect and skill.
The tasting menu changes frequently based on what’s freshest and best. Expect dishes that look like beautiful paintings but taste even better than they appear on the plate.
Service here feels almost choreographed, with servers who know every detail about your meal and wine pairings that complement each course perfectly.
4. Osteria Mozza
Nancy Silverton’s Italian masterpiece centers around a mozzarella bar that produces the creamiest, most delicious cheese you’ve ever tasted. Watching the cheese makers work feels like witnessing edible art in motion.
The menu celebrates authentic Italian flavors with a California twist. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal vegetables create combinations that transport you straight to Italy without leaving Hollywood.
The wine list features incredible Italian selections, and the knowledgeable staff helps you find perfect pairings for every dish you order.
5. N/Naka
Chef Niki Nakayama creates Japanese kaiseki experiences that feel like edible poetry. Each course tells a story through carefully chosen ingredients, precise techniques, and presentation that borders on the supernatural.
The tasting menu spans multiple courses, with each dish building on the flavors that came before. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, so every visit offers something completely new and exciting to discover.
Reservations require patience and planning, but the experience ranks among the most memorable meals you’ll ever have in your entire life.
6. Bestia
This industrial-chic Italian restaurant brings serious energy to the Arts District. The open kitchen creates theater, with chefs tending wood-fired ovens and house-made charcuterie that hangs like delicious artwork.
Bone marrow, house-cured meats, and inventive pizzas showcase bold flavors that pack a punch. The wine list focuses on natural and biodynamic selections that pair beautifully with the restaurant’s rustic Italian approach.
Crowds pack this place nightly, creating a buzzing atmosphere where conversation flows as freely as the excellent wine selections.
7. Mélisse
Chef Josiah Citrin’s Santa Monica gem delivers French fine dining that feels both classic and completely modern. The restaurant’s intimate setting creates perfect romantic atmospheres for special celebrations and important occasions.
Seasonal tasting menus highlight the best ingredients California has to offer, prepared with French techniques that have been perfected over generations. Each dish arrives as a small masterpiece of flavor and visual beauty.
The sommelier’s wine pairings elevate every course, creating harmony between food and drink that makes the entire experience feel like pure magic unfolding.
8. Nobu Los Angeles
Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s West Hollywood location brings world-famous Japanese-Peruvian fusion to the heart of LA’s entertainment industry. The sleek, modern design attracts movie stars and food enthusiasts alike.
Signature dishes like black cod with miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño have become legendary for good reason. The fish quality rivals the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, while innovative preparations keep things exciting.
The sake selection impresses even the most knowledgeable drinkers, and the service team knows how to make every guest feel like a VIP celebrity.
9. Gucci Osteria Da Massimo Bottura
Fashion meets food at this stunning Beverly Hills collaboration between luxury brand Gucci and world-renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura. The restaurant’s design reflects both Italian elegance and modern California style.
The menu features contemporary Italian dishes that push creative boundaries while respecting traditional techniques. Tortellini in Parmigiano cream and other signature dishes showcase ingredients flown in directly from Italy’s best producers.
Everything here feels like a special occasion, from the beautiful presentations to the impeccable service that makes every meal feel like a luxury shopping experience.
10. Citrin
Chef Josiah Citrin’s more casual counterpart to Mélisse still delivers exceptional quality with a relaxed neighborhood feel. The Santa Monica location attracts locals who appreciate fine dining without excessive formality or pretension.
Mediterranean-inspired dishes feature incredible local seafood and seasonal produce from nearby farmers markets. The cooking techniques remain sophisticated, but the atmosphere encourages lingering conversations over multiple courses and excellent wine.
The bar program creates cocktails that complement the food perfectly, making this spot ideal for both intimate dinners and celebrations with close friends.
11. Kato
Chef Jon Yao’s innovative approach combines Taiwanese flavors with modern techniques that create completely unique dining experiences. The small restaurant focuses entirely on a multi-course tasting menu that changes frequently based on seasonal availability.
Each dish tells a story about Yao’s heritage while showcasing his incredible technical skills and creative vision. Familiar Asian flavors appear in unexpected forms that surprise and delight with every single bite.
The intimate setting means every guest receives personal attention, and watching the kitchen work feels like witnessing culinary artistry at its absolute finest level.
12. Maude
Chef Curtis Stone’s Beverly Hills restaurant changes its entire menu every few months, focusing on ingredients from a specific region or theme. This constant evolution keeps regular customers excited and coming back frequently.
The Australian chef brings global perspectives to each themed menu, whether highlighting French wines, Italian regions, or seasonal American ingredients. His technical skills shine through in every carefully crafted dish that arrives at your table.
The wine pairings match each menu theme perfectly, creating cohesive dining experiences that feel like culinary travel adventures without leaving your comfortable Beverly Hills seat.
13. Gwen
This Hollywood steakhouse and raw bar combines two restaurants under one stunning roof designed to impress from the moment you walk inside. The in-house butcher shop showcases incredible cuts of meat aging to perfection.
Upstairs focuses on perfectly cooked steaks and classic sides, while downstairs offers fresh seafood and lighter fare. Both levels maintain the same high standards for quality ingredients and expert preparation techniques.
The cocktail program features classic drinks executed flawlessly, and the wine list includes bottles that pair beautifully with both surf and turf options on the extensive menu.