Justin's Top 10 Los Angeles Restaurants

1) Water Grill

Even with a new chef, Water Grill continues to be my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. In fact, it is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. The fish is expertly prepared here. And you can get some of the best raw oysters in your life while dining at Water Grill. You will pay some bank...but it is well worth it. Not only for the food, but also for the best service in the country.


2) Osteria La Buca

I’ve said it before...Osteria La Buca rules! The homemade pastas, the thin as can be pizzas, and the best ice tea in LA. When you are there, you get the feeling that you are in an Osteria in Italy...you even have the Italian Mom making the pasta in the kitchen. This is a must-go in Los Angeles.


3) The Hungry Cat

Who knew that a little place behind Border’s would be such a wonderful spot to dine. The Hungry Cat is all about seafood...that is except for the PUG Burger. This burger is probably one of the best I have ever had. Oh yeah, and the seafood is great too. My favorite is an open-face soft shell crab sandwich that is to die for. Also, The Hungry Cat has the best drinks in the city! These drinks are different and refreshing...which can be dangerous so make sure you have someone to drive you home...or see a movie across the street at the Arclight while you sober up.


4) Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine

Having been to Thailand, I can honestly say that this little hut on the PCH has the best Thai food outside of Thailand. Now, if someone tells you the best Thai food in LA is Chan Dara...let’s just say that the person in question cannot be trusted. Chan Dara is California Thai...dressed up and expensive. Thai food is supposed to be simple and cheap. And that’s what you get at Cholada. You must try the pumpkin special...DELICIOUS! And they have the best noodle dishes I have ever had. A jewel of Los Angeles.


5) Campanile

Campanile is one of those restaurants that never let you down. Sure, the menu sometimes gets boring, but it always delicious so who cares. And they have some great themes: Monday is family night and Thursday is grilled cheese night. But in my opinion, Campanile shines most on Saturday and Sunday for brunch.


6) Mon Sushi

Mon Sushi is relatively new in my favorite restaurants. I found it with my friend Bruce while working on an awful film in Tarzana. Great sushi in Tarzana!? Who knew? Friendly service and well-crafted sushi is awaiting you at Mon Sushi. Hell, it is on my top ten for the Broiled Sea-Bass roll alone (it’s one of those things where after you’ve finished, you want another one). They have fish flown in from Japan that melts in your mouth. I usually stay out of the Valley...but Mon Sushi is worth the trip.


7) Yang Chow

There are a lot of mediocre Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles....Yang Chow is not one of them. Once you’ve been to Yang Chow, you realize what good Chinese is all about. They are famous for Slipper Shrimp – an evil dish of fried shrimp, glazed in a spicy-sweet sauce. It’s like heroin. You really can’t have a bad meal at Yang Chow. The downtown location is the best of them. If you have not been...shame on you.


8) Mario’s Peruvian

Mario’s Peruvian is the first work lunch I had in Los Angeles when I moved here over thirteen years ago. And it is still one of my favorites. It is one of those restaurants where you’ll get out for about twelve bucks...a steal in Los Angeles. It is a true hole in a wall with simple, delicious food. Peruvian is a cross between Latin and Asian style cooking (Peru has a large Japanese population). Mario’s is all about seafood, although they do have chicken and beef (you are a dork if you don’t try the seafood). From the fried rice to the signature stir fry of seafood, french fries, tomatoes and red onions, Mario’s pleases the taste buds. It will also fill your stomach...the portions could feed a horse. One drawback – the service. If Water Grill is the best service in LA, Mario’s is the worst. I have often had to chase down a waitress to get my check. But as long as they have that wonderful food, I’ll keep coming back.


9) Tlapazola Grill

Best Mexican food in Los Angeles...in a strip mall in West LA. They really do have fantastic food here with fresh ingredients. Seafood, meats, vegetarian...any dish you get here will be fantastic. And their margaritas will knock you out. Oh yeah, make a reservation at dinner...they are packed. Superb!


10) Pubs (Tie): Tom Bergin’s

Tom Bergin’s has consistently been on the top ten lists of Irish Pubs in America. I go here about once a week...I love the place. The perfect Irish Pub. Great drinks (including Irish Coffee) and, surprisingly, good food. They have, without a doubt, the best onion rings and chicken wings around! Chicken wings are usually covered in sauce, making it hard to eat. Not so with Bergin’s. They put the spices on first, then cover the wings with a batter and then deep-fry the suckers. Dip them into some blue-cheese (or ranch), and you are in chicken wing heaven. That is, of course, if you are washing them back with a pint of Guinness.


The Cat & Fiddle

So if Tom Bergin’s is the best Irish Pub in Los Angeles, The Cat & Fiddle is the best British Pub. If you like fish n’ chips, you have to go to this place. They also have awesome bangers and mash. Cat & Fiddle is also one of the few places in LA that you can sit outside! They have an amazing front patio, equipped with a fountain. And on Sunday nights, they have live Jazz. Cat & Fiddle is an LA institution...one that should not be missed.


Honorable Mention #1: Festivals of Meat

The Festival of Meat is too whacky to be placed on the top ten, but it is definitely a great experience. There are two places to go in Los Angeles, both great in different ways.

One is in Burbank: Picanha. Named for the mouth-watering cut of Brazilian Sirloin, you do not want to go here full. Waiters dressed in Gaucho costumes parade around with skewers of all kinds of meat – chicken, sausages and all kinds of steak. And they have these little garlic-parmesan rolls that are delicious...but be careful not to fill up on them like my friend Scott does.

The other is in Beverly Hills: Fogo de Chao. Now, it is more expensive here, but worth the money. For one thing, their salad bar is one of the best I’ve ever seen. My vegetarian friends were in heaven. And they have even more kinds of meat! I love this place...once in a while.

So if you are out for a meat extravaganza...go to the FESTIVAL OF MEAT!


Honorable Mention #2: Matsuhisa

Matsuhisa would have been #1 several years ago. It has gone a bit downhill (I think Nobu has overextended himself), but when it is good, it is amazing good. If you go, you have to get the Omakase (chef’s choice). It is the best way to experience Matuhisa. Little dishes of perfectly prepared fish that takes your breath away (when it a good night). Although I have been disappointed the last couple of times, Matsuhisa will always have a place in my heart.

Note: Matsuhisa has recently bought L'Orangerie. They will move to that location and close this original La Cienega location. The new restaurant will be called Nobu Matsuhisa. So go to the original while it still exists!