The best restaurants on the Westside

What is it? A two Michelin star 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.

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 us. n/naka typically offers a 13-course tasting menu ($310) with a vegetarian option, plus wine and sake pairings.

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 last minute announcements and watch n/naka’s Tock page like a hawk.

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

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 we’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.

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: We’ve found the latter somewhat inconsistent lately.

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

What is it? Santa Monica’s most destination-worthy restaurant—and believe us, we tried every single possible candidate twice.

Why we love it: The newest member of the area’s prolific Rustic Canyon Family, Birdie G’s deftly blends farmers’ market seasonality with Midwestern and Jewish culinary influences. Though founding chef Jeremy Fox is back in the kitchen at the hospitality group’s original namesake, it’s Birdie G’s—named for Fox’s daughter and grandmother—that offers a more satisfying, thrilling blend of comfort and delight. Signatures like the carrot miso matzo ball soup, lamb “à la Saless” and the ever-changing relish tray form the backbone of every pricey (but worth it) meal here, but newer menu additions by other chefs in the kitchen keep things fresh and interesting. One recent example? Executive chef Matthew Schaler’s vegan, gluten-free persimmon “terrine” dessert. Plus, the cocktails here are excellent, from the creamy, well-balanced Not Your Grandmother’s Grasshopper to seasonal creations like the Sweater Weather.

Time Out tip: In the mood for a steak and martini? Birdie G’s might not be a steakhouse in the traditional sense, but the koji-marinated steaks here are truly excellent, as are the crispy, thick-cut fries.

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

What is it? A spartan storefront along Pico Boulevard serving impeccable Tokyo-style Neapolitan pies—and in our humble opinion, after trying 45 different leading pizzas across L.A., the best pizza in the entire city. (And yes, before you can even ask: We’ve tried the famous Pizzeria Bianco in the Arts District.) 

Why we love it: Made with San Marzano DOP and other high-quality ingredients, the 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 often 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: Don’t come here expecting much in the way of ambience; this spot offers zero bells and whistles—just the finest pizza you’ll ever eat in L.A. 

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

What is it? The omakase-only crown jewel of the Sugarfish empire that bears the family name of Kazunori Nozawa, the Studio City chef who started it all. Here, Osamu Fujita carries on the legacy of the original Sushi Nozawa with 20-plus pieces of decadent nigiri built on warm, loosely packed rice. 

Why we love it: There are many excellent omakases in the city, but none deliver as much excellence, fun and value as this Michelin-starred sushi counter hidden in the back of Sugarfish Beverly Hills. The menu ($225) plays fast and loose with tradition, but you’re still left dumbfounded at the end of the meal, which typically clocks in at just over 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.

Time Out tip: Interested in checking out Nozawa Bar? Make a reservation ASAP, and be on time: The restaurant takes bookings three calendar months in advance, and the meal begins on time, regardless of latecomers.

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

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 are 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: This year, we 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.

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

What is it? A Wolfgang Puck and L.A. classic known for its power lunches and celeb sightings, as well as a fine dining institution still serving haute bites that will please a crowd for any special occasion.

Why we love it: After 41 years, Spago is an old upscale standby that's constantly tinkering to make things feel fresh. The bar area's newly renovated, and beverage director Adam Fournier is livening up the drinks menu with non-alcoholic options and a whimsical martini inspired by Lewis Carroll. The smoked salmon pizza, spicy tuna cones and the Austrian-American chef's famous wienerschnitzel still hit like it's 1982, but what really distinguishes Spago is its approach to service—the likes of which you'd be hard-pressed to find outside of tasting menus these days.

Time Out tip: If it's your first visit you can order Spago's iconic tasting menu for the classics, but if you're a repeat guest, the most fun you can have is off-roading with the fleeting and hyper-seasonal specials, especially when it comes to dessert.

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

What is it? A little bit coastal and a whole lot of a party, this pop-up turned Malibu Country Mart restaurant is exactly the kind of refreshing, modern take on a seafood shack that L.A. needed. They also have a stall at Downtown’s Grand Central Market, plus a pop-up at Smorgasburg on Sundays (10am–4pm).

Why we love it: Where to even begin? Broad Street is serving the city’s best lobster rolls, which can come served New England-style or warm and buttered, plus loaded with caviar and uni add-ons. They’ve got steamed mussels and fried clam strips and all the other requisites, but the natural wine, cheap beer, daily specials and copious caviar make the meal fun—and manage to turn a corner of a high-end strip mall into a surfy destination.

Time Out tip: Order ahead for pickup to beat the lines, especially on weekends. If you want to splurge, go for the “horizontal seafood tower,” which offers up oysters, in-shell uni, ceviche, caviar, peeled shrimp and crab claws for casual decadence—or just order multiple lobster rolls for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Also included in our citywide list of best restaurants.

What is it? A traditionally inclined Santa Monica bistro with an outstanding pressed duck, seasonal inflections and sky-high menu prices.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for L.A.’s absolute best mix of price and quality in the realm of French cuisine, Pasjoli doesn’t quite fit the bill, but James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran’s elevated classics still offer plenty of flavor to an older, monied locals’ crowd and Angelenos willing to splurge on foie de poulet, beef tartare and scallop quenelles. Farmers’ market vegetables add a Califirnia touch to every dish at Pasjoli, including the desserts: When it’s in season, the strawberry tart here is one of the city’s finest desserts. Plus, Beran has added a newer, more reasonably priced bar-only menu with the likes of croque mathieu and pate en croute, so you can enjoy a meal at Pasjoli without spending over $100. 

Time Out tip: In my opinion, the appetizers and desserts are the strongest sections of the menu at Pasjoli. Unless you’re ordering the pressed duck, skip the plats principaux and double up on hors d’oeuvres and canapés for the best possible meal.

What is it? A California cuisine institution with locations in Brentwood and Beverly Grove.

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 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. The Beverly Grove original also has one of the most romantic patios in the city, though you’ll more likely to find last-minute reservation availability at the roomier Brentwood location. 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, which offers thoughtful, well-curated selections of cured meats and cheeses. For a solo diner enjoying a glass of wine at the bar, one order will easily fill you up.

What is it? A casual ode to the bistros of Paris from Walter and Margarita Manzke, the couple behind Hancock Park’s République.

Why we love it: This Pico-Robertson restaurant offers charming all-wood interiors, excellent service and decadent bistro fare. Similar to Pasjoli, we like the appetizers and desserts here more than the mains. Unlike its Hancock Park sister spot, Bicyclette hews quite close to the annals of old French cooking. In practice, this means lots of wine, garlic, herbs, butter—including the must-order escargots en croûte and a beautifully layered caramelized onion tart. While Bicyclette’s primetime reservations book out far in advance, solo diners or parties of two can typically find room at the bar. Don’t forget about dessert either: Margarita’s James Beard-nominated tarts and pastries are unforgettable.

Time Out tip: Don’t leave without ordering a baguette with some kind of accompaniment—these are some of the best in the city.

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 $280 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: For $30 less, you can also experience the same menu prepared by Takahiro Miki, Nakao’s right hand, in the room next door.

What is it? A revived Rat Pack era steakhouse that’s here for a good time, not a long time. (The building’s owners have plans to demolish it at some point in the next few years.)

Why we love it: There’s a couple of other old-school steakhouses in Los Angeles, but Dear John’s is the only one with Old Hollywood ties and truly delicious cuisine (Frank Sinatra and his cronies were once regulars here). The menu, devised by Michelin-recognized chef Josiah Citrin, offers a mix of steakhouse staples and a few classics with a twist. Think an inside-out chicken parm served with a side of marinara sauce and “bougie” tots topped with creme fraiche, caviar and salmon roe. The martinis are stiff, the ambience is killer and even the pasta dishes knock it out of the park. 

Time Out tip: Don't see a reservation for the time and date you want? If you're dining solo or as a pair, the bar is a great place to head as a walk-in.

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.

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.

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

What is it? An upscale Southeast Asian restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine with Vietnamese, Chinese and Singaporean influences. 

Why we love it: While the eight-year-old restaurant’s savory menu has become a little stale, plenty of diners still pack Cassia’s dining room for signature offerings including the kaya toast, beef rendang and, of course, the dazzling seafood towers. (At the end of February, chef Bryant Ng will completely overhaul the menu with a much stronger Singaporean-Chinese bent.) For Westsiders unwilling to make the trek to the San Gabriel Valley, Cassia’s renditions of dan dan noodles, spicy wontons and fried rice are solid (though not outstanding) versions of Chinese classics. Larger, crowd-pleasing mains like the steak frites and whole grilled sea bass with turmeric, dill and lime offer plenty of flavor as well. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip out on the vegetables and salads. From the fried cauliflower to the grilled sweet potato, Ng knows just what to do with farmers’ market produce.

What is it? Evan Funke’s original temple to handmade pastas, involuntary groan-inducing pillowy focaccia and perfectly blistered pizzas, serving hyper-regional Italian cuisine with a reverence that could impress even the most traditional of nonnas.

Why we love it: Funke’s ethos is, simply put, “F*ck your pasta machine” (his words, not ours), which is precisely what makes Felix shine. From your seat in the dining room you can watch the team carefully rolling, pressing and shaping pasta dough behind glass in a pasta lab, and all that extra effort and care is palpable in every bite. The Bologna-trained Funke is keeping Old World technique alive and more delicious than ever, and the seasonally rotating pasta selection keeps Felix feeling fresh even with the chef’s other restaurants (Mother Wolf and Funke) competing for attention.

Time Out tip: Even with Mother Wolf in Hollywood and Funke in Beverly Hills, it’s still hard to land a table, so plan ahead. If you’re dining solo or as a pair, head to the bar.

What is it? The home of the Godmother, an Italian sandwich you have to try before you can really call yourself an Angeleno. 

Why we love it: This old-school Lincoln Boulevard deli serves one of the city’s best sandwiches, plus an array of prepared dishes and cold salads perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic at the beach. Piled high with salami, mortadella, prosciutto, coppa, ham, provolone cheese, mild or spicy peppers and served on freshly baked, housemade bread, the Godmother draws lines almost every hour of the day. There’s a small patio outside for those looking for a place to eat their sandwich on the spot, and a limited number of free parking spaces as well. Before you leave, be sure to peruse the aisles and take home some gourmet ingredients or imported goodies.

Time Out tip: Skip the line and order ahead from Bay Cities’ website, so you can pick up your colossal sandwich in no time at all.

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.

What is it? An Instagram-worthy brunch spot from Michelin-recognized chef Jordan Kahn where the people-watching is as good as the food itself.

Why we love it: No detail goes unaccounted for at Destroyer, where the presentation, architecture and ingredients all come together in harmony—and for a fraction of the price of a meal at Meteora, Kahn’s Tulum-inspired upscale restaurant in Hancock Park. (His two Michelin-starred concept Vespertine, located across the street from Destroyer, has yet to reopen.) The pricey, minimalist daytime café draws a similarly upscale, stylish crowd on weekends, so be prepared to wait for your beautifully plated food—and to jockey for the limited metered street parking.

Time Out tip: If it’s your first time, order the avocado confit and/or Wagyu beef tartare. Both have been on the menu since Destroyer first opened, and their impeccable presentations and flavor combinations represent what the restaurant does best.

What is it? The best Southern-style fried chicken in Los Angeles, served with a side of mouthwatering biscuits, sweet honey and plenty of sides.

Why we love it: Over the last four decades, chef-owner Vincent Williams has perfected the art of Southern-style fried chicken—to the point of custom-ordering fryers and cooking utensils to replicate colonial era kettle cooking. Crispy, crackly and fried in peanut oil, the shaggy golden crust locks in all the flavor from a top-secret spice blend, which each batch of chicken marinates in for 24 hours. While we’ve tried dozens of fried chicken options across L.A. County, none come close to Honey’s in the non-spicy chicken realm. The desserts and blueberry hotcakes are tasty as well, for those in the mood for sweets.

Time Out tip: The closest, best places to park in the area are the Cardiff and Watseka public parking structures, which each offer an hour of free parking. It’s also a mere 15-minute walk from the closest Metro station.

What is it? A gourmet smashburger concept along Main Street that draws long lines hungry for lacy beef patties, impeccably made fries and thick shakes. 

Why we love it: In an area full of expensive small plates restaurants, Heavy Handed is the perfect destination for a more casual meal. It also serves one of L.A.’s best burgers. Made of high-quality, marbled beef, the lacy, crispy-edged patties pair beautifully with the restaurant’s signature sauce and a blanket of gooey American cheese. Housemade potato rolls and deep, rich caramelized onions add up to a satisfying gourmet fast food burger, especially with a side of beef tallow fries (no breaks for vegetarians here). A full beer and wine list and the restaurant’s expanded patio out front makes dining here more of an experience than other burger pop-ups and joints around town. Plus, the housemade soft-serve is a great way to end your meal.

Time Out tip: Looking for a drink after your meal? Head to Vamos Vamos across the street for some seriously great margaritas.

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.

What is it? A cozy, grandma-chic Southeast Asian restaurant along Santa Monica’s Main Street.

Why we love it: Santa Monica isn’t exactly known for having amazing Asian dining options, but Cobi’s bridges the culinary gap with a dinner menu and weekend brunch service full of excellent renditions of curry puffs, pork dumplings, kaya toast and other Southeast Asian classics. The floral wallpaper and antique furniture inside make the dining room feel worthy of a date night, and the lush, heated outdoor patio is perfect on warmer evenings. At dinner, be sure to order the raw kanpachi in coconut-lime dressing, which imparts the nuanced island flavors of Polynesian ’ota ’ika, and the black sugar boba-topped Thai tea pudding.

Time Out tip: If you enjoy heat, order the devil chicken curry—the dish is actually quite spicy.

What is it? A vegetarian-friendly farm-to-table restaurant that ushered in Abbot Kinney’s full-throttle gentrification era.

Why we love it: Even after founding chef Travis Lett’s departure in 2019, the seasonally inspired menu is a bulwark of culinary excellence on a street now mostly populated by local chains and other mediocre dining options. Even in the dead of winter, dining alongside a mix of tourists, locals and influencers, a produce-heavy meal at Gjelina manages to conjure visions of L.A. sunshine and palm trees. Order plates to share—you can’t go wrong with any of the vegetables, salads and mains. We’re partial to the back patio for weekend brunch, when there’s almost always a wait, but arrive early to beat the crowds while still enjoying some of the best food the far Westside has to offer.

Time Out tip: Unless you’re craving carbs, skip ordering the overpriced pizza. L.A.’s pizza scene has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and you can find much better elsewhere. 

What is it? An award-winning restaurant from New Orleans serving some of the best fried chicken you’ll find in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Venice’s Lincoln Boulevard is the only place outside of Louisiana where you can find Willie Mae’s fried chicken, which is just as good as everyone says. It’s spicy, it’s juicy and it’s always perfectly cooked. Paired with a full array of sides, including a seafood gumbo unique to the L.A. location, it’s an ideal meal whenever you’re seeking some comfort food. Though prices run a tad higher than you’d expect (a two-piece meal with a side and some cornbread is $16.95), the chicken is well worth the extra premium. 

Time Out tip: If you’re with more than one other person, order the family meal. The leftovers keep well, and it’s nice to be able to try a few more sides.

What is it? This modern all-day red sauce restaurant from chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo delivers upscale, high-quality takes on classic pizza, pasta and Italian American desserts, now with locations in Fairfax, Brentwood, South L.A. and Beverly Hills.

Why we love it: The spicy vodka fusilli. The bolognese sauce. The best-in-class New York style cheesecake. There’s a reason primetime dinner reservations at Jon & Vinny’s book out weeks in advance, and it happens to be the entire menu. Paired with highly curated, funky wines from their wine shop, Helen’s, a dinner at Jon & Vinny’s will please the pickiest pizza and pasta lover in your group of friends. Their pre-11:30am menu also offers fluffy ricotta pancakes—some of the best in the city we’ve tried—and a breakfast pizza sporting fried eggs and yukon gold potatoes. Because why not? 

Time Out tip: If you’re out of luck for a dinner reservation, try stopping in at their Fairfax location’s counter in the middle of the afternoon. With a prime view of the kitchen and ample space, it’s the perfect way for a solo diner or a pair to experience some of the city’s best Italian American classics without a lot of hassle.

What is it? The celebrity-studded waterfront location of an upscale Peruvian-Japanese chain.

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?” The restaurant’s minimalist aesthetic complements its natural environment, and the presentation of each dish is just as disarmingly beautiful as the setting. While we wouldn’t say it’s the best Japanese food in town, the signature dishes—the mini tacos, the yellow jalapeño sashimi, the miso-marinated black cod—here are tasty enough (though expensive), and the kitchen is generally quite consistent. Plus, Nobu’s well-trained front-of-house team makes every meal here feel special, whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite and drink at the walk-in only bar or celebrating a special occasion.

Time Out tip: Reservations are a must here—310-317-9140. We suggest calling 30 days in advance and a few minutes before the lines open at 10am if you’re keen on snagging a particular date and time.

What is it? A gastropub in Santa Monica and Culver City (plus the Arts District) serving one of L.A.’s best burgers. 

Why we love it: This neighborhood staple from renowned chef Sang Yoon is always loud and jam-packed—and it probably has something to do with Father’s Office most famous dish: the messy, delicious, cult-favorite Office burger, made with applewood bacon, arugula, gruyère and maytag blue cheese, and a heap of caramelized onions. No substitutions, but trust us: that’s A-okay. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, the upscale bar food still delights with dishes like garlicky mushrooms, duck confit salad and salt-and-vinegar tater tots. The Culver City location also has free parking courtesy of the Helms Bakery District lots. 

Time Out tip: Don’t let the crowd discourage you; just grab a beer from the list that’s almost three times the length of the food menu, and mingle with friends while you wait for a table.

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, we’ve found the food to still be fantastic, and 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.