Best Californian Restaurants in South Los Angeles

131 restaurants available nearby

1. Vespertine

4.8

Exceptional(148)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Culver City

Booked 12 times today

Vespertine in Culver City is a jewel of Californian cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining adventure that transcends the ordinary. Awarded 2 Michelin Stars consistently from 2019 to 2024 and celebrated for its "incredible range of tastes and textures" as diners rave, the restaurant perfectly encapsulates the innovative spirit of California. The mastermind behind this culinary marvel, Chef Jordan Kahn, crafts dishes that are both a visual and gastronomic delight, ensuring each dish celebrates local produce with artistic flair. Critics and guests alike are mesmerized, describing their experience as "the best dining experiences of our lives" and praising the thoughtful wine pairings and the extraordinary atmosphere created within its architecturally significant venue designed by Eric Owen Moss. Vespertine is not just a meal; it’s a profound multi-sensory journey that embodies the essence of Californian creativity and luxury.

2. Kali

4.6

Exceptional(1590)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Hollywood

Booked 12 times today

Nestled between Hollywood and Larchmont Village, Kali shines as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, earning high praises like “one of LA's finest” and a Michelin star that attests to its culinary excellence. Chefs Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley have crafted an inviting space that eschews pretension, focusing on superior ingredients, innovative techniques, and impeccable service. Reviewers rave about the inventive menu and intimate ambiance, emphasizing dishes like the dry-aged black cod and the chef’s seasonal tasting menus. Kali is celebrated for its “phenomenal” service and the thoughtful attention to detail in every dish, making each visit a memorable dining experience. Whether it’s the expertly paired wine list or the signature meringue gelato, Kali delivers an exceptional representation of refined yet accessible Contemporary American dining.

3. Meteora

4.6

Exceptional(1076)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Hollywood

Booked 16 times today

Meteora's gastronomy is a 1-star Michelin contemporary and creative showcase of exceptional California ingredients. Chef Jordan Kahn (Vespertine, Destroyer) and the team work exclusively with aligned farmers, foragers, fishermen, and ranchers to bring guests the ultimate dining experience. Fire cooking, innovation, and seasonality blend for an elegant tasting menu or indulgent small plates in the bar. The holistic approach extends to every facet of the restaurant including beverage, hospitality, and design.Groups of 6-12 are welcome to book one of our private dining areas for a food and beverage minimum. See individual experiences for applicable pricing for our selenite Chef's Table and Private Dining Room. Service fees and taxes not included.

4. Craig's

4.7

Exceptional(996)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • West Hollywood

Booked 65 times today

Craig's in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, is an exceptional dining destination for Vegan cuisine enthusiasts. Nestled in the upscale West Hollywood Design district, Craig’s stands out for its commitment to providing delectable vegan specialties that tantalize the taste buds of even the most discerning diners. Patrons rave about the "incredible vegan options" and the "Vegan Chicken Parm that was the greatest thing that ever touched my lips!" The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere coupled with its consistent, high-quality food makes every visit memorable. Whether it’s the attentive service or the engaging ambiance, Craig's ensures a splendid dining experience, making it a must-visit for vegan food lovers in LA.

5. Openaire

4.4

Awesome(2318)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Koreatown

Booked 38 times today

Openaire in Koreatown, Los Angeles, perfectly captures the essence of American cuisine with a unique Californian twist. Helmed by two-Michelin star chef Josiah Citrin, this restaurant is a celebration of the rich, diverse flavors that define America. Nestled on a lush terrace, Openaire offers a dining experience that is both inviting and innovative. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one noting, "The food was great, the service was great" and another adding, "This is one of the best spots for brunch in LA." The blend of seasonal ingredients and the interplay of cultural influences make each meal a delightful journey through America's culinary landscape. With its vibrant ambiance and meticulously crafted menu, Openaire is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of American fare.

6. Arden Restaurant

4.0

Excellent(613)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • West Hollywood

Booked 58 times today

Arden Restaurant in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, offers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience that is both enchanting and authentic. Guests are immediately captivated by the artful integration of nature and culinary expertise, creating an ambiance akin to "stepping into a magical realm." The Mediterranean cuisine served here is celebrated for its "edible works of art crafted from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients," ensuring every dish not only tantalizes the palate but also pays homage to Mediterranean traditions. Diners rave about the "amazing food" and the unique atmosphere, highlighted by European florals and impeccable service. Arden's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of the Mediterranean.

7. The Ivy

4.7

Exceptional(8239)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Beverly Hills

Booked 82 times today

The Ivy, nestled between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its exceptional culinary experiences. Patrons consistently laud the restaurant for its "always exceptional food & service" and a menu that "always lives up to expectations." Signature dishes like the "extra chopped Cobb salad" and "icy oysters" are frequently highlighted in glowing reviews. The ambiance, described as "tranquil beautiful decor" and "old world elegance," complements the meticulously crafted menu. The Ivy ensures every dining experience is memorable, with commendations like "the best waiter ever" and "always a pleasure" underscoring the attentive and personalized service that makes each visit outstanding. A favorite for locals and tourists alike, The Ivy promises a sublime dining experience in the heart of LA’s most iconic neighborhoods.

8. AOC - 3rd Street

4.7

Exceptional(5081)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

Booked 31 times today

AOC - 3rd Street in Los Angeles is a beacon of French cuisine, brilliantly infused with California's seasonal bounty and Mediterranean touches. Chef Suzanne Goin's mastery in crafting dishes that are both innovative and comfortably familiar has garnered glowing accolades. Guests rave about the "delicious, fun and reliable" dining experience, highlighting the "excellent food" and the vibrant ambiance perfect for any gathering. The restaurant's commitment to organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines, curated by Caroline Styne, enhances the authentic French dining experience. Whether it's the small plates that allow for tasting a variety of flavors or the full-bodied wines, AOC stands out as a culinary gem in the Beverly/Fairfax area, consistently delivering a "perfect spot for a romantic evening" or a lively group dinner.

9. Spire73

4.6

Exceptional(2215)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 60 times today

Spire73, located in Downtown Los Angeles, offers a quintessential Californian dining experience that is as spectacular as its views. Perched as the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, it provides an unmatched backdrop of Los Angeles, perfect for enjoying the state's renowned cuisine. Patrons rave about the "delicious food and breathtaking view of LA," with dishes like smoked salmon receiving special mentions for their flavor. The ambiance is consistently lauded as "amazing," with a stylish, cozy setup and fire pits that add to the inviting California vibe. Reviewers are eager to return, emphasizing the "excellent food" and the "spectacular views" that make Spire73 a must-visit destination in LA.

10. Cara Cara

4.7

Exceptional(1465)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 74 times today

From the golden daylight to the twinkling evening, all are welcome to experience the fresh bounty of Cara Cara. Chef Suzanne Goin’s seasonal menu showcases California’s best produce with her festive and irresistible rooftop fare. The expansive outdoor space features an elevated dining area with endless skyline views surrounded by a lushly landscaped lower lounge. Slip into one of the many cozy seating arrangements or sit by the fire pit and enjoy an innovative cocktail, wine, or beer paired by award-winning sommelier Caroline Styne.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cherry Louvip
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Vespertine did not disappoint!!! Chef Jordan Kahn is a genius! The curated tasting menu paired with finest wines + an option for a mocktail pairing had definitely elevated our dine in experience. The food was creative, succulent, and bursting with flavor. Service was excellent! Staff was very attentive. The building itself is such a fine architecture. Vespertine = The BEST!
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VespertinePrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Culver City
•
4.8
R
Rachelvip
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Wonderful dining experience. Good was absolutely delicious, drinks were amazing, service was excellent. Everyone was so kind and wonderful even the valet parking guys gave us bags of cookies and the security guard took our photos. Thank you for the wonderful evening! Will definitely be back❤️❤️
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Craig'sPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• West Hollywood
•
4.7
M
Moorisha
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Incredible Thanksgiving prix fixe dinner. Such close attention to details in preparation. We truly enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast!
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Arden RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Californian• West Hollywood
•
4
J
JFvip
Los Angeles •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was really outstanding, and the service was very, very good. The room is noisy and it was made worse by some of the music choices and the volume of the music. The lighting at night time is not ideal for a restaurant offering this quality of food. It would be nicer to enjoy the food and the service in an environment where you don't have to yell at each other. The acoustics of the room is difficult, so maybe it would be wise to tone things down a little bit.
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OpenairePrice: Expensive• Californian• Koreatown
•
4.4
P
Petervip
Los Angeles •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was great but the constant filling the room with incense was way too much and overpowered the food at times.
More info
MeteoraPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Hollywood
•
4.6

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Best Californian Restaurants in South Los Angeles

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131 restaurants available nearby

1. Vespertine

2. Kali

3. Meteora

4. Craig's

5. Openaire

6. Arden Restaurant

7. The Ivy

8. AOC - 3rd Street

9. Spire73

10. Cara Cara

See what locals rave about

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