4 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

This gem of a restaurant, tucked into an unassuming strip mall, has taken Hermosa Beach and L.A. at large by storm; even the focaccia bread has a cult following. Diners love the revolving seasonal menu, with its eclectic mix of European, Mexican, and Asian influences reminiscent of the city's own diverse makeup. While many dishes come and go, the most-beloved classics stay. The decor—with its rustic-yet-industrial touches and black Chesterfield-inspired banquettes—is effortlessly hip. The menu can range from gnocchi nero with king crab to banh mi toast with steak tartare, and the owners have hosted guest chefs for short residencies. Some items like pasta, sausage, and breads are made fully in-house by executive chef Tyler Gugliotta's team, while many ingredients come from his own family farm. More than 40 craft beers are available, along with a good wine list. On weekends, Baran's offers killer "secret" breakfast burritos to take to the beach.

If your vacation dreams run more British hunting lodge than SoCal beach scene, Fox and Farrow might be your place. Run by longtime South Bay chef Darren Weiss, this gastropub features classic fare like hunter's pie with wild boar alongside more creative concepts inspired by the Pacific Rim, all in a clubby ambience: think British-racing-green velvet Chesterfields and paneled wood walls. Order from an inspired list of craft cocktails to add to your experience. Then finish your night at the adjacent Underground pub, which also benefits from Weiss' influence.

If you like dining out to feel like an event, then tropical, Tulum-inspired La Mesa is for you, especially if you are visiting with a group or celebrating a special event. With lush greenery and palm trees, ambient mood lighting from candles and hanging lanterns and lamps, live music and outlandish live shows, and specialty cocktails, you might be forgiven for forgetting to eat. But you'd be missing out on the excellent modern Mexican fare of chef Brent Sick's kitchen. 

Bread is in this restaurant's name and should be front and center on your dining plan here as it is freshly baked and delicious served with sides like fresh cheese and smoked trout. The light, bright, and open space and umbrella- and tree-filled patio is popular for coffee and baked bread and pastries early in the day; grain bowls, salads, and avocado toast for lunch and brunch (on weekends); and the oyster bar, Hippie burgers, sandwiches, pastas, and creative cocktails as lunch rolls in to dinner. Menus change with the season and cocktails are made with locally sourced spirits. Whatever you eat, don't forget to have some bread.