Cream of the crop: Top L.A. Times restaurant reviews
- 1
Fine dining is alive but a bit fragile at Joachim Splichal’s downtown spot, where the economy and changing tastes have put a dent in business. But not on the Patina experience.
- 2
Spanish chef José Andrés works four-star magic at the SLS Hotel, with tapas bars Blanca and Rojo transforming small plates into delicious theater.
- 3
The local flag carrier for Tom Colicchio’s fine-dining chain upholds the big-city restaurant concept with high style and nimble execution.
- 4
Paul Shoemaker adds an a la carte menu to the elegant French restaurant.
- 5
Chef John Rivera Sedlar’s unique combination of Latin cuisines and French techniques steps up into deliciously uncharted territory.
- 6
Three’s a charmer as a new Hungry Cat curls up in Santa Monica Canyon with excellent seafood in a simply designed space and ocean views.
- 7
David Féau brings fine dining with a light touch to the Langham hotel in Pasadena.
- 8
Five years after its opening, Michael Cimarusti’s Melrose Avenue restaurant continues to make its mark in fine dining. Seafood is its strength.
- 9
Rick Bayless brings his Mexican cuisine to Los Angeles from Chicago. You’ll need a reservation to taste it, but it’s worth it.
- 10
The veteran chef combines high-end Asian cooking with a stunning highrise view in downtown L.A.
- 11
The satisfying cooking of Daniel Mattern, who had worked at Campanile and A.O.C., helps make for a civilized dining experience.
- 12
A new chef has breathed southern Italian life into Piero Selvaggio’s Santa Monica institution.
- 13
Quinn and Karen Hatfield have relocated to a larger space. The new restaurant is gracious, satisfying, well-priced and often excellent.
- 14
The small-plates restaurant and tavern whips up imaginative creations on the edge of Little Tokyo.
- 15
Thomas Keller makes a triumphant return to the L.A. area with a contemporary, sophisticated bistro.
- 16
As friends and I approach Studio, the restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach set on the edge of a bluff, I can see chef Craig Strong silhouetted against a silvery mauve sky as he talks to a table of guests on the outdoor terrace.
- 17
A revamped menu at the restaurant hotel channels southwest France. Bring on the best duck confit in L.A.
- 18
The French bistro has a stripped-down menu well-crafted by Walter Manzke, formerly of Bastide.
- 19
Octavio Becerra’s new Glendale bistro-wine bar is just revving up. Its fresh and polished food celebrates California’s great bounty of local ingredients.
- 20
With chef and co-owner Nicola Mastronardi, the queen of the Brentwood Italians offers an authentic dining experience with fresh ideas and classics.
- 21
Chef Michel Richard stages a virtual return, bringing artful cuisine to the menu at Social Hollywood.
- 22
With a new chef at the helm and the bar scene toned down, Wilshire restaurant has reinvented itself.
- 23
Time for that important holiday dinner out? As always, Suzanne Goin’s got your back. Nine years in, this chef’s chef continues to delight.
- 24
Grab a seat at the bar and jump right in at Silverton and Batali’s lively, high-spirited new spot.
- 25
Bistro classics get special treatment in Costa Mesa.
- 26
Two creative chefs bring their personal best to new San Diego County restaurants: Addison and the modern bistro Market.
- 27
Chef Mark Gold, who most recently ran the kitchen at Cafe Pinot downtown, is turning out some terrific food. Who knew he could cook like this?
- 28
There’s something so sensual about Silverton’s relationship to food and her aesthetic that’s entirely her own -- direct, focused, uncompromised.
- 29
At Cut, Wolfgang Puck shows beef’s serious side in a smart, sophisticated setting. What a thrilling addition to the scene.
- 30
Michael Mina masters the art of the unexpected at Stonehill Tavern. It’s so urban chic, you’d never dream you’re in a Dana Point luxury resort.
- 31
At Triumphal Palace in Alhambra, each dish is flawlessly executed. The dim sum is meticulous, the roast pig sublime.
- 32
For those who really know Chinese food, New Concept Restaurant in Monterey Park is the place of the moment.
- 33
At La Terza on 3rd Street, Gino Angelini and his two partners make serious Italian food and wine not just accessible, but irresistible.
- 34
Hiro Urasawa, once Masa’s assistant, masters the art of intricate and exquisite sushi at the former Ginza Sushiko.
- 35
Florida chef Norman Van Aken brings his global palette to L.A. diners.
- 36
At Jar, chef-owner Suzanne Tracht thrives on the discipline of repetition. After two and a half years, she’s hit her stride.
- 37
Whether for omakase or sushi from the menu, Morihiro Onodera delivers a singular experience at Mori Sushi.
