9 Best Restaurants in Westside, Los Angeles

Walk through the rustic wooden door and into a softly lit dining room with long communal tables and a lively crowd; come later in the night and the place heats up with an enthusiastic post-pub crowd lured by the seasonal menu and outstanding small plates, charcuterie, pastas, and pizza. Begin with a pizza made with house-made chorizo, grilled pear with burrata and prosciutto, or Snow Island oysters. For the main course, options include saffron spaghetti and pork belly with Oaxacan grits. Typically boisterous, the patio is a great hang-out spot and a gem for a Sunday brunch. 

Ramen lovers have no shortage of choices across Los Angeles, but if you want the best, head over to this Sawtelle Japantown hot spot. Lines typically bend around the corner as hungry Angelenos drive from far and wide to have Tsujita’s signature tsukemen (a type of ramen where the noodles are served to the side of the broth and you dip each bite individually). Whether it’s cold or hot outside (it’s L.A., so usually hot), this little corner shop will sate your appetite for soup.

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.

Some of the best sushi spots in Los Angeles are the most hidden and most discreet and come with zero fanfare, and the decades-old, no-reservations Hide (pronounced hee-day) is one of those restaurants. Walking through a curtained entryway, diners will find a smattering of tables and a sushi counter (which is where you should sit) where master sushi chefs slice raw cuts of the freshest fish in town. Keep in mind, this establishment is cash only, but it does have an ATM inside.

This indoor--outdoor restaurant has served Venice for more than four decades but constantly reinvents itself, serving mouthwatering California cuisines and offering multiple patios, a full bar, and a bakery. Creative types sip espressos and tap on keyboards under the macramé chandeliers, while young families gather out back to snack on smoked radiatore carbonara and crispy brussels sprouts. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Rose is a sophisticated yet unpretentious wonderland in the heart of Venice.

Stop at this two-story locals' favorite for coffee and pastries, or choose from a long list of sandwiches for something more substantial. Sit out front and watch the crowds drifting in off the beach, or get cozy upstairs in one of the comfortable reading chairs.

This beachfront bar has been the local watering hole for musicians like the Beatles, the Doors, and the Beach Boys since 1944. It boasts an amazing view and serves tasty California pub food like fish tacos, pulled-pork sliders, and avocado toast with a basic selection of beers. The Whaler Double Burger is an institution in itself. Be prepared for rowdy crowds of sports fans and beachgoers at happy hour and on weekends. Ongoing special events include Cards Against Humanity on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, karaoke on Thursdays, and more. They also serve a great brunch.

Join the UCLA students in line at the venerable Volcano Tea House, where you can sample from a huge range of delectable bubble drinks. Stick with the house milk tea or brown sugar latte, or get adventurous with sakura jelly or matcha. Seasonal flavors like watermelon slushy will delight, and there are endless toppings and customizations. Volcano also offers a michelada-inspired seasonal option, reflecting the multicultural spirit of Los Angeles. If you're hungry, try the popcorn chicken with add-your-own spices.