1. Auburn

The format at this tasting menu restaurant on Melrose is very unique. Diners can select four, six or nine courses from a menu of 12 seasonal items. Ask to sit at a two-top on the patio facing the kitchen. It’s fun to watch the magic happen, and you’ll get a preview of dishes en route to the dining room. Hancock Park

2. Nightshade

We’ve been waiting for Mei Lin to open since her Top Chef win, and the restaurant really delivers on bold and balanced Pan-Asian flavors. Don’t miss the sweet scallops served in a housemade coconut vinaigrette with crispy ginger. DTLA.

Bavel’s stylish bar serves up craft cocktails.

3. Bavel

Snag a seat at the Mediterranean resto’s stunning bar around golden hour, where you can watch the restaurant come to life over the course of dinner service. It’s the perfect melding of Middle Eastern flavors, presented in a luxuriously breezy, botanical setting.
DTLA.

4. Hotel Figueroa

It’s exciting to see an old-school property like The Fig finally get the revamp it deserves. Head to Breva restaurant for the fried chicken on Catalan greens, served with potato salad studded with Jamon Iberico and jalapeno. DTLA.

Alta Adams’ Lunchbox is made with butter-washed bourbon, peanuts, Aperol and more.

5. Alta Adams

This welcome addition to West Adams feels entirely right for the neighborhood, which until recently has been lacking a solid variety of upscale restaurants. It’s a soulful eatery done in collaboration with Alta Group, which made a legitimate effort to be both thoughtful and inclusive with their first L.A. restaurant. The vegan collard greens will blow your mind.

6. Hippo

Hippo is the unfussy Californian Italian restaurant we all wish we had in our backyard. For dinner and a show, opt for one of the tables facing the kitchen. Seeing as Matt Molina is an Osteria Mozza vet, you’ve got to order pasta, specifically the cappellacci. Highland Park

7. Otono

This is the casual Catalan tapas bar that L.A. has been lacking for so long. Don’t miss out on chef Teresa Montaño’s house-cured seafood conservas, which are wonderful atop classic Catalan pan con tomate. Highland Park.

8. The Manufactory LA

The massive 40,000-square-foot space includes a bakery, market, restaurant, roastery and coffee lab. Score a seat on the patio at the dinnertime-only Alameda Supper Club, where you’ll find Chris Bianco’s pasta-centric menu.