Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Los Angeles

A chain of restaurants started by Kazunori Nozawa, Sugarfish is renowned for serving authentic Japanese cuisine. The Los Angeles outlet is located in the city's bustling downtown neighborhood. Sushi being the highlight of this place, you can take your pick from a delightful variety made from tuna, halibut, yellowtail, salmon, scallops, unagi (eel), albacore, snapper and more. A must-try is the house special, Nozawa-style Shrimp. This restaurant also offers omakase-style dining, where you have to rely on your chef to serve you the best multi-course dishes. Reservations are not accepted at Sugarfish Downtown LA; make sure to reach there well in advance to procure a seat.

Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant is an upscale restaurant that combines breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley with a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. The signature soju and sake-based cocktails, featuring names like Wasabitini and Pamasake, are a treat for the eye, as well as the palette. Make reservations early if you want to enjoy your meal on the patio, the only experience of its kind in downtown Los Angeles. Also enjoy drinks and appetizers at the adjoining Elevate Lounge.

Yxta is not your run-of-the-mill Mexican joint. Located on the fringes of the gentrified downtown LA, at the gateway to the warehouse district, it does not rely on human traffic to bring business. Rather, it depends on the word of mouth inspired by its refined cuisine, democratic prices and jaunty vibe to pull in the crowds - and appreciative gourmands have been responding enthusiastically. Equally conducive to spur-of-the-moment happy-hour layovers and special occasions, Yxta welcomes patrons in its spacious, brass-coated room, elegant and friendly, with an option of outdoor seating on the front patio. The menu offers a wide variety of ethnic favorites, executed expertly and with flair, and a great wine list to go with it. Ample parking always available in the lot is a nice bonus.

Downtown L.A. is slowly making its long anticipated comeback and places like this are a big reason why. As its name might suggest, the dishes served here are all drawn from a "firefighter" theme. In fact many of them come from firefighters' own private cookbooks. And, God forbid, if something should burn out of control in the kitchen, help is certainly not far away! Favorite menu items include the meatloaf, sausages (with a very unique spice blend) and roasted chicken.

Morton's, The Steakhouse is an upscale eatery that serves some of the best steak dishes in the city. Porterhouse, Double Porterhouse, Double Cut Filet Mignon, New York Strip it all features on the menu and you can whet your appetite beforehand with the seafood appetizers, such as Lobster Bisque, Bluepoint Oysters on the Half Shell, and Smoked Pacific Salmon. Among the desserts, your best choice would be the sinfully indulgent Chocolate Velvet Cake.

This is the kind of place your grandparents loved—and probably still visit. Owned by ex-Mayor Richard Riordan, The Original Pantry Cafe is open 24-hrs. and has not closed since 1924. Breakfast, lunch or dinner will more than fill your tank for a very reasonable charge. For breakfast, all the classic dishes are available while lunch and dinner provide burgers, sandwiches and some juicy steaks. The eclectic crowd varies from working-class regulars to hipsters and everyone in between.