Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Los Angeles

Cielito Lindo is a famous food stand situated on L.A.'s historic Olvera Street. The spot originally opened in 1934 and ever since then its taquitos have transformed it into a household name. It has been frequented by numerous Hollywood stars through the ages, including Marlon Brando, Orson Wells and Rita Hayworth, and has gained critical acclaim in prestigious magazines. Though no more than a tiny street stall, its excellent reputation exceeds its physical size by leaps and bounds. The beloved menu includes the aforementioned beef taquitos served with avocado sauce, Pork Chile Verde Burritos, and an impressive Chile Relleno. Overall, 'Beautiful Heaven' is one of the best places to eat on Olvera Street.

Celebrity photos and caricatures grace the walls of this classic LA steakhouse on Flower and Olympic, with high ceilings and pleasant lighting completing the classy vibe in this affluent setting. The Palm's location - two blocks away from LA Live, the Staples Center, Nokia Theatre and the LA Convention Center - makes it a great place to splurge on dinner after a day at a trade show or before a game or a concert. The servers are very helpful, amiably attending to your every need and checking with you throughout your meal. New York Steak and Lobster tail top the charts at dinner, while the Crab Salad is a popular lunch item. For those able to save room for dessert, the much-praised key lime pie and flourless chocolate cake may be a good topper to their Palm experience.

Lexus Club is a members-only exclusive club and restaurant, located in the Staples Center inside the huge LA Live complex. The upscale establishment ushers its visitors into a lavish setting, replete with tokens of status and wealth. Here one may enjoy drinks or a leisurely pampered dinner prior or during a game or a concert. The sprawling premises feature plush seating, fetching views from the balcony, multiple buffets – including pasta and carving stations – and of course highly reverential, immaculate service. The liquor selection includes many a rare and precious specimen not found at a regular bar. The restaurant is frequented by celebrities, entertainment executives and other VIP personae. -Jamie Zum

Forage goes beyond locally sourcing its food from vendors for its dishes, the owners actually search for ingredients out in the wild woods and pastures around the Los Angeles area. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu would be considered as New American, however the innovative dishes like Salmon Belly Tacos, Roasted Squash Quiche and Korean Brisket Bowl defy description. It's located in the trendy Sunset Junction neighborhood of Silver Lake, so the crowd is usually hipster, but nonetheless the food is remarkable.

The best way to describe this Los Angeles mainstay is "old fashioned." It has been at its present location for what seems like a millennium. The food is all traditional Mexican, with tacos, burritos, flautas, fajitas and some of the best tamales this side of the border. Additionally, despite the name, this place has nothing to do with gangs, the name derives from the name given to field workers by Spanish-speaking landowners.

Serving splendid Italian fare, Michelangelo is a popular dining spot for locals who like to relax in its hospitable ambience and linger over a plate of pasta or a warm bowl of soup. The Pollo Fiorentina made from chicken marinated in Marsela wine and cheese, Burrata or garlic bread with cheese and the classic Spaghetti and Meatballs are traditional favorites. The bar is cozy and serves a good selection of wine that perfectly complements the food. The staff is friendly and makes the diners feel at home in the venue. Michelangelo is also frequented by celebrities whose photos adorn the walls.