Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Los Angeles

Since 1928, this L.A. standby has been offering 24-hour casual dining in the heart of the Fairfax district. You'll find the food here authentic and the people-watching amazing. Everyone from The Wallflowers to K.D. Lang and Madonna has stopped in to eat here. Favorites include the in-house pickled corned beef pastrami, the hot corned beef, the tender beef brisket and the many offerings from the in-house bakery. Next door is the Kibitz Room, where there's live music most nights. A full bar and decent wines work well with the food.

Come here to unwind! Father's Office is known around the world for its expertly assembled gourmet cheeseburgers and its impressive drought beer selection. The beers are cold and the award-winning burgers are hefty. Those craving something less substantial can opt for delicious tapas, skewers or the popular sweet potato fries. The interior is unpretentious, with hardwood floors and petite tables that are conducive to conversation. So order an award wining local craft beer and relax!

Tucked away in an industrial area where Sherman Oaks meets Van Nuys, Bill's Burgers is a fantastic long-established gem of the valley. For over 50 years former WWII veteran, Bill Elwell has been flipping burgers in his 10 foot by 20-foot greasy burger joint and cooking on the same cast-iron grill originating from the 1920s. No fancy frills here, burgers are offered along with sandwiches, chili dogs, and sides. Cash only, everything on the menu is under USD5, partially because Elwell's old school cash register can't compute anything over USD5.99! Try the Double Cheese Burger with Bacon and a packet of chips and you won't be disappointed.

Los Angeles is known for its pizza joints but Cruzer Pizza is one of the rare restaurants to serve completely vegan pizzas. The interiors are minimalist and the day's menu is written on a blackboard. Savor pizzas in varieties like Indian Kima Gourmet Pizza topped with Indian herbs, the Ratatouille Gourmet Pizza with eggplant, and Gourmet Pesto Pizza blending artichokes and spinach. Other items include Cheese Calzone, Vegan Meat Lasagna, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake and Tiramisu. The desserts are made without the use of eggs and guests can also opt for gluten-free items if they have allergies. The sheer variety of pizzas, desserts and beverages makes this a favored vegan eatery with both children and adults. If you are unable to visit this restaurant, it offers free delivery services.

Focusing on providing healthy Californian and Mexican cuisine to the denizens of Los Angeles, its easy to see how Cafe Vida has quickly become a local favorite. Getting onboard with the health trend, Cafe Vida prepares classic and innovative dishes without the heavy oils, additives or frozen ingredients. Everything they use is locally sourced, organic, and at the peak of its season to ensure its freshness. Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you're bound to find a healthy option with plenty of veggies and fruit. Their juice bar is great for a quick pick me up when you're on the go.

The rich heady aromas of masterfully roasted coffee wafting out of the spacious modern interior draw coffee lovers by the dozen to this proud coffee roaster originally from Chicago. Located in the heart of Silver Lake, at the crossroads of the trendy Sunset Junction, the cafe is always filled with people. It stays busy throughout the day, teeming with hipsters at all hours, but do not be deterred as the line moves quickly. Although the people watching aspect is a definite bonus point of Intelligentsia, it's their unsurpassed coffee and tea that is the stuff of legend. Ask any of the clientele, and they wills solemnly swear by Intelligentsia's espresso as the best in town.