The Top Restaurants in Los Angeles for When You Want to Treat Yourself

In 2025, Los Angeles is home to over 29,000 restaurants — more than any other city in California. From celebrity-chef-tasting menus to family-owned gems tucked into quiet neighbourhoods, the city offers something special for every craving. Dining out here isn’t just about food; it’s about the feeling. 

You work hard, and every once in a while, you deserve to enjoy something special — not out of necessity, but simply because it brings you joy. A great meal in the right setting can recharge you, mark a milestone, or turn an ordinary week into something worth remembering. And while treating yourself can sometimes come with a hefty price tag, it’s entirely possible to splurge smarter with California loans that fit your lifestyle. If you’re ready to discover the places that make every dollar — and every bite — count, these are the L.A. dining spots worth dressing up for.

What Makes a Restaurant Worth the Splurge

Not all expensive restaurants are worth your money. A truly splurge-worthy spot justifies the price by delivering consistent, high-level quality in several key areas:

1. Culinary Leadership: Many top-tier restaurants are led by chefs with Michelin stars, James Beard nominations, or internationally recognized experience. These chefs often craft seasonal or regionally inspired menus and are known for technical execution.

2. Sourcing and Ingredients: High-end restaurants typically use ingredients that are difficult to source or extremely fresh. Examples include A5 Miyazaki wagyu, Hokkaido scallops, or farm-specific heirloom vegetables from local growers.

3. Menu Concept: A strong restaurant offers more than just good food. Many use tasting menus to control the experience and showcase a range of techniques. These menus are curated to move from light to heavy, often pairing with beverage programs.

4. Service Quality: In fine dining, staff are trained to anticipate needs. Many undergo formal service training and can explain each course, pairing, or substitution with clarity and precision.

5. Atmosphere and Design: These restaurants invest in their physical space. Whether it’s a modern minimalist design, an oceanfront terrace, or a space integrated with architecture and sound design (as seen at Vespertine), every part of the visit is intentional.

This combination—chef talent, ingredient sourcing, curated menus, trained service, and environment—is what sets a true luxury restaurant apart.

Best Restaurants in Los Angeles for a Luxurious Experience

Below are ten of the most respected restaurants in Los Angeles for luxury dining: 

Providence

• Location: Melrose Avenue, Hollywood

• Chef: Michael Cimarusti

• Awards: 2 Michelin stars (2023), #1 Fine Dining in LA (LA Times, 2023)

Providence is a seafood-focused fine dining restaurant that emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. The tasting menu starts at $295, with optional wine pairings available for an additional $150. Known for dishes like wild black cod, uni egg, and Santa Barbara spot prawns, it blends technical execution with seasonal West Coast ingredients. Reviews across Yelp (4.5 stars), Google (4.7 stars), and The Infatuation point to consistent excellence.

n/naka

• Location: Palms

• Chef: Niki Nakayama

• Awards: 2 Michelin stars (2023), featured on Chef’s Table (Netflix)

n/naka is one of the hardest reservations in LA. The restaurant serves a 13-course modern kaiseki menu rooted in Japanese tradition with some Western influence. It costs $310 per person. Dishes emphasize balance and visual harmony. n/naka has one of the toughest reservations in LA: the restaurant opens monthly reservations through the Tock app, which sells out within minutes.

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

• Location: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

• Chef: Mattia Agazzi

• Awards: 1 Michelin star (2023)

An extension of Massimo Bottura’s global group, Gucci Osteria in Beverly Hills brings modern Italian cuisine into a designer-branded space. Signature dishes include the Emilia Burger and Risotto Camouflaged as a Garden. The interior is maximalist, and the rooftop dining area offers views over Beverly Hills. Menus range from $135 (for 3 courses) to $225 (for the tasting menu).

Mélisse

• Location: Santa Monica

• Chef: Josiah Citrin

• Awards: 2 Michelin stars (2023)

With only 14 seats, Mélisse is designed for diners seeking a quiet, uninterrupted meal experience. The current 10-course tasting menu costs $295. Citrin’s focus on French technique and seasonal ingredients is evident in dishes like truffle custard with smoked egg yolk or Japanese A5 wagyu. The dining room is minimal and silent, perfect for focused, fine-dining experiences.

Bestia

• Location: Arts District

• Chef: Ori Menashe

• Recognition: Included in Eater’s Essential 38 LA Restaurants, 2024

Bestia is budget-friendly compared to some of the options on this list, but it maintains high culinary standards. The industrial-chic setting, house-made charcuterie, and handmade pasta make it one of LA’s busiest spots. Prices are moderate to high, with entrees averaging $30–$50. It doesn’t offer a tasting menu, but the food quality and atmosphere make it a strong pick for upscale casual dining.

République

• Location: Mid-Wilshire

• Chefs: Walter and Margarita Manzke

• Awards: 1 Michelin star (2023)

This magnificent French restaurant in L.A. has a surprising connection to Charlie Chaplin. And all because it is located in a building built by this English actor and film director. The space is dramatic, with cathedral ceilings and brick walls. It offers both à la carte and tasting menus. Dinner typically costs $150–$200 per person with drinks. Standout dishes include dry-aged steaks, black truffle pasta, and inventive desserts. It’s also well-known for its brunch program.

Vespertine

• Location: Culver City

• Chef: Jordan Kahn

• Awards: 1 Michelin star (2023), LA Times 101 Best Restaurants

Vespertine offers a highly curated and experimental experience. The 18+ course tasting menu ($295) is served in a four-story building designed to match the futuristic concept. Each course is paired with custom lighting and sound elements. It’s not a traditional meal and is best suited for adventurous diners interested in food as a performance.

Nobu Malibu

• Location: Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

• Chef: Nobu Matsuhisa (brand founder)

• Awards: Global reputation, strong online reviews

Nobu Malibu is just as much about the setting as it is about the food. Right on the beach, with ocean views from almost every table, it’s one of those spots people come to for the full experience. Malibu Beach is a favorite spot for celebrities, which only adds to the interest in Nobu. The menu features a Japanese-Peruvian influence and includes popular dishes such as the miso black cod and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño—both longtime staples. Dinner for two, with drinks, usually runs between $250 and $350. With a 4.5-star average on Yelp and consistently high search interest on Google, it remains one of the most talked-about restaurants in Los Angeles.

Manzke

• Location: Pico Boulevard

• Chef: Walter Manzke

• Awards: 1 Michelin star (2023)

Manzke is a fine dining restaurant located above Bicyclette. It offers a tasting menu that combines French cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients from California. The space is modern and cozy, great for a calm and focused meal. The tasting menu costs $225 per person. You can also add wine pairings for an additional $125. The menu changes often, but you might get dishes like custard with caviar or duck with black garlic. Every detail, from the timing to the presentation of the food, feels carefully planned.

Gwen

• Location: Hollywood

• Chef: Curtis Stone

• Awards: 1 Michelin star (2023)

Gwen is a butcher shop and restaurant hybrid. The tasting menu ($165–$210) includes in-house charcuterie, handmade pasta, and prime cuts of meat grilled over an open fire. The decor is dramatic, and the open kitchen adds energy to the room. It’s one of the few spots in LA where the restaurant doubles as a butcher shop with retail offerings.

How to Reserve a Table at LA’s Michelin Star Restaurants

Getting a table at one of LA’s top restaurants isn’t always easy, but it’s doable if you plan. Most of these places take reservations through platforms like Tock, Resy, or OpenTable. For example, n/naka, Vespertine, and Providence use Tock, while Bestia and République are on Resy.

For some of the more exclusive spots, like n/naka and Mélisse, reservations drop once a month and usually sell out in minutes. If you have a specific date in mind, it’s a good idea to check when bookings open and set a reminder.

Don’t be afraid to call the restaurant directly. Asking to join a cancellation or waitlist can sometimes get you in, especially if you’re flexible with timing. Early tables (around 5 p.m.) or later ones (after 9 p.m.) are often easier to snag.

Tips for Making the Most of Gourmet Food in LA

Dining at a high-end restaurant should feel special, not stressful. These simple tips can help you get the most out of the experience:

• Arrive on time. Tasting menus usually follow a fixed schedule. If you’re late, you might miss one or more courses—there’s often no way to make them up.

• Share any dietary needs in advance. Some people have food allergy reactions after eating at restaurants. High-end establishments can meet even the most specific guest requirements — from gluten-free menus to completely allergen-free dishes. However, they need to know in advance — ideally, mention it when you make your reservation.

• Ask questions. Whether it’s about ingredients, techniques, or wine pairings, don’t be shy. The staff is trained to walk you through the details and help you enjoy the meal more fully.

• Know what to expect with pricing. At most of these places, the full cost—including drinks, tax, and service—can range from $250 to $500 per person. Many restaurants automatically include a 20–22% service charge, so check before adding a tip.

• Keep your phone away. Flash photography and loud phone use are usually discouraged. These meals are designed to be immersive, so it’s worth being fully present.

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Final Thoughts on Fine Dining in LA

Los Angeles offers a wide range of dining options, but only a few restaurants are truly worth a high price tag. The restaurants listed in this article provide more than good food—they offer thoughtful, full-service experiences with attention to detail.

If you're looking for where to eat in LA and planning a special evening, booking one of these places will ensure you receive professional service, carefully prepared food, and a setting that's right for the occasion. Whether you prefer seafood, Japanese cuisine, French techniques, or classic steakhouse fare, Los Angeles has a top-notch option for you.

Just remember to book ahead, plan for the full cost, and arrive ready to enjoy a well-paced, memorable meal.