Fine dining can be a tough sell when tasting menus top $300 per person, but these 6 fine dining restaurants are well worth the price.
Hayato
Hayato stands as a pinnacle of Japanese and seafood cuisine, and is well deserving of its 2 Michelin stars. Nestle in The Row, this exclusive restaurant led masterfuly by James Beard Award nominee Chef Brandon Go offers an intimate dining experience with only seven seats available per seating. Chef Go's expertise and innovative approach to Japanese cuisine has earned him numerous accolades such as being voted the #1 restaurant in Los Angeles by the LA Times in 2022. The minimalist and organized atmosphere of the restaurant is designed to enhance the gastronomic journey, and mirrors the meticulous nature of the cuisine served. The dedication to quality and detail in Hayato's 14-course omakase tasting menu is evident, each dish reflecting the chef's culinary artistry and making it well worth $350 per person.
Address: 1320 E 7th St #126, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Reservations: Open the 1st of the prior month (Jan 1 for Feb) and are available on Tock
Kato Restaurant
One Michelin star Kato is renowned for its innovative blend of Taiwanese and contemporary Asian cuisine. Also nestled at The Row near Hayato, this fine dining establishment showcases why Chef Jonathan Yao's unique and sophisticated approach earned him the Michelin Young Chef Award in 2021 and a James Beard nomination for Rising Star Chef in 2020.
The restaurant's atmosphere and services complement its exquisite culinary offerings, and ensures both a comfortable and memorable dining experience. Operating from Tuesday to Saturday, with dinner and bar tasting menus available from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and a special snacks menu for walk-in guests until 10:00 pm, Kato is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of culinary innovation and comfort.
Address: 777 S Alameda St Building 1, Suite 114, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Reservations: Open the 1st of the prior month (Jan 1 for Feb) and are available on Resy
Manzke
Located above Bicyclette, Manzke is the brainchild of Walter and Margarita Manzke, best known for their standour restaurant Republique. Opening in spring of 2022 under the direction of Executive Chef Joe Garcia, it quickly earned its first Michelin star. Manzke offers an exquisite ten-course tasting menu, priced at $295 per person, which showcases a blend of global flavors rooted in the diversity of Southern California. The restaurant emphasizes the use of product-driven, hyper-seasonal ingredients, ensuring a unique and memorable dining experience. The elegant interior of Manzke, coupled with its luxurious ambiance, makes it a sought-after destination for fine dining enthusiasts, and earned its spot as our favorite new restaurant in the city.
Address: 9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035 Reservations: Open the 1st of the prior month (Jan 1 for Feb) and are available via Tock
Maude
Chef Curtis Stone's first restaurant venture Maude has been a celebrated Michelin-starred Beverly Hills staple for almost a decade. Known for its intimate 24-seat dining room, Maude provides a unique chef's table experience that emphasizes a seasonal menu inspired by the bountiful produce of California. This focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients is a hallmark of the restaurant, showcasing the best of regional offerings in a contemporary and Californian culinary style. Maude is on this list not just for its exquisite food but also for the overall dining experience it offers - we don't want to give too much away but it is definitely the most unique of any in the city!
Address: 212 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Reservations: Open 30 days in advance and are available on Resy
Mélisse
Santa Monica's Mélisse is a two Michelin star restaurant under the expert guidance of Chef Josiah Citrin, and is renowned its modern French cuisine. The restaurant's seasonal menu emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing dishes such as seared foie gras, roasted lamb, and chocolate ganache. The dining experience at Mélisse goes beyond just food; it includes an atmosphere of elegance and meticulous service. The seasonal menu, crafted by Citrin, changes to reflect the best local produce and ensures a unique and memorable dining experience with each visit. So if you are looking for a classic, French style fine dining experience then look no further - there is simply nowhere better in the city.
Address: 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Reservations: Open 30 days in advance and are available on OpenTable
Providence
Providence, run by esteemed Chef Michael Cimarusti, is a two-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and globally inspired cuisine. Chef Cimarusti was awarded the James Beard Award for Best Chef: West in 2019, and his culinary expertise shines through in a menu rich in Asian and Mediterranean influences. The restaurant's commitment to using only the freshest and most responsibly sourced ingredients, and all of their produce comes from their garden on the restaurant's roof. The dining experience at Providence is further elevated by its elegant ambiance, providing a serene and luxurious setting.
Address: 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Reservations: and are available on Tock
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