hayato. But it’s in downtown. Also you wouldn’t be able to get a reservation. Best restaurant in LA hands down. I’d say there’s no restaurant like it in Europe.
I can guess the reason for the aversion to downtown already, so I’ll mention that Hayato is right next to skid row.
No.
Melisse charges the $325 pp then 23% service charge and 10.25% sales tax on top of that total.
I’m not against service charges but I hate that it’s taxed.
What’s wrong with downtown? There’s DEFINITELY LA downtown experience in Europe… (cue parts of Rome, Paris, London, etc) 
Thanks Charlie - very helpful. Reviews seem positive on the experience but mixed on the value, which was why I was trying to tune in on what the real price is.
Some recent local news:
A local spot is expanding East. Original location does allow BYOB if you’re in the area
Pearl River Deli’s pivot could be an interesting one for the better.
Will let you all know once I can. Chinatown needs PRD
A burger joint’s sales plummeted by more than 50% after going all vegan?!? Shocked, I tell ya. Shocked! 
Thanks. Gotta get out and try PRD & Angry Egret. We were finally set to get breakfast from Today Starts Here and they had just closed or something 
Trying to capitalize on the veggie-curious. But, for some, it’s just a phase 
I’ll try here … for any good food recs in Long Beach area.
I’ll eat anything, does not need to be fancy expensive or wine focused.
Thanks
I havent been there since pre covid but one of my favorite Thai/SE asian spots
I love Beachwood BBQ. They brew excellent beers, too.
A good bet in places like Long Beach and Anaheim is to find a brewpub. More often than not, their kitchens are as good as the beer.
Southern food is a good option in Long Beach. You can also find Hawaiian and Cambodian if you want to go that way.
We have done a few weekend trips to LA over the past 6 months both with kids (7&9) and without. Here are a few thoughts:
With Kids:
Jon and Vinny’s - Kids love it and good enough for the parents. Pizza, pasta, salads all very good. The mozzarella sticks are epic.
Citrin - Have done this a few times with the kids. Kids love the pasta and the dirty chicken. The standby lobster bolognese is still a great dish and I have always loved their soups depending on the season (pea soup is great, as is the celeriac veloute). The dirty chicken is a great value and consistent every time. Wine service always on point as well. Last visit a Roulot was oxidized and the somm didn’t even hesitate to switch it out for another bottle.
Matu - Modern take on a steakhouse featuring grass fed wagyu from first light farms New Zealand. Steaks are great as are the salads (Thai steak salad really good, but more of a meal on its own). Lobster tails grilled with the yuzu butter hits as well. I’m also in the steak club for First light and its the only beef I cook at home now.
Without kids:
Q Sushi in downtown - I have always enjoyed my meals here but it never seems to get much attention. I appreciate it for just being very clean and straight forward. And its the right amount of food for me but some might think its not enough.
Morihiro - Some of the best nigiri I have ever had. Rice was great, the fish was the appropriate size and he actually used the correct amount of wasabi for my preferences. I think most places dumb it down but he had it just right. The problem though for Morihiro is both my wife and I were stuffed by the time the nigiri started. We did the omakase at the bar and its just way to much food. If you are a big eater I would recommend but if I were to do it again I would pace myself during the first part of the meal knowing how much food is coming. Nice sake selection and service. Fun vibe, playing good music.
Found Oyster - Wish we had something like this in OC. Oysters are the best I’ve had in SoCal, scallop tostada is a must get, sea urchin is great with the rice puffs, caviar service is fun, fries perfect and the key lime pie at the end is the best version I’ve had. Wine list is small but have always found a Gruner or Muscadet that works great with the food.
Providence - Haven’t been in 8 years but have heard good things lately. For us, everything was fine but nothing more. The room, service and food just lacks energy and excitement. It scratches the itch if you want traditional fine dinning in LA but not a destination restaurant. By contrast we have been to Addison in in Del Mar 6 times in the past 3 years and it delivers every time.
Gjelina - Have been going here for years and its still great. Another place I wish we had in OC as I could eat here twice a week. What they do to highlight vegetables is what sets them apart. Last time a grilled sunchoke dish was great, as was the Japanese sweet potato and the cauliflower. Pizza’s are fantastic with the lamb sausage and rapini a favorite. Haven’t had a bad dish yet.
Kato - Loved the food. Caviar dish with the baby corn and corn cream was lights out good. Scallop with xo sauce and the duck 2 ways were other standout dishes. Great wine service from Ryan, I really hope this place sticks around as I want them to continue to evolve. Don’t love the location or the Row in general but the food is worth it.
Went to Majordomo for the first time last night. Great experience, very friendly people, terrific food, and for two people (no wine, three cocktails) it was, with tax and tip and service fees, $390. Which is a lot to me, but it was one of the best meals I’ve had in L.A., so that’s not a complaint, just a reality check. One of the joys I hadn’t heard mentioned here is that the people-watching is five stars. Not just guess the celebrity but guess the situation. Having overheard some discussions in the ladies’ room, my girlfriend pointed out a White Lotus Season 2 situation a few tables down, which was pretty wonderful to watch unfolding. (Nope, I won’t spoil which storyline.)
Ended up at Destroyer twice this week. While the loaded avocado confit was excellent, what really stood out was the cabbage dish. I don’t know what they did to that brassica, but it was savoury, melted in my mouth, yet somehow still had some crispiness to it. A poached egg on top was also a good call.
Also had a great dinner at Bianca in Culver City recently. Even had a 2019 Burgundy for under $100 that was enjoyed by all.
I hate how much I love that place. And I hate to be the LA guy who talks about celebrity sightings, but… 6 years ago I met Alton Brown there (yikes, feels like yesterday). It was his first time, and probably my fourth or so. Sits down next to me as my snow peas arrive in dish that is plated to look exactly like peas covered in snow, asks me what it is, then promptly asks his daughter to get back in line and order more food! He ended up getting most of the menu. I’m LA born/raised, so I leave famous people alone, but he was friendly and chatty the whole time. He posted about it on Instagram and called it “my new favorite restaurant in Los Angeles”.
Haven’t been in a few months, will have give the cabbage a try in the next week or so.
I love the Row. Tons of parking and close to the freeway.
newest michelin star sushi spot in DTLA - 715 sushi. Had a great dinner there. Everyone I was with really enjoyed it as well. Rough corkage. $100/btl.
disclaimer - buys Astrea but didn’t use it for this menu
Is Alton Brown really considered a celebrity in LA?
I too LOVE the food at Destroyer, probably my overall favorite food in LA.
And as for The Row you know my feelings.
Parking is such a non-issue for me because I would never drive to a restaurant. Just an observation from someone who is spending more time in LA. I have noticed that a lot of people in the wine scene drink and drive.
