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Best Restaurants in Southern California

Without a question, Southern California is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and chefs.

When there are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, it might be tough to decide which ones merit your attention first.

There are lots of eating options in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and Temecula Valley, ranging from casual food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity hotspots.

With such a varied spectrum of foreign cuisine accessible in this section of the state, we’ve narrowed it down to only the finest of the best Southern California restaurants for you to visit.

1. Spago of Beverly Hills

Spago of Beverly Hills - Restaurants in Southern California
Spago of Beverly Hills

Spago is acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck’s buzzy, fashionable café that provides creative, locally produced Californian food. It was created in 1982 and refurbished in 2012.

If you’re in Los Angeles, one of the most popular places to try is Spago, the flagship restaurant of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group.

This upscale restaurant is known for its multi-course California Tasting Menu, which was devised by chef Wolfgang himself, as well as its exceptional level of service and unrivaled sophisticated environment.

2. Nobu Malibu

Nobu Malibu
Nobu Malibu

The 2012-opened Nobu Malibu delivers Japanese delicacies made by Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa alongside California cuisine in a chic coastal setting.

Nobu Malibu is a Japanese restaurant worth visiting for superb food showcasing celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s unique dishes, whether you’re seeking for a lunch or supper location in Los Angeles.

Not only do they provide delectable Japanese dishes, but almost every seat in the restaurant has a view of the ocean, which enhances the whole eating experience.

3. Pink’s Hot Dogs

Pink’s Hot Dogs
Pink’s Hot Dogs

Pink’s Hot Dogs, a Hollywood staple since 1939, serves up a variety of distinctively topped dogs, some of which are named after celebrities, at this historic roadside stop.

Pink’s Hot Dogs, which has been in business for decades, is a trustworthy and decent restaurant in Southern California for the typical hot dog need.

With its broad, family-friendly menu of innovative hot dog sandwiches, sides, and the bright pink facade, this laid-back LA favorite is the neighborhood go-to for practically everyone.

4. Sugarfish – Downtown Los Angeles

Sugarfish – Downtown Los Angeles
Sugarfish – Downtown Los Angeles

Sugarfish, a branch of a well-known local sushi restaurant, is located in downtown Los Angeles and serves traditional rolls and sake in a sleek, intimate atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a genuinely authentic Japanese dining experience, Sugarfish is the place to go with friends or a loved one.

Sugarfish is recognized for delivering only the highest-quality traditional sushi based on Chef Nozawa’s style of sushi, and you can be assured that you will only get the greatest sushi at this restaurant.

5. Shake Shack

Shake Shack
Shake Shack

Shake Shack, which is located in Eastown Apartments, is a popular counter-service chain that delivers gourmet twists on fast-food staples like as burgers and frozen custard.

Shake Shack is a modern-day “roadside” burger restaurant known for its scrumptious burgers, chicken, flat-top hot dogs, frozen snacks, crinkle-cut fries, artisan beer and wine, and much more.

Shake Shack can fulfill your hunger in the most delicious way imaginable, whether you’re out for a short lunch with your family, relatives, and children or on a long road trip with friends.

6. Philippe the Original

Philippe the Original
Philippe the Original

Philippe the Original, founded in 1908, is a traditional deli that provides legendary French dip sandwiches and other comfort foods in a lively neighborhood atmosphere.

Philippe the Original, one of the state’s oldest and most well-known delis, has long been regarded as one of the best eateries in Southern California.

It serves the best sandwiches in town, as well as chips, coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad, pickles, and a wide selection of beer and wine.

7. The Ivy

The Ivy
The Ivy

The Ivy, which has been operating since 1983, serves affluent Californian food in a classy and romantic setting where celebrities are frequently spotted.

The Ivy, with its distinctly colored decor, traditional menu items, and celebrity patronage, is one of Southern California’s greatest restaurants.

It’s a breakfast and brunch hotspot that’s frequented by its A-list clientele along with the paparazzi followings, therefore it’s the perfect location to “see and be seen”.

You’ll also like the lively garden-like patio, which is loaded with the most gorgeous bouquets and flower vases, as well as other colorful decorations inside.

8. Carney’s

Carney’s
Carney’s

Carney’s, which opened in 1975, is a small counter-service restaurant in a historic train that sells hot dogs and burgers with a variety of toppings.

Carney’s is one of the top informal restaurants in Los Angeles, delivering remarkably tasty burgers and hot dogs to residents.

Its unusual setting, in a yellow Union Pacific train car on Sunset Boulevard, lends a wonderful and laid-back vibe to your lunch experience.

9. Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, a component of the Mexican seafood industry famous for fish tacos and ceviche, is just a few streets from Tourmaline Beach.

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, located south of the border, features the relaxed and breezy atmosphere of a typical surf snack shack.

Enjoy the seafood-centric Mexican cuisine that complements the coastal setting while sitting on one of the counter stools and staring out the window, or dine outside on the patio to take in the scenery.

10. Menya Ultra

Menya Ultra
Menya Ultra

Menya Ultra, nestled within Kearny Plaza, is a quiet, low-key location for great ramen and Japanese beer.

Menya Ultra is a ramen restaurant in Akita, Japan, that provides daily fresh noodles made in-house.

Giant bowls of hot bowls of fresh ramen are available here, as well as quick service and a no-frills attitude in a busy strip mall setting.

11. Buona Forchetta

Buona Forchetta
Buona Forchetta

Buona Forchetta, which opened in 2011, serves wood-fired pies, delectable pasta, and a diverse wine list.

Buona Forchetta is known for its traditional Neapolitan, fried, and classic Italian style, gluten-free pizzas, which are prepared by Marcello Avitabile, a five-time world champion pizzaiolo.

Specialty pasta, steaks and seafood, and house-made sweets are also available in a homey yet sophisticated atmosphere equipped with marble worktops and attractively arranged entrees.

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Luke Beasley

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