Los Angeles County boasts anywhere from 25,000 to 28,000 restaurants, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. For anyone who lives here, that's not just a lot of tacos; it's a daunting number of choices. Navigating the sheer volume of dining options in our sprawling metropolis can often feel overwhelming, with many simply being 'just-fine' amidst a sea of truly exceptional spots.
To address this, two local restaurant critics have released their annual guide, which they describe as a 'call to order' for the L.A. dining scene. For months, the critics traversed the county, visiting hundreds of establishments before narrowing their selections to a definitive list of 101 places that matter right now.
This year's guide features 31 entirely new additions, reflecting the dynamic nature of Southern California's food culture. Among the fresh entries are a revitalized modern Mexican eatery in Culver City and a spot in Pico Rivera serving truly exceptional chilaquiles. Pasadena gets a nod for quick-stop Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, while a Southern revival in West Hollywood, which settled into its stride after a somewhat bumpy start, also made the cut. Diners looking for something different might find themselves seeking out next-level Puerto Rican rellenos de papa in Woodland Hills or delicious, curative Toisanese soups in South El Monte.
Familiar favorites also make a return, some better than ever after a previous absence from the list. Sinaloa-style tacos, which originally gained fame out of Long Beach, are back in the mix, as is a restaurant that redefined breakfast last decade and has now expanded its offerings to include dinner service.
The guide also looks to the future, announcing two 2026 Hall of Fame inductees. One pillar of the community, known for plates of fried chicken gilded with macaroni and cheese, greens, and yams, is celebrated for sustaining its community while expressing the city’s African American history through multigenerational family traditions. The other inductee, an Argentine steakhouse commemorating 30 years this fall, upholds family heritage through its provoleta and mixed grill platters.
Beyond dining, the guide highlights five key hubs for drinks where critics noted a strong sense of kinship alongside well-crafted martinis or espressos. These include a casual wine bar in Altadena lauded for its excellent burger, an ambitious coffee complex in Glassell Park, and what’s described as L.A.'s most exciting cocktail destination in recent memory.
The critics acknowledge the current 'weird, uncertain times,' even noting the possibility of 'an AI doomsday event' as a backdrop to their work. Despite these broader anxieties, they found extra value in celebrating the 'beautiful intangibles of humanity: imaginations and hands working together, striving for excellence.' From their number one choice — an 'electric, concisely formatted fine-dining debut hidden in a subterranean den on West Pico Boulevard' — through all 101 selections, the critics reported eating exceptionally well and feeling 'alive and heartened at their tables.' The complete guide, including the Hall of Fame and Best Drinks lists, is available in a collectible magazine.
