Los Angeles is best known for its ethnic food and hole-in-the wall spots but that doesn’t mean its lacking in places to splurge. From the modern kaiseki at N/Naka to the hyper-modern tasting menu at Vespertine, LA is home to some truly terrific fine dining spots. Here are five of our favorite spots to celebrate a special occasion or just indulge ourselves on a whim.
N/Naka
Despite all the well-warranted attention N/Naka has received after being featured on Chef’s Table, Niki Nakayama remains one of the humblest chef’s we’ve ever encountered. At N/Naka, Nakayama crafts a modern kaiseki menu that ebbs and flows in a way no other dinner in LA does.
Providence
You won’t find a more “fine dining” place in LA than Providence. At his ten-year-old restaurant, Michael Cimarusti serves up a seafood-focused tasting menu that impeccably highlights local products such as Santa Barbara spot prawns and Pacific-native shellfish.
Vespertine
Though controversial, Jordan Khan’s Vespertine is home to some of the most unique and thought provoking food in all of LA. It’s not cheap by any means, but you’re paying for an experience you’ll never forget.
This review was written by In The Loup contributor Ash Narayan