The heat is on, and dining in LA is sizzling once again. From Old Hollywood decadence with a French twist to a classic, historically recognized burger stand — and even an infusion of coastal Italian fare — excellent new places to get a drink and a dish are springing up all over the city. (And let’s not forget Downtown LA’s new steakhouse, courtesy of some California chophouse experts.)
Below, five recs for where to head during your leisurely summer Friday evenings.
Mes Amis
Hollywood
Lincoln Carson’s long-awaited French brasserie has finally been installed on the ground floor of Hollywood’s Thompson hotel — and along with plenty of other high-profile new restaurants in the area, it doesn’t disappoint. For special occasions and fine-dining moments, there’s hardly a better table in LA right now. Decked out with photographs of Old Hollywood and beautiful baroque detailing, the restaurant has super-swish offerings like a rolling bar cart, laden with libations of all kinds, and an extensive raw bar that make this a destination unto itself. Tartares and pâtés round out the appetizer course, while steak au poivre and vegetable galette are decidedly French but accessible mains. Don’t sleep on the black truffle risotto, or if you’re with a larger group, the platters designed to feed two or more: whole roast chicken, lamb Wellington and a dry-aged ribeye. Since Carson is an acclaimed pastry chef, the dessert menu is stacked, too — don’t skimp on pavlova, baba au rhum or an impeccable soufflé.
Capri at Eataly LA
Century City
While Terra, the rooftop restaurant at Eataly in Century City, has become one of the best reasons to visit this sprawling west side mall, the renowned Italian market has added another reason: a journey to Capri. Their new “pop-up” on the third floor of the marketplace is decked out in green vines and bright lemons, all in homage to its Amalfi Coast namesake. Slated to adhere to the theme well into the fall, this pop-up is more of a seasonal addition than a short-lived Instagram moment, though its bright colors and enormous portions play very well on social media. Executive chef — and Napoli native — Giuseppe Manco balances California and Mediterranean coastal flavors for a menu that’s heavy on seafood, pasta and, of course, decadent caprese options. Plenty of icy-cold cocktails are on deck here as well, along with an extensive wine list — because no pseudo Italian vacation would be complete without a little of both. If you can’t make it to Amalfi this summer, Eataly’s Capri will do just as well.
Irv’s Burgers
West Hollywood
An iconic bit of restaurant history returns in West Hollywood later this month, when Irv’s Burgers officially opens back up after it seemed lost forever when it closed down in 2018. The burger shop was originally established back in 1946 under a different name by Irv Gendis, and Sonia Hong and her family — including her late brother Sean and mother “Mama” Hong — took over running it back in 2000. Since then, Sonia’s signature doodles on the paper plates — sent out with the stand’s legendary burgers and a quick note, “just for you” — turned the place into a must-stop location. But the stand, which the community fought to turn into a landmark, still had to shutter its doors four years ago. Now, thanks to a new investor, Irv’s will live on. Partnering with Lawrence Longo and his company Off the Menu, the stand was back up and running just in time for LA summer. West Hollywood has gone more of the chichi route since Irv’s opened so many decades ago, but this historic burger stand is a reminder of what used to be a great place to stop for a snack along Route 66.
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Downtown
Though Mastro’s has been holding court out in Malibu (at the former Chart House location) and in Beverly Hills for quite some time, the steakhouse has now come to Downtown Los Angeles. Cozying up to the newly dubbed Crypto.com Arena, the elevated steakhouse offers indoor and outdoor dining at LA Live, as one of the area’s higher-end spots. Along with steaks, decadent sushi options, all sorts of wagyu, their signature lobster mashed potatoes and a raw bar, the new location offers a piano lounge complete with live music and the “famed” butter cake to finish things off. It’s the perfect location for a grand night out before a show at the arena — or just a nice night out in a walkable location for plenty of downtown locals.
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