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Los Angeles: Restaurants

Foodies love Los Angeles; after all, this is where Wolfgang Puck and an entire generation of chefs perfected the art of California cuisine, a cooking style marked by an interest in "fusion" (mixing disparate styles and ingredients to create exciting new dishes). But before "California cuisine" there was the humble French Dip Sandwich (yes, also invented here). We picked our favorites at both extremes and in between, from expensive to budget.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
EXPENSIVE
MODERATE
BUDGET

AOC
Minimal space for maximum enjoyment of choice charcuterie, farm-fresh salads, wood-roasted trout, and over 50 hand-selected...
smart splurge | notable wine list | tapas | editor pick

The Ivy
Enclosed by a white-picket-fence, The Ivy hosts Hollywood power players in a rustic country-chic atmosphere. Beyond prime...
smart splurge | comfort food | brunch

Ciudad
Adventurous chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken serve up seductive Latin flavors, from Spain to Brazil, Puerto Rico to...
great value | notable chef | latin fusion

Larkin's
Kick back with killer takes on collard greens, fried chicken, and blackened catfish at this buzzing juke joint offering...
comfort food | editor pick

Pizzeria Mozza
Call early for reservations at this Mario Batali-backed pizzeria; or head over unannounced between 3-4pm and you might nab a...
great value | italian | pizza

Farmers Market
Looking for cheap eats with character? The food stalls at this 1934 L.A. landmark sell everything from crepes to Cajun chicken...
family | counter service

Philippe the Original
Succulent French Dip Sandwiches since 1908 – at prices that haven't changed much since. Indeed, the famous sandwich was...
counter service

Pink's
At any given hour of the day and well into the night, a crowded line snakes in front of this infamous Hollywood hot-dog stand;...
family | open late | editor pick