The 2027 Guide to Los Angeles Dining: 6 Must-Try Spots Beyond the Obvious

Discover the Strip-Mall Secrets, Neighborhood Favorites, and Under-the-Radar Culinary Heavyweights That Truly Define LA’s Food Scene

The real magic of LA’s culinary scene is found tucked away from star-studded sidewalks — Joe Byrnes / Unsplash

When you are exploring a city as vast and dynamic as Los Angeles, it is easy to get pulled into the orbit of flashing neon signs and velvet ropes. But the real magic of LA’s culinary scene isn't usually found on the star-studded sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard or the most crowded intersections of Rodeo Drive. It is found tucked away in unassuming strip malls, nestled in quiet neighborhood corners, and hidden behind unmarked doors.

At Drives & Detours, we believe that the best way to experience a city is on your own time and at your own pace. When you aren't tied to a rigid group schedule or rushing to catch a tour bus, you have the ultimate luxury: the freedom to pull over, take a detour, and discover a neighborhood gem that most visitors drive right past. As you gear up for your 2027 travels, we’ve updated our Los Angeles dining guide to reflect the absolute best of the city’s current culinary landscape.

Forget the national chains and the overcrowded tourist traps. Here are six extraordinary, highly-rated spots around Hollywood, East Hollywood, and Beverly Hills that will give you a true taste of local Los Angeles.

Uncover Los Angeles’s Hidden Culinary Map

LA is full of neighborhood sanctuaries to dine in, far from the tourist-choked thoroughfares

Exploring Los Angeles by car opens up a tapestry of strip-mall gems and neighborhood sanctuaries far from the tourist-choked thoroughfares. Here is your cheat sheet to navigating the flavor, heat, and soul of LA's true food scene on your own terms.

• Strip-Mall Royalty: Luv2eat Thai Bistro proves that LA's finest culinary mastery—including Michelin-recognized Southern Thai spices—is often tucked between dry cleaners and laundromats

• Wood-Fired Soul: Saffy’s in East Hollywood delivers robust Middle Eastern skewers, smoky shawarma, and vibrant mid-century energy without high-end pretense

• Ethical Wagyu Focus: Matū redefines the Beverly Hills steakhouse by spotlighting 100% grass-fed New Zealand Wagyu served in thoughtful, multi-course tasting formats

• Bustling Raw Bar: Found Oyster packs massive East Coast seafood energy into a tiny, high-vibe counter space known for crisp natural wines and scalloped tostadas

• Tokyo-Style Craft: Pizzeria Sei brings precise, Japanese-influenced Neapolitan pizza with a perfectly blistered, slightly salted crust to Pico-Robertson

• Unmarked Speakeasies: The Roger Room, hidden behind a fortune teller neon sign in West Hollywood, crafts exceptional cocktails in a dim, vintage circus setting

• Flexible Exploration: Driving yourself allows you to seamlessly integrate culinary detours with self-guided audio tours around Hollywood and Beverly Hills on your own schedule

1. Luv2eat Thai Bistro (Hollywood)

The Vibe: Strip-mall perfection with Michelin-recognized flavor

If there is one culinary truth to understand about Los Angeles, it is this: never underestimate a restaurant located in a strip mall. Luv2eat Thai Bistro is the undisputed champion of this LA phenomenon. Located in an unassuming plaza in the heart of Hollywood, this beloved neighborhood staple consistently draws in locals, industry chefs, and food critics alike.

Helmed by Chef Fern and Chef Pla, Luv2eat has earned a highly coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand, but it hasn't lost an ounce of its authentic, casual charm. The dining room is cozy, unpretentious, and always bustling. This is exactly the kind of place you want to discover after a long day of sightseeing—where the focus is 100% on the plate.

What to order: You cannot visit without trying their signature Hat Yai Fried Chicken, served with sticky rice and sweet chili sauce. It is crispy, deeply savory, and aggressively flavorful. If you are a fan of heat, dive into their legendary Crab Meat Curry. Fair warning: when they ask for your spice preference, take them seriously. Medium here packs a genuine punch.

2. Saffy’s (East Hollywood)

The Vibe: Vibrant, wood-fired Middle Eastern energy in a retro-chic setting

From the team behind the wildly successful Bavel and Bestia, Saffy’s has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the East Hollywood dining scene. Named after the owners' daughter, this spot is more relaxed than its sister restaurants, making it the perfect detour for independent travelers who want an unforgettable meal without the stuffiness of fine dining.

The space feels like a vibrant, mid-century fever dream with warm tones, a lively horseshoe bar, and the intoxicating scent of wood smoke drifting from the open kitchen. It is loud in the best way possible—the sound of clinking glasses, sizzling skewers, and locals enjoying a night out. It is an excellent spot to park the car, stretch your legs, and settle in for a feast.

What to order: The wood-fired shawarma is a non-negotiable. Whether you opt for the lamb and beef or the chicken, the char and seasoning are masterful. Pair it with the hummus (which is unbelievably velvety) and their fresh-baked flatbreads. Don't skip the falafel, which arrives perfectly crispy on the outside and bright green and herbaceous on the inside.

3. Matū (Beverly Hills)

The Vibe: A revolutionary, unpretentious approach to Wagyu beef

Beverly Hills is famous for its glitz and glamour, which often translates to dining experiences that are more about the scene than the cuisine. Matū is the brilliant exception. Tucked into South Beverly Drive, this restaurant feels like a sleek, modern, and warmly lit sanctuary away from the usual 90210 crowds.

What makes Matū so special is its singular focus: 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef from First Light Farms in New Zealand. Instead of serving massive, overwhelming steaks, Matū prefers to serve beef in smaller, masterfully prepared courses, allowing you to experience different cuts and preparations. It is sophisticated but completely devoid of the haughty attitude you might expect in this zip code.

What to order: If it is your first time, the Wagyu Dinner tasting menu is the smartest move. It guides you through a multi-course journey of their best offerings, from rich, melt-in-your-mouth tartare to perfectly seared cuts cooked over a wood fire. The beef broth they serve is deeply comforting, and their execution of simple sides, like the Caesar salad, is flawless.

4. Found Oyster (East Hollywood)

The Vibe: A tiny, boisterous East Coast seafood shack with West Coast flair

Sometimes, the best meals happen in the smallest spaces. Found Oyster in East Hollywood is notoriously tiny, meaning you might have to wait on the sidewalk with the locals for a seat at the counter. But as an independent traveler who makes their own schedule, you have the flexibility to arrive right when they open or stop by for a late-afternoon treat.

The atmosphere is electric. It feels like a neighborhood block party squeezed into a beautifully tiled room. The staff is incredibly friendly, the wine list is a curated dream of natural and low-intervention bottles, and the seafood is some of the freshest you will find in Southern California.

What to order: You are here for the seafood tower, obviously. The oysters are pristine, but the cooked dishes are where Found Oyster truly shines. The lobster roll, swimming in a generous pool of lobster bisque, is legendary. The scallop tostada offers a brilliant nod to LA’s Mexican culinary heritage, blending raw, sweet scallops with citrus and crunch.

5. Pizzeria Sei (Pico-Robertson)

The Vibe: Tokyo-meets-Naples pizza mastery in a minimalist setting

Located just south of Beverly Hills in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, Pizzeria Sei is a masterclass in dedication. The restaurant specializes in Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza—a style characterized by a perfectly blistered, incredibly chewy crust that holds a slight pinch of salt to balance the toppings.

The interior is minimalist and focused, largely centered around the massive pizza oven where you can watch the chefs work with hypnotic precision. Because it is a bit off the standard tourist trail, you are largely dining alongside LA food obsessives who know a good thing when they taste it. It’s a quick, phenomenal meal that fits perfectly into a busy day of exploring.

What to order: The Margherita is a perfect baseline to appreciate the incredible dough, but the Bismarck—topped with mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, egg, truffle oil, and pecorino—is a rich, decadent masterpiece. Don't overlook the simple house salad; it is dressed with a surprisingly addictive vinaigrette.

6. The Roger Room (Beverly Grove/West Hollywood)

The Vibe: A dimly lit, circus-themed speakeasy that rewards those who know where to look

We promised you one exceptional place to grab a drink, and The Roger Room delivers. True to the spirit of taking a detour, this legendary cocktail den has no sign. Look for the fortune teller neon sign above an unassuming door on La Cienega Boulevard.

Inside, you will find a dark, eclectic space adorned with vintage circus murals and exposed brick. Despite being a staple of the LA bar scene for years, it has managed to maintain its hidden, exclusive feel. The bartenders here are true professionals, crafting complex, balanced cocktails without an ounce of pretension. It is the perfect place to reflect on your day of driving through the city.

What to order: The cocktail menu is extensive and categorized cleverly, but the Tijuana Brass (tequila, agave nectar, lime, and cucumber) is a refreshing Southern California classic. If you prefer whiskey, the Death in the Afternoon is a robust, memorable choice.

Pair Your Culinary Adventure With the Freedom to Explore LA

The best way to sdiscover LA is from behind the wheel with Drives & Detours

The beauty of these six locations is that they are deeply woven into the fabric of Los Angeles—and the best way to string them together is from behind the wheel. LA is, at its heart, a car city. To truly understand its rhythm, you need to drive it.

If you are planning to explore the neighborhoods around these incredible restaurants, our Hollywood & Beverly Hills Driving Tour is the perfect companion.

Unlike a crowded bus tour where a guide dictates your every move, Drives & Detours puts you in the driver’s seat—literally. Our self-guided audio tour acts as your local friend sitting in the passenger seat, sharing fascinating stories, historical secrets, and insider knowledge as you navigate the winding roads of the Hollywood Hills and the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills.

If you want to pull over for a two-hour lunch at Matū, go ahead. If you want to take a detour to grab a coffee or take some photos on Mulholland Drive, you can. The audio simply pauses and waits for you. You get the deep, enriching knowledge of a professional tour guide, paired with the ultimate freedom of an independent traveler.

Ready to taste the real Los Angeles? Pack your appetite, load up your Drives & Detours audio guide, and hit the road. The best parts of the city are waiting just off the beaten path.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where To Eat in Los Angeles

How do I navigate parking and transport when dining across different LA neighborhoods?

Los Angeles is fundamentally built around driving, and many of the city's best hidden spots—especially strip-mall eateries—offer dedicated parking plazas or street parking nearby. Navigating by car gives you the freedom to move effortlessly between Hollywood, East Hollywood, and Beverly Hills without being bound to fixed bus schedules or rigid tour itineraries.

What should I know about spice levels at authentic regional spots like Luv2eat Thai Bistro?

Local kitchens specializing in authentic regional cuisine do not tone down their heat for casual diners. At Southern Thai establishments, a medium spice level carries a formidable chili kick. If you are sensitive to heat, request mild or ask for spice elements to be served on the side.

Is it difficult to get a seat at smaller spots like Found Oyster without a reservation?

Tiny neighborhood counters often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, leading to long waits during peak dinner hours. As an independent traveler with a flexible schedule, your best strategy is to arrive right when doors open or drop in for an off-peak late afternoon bite.

What makes Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza different from traditional Neapolitan pizza?

Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza focuses on meticulous dough preparation and baking technique. It typically incorporates a slightly higher salt content in the crust and a quick, high-heat bake that creates an airy, delicately blistered crust with a satisfying chew.

Do I need a formal dress code to dine in neighborhoods like Beverly Hills?

While Beverly Hills is famous for luxury, modern establishments like Matū focus strictly on the plate rather than formal pretense. Smart-casual attire is accepted everywhere, making it easy to transition seamlessly from a morning of driving and exploring into dinner.

How can I pair a self-guided driving tour with a day of local dining?

Self-guided audio tours run on your smartphone via location-based cues, meaning the narration pauses whenever you pull over. You can linger over a multi-course lunch or stop for an impromptu cocktail detour, and the guide will simply pick up where you left off when you return to the road.