From Fine Dining To Food Trucks: 12 Los Angeles Restaurants That Redefined American Dining In The 21st Century

Los Angeles is full of restaurants that feel like hidden treasures , the spots that leave a lasting mark long after the last bite. From Rustic Canyon’s sunlit, seasonal plates in Santa Monica to Vespertine’s bold, boundary-pushing creations, these spots have quietly shaped L.A. dining in the 21st century. Whether it’s the refined elegance of Providence or the everyday brilliance of Kogi BBQ, these restaurants show the city’s incredible range and creativity. The Robb Report created a ranking of the very best places to dine in the U.S. since 2000. The list was voted on by a jury of 250 chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, ingredient purveyors, well-traveled diners, and more. They were asked to “name the 10 greatest restaurants in America that have operated in this century.” Here are the 12 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century in Los Angeles: 16. Providence, Los Angeles --------------------------- Providence quietly commands the city’s seafood scene with impeccable technique and dishes that linger long after the last bite. 📍Location: 5955 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, California 90038 28. Somni, West Hollywood ------------------------- Somni turns each tasting menu into a theatrical journey where innovation meets flawless execution. 📍Location: 9045 Nemo, Los Angeles, California 90069 37. Spago, Beverly Hills ------------------------ Spago has defined LA fine dining for decades, balancing elegance with approachable, ingredient-driven cuisine. 📍Location: 176 North Canon Drive Beverly Hills, CA, USA 90210 40. Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles ------------------------------ Osteria Mozza charms with fresh mozzarella, house-made pasta, and a warm, effortlessly Italian atmosphere. 📍Location: 6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 43. Animal, Los Angeles ----------------------- Animal delivered bold, meat-forward dishes that redefined casual fine dining with unapologetic creativity. Sadly, it permanently closed in 2023. 47. Kato, Los Angeles --------------------- Kato offers a minimalist, precise tasting-menu experience where each bite is thoughtfully composed and unforgettable. 📍Location: 777 S. Alameda St. Building 1, Suite 114 Los Angeles, CA 90021 56. Gjelina, Los Angeles ------------------------ Gjelina captures the heart of Venice Beach with vibrant, shareable plates and a lively, welcoming vibe. 📍Location: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 71. Vespertine, Los Angeles --------------------------- Vespertine immerses diners in a world where architecture, performance, and culinary artistry converge. 📍Location: 3599 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA 90232 72. Kogi BBQ, Los Angeles ------------------------- Kogi BBQ revolutionized street food with bold Korean-Mexican flavors that changed the way L.A. eats. 📍Location: Check here for the truck schedule! 76. Anajak Thai, Los Angeles ---------------------------- Anajak Thai delivers bold, authentic Northern Thai flavors executed with balance and precision. 📍Location: 14704 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 92. Bestia, Los Angeles ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bestia pairs rustic Italian dishes with craft and charisma, making it a downtown institution for pasta, charcuterie, and wood-fired creations. 📍Location: 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021 95. Rustic Canyon, Santa Monica ------------------------------- Rustic Canyon highlights seasonal Californian ingredients with sunny, approachable, and thoughtfully composed dishes. 📍Location: 1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/12-best-la-restaurants-of-21st-century/