The List

5 Trendiest Restaurants in LA

Courtesy of The Bazaar by José Andrés

We've already filled you in on the Buzziest Openings of the year so far, but we mustn't forget about the perennial favorites everyone's still aching to get into. Below find ratings and reviews listed by food score for the top-rated, trendiest restaurants that continually impress even the most "of-the-moment" diners. Don't see your favorites? As always, these choices are decided by you, so go vote!

Pizzeria Mozza

641 N. Highland Ave. (Melrose Ave.)

Phone:
323-297-0101;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
28
19
21
$40
Key to Ratings
“Carbo load like a Roman god” on some of the “best pizza and antipasti” you’ve ever had at this “blast for the senses” in Hollywood (and now in Newport Beach), a “brilliant marriage of talents by Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton” resulting in food that diners “dream, lust and fantasize about”; an “inspired”, “well-priced” wine selection and “exciting atmosphere” top off the meal, so even if there’s “staff attitude”, “tight” tables and “thunderous noise”, “who cares?”; P.S. “reservations are a must unless you risk it and find a seat at the bar.”

Bazaar by José Andrés, The

465 S. La Cienega Blvd. (Clifton Way)

Phone:
310-246-5555;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
27
27
23
$81
Key to Ratings
“The innovation is endless” at this “cutting-edge” “dining-as-theater” “adventure” in the SLS Hotel from chef José Andrés, where an “eager” staff sets out “daring but delicious” Spanish-inspired small plates so “avant-garde” you “feel like a judge on Iron Chef”; the “noisy”, “extravagant” Philippe Starck–designed setting features various “wacky” “museumlike” rooms (including a patisserie that would make “Willy Wonka” proud), and even “the valet line is a scene”, so although some say “overrated”, for most it’s well worth the “splurge.”

Gjelina

1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd. (bet. California & Milwood Aves.)

Phone:
310-450-1429;
FoodDecorServiceCost
26
21
19
$45
Key to Ratings
“Always jammed”, this “hip” market-driven New American in Venice from chef/co-owner Travis Lett is famed for its “brilliant” small plates, “fantastic, thin-crust” pizzas and “heavenly” butterscotch pot de crème that “probably has its own Facebook page by now”; of course, it’s a “tough reservation”, “impossibly noisy” and often “too-cool” to boot, but even so, most “never walk away disappointed”; P.S. “angle for a table on the patio.”

Rivera

1050 S. Flower St. (11th St.)

Phone:
213-749-1460;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
26
24
23
$60
Key to Ratings
“Inventive” chef/co-owner John Sedlar creates “simply stellar”, “work-of-art” Pan-Latin plates accompanied by “outstanding” wines and cocktails at this “stylish” Downtown “knockout”; the “deservedly proud” staff provides “helpful” service, and while a few are flummoxed by the “different menus in different rooms”, “shouting” noise level and “miniature” portions, most agree the “hype is merited”, as well as the prices.

Tavern

11648 San Vicente Blvd. (bet. Barrington & Darlington Aves.)

Phone:
310-806-6464;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
22
25
21
$53
Key to Ratings
At this “swellegant” Brentwood place “from the Lucques and A.O.C. team” of Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, a “gorgeous space” with an “open, airy” atrium is the backdrop for Goin’s “beautifully prepared”, “delectable” Cal-Med cuisine, served by a “well-trained” staff to a crowd of “yuppies and celebrities”; for those who find the menu a touch “overpriced”, the casual cafe The Larder offers “superb”, “less expensive” takeout, as well as “some of the best bread in town.”
Posted on July 18, 2011 15:00
Tags: Gjelina, Pizzeria Mozza, Rivera, Tavern, The Bazaar by José Andrés

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