Cabra. | Stan LeeHead to these spots for standout vistas of mountains, beaches, and skyscrapers, along with solid food and drink Los Angeles is breathtakingly beautiful, with miles of coastline, soaring mountains, sweeping valleys, and plenty of sunshine year-round. Many of the city’s finest restaurants and bars understand the appeal of gorgeous sightlines and serve them up amply along with well-made cocktails and proper sit-down meals. From a rooftop from pasta maestro Evan Funke in Beverly Hills to a wood-fired Italian hot spot in Century City, these rooftop bars and restaurants offer captivating views of the city’s skyscrapers, mountains, and waterfronts — the views you’ll only find in Los Angeles. What’s changed in this update: This update adds in Culver City rooftop bar and restaurant Butterfly, Downtown’s Lost, and New York transplant wine bar, Sauced. Harriet’s leaves the list this round. Rebecca Roland is always in search of the ideal rooftop situation, with plenty of options for chilled red wine, dirty martinis, and not-too-loud music. Ideally, there should also be a hot dog cart of some type.

Dishes from Cosetta in Santa Monica.Pizza, Milaneses, salads, and raw seafood shine at Cosetta, the versatile new California Italian restaurant from Zach Pollack Zach Pollack’s highly anticipated California Italian restaurant Cosetta is finally here; The restaurant opened April 1 in a standalone building along Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, adding a versatile, family-friendly, and reasonably priced destination to the neighborhood. Pollack’s Silver Lake and Echo Park restaurants of Alimento and Cosa Buona, respectively, closed last year, ending a nearly 10–year tenure for the chef. Now back on the Westside (previously, he was a co-chef at Sotto), Pollack is back in the pizza game with puffy-crusted, wood-fired pies featuring soppressata and peppers, smoked coppa with pineapple, and mushroom fontina. The menu’s starters are divided into four sections. Most tables will likely get house-baked bread with dips and spreads like Alimento’s chicken liver, burrata cheese, fava bean hummus, and a tin of Fishwives Cantabrian anchovies. Raw seafood includes scallops with Sicilian ponzu, kampachi with olive oil and capers, or bluefin tartare with “ossobuco” aioli. Small appetizers highlight smoked mozzarella sticks — a nod to Cosa Buona — farro and white bean soup, and shrimp scampi over toasted focaccia. There are four salads, as one would expect for a Californian restaurant, including the ’90s-style Novanta Mista, with mixed greens and 36-month-old prosciutto. Beyond the pizzas, entrees include Thai chicken Milanese, eggplant cutlet, and a market fish with caper-olive tartare, plus half-roasted chicken over bread and anchovies, wagyu porcini-rubbed tri-tip tagliata, and grilled langoustines alla griglia with bagna cauda bianca. In contrast to his more serious young chef days, Pollack emphasizes a lot of dietary flexibility at Cosetta, offering gluten-free Milaneses, plenty of vegetarian-friendly options, and a reasonable price point across the menu. The idea is to make Cosetta part of the Westside diner’s weekly rotation with seasonal ingredients and familiar Italian American flavors. The expansive semi-covered patio will shine as the weather warms up, while the sleek arch-and-column-themed interior brings a modern European coziness to those sitting inside. Getting to Cosetta will be fairly easy for Santa Monica denizens, and there are even two hours of free parking with validation. Cosetta opens today at 3150 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, 90405. Reservations are available on Resy. Inside Cosetta in Santa Monica. Interior of Cosetta with windows to the patio. Stone walls and a section of tables. The angled roofline with column-inspired design over the bar. The bar at Cosetta. Banquettes with olive trees and orange lighting accents. Lush patio area with covering at Cosetta. Tree-lined patio with pale green furniture and veranda covering. A firepit. Bluefin tuna tartare on bread tostada. Bloomin’ radicchio salad. Bread with chicken liver, anchovies, and butter. Hawaiian sunrise pizza at Cosetta. Uni, lemon, basil, and mozzarella pizza with a sidecar of Spanish clam conserva. Chicken Milanese with Thai checca. Italian dumpling salad with burrata agnolotti. Margherita cocktail with blood orange and tomato cordial, plus basil salt. Ninna Nanna cocktail with limoncello, lemon, thyme, and honey. Cannoli Negroni with cocoa nibs and ricotta. The Sasa with gin, caramelized artichoke, and cynar. Energizza cocktail with blood orange, guayasa, and lemon. A closeup of the banquette. Frontage of Cosetta.

Bar burger and martini at Taylor’s Steakhouse.An LA-based cookbook writer finds the best place to get a burger and a martini together in LA Like a lot of middle-aged parents, I don’t go out much anymore because I mostly cook at home. We’re usually eating early with the kids and putting them to bed before trying to stay awake until 10:30 or 11 p.m. to watch a movie. But when I do go out — if I manage to sink back into the Hollywood nightlife — I want a vestige of the past, of the city promised to me in old LA film noir. I want to sidle up to a dark Hollywood bar, drink bracingly cold gin in a fancy glass, and then order a cheeseburger along with a second martini, chatting with the bartender just enough to seem friendly. Los Angeles is a city teeming with burger joints. This very website will tell you where to find the best burgers in LA and even the hottest new burgers in LA, if you need to make the distinction. LA has smash burgers, diner burgers, takeout counter burgers, Thai burgers, ketchup-banned burgers, chili burgers, and hickory burgers. But in every major American city, there should always be a place to drop $100 on a burger and two cocktails for no good reason. Sometimes, you go out to eat a burger and happen upon a good drink in the process. Other times, you go out to have a drink and maybe eat something good, too. This story is about either of these situations, but primarily the latter. Why You Should Trust Me I’m a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and food writer, a former chef, and a mild degenerate. I have written angrily about martinis for Eater’s sister website Punch. Reasonable people can disagree, but it will tell me all I need to know about them. This is Eater, however, so the burger itself is the most important factor in how I made my judgments on the best burger-martini duos in town. But since a bar burger needs to be eaten at a bar, the martini at least counts for something — and burgers and martinis are both things vastly improved by the setting of the place. Or, to put it simply, vibes matter. For those asking, “Did you try the Benjamin?” Yes, I did. The Best Overall Bar Burger and Martini: HorsesHorses has been in the news before — but those involved in the drama seem to be long gone and customers are still pouring into the Sunset Boulevard restaurant in Hollywood. Housed in a historic old building (it was the Pikey before it became Horses, and Coach & Horses for 73 years before that), it pulls off the nimble trick of feeling both old and new. If it is especially crowded, there is a back bar where one can steal a seat. The Horses burger comes from real technique but keeps it mostly hidden — the dish is advertised on the menu simply as “Cheeseburger and Fries.” The eight-ounce patty of 80/20 beef is made from short rib, chuck, and brisket, placed on a soft salt-and-pepper brioche bun with melted Tillamook cheddar, both raw and griddled onion, and Worcestershire butter. Like the restaurant, it is both classic and new, unfussy and cared for. The fries get the job done, offering a rustic, handmade feel. I order my burger rare, getting a good crust and a crumbly, juicy interior. It’s precisely what you want after the first martini and during the second one. Unlike most of the old bars across Los Angeles, they know to stir the martini rather than shake it, keeping it appropriately cold and strong. The burger is precisely what you want after the first martini and during the second one. The decor is accented with red booths and a high ceiling. There are multiple rooms. Horses is a place that exudes that feeling of “lucky to be there, but not impossible to get in.” In many ways, it is exactly what you want from a neighborhood bar and restaurant. It may not be classic old Hollywood, but it feels like the right kind of new Hollywood, tucked away from more tourist-laden stretches. Burger and Fries: $30 Beefeater Martini: $20 Where I Most Want to Be for a Burger and Martini: Tower Bar Bar burger, fries and martini at Tower Bar. Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel is my favorite martini vibe in all of Los Angeles. It’s real Hollywood, meaning if you see a guy wearing a T-shirt and ripped jeans eating with a guy in an expensive suit, the expensive suit guy works for the guy in the ripped jeans. They usually shake the martini here rather than stir it (which bruises and dilutes it), and sometimes it’s quite literally impossible to secure a seat at the bar. But none of that matters once you do find a warm bit of barstool. Also, if you’re drinking, they give you free potato chips and peanuts. The place feels exclusive, and I guess in a way it is when a burger and fries costs $45. But the Tower Bar also makes a good burger if you’re sober, and a very good one if gin-spiked blood has already made it to your head, even in its spare simplicity: A soft, toasted hamburger bun supports a nicely charred, wide burger patty that rests on some arugula and is topped with a choice of cheddar, American, or Gruyere cheese. Would I prefer a slice of onion on there? I would, and I bet it’s the kind of place that would do it for me if I ever remember to ask. These are the best fries of the bunch — thin, crispy, and fluffy, served in a vertical cone next to ramekins of Dijon mustard, ketchup, and mayo. It can get loud from live music and it’s always very dark, making it an ideal place to be alone or with one other person. Burger and Fries: $45 Beefeater Martini: $26 The Bar Burger and Martini Best Bargain: Taylor’s SteakhouseOpened in 1953 as Taylor’s Tavern but relocated into a larger space in 1973, Taylor’s Steakhouse in Koreatown is more “old Hollywood” than the vast majority of Hollywood itself. Koreatown, with its bevy of old Art Deco buildings, has long had a symbiotic relationship with Hollywood (for example, the now-closed Ambassador Hotel, just four blocks away from Taylor’s, hosted the Academy Awards four times in the 1930s). Taylor’s is an old lion of the LA restaurant scene and a time capsule of a place that serves ice-cold martinis. The gin tumbles from open bottles without a speed pourer in sight. The two-story restaurant with dark red booths, brick walls, and a dark mahogany-lined bar is beloved in this town as the great “affordable” steakhouse, functioning almost as a public service at this point. I have had more than my fair share of late nights with old friends, throwing back martinis chased with crusty bread and hard butter before settling into a Kansas City sirloin. Is the meat quality, or cooking technique top-notch? No. But the price — and the vibes — are perfect. The gin tumbles from open bottles without a speed pourer in sight. So if you are craving a pair of martinis and a hamburger with little more in your pocket than three wadded-up Andrew Jacksons, Taylor’s Steakhouse is your oasis in the desert. Here you can cram into a tightly packed bar peppered with regulars — where everyone actually does know their name. Then you make space for the massive burger, made from steak trimmings, which comes with a choice of bacon or mushroom topping, as well as aged cheddar cheese and the tallest stack of pickles, onions, iceberg, and tomato you’ll find on any burger anywhere in town. It arrives with a comically large gravy boat filled to the brim with Taylor’s “special sauce,” likely a ketchup, mayo, mustard, and relish. The burger tastes of early Americana, and is about as inoffensive as one could expect. It certainly gets the job done if you dress it to your taste. The fries are probably the worst side on the menu, and it’s worth talking your bartender into letting you have something else with it instead, like a baked potato or some creamed spinach. Taylor’s may not have the best steaks, the best martinis, or the best burger in Los Angeles, but on certain nights in your life, it is still very much the best place to be. Burger and Fries: $17.95 Beefeater Martini: $14

The Original Pantry Cafe. | Matthew KangA legendary mariscos truck serves its last tostada after 41 years, two longtime Pasadena restaurants close, and more closings to know this month Los Angeles’s restaurants continue to face difficult headwinds starting in 2023 which led to an industry-wide slowdown that’s continued into 2025. From the lingering impacts of the Hollywood strikes to adverse weather and increased costs (labor, rent, ingredients, etc.), many variables continue to batter restaurant owners who operate on razor-thin margins. Los Angeles restaurants also continue to struggle with the impact from the 2025 fires, including slow business and devastating property loss. Here are notable restaurant closures for March. For closures in 2024, click here.The Original Pantry Cafe— The Original Pantry Cafe closed its doors after 101 years of business on March 2, 2025. The closure came amid a conflict between the current owners, the Richard J. Riordan family trust, and the restaurant’s union. The trust took control of the restaurant after former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan passed away, and alleges that the primary reason for the closure is to “maximize the value of the real estate.” Unite Here Local 11 president Kurt Petersen, who represents the unionized workers, called the closure “cold-blooded and heartless.” The Den— West Hollywood restaurant and bar the Den closed on March 29 after 16 years on the Sunset Strip. The restaurant first opened in 2009 and became a neighborhood hangout for happy hour, cocktails, and bar bites like burgers. Intercrew— Koreatown’s Intercrew shut down restaurant operations on March 29, continuing on as a bookable event space. Intercrew first opened for dinner and drinks in July 2021, later expanding with lunch hours and a coffee window of Catalina. In September 2024, Intercrew reworked its offerings with a new California-inspired menu from chef Johnny Tran. La Grande Orange and the Luggage Room— Longtime Pasadena restaurant La Grande Orange and the Luggage Room closed on March 31 in the historic Del Mar Train Station development. Restaurateur Bob Lynn, who is also behind the Misfit in Santa Monica, opened La Grande Orange in 2008, followed by the Luggage Room in 2010. LaGrande was best known for its Californian fare like salads, grilled salmon, and deviled eggs, while Luggage Room served pizzas out of the restaurant’s bar area. Matthew Kang El Mar Azul in Highland Park. El Mar Azul— Highland Park mariscos truck El Mar Azul closed at the end of February after 41 years. The truck was best known for its signature tostadas with herbed cucumber mayonnaise, cooked shrimp, octopus, and surimi (imitation crab), prepared by owner Felipe Cejudo. According to Phillip Cejudo, Felipe’s son, the truck closed due to his father’s declining health due to advanced age and a general slowdown of business. Hudson House— West Hollywood restaurant Hudson House closed on March 19 after three years on the Sunset Strip. The closure was announced with a note on the door, but a reason wasn’t offered. The Texas locations in Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth remain open. Rock & Reilly’s— West Hollywood Irish pub Rock & Reilly’s suddenly closed just before St. Patrick’s Day after 14 years. The USC Village location of the pub remains open. Wexler’s— Los Angeles Jewish deli Wexler’s shuttered its outpost at Grand Central Market after 11 years on March 20. Wexler’s Santa Monica location is still open, and the restaurant will begin the search for a new location. Ribtown— One of South LA’s best barbecue trailers, Ribtown, closed on March 25. Owner Lonnie Edwards announced the closure on Instagram, asking regulars to come by one last time. “[The] body is breaking down, it’s hard to get help...costs,” he says in the video. “But I don’t blame no one. It’s been hard, it’s been rough, but we gotta move on. I’ve been blessed, truly blessed.”

Lamb saddle, Chongqing fried chicken, and more dishes at Chinatown’s Firstborn. | Wonho Frank LeeLate winder and springtime openings include jiggly soufflé pancakes from a respected Japanese chain, a chef serving his interpretation of traditional Chinese, and more Los Angeles is no stranger to restaurant openings, whether splashy openings in iconic buildings helmed by big-name chefs, a humble neighborhood spot, or a pop-up leaping into a permanent space. Consider this monthly rundown a go-to guide for the newest and boldest debuts across the Southland. Prose Kitchen and Bar Prose Kitchen and Bar. Prose Kitchen and Bar - Woodland Hills STK, Fig & Olive, and Cleo veteran chef David Gussin and his wife/co-owner, Molly Gussin, took over the former Gasolina space in Woodland Hills to open their first permanent Prose Kitchen and Bar on February 26. Gone is the former Gasolina’s motorized theme, replaced by a sleek bistro-like atmosphere. Prose’s menu melds California cuisine with multiple influences like mushrooms or filet mignon grilled over charcoal, hamachi with citrus and pineapple, and a mustard-seared dry-aged burger. They currently serve dessert wines and zero-proof cocktails and plan to expand to a full bar later this year. Rebecca Roland Takagi Coffee. Takagi Coffee - Beverly Grove Japan-based chain Takagi Coffee opened its first U.S. outpost outside Singapore and Hong Kong in February, right in Beverly Grove. The cafe centers its food menu around fluffy soufflé pancakes, but also serves savory Japanese dishes like katsu with rice and miso soup, omurice, and chicken nanban. The wafu pasta is a vegetable spaghetti with onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, shiso leaves, and arugula. Takagi Coffee sources specialty beans from across the globe to brew for pour-overs, while tea sourced from Okinawa is served hot or iced. Takagi’s polished and modern interior is steps away from the Original Farmers Market on Third and Fairfax. Ron De Angelis Attagirl.Attagirl - Hermosa Beach On March 6, chefs David LeFevre and Alice Mai debuted Attagirl. It’s a bright space next door to LeFevre’s Ryla, serving Italian-California-inspired dishes that Mai says she enjoys eating. That includes extruded pasta daily for her lamb bolognese radiatore, a salty rosemary smoked focaccia, grilled octopus, salads, and fresh pita to dip into spicy whipped feta, hummus, or tzatziki. Attagirl puts a white oak-fueled grill to use for skewered spiced pork belly, wild Mexican white shrimp, and beef tenderloin marinated in rosemary. Bells & Whistles, the firm that designed Ryla, also put its blush, sea green, and earth tone touches on Attagirl, which seats 90. Santa Canela Santa Canela pastry. Santa Canela - Highland Park Since opening on March 12, Santa Canela’s queue has kept growing. The bakery is the latest project from the Loreto team, where pastry chef Ellen Ramos turns her Mexican American roots into a sweet reality. At Santa Canela, the compact room designed by architect Lena Kohl evokes Mexico City panaderias with ample wooden storage shelves, a cafe counter for champurrado lattes, and pastries like concha croissants, pepita-infused financier cakes, and an LA-shaped churro. Ramos also prepares savory items, including a tinga chicken tart. Brian Addison Due Fiori. Due Fiori - Long Beach Daniel Flores, Gianna Johns, and chef Waldo Stout’s new neighborhood restaurant, Due Fiori, opened in the former Restauration on March 26. Fourth Street’s popular Retro Row is a popular stretch to operate in Long Beach, and Due Fiori is a fast-casual community hub where California-Italian leads the way. The focaccia-like pizzas include a Detroit-style pie prepared with a black pepper bechamel, artichoke, and speck. Stout also prepares a rich duck ricotta gnocchi and a lemon butter pappardelle. The interior and patio are beyond colorful with a fresh face for those who remember Restauration and the previous tenant, Shady Grove. Wonho Frank Lee Firstborn.Firstborn - Chinatown Chef Anthony Wang’s Firstborn took over Chinatown’s PokPok space, which remained empty since 2017. Wang’s restaurant opened on March 28, where the chef serves his interpretation of Chinese American cuisine. The menu is inspired by his family history in Beijing, summer trips across China, and childhood in Georgia and Miami. The mapo tartare is inspired by Wang’s days of being a young line cook in Boston, ordering heaping portions of mapo tofu and eating it cold the next morning. Firstborn’s fried Chongqing chicken takes two days to make, and influenced by the Southern fried chicken Wang ate growing up in Georgia. Kenzo Han’s bar program is one of the most unique menus in Los Angeles, with a sesame Old Fashioned and a fermented rice sour cocktail. Ashley Randall Photography Beethoven Market patio. Beethoven Market - Mar Vista Beethoven Market began operations on March 29 in a mostly residential section of Mar Vista. The space will function as a restaurant and small market with a citrus plant-lined patio, bar, and dining room that owner Jeremy Adler hopes locals will appreciate. Chef Michael Leonard’s menu straddles California and Italian cooking with focaccia, crispy artichokes, and citrus salad for starters, with pizza, pasta, and grilled meats over a wood fire for mains. Adler’s touches are everywhere, with a custom-made chicken rotisserie contraption, his favorite wines, and hand-picked products from local vendors. The full bar will make it easy for Mar Vista residents to leave the car at home and walk post-meal.