17 LA Restaurant Recommendations From Top Hollywood Celebrities

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What are some of the best restaurants in all of Los Angeles? With their name and reputation on the line, lets see what these Hollywood celebrities have to say. After seeing such tasty advice from our last round-up post with 13 Restaurant Recommendations from Top Food Experts from all across America, we could hardly wait to focus solely on “The City of Angels” and see the restaurants recommended from some of the biggest names in all of LA. So, in an effort to learn where Hollywood’s A-listers like to dine, we reached out to them to hear their response to this one simple question:

What’s your favorite restaurant in LA and why?

So without further ado, here are their responses, which are shared in the order that they were received:

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 11.04.39 PM1. “I was taken to this restaurant a few years ago and I was not disappointed at all. Malbec in Toluca Lake, CA. I don’t get there as often because I’m always on the road but when time allows it’s a must. They have an amazing skirt steak and a nice ambiance and pretty private. Just a good place overall. Good place for wine, good company, and fine dining.”

J.R. Martinez, Dancing with the Stars Winner, Star of TV series SAF3, All My Children, Author of New York Times best-seller Full Of Heart, @Iamjrmartinez

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 3.18.35 PM2. “At the moment my favorite restaurant in LA is Il Pastaio. They have a great variety and a phenomenal ambiance. I love sitting outside enjoying a beautiful day in LA while eating great food. My favorite is the scaloppine with risotto or the lobster pasta and I finish off with the panna cotta. I also love Koi on la Cienega. The sushi is just to die for and it’s a very romantic setting in the evening. My favorite is the tuna hand rolls, the yellowtail jalapeño, and the crispy onions albacore. Yummm! My mouth waters just thinking about it.”

Joyce Giraud, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Two time Miss Puerto Rico and the second runner up in the 1998 Miss Universe pageant, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, @JoyceGiraud 

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 11.09.57 PM3. “Our favorite restaurant in LA is Osteria Angelini on Beverly Blvd. Gino the chef is the most natural talent I have encountered here in the US… In terms of Italians that are cooking abroad. I worked in his kitchen for a few months, he is a fantastic mentor. Debi and I used to live close to his restaurant and have celebrated anniversaries, birthdays and had plenty of romantic lunches there.”

Debi Mazar from Entourage, Ugly Betty, Home Alone: The Holiday Heist, and over 50 films, and Gabriele Corcos from The Cooking Channel and The Food Network, @DebiMazar, @TheTuscanGun

 

Natalie4. “There are so many incredible restaurants in L.A. and I’ve had memorable meals at many of them. Some are fancy, some are trendy, some are just plain fantastic so it’s really hard to say what my favorite is.

But if I had to pick one place that I go to over and over again, that just makes me happy no matter what, it would be Cha Cha Chicken in Santa Monica. It’s my happy place. It’s the restaurant I go to for little celebrations, an affordable date night or when you need your spirits lifted.  As soon you walk in, you can’t help but notice the bright colored decor and reggae music playing. It’s like you’ve instantly been transported to the Caribbean. Once I start devouring the chicken enchiladas (my favorite thing there), I’ve escaped reality and I am on vacation.
I love the enchiladas for many reasons:
1. They’re the perfect portion and they’re light ( I don’t feel like I ate a house afterwards)
2. They have the perfect amount of heat
3. The chicken is so juicy and tender…I’m never disappointed.
4. They come with a small portion of rice and beans and plantains which is basically my dessert

Another little reason I love this place, it’s BYOB! Need I say more? So there it is, my order-at-the-counter, no fuss, happy place. Ok, now I’m hungry….”

Natalie Forte, Host of America’s Best Bites on Cooking Channel, @NatalieJForte

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 3.14.15 PM5. “My favorite restaurant in LA is La Scala. I’m a huge Spaghetti bolognese fan and their spaghetti bolognese is just Amazing! And for those who want something before the main course I recommend their Chopped salad! Absolutely fantastic.”

River Viiperi, Model, Paris Hilton’s Beau, @RiverViiperi

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 11.42.00 PM6. “Hakkasan is one of my favorite restaurants in Beverly Hills. Not only is the Cantonese cuisine next to none other but the bartenders are also talented mixologists. I’m a huge fan of the modern decor and the signature “Cage” latticework that are part of the restaurant’s design. I always order the Whole Peking duck and Grilled Wagyu beef with King soya sauce. There are 12 locations internationally and 5 locations in the US. Hakkasan recently opened a location in Las Vegas and introduced the brands first venture into nightlife with Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. The nightclub brings in some of the biggest international DJs including TiĂ«sto, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, and Steve Aoki. I travel to Vegas often and Hakkasan is always on my list. I have never had another restaurant experience like Hakkasan, which is why I keep coming back for more!”

Chad Rogers, Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, Celebrity Realtor, Keynote Speaker, @Chadrogerstv

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 11.24.20 PM7. “My favorite LA restaurant is Electric Karma on West 3rd. It’s become a ritual for me to stay at the Orlando Hotel down the street, and walk over to eat the best Indian food in town. Electric Karma has an incredible salmon and paneer salad, and the curries and naan are some of the best I’ve had. The decor also lives up to the name, with psychedelic murals and colorful sequined cushions — perfect for relaxing on, after a big meal!”

La Carmina, TV host On Bizarre Foods, Oddities, Taboo, CNN, Author, @LaCarmina

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 11.30.02 PM8. “I love Badmaash — a badass DTLA gastropub specializing in Indian fusion. Their lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka Poutine are incredible!!!

Nadia G, Host of the Cooking Channel’s Bitchin’ Kitchen, @Bitchenkitchen

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 11.34.19 PM9. “Vinh Loi Tofu is a hidden gem in the Valley, but not so hidden to anyone in the vegan community. The owner, Kevin, AKA: “Tofu Robot” is a committed vegan/ultra marathoner from Vietnam. He makes his own fresh tofu on site (and will even show you how if it’s not busy). If you’ve ever shied away from “fake meat”, go try this restaurant. Insider tip: Kevin is famous for looking you in the eye and telling YOU what YOU want to order- let him do it!”

Jackson Galaxy, Host of Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell, Author of Cat Daddy, @JacksonGalaxy

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-16 at 11.00.51 PM10. “Gilbert el Indios in Santa Monica, Ca. Some of the best authentic Mexican food I’ve ever had and the margaritas are amazing! The family who owns and runs the restaurant are like family to all of the patrons. Home away from home.”

Sundy Carter, Basketball Wives LA, Actress, Model, @SundyCarter

 

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11. “I’m definitely more of a bar girl. I was in the club scene for years and it got old. Some of my favorite spots in LA are as follows:

Laurel Hardware – One of my favorite spots to hang on a night out. Good food, great cocktails as well as indoor and outdoor seating. The “Gangster” cocktail is my fave of all the drinks there and I substitute gin for vodka.

Mixology 101 – Located at The Grove this is one of the hottest spots central to all of Los Angeles. Fabulous mix of signature cocktails and a wide variety of food. Saturday brunch has an amazing DJ and on Sundays a great reggae rock band playing a mix of songs – both new and old. I highly recommend the sunburn margarita or their famous Bacon infused vodka Bloody Mary on a weekend.

The Hudson – Wine Wednesdays and late night happy hour says it all. Always good music, a photo booth for fun, and hands down the best Mac and cheese I’ve ever had.

The Parlor – Great for private viewing parties or a Sunday Fun Day filled with football and sports. Large television screens throughout the entire bar and private room/side bar. Monday nights feature a comedy show consisting of some of LA’s finest. Wednesday is karaoke night hosted by Trevor Penick from O’Town. Great food, very affordable and an amazing happy hour!!!

Katana – Best sushi in LA! Located on the second level of the Sunset Strip this restaurant not only has a sexy atmosphere but some of the best fish I’ve ever eaten. The halibut sashimi and lobster roll are to die for! Outdoor patio seating is filled with heat lamps and a beautiful view of the strip.”

Scheana Marie, Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules, Singer, Actress, @ScheanaMarie

 

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12. “I love Katsuya in Hollywood. It has a really intimate, cozy vibe and the rock shrimp is incredible. A definite must!

Caitlin Hale, Starred in “School of Rock” With Jack Black, Seen On “The Tonight Show” and “Live with Regis and Kelly,” @CaitlinMHale

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-22 at 2.20.34 PM13. “My fave restaurant/bar in LA would have to be The Village on Ventura in Studio City. Amazing shared plates menu and speciality cocktails and such a cool vibe. From celebrating my birthday to just catching a quick drink with a friend at the bar it’s a great spot for all occasions. I go at least once a week.”

Kimberly Caldwell, American Idol Finalist, Host of MTV’s “P. Diddy’s Starmaker,” @_kimcaldwell

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-07 at 3.23.33 PM14. “I would have to tie for best restaurant: Tortilla Republic for Mexican and Mastro’s for a steakhouse!

 Jonny Drubel, Singer, Songwriter, E!’s #RichKids of Beverly Hills,  @JonnyDrubel

 

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-16 at 11.06.48 PM15. “Mel’s Drive-In in Hollywood, which is located adjacent to The Hollywood Museum on Highland Ave, is the talk of the town! I eat there daily and love their lumberjack breakfast which can’t be beat! I also love their turkey sausage with eggs over medium too – they just know how to make it perfectly. Mel’s also has the best grass fed beef hamburgers in town! I am hooked on them with melted cheddar cheese and grilled onions- AMAZING!!!!”

Donelle Dadigan, Named “Beverly Hills Woman of the Year,” Founder & President of The Hollywood Museum – The official museum of Hollywood, housing the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world, @HollywoodMuseum

 

Tabatha16. “My Favorite Resturant in LA is Crossroads. It has a great atmosphere, a fantastic wine list, and the food is truly innovative. Did I mention it’s vegan? Even when I come here with meat loving friends they are blown away with how phenomenal the food is. I love the Mediterranean small plates, it’s a great way to try a little something of everything.”

Tabatha Coffey, Author of Own It!, Bravo’s Tabatha Takes Over, @TabathaCoffey

 

Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 1.20.18 AM17. “Well, I live in Orange County, but I’ve traveled all over the U.S. and have eaten at some of the best restaurants in America. However, being from Hawai’i, I am partial to all Pacific Rim Cuisine. Whether I’m in Hawai’i or Downtown LA, my go-to restaurant is Roy’s. Roy Yamaguchi is one of my favorite all-time chefs. His Los Angeles branch sadly closed down a month ago, after a decade of service to its customers, but it deserves a mention. Before each visit, I’m already dreaming about the Ahi Tartare, Misoyaki Butterfish, and Chocolate Souffle (which you have to order 20 min. in advance). I really do love all the tropical drinks and desserts there, so my dining experience is different every time! Luckily, food aficionados like myself, who live in Orange County, can still try out Roy’s signature dishes at the Newport Beach or Anaheim Garden Walk outlets, where you can always enjoy the beautiful food and relaxed ambience!”

Angela Perez Baraquio, The First Asian-American and Teacher Crowned “Miss America,” since 1921, @AngelaPBaraquio 

 

Looking for even more celebrity restaurant recommendations? If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our original post, featuring restaurants from all across America:

13 Restaurant Recommendations from Top Food Experts

So, have you ever tried any of these hot spots? If so, how’d you like them? If not, what’s your favorite restaurant in LA? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

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Taylor Goldblatt

After years of research, travel, and dreams, I have created this website for people like you who want to experience the things that only America can offer. My passion is to explore and share America's greatest destinations and attractions. Follow me on Twitter @USCityTraveler for additional travel tips and ideas.

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