Los Angeles has some fantastic hot spots such as The Ivy, Mr. Chows, Madeo, The Grill on the Alley, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Katsuya, Boa Steakhouse, The Red O, Cut, Spago, etc., but visitors always ask about the restaurants that the locals favor. Two of my favorites, Mario’s Peruvian on Melrose and Vine, and Jitlada Thai at Harvard and Sunset in Hollywood. Also, a bit of a drive, but Saladang and Song for Thai in Pasadena. The owner, Dang, has built an impressive following with her signature dishes.
–Jimmy