Angelenos are by nature early birds when it comes to dining with many restaurants closing their kitchens by 10pm. When the late-night hunger fairy strikes (or you’re jet lagged), these restaurants rock on later than most.
Slap-bang in the middle of the Arts District, LA’s hippest of hip spots Bestia opens late at weekends. The forward-leaning menu of rustic Italian fare has farm-fresh produce at its core, with simple, well-executed dishes like caserecce al pomodoro (semolina pasta, tomato sugo, buttermilk ricotta and basil oil) drawing crowds into the early hours. As one of LA’s most popular eateries, a reservation is essential – or try your luck at the bar.
West Hollywood’s double decker E.P. & L.P. is ideal for night owls who like to eat late; it’s magical combination of Louis Tikaram’s fresh, innovative, Asian-fusion fare and buzz vibe are the perfect finale to an evening. Graze on the likes of stir-fried mussels with wild ginger or twice cooked short ribs with yellow beans at E.P before nipping up to L.P for a night cap with va-va-views all round.
A diner is a natural pitstop for a late-night (or early hours) refuel and be sure to eschew the strip-mall chains for the iconic Apple Pan (10801 W Pico Blvd). Serving showstopper burgers, sarnies and comfort eats for nigh on 70 years, this relaxed family-run joint is a true celebration of all things red, white and blue. Need a sweet pick-me-up? The dessert menu features ice-cream sundaes and apple pie, but natch.
There are now branches of Umami Burger all around the US, but LA is home; beeline to the flagship in Hollywood for melt-in-the-mouth meaty goodness, smothered in a variety of sauces from Korean BBQ to truffle aioli. If you can’t decide, the signature Umami burger with parmesan frico, shiitake mushroom, roasted tomato, caramelised onion and house made ketchup is a good bet. Veggie and vegan options are available too.
Over in Venice, The Tasting Kitchen brings a taste of the Med to LA. In true southern European style, many of the dishes use only three or four ingredients, resulting in deliciously simple flavours. The menu also includes a great selection of charcuterie and antipasti sharing plates, ideal for late-night grazing with the crew.
Originally written by LUXE for PenCities
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