We thought we knew what Echo Park arcade restaurant Button Mash would be. Turns out it’s much, much more.

Jones Hollywood is a classic spot that works for pretty much anything, and is the version Hollywood we actually wish existed.

Dong Il Jang in Koreatown has a steakhouse feel, and serves excellent table-grilled gui (ribeye).

Sawtelle’s Tsujita does the best tsukemen-style ramen this side of the Pacific and some of the best overall ramen in Los Angeles.

E.R.B. is sort of a restaurant and sort of a bar - and all things wonderful.

Michin Dak is a strip-mall fried chicken shack with an excellent, no-frills menu to match.

Ahgassi Gopchang is a rowdy, smoky BBQ spot in Koreatown with excellent grilled meat.

Cassell’s is a retro diner in the Normandie Hotel in Koreatown with great pies and a life-changing patty melt.

No, Pizzeria Mozza is not the best pizza in LA. But that doesn’t mean it’s not still a good restaurant.

Canter's is a Los Angeles classic. Come late night for a pastrami reuben and some very entertaining people watching.

This taco spot in South Park doesn’t really have a name, but everyone calls it Tire Shop Taqueria, and they make excellent carne asada.

EMC Raw Bar is a weird, cool, and downright fun Ktown seafood restaurant where even the pickiest eaters in your group will walk out happy.

Ruen Pair is a very solid Thai restaurant in East Hollywood and a great late night option after the bars close.

Crying Tiger is a tiny takeout window in Hollywood, serving some very good Thai.

Mexican restaurant La Cabaña is a Venice landmark with huge burritos and a killer back patio.

Redbird bills itself on being impressive, and it definitely delivers.