Whether you’ve just moved to LA or are visiting for the summer, you have an excellent opportunity to discover some of the best restaurants in the world ahead of you. However, it can also be a disappointing experience if you choose the wrong spot. Here are some tips to help you find the best restaurants in LA.
1. Look for Identity
To get the best eating-out experience, look for a restaurant with an identity. Is the message consistent across the establishment, from the name to the branding to the decor, and is it unique? Since you’re new to the scene, go for simplicity.
Pay attention to the small details, like how clean the establishment is, if plants have been tended to, and if they keep the windows and awnings clean. If a restaurant neglects its exterior facade, take it as a sign that the interior is in a similar state. If a restaurant has Michelin or restaurant guide stickers on the door, verify if they’re recent or if the establishment is still relying on accolades from the good old days.
2. Conduct Some Online Research
Avoiding technology when looking for a restaurant in a new city like LA would be silly, for lack of a better word. Google is one of the best resources for finding recommendations. Search ‘restaurants near me’ and choose the highest-rated option, but take the ratings with a grain of salt.
Did you know that 92% of diners consult restaurant reviews before deciding? Look for establishments with a substantial number of reviews and high ratings. Next, head to each of your prospect’s websites and look at the dishes they offer. Pay attention to how they’re described in relation to how they’re presented.
We often hear the adage ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover,’ but it’s also true that ‘we eat with our eyes.’ Use social media to your advantage. Instagram and TikTok are excellent sources for finding up-to-date photos and comments from recent visitors.
You can start your research before visiting the city by following local chefs on your preferred social media platform. Doing this will give you insight into what they’re eating, some of their favorite spots, and the chefs and restaurants they’re following.
Another great tip for finding leads is to ask family and friends for referrals. According to On the Line, 45% of diners eat out more than once per week, while 20% only do so once per week, so you’ll definitely get some great ones.
3. Choose Early Bird Spots
Head out early to the restaurants you’re considering. Without even entering, is the establishment buzzing with life? Can you get a sniff of the stock simmering in the kitchen? The restaurants you want to visit are already up and running in the morning making bread, preparing stock, and chopping vegetables.
Avoid those who open an hour before service and rush to clean, prepare, and cook before the first guests enter the establishment. Conversely, if you go by at night after service, stake out the place till they close. Check if they clean down the tables, mop the floors, and ensure it’s in great shape for opening the next morning.
4. Check the Size of the Menu
Another great restaurant hunting tip is to always check the length of the menu of each spot you’re considering. Avoid those with over 15 pages and multiple varieties for every continent since no kitchen can produce many distinct meals without using industrial-style production and several microwaves. Look for a well-planned, well-written, and, most of all, changing menu. If a restaurant’s website or social media page indicates that they frequently modify their menu, it’s typically a positive indicator. You should also look for restaurants that include seasonal ingredients in their meals.
Even if the pandemic made us more used to cooking at home, eating out is still quite common. 34% of Americans, on average, dine once a week at casual eating locations, according to Gitnux. Use this read as a guide for how to find the best restaurants in LA.
