20 Fun Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2024
Are you looking for fun restaurants in Los Angeles for your next outing or celebration? Los Angeles and its environs have a vast base of culinary influences that all converge in a bright and lively food culture. From decadent and expensive eateries in Beverly Hills to casual hot dog stands in the heart of Hollywood, LA offers a bit of everything.
Whether you are looking for a spot to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries or want to find a unique Friday night eatery, LA’s most fun restaurants have something for everyone. To help you pick the best eatery, we’ve lined up a selection of fun hot spots that are as entertaining an experience as they are a culinary delight for both native Angelenos and visitors.
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Find Fun Restaurants in Los Angeles
Los Angeles food melds a vast number of influences that are as diverse as the people who inhabit the city. One of best ways to get acquainted with this culinary dreamland is through food tours in Los Angeles. You’ll get the chance to sample signature dishes and cocktails while soaking up the LA ambiance.
20 Fun Places to Eat in Los Angeles
1. Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind night out, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz is one of the fun restaurants in Los Angeles that you have to check out. The well-known trumpet player opened the eatery in 2000 and it has since become a premier dining and jazz spot in the city.
The Vibe
The interior of this fun restaurant in Los Angeles has sultry jazz club vibes, with soft lighting and a supper club dining set-up, all facing the live music stage. Enjoying good food, sipping on delicious drinks and listening to jazz will make you feel relaxed and luxurious.
What to Order
Dishes at Vibrato Grill Jazz feature seasonal ingredients and range from sharing plates to larger dishes and decadent desserts. Opt for lobster and shrimp tagliatelle for an indulgent treat, or try something a little different with vegan trumpet scallops and tagliatelle.
Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz | 2930 Beverly Glen Cir., Los Angeles, CA 90077 | $$$
2. Tail O’ the Pup
Tail O’ the Pup is the perfect casual outdoor spot to grab lunch. Interestingly, this hard-to-miss stand has been in business since 1946. The hot dog spot has even been seen in film and is a popular photo stop due to its distinctive hot dog-shaped design. The shape alone makes it one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles for a quick and tasty lunch.
The Vibe
Recently remodeled, Tail O’ the Pup now has larger seating areas both inside and outside, offering a space dripping with Hollywood nostalgia and cute kitschy charm.
What to Order
Locals and tourists alike swear by the loaded Chicago Pup. For something bolder, try the Jalapeno Pup. Corn dogs, burgers, ice cream and fries are on the menu as well. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Tail O’ the Pup | 8512 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 | $
3. The Cicada Club
This Art Deco supper club is housed in the 1928 Oviatt Building, a Lalique palace drenched in a classic 1930s Hollywood feel. The glamorous locale and interior of the Cicada Club makes it one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles for a unique night out. It’s also one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles for impressing out-of-towners.
The Vibe
Perfect for romantic dates or special occasions, the luxuriously decorated Cicada Club requires cocktail attire to maintain the classic ambiance for all guests. Live music adds to the luxe supper club atmosphere.
What to Order
The chef-chosen prix fixe dinner features three courses, with entrée selections that include ravioli, short ribs and salmon. To drink, the bar features signature 1920s-inspired cocktails like the Mary Pickford, the Penicillin and the Bees Knees. Not in the mood for a large meal? The mezzanine bar offers appetizers and small plates.
The Cicada Club | 617 S. Olive St. Ste. 100, Los Angeles, CA 90014
4. MainRō
A lively and neon-infused nightspot, MainRō features trapeze and aerial acts, dancers and other performers to accompany your dining experience. The unique performance that goes with your meal makes this one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles for an exciting evening.
The Vibe
MainRō has been described as a surreal space-age chaos. It offers a wide variety of visual stimuli that includes entertainment, posh blue velvet seats and exquisitely presented dishes, all combining to create a luxurious and decadent atmosphere.
What to Order
The menu is driven by a mix of French, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine. Try the truffle pasta, the king crab tacos or an attractive selection of rolled sushi to best experience what this fun restaurant in Los Angeles has to offer.
MainRō | 6350 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | $$$$
5. The Magic Castle
This exclusive eatery has been run by the Academy of Magical Arts since the 1960s. Getting a table at The Magic Castle requires membership or a member invite to dine. However, it’s well worth the trouble to experience this one-of-a-kind fun restaurant in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
The castle exterior of The Magic Castle gives way to a Victorian-inspired interior space lined with magic memorabilia, oddities and antiques from the past two centuries. The dining experience includes performers and milling magicians offering tricks and illusions as you eat. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped into an otherworldly magic kingdom when dining here.
What to Order
The full-service dining room features dishes like rigatoni Bolognese, grilled artichokes, filet mignon and prime rib. Accompany your meal with a magic-themed cocktail.
The Magic Castle | 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028 | $$$
6. Gucci Osteria
Located in the Rodeo Drive flagship location of the stylish retailer, Gucci Osteria features a mix of Florentine-inspired Italian cuisine and stunning interior design. This is without a doubt one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles for fashionistas and foodies alike.
The Vibe
The Gucci fashion and décor brand is known for its luxurious Italian glamour and the dining space of Gucci Osteria is no different. Rich velvet seating combined with greenery and a garden room seating area will make you feel like you’re on the Italian Riviera.
What to Order
Try the lemon ricotta ravioli for something fresh or opt for the signature Emilia Burger that comes in a stylish pink box. You can also try decadent desserts and cocktails inspired by fashion history.
Gucci Osteria | 347 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | $$$
7. Mr. Wanderlust
Part of the food complex known as Level 8 in the Moxy Hotel, Mr. Wanderlust is just one of several fun restaurants in Los Angeles located here. This theatrical piano bar and jazz lounge makes a great spot to kick off a visit to the dining complex or spend the night relaxing at this restaurant alone, with great food and memorable performances.
The Vibe
Psychedelic lights and burlesque performers greet guests into a velvet seat-lined Art Deco library space. Between dining experiences, you can explore various secret doorways and passages, adding to the mystique of the lounge. Antiques and travel memorabilia are also on display, creating a 1920s globetrotter vibe.
What to Order
Mr Wanderlust is the best fun restaurant in Los Angeles to visit if you love small plates, like house-made focaccia, fried chicken or shrimp cocktail. Caviar service is also available if you really want to indulge.
Mr. Wanderlust | 1254 S. Figueroa St. Fl. 8, Los Angeles, CA 90015 | $$$
8. Corridor 109
Located on the second floor of a Chinatown shopping mall, Corridor 109 is an exclusive and in-demand Japanese-Korean culinary experience. It only seats eight guests at a time, making it one of the most exclusive fun restaurants in Los Angeles. It’s especially perfect for date nights or other special dinners for two.
The Vibe
The very small dining room feels both cozy and welcoming while giving vibes of luxury and exclusivity.
What to Order
Corridor 109 offers a simple and exquisite tasting menu experience for a $275 price tag per guest. While expensive, the nine-course meal is both delicious and memorable, including dishes like abalone risotto and Hokkaido scallops in a clam broth. Decadent dessert options are available to end the memorable meal.
Corridor 109 | 727 N. Broadway Ste. 207, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | $$$$
9. 71Above
Most famous for its expansive 360-degree views of LA, 71Above exudes luxury, making it a fun restaurant in Los Angeles to take visitors who want to see the entire city.
The Vibe
Elegant and elevated both in style and location, 71Above features a bar perfect for watching the sunset. The Sky Lounge has comfortable couches and other seating for enjoying cocktails and appetizers. Dining room options include two-guest outward-facing tables that take in the view or interior seating for larger groups.
What to Order
The prix fixe menu includes courses like foie gras, steak tartare, ribeye and octopus; it’s a must if you want to indulge in decadent dishes. Unique desserts like stone fruit granita and sweet corn and blueberries are on offer for the final course.
71Above | 633 W. 5th St. Fl. 71, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | $$$$
10. OpenAire
Called a plant lovers paradise, OpenAire has a Koreatown location that resembles a rooftop greenhouse. Diners can enjoy seasonal brunch and delicious dinner options that cover a wide variety of cuisines. It’s one of the best fun restaurants in Los Angeles for a sunlit brunch and is recognized as one of the top rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
OpenAire’s spacious and green dining area is open and refreshing, making it a perfect place to enjoy day or night. The elevated location and floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to appreciate the LA sun or the city sparking outside at night.
What to Order
The seasonal menu changes, but highlights include ahi tuna tartare and heirloom tomato salad with yuzu vinaigrette. Brunch options range from cornflake-crusted French toast to eggs Benedict and lobster chilaquiles.
OpenAire | 3515 Wilshire Blvd. Fl. 2, Los Angeles, CA 90010 | $$$
11. The Old Place
Located in the Santa Monica mountains, The Old Place was once a 19th-century wood-framed general store. Today, it’s a rustic steakhouse offering up fire-grilled eats. The unique history and stunning location of the eatery also make it one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles to visit. Notably, if you’re looking for unique date ideas in Los Angeles, this is the spot to head to.
The Vibe
Laid back and casual, the décor of The Old Place is pulled straight out of the Wild West, featuring related antiques and memorabilia. On warm days, dine on the outdoor patio for a true Wild West cowboy experience!
What to Order
Grilled meat is The Old Place’s specialty, so opt for one of their amazing steaks like the bone-in ribeye. They also feature seafood and a signature version of mac and cheese.
The Old Place | 29983 Mulholland Hwy., Cornell, CA 91301 | $$$
12. The Tam O’Shanter
Established in 1922, this Scottish pub and eatery is one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles for a group gathering. The Tam O’ Shanter is also the longest-run restaurant by a single family in the city.
The Vibe
Filled with Scottish flags and regalia, the cozy interior of The Tam O’ Shanter sports fireplaces and stained glass windows. It offers a classic pub experience even amidst the surroundings of Southern California.
What to Order
Try Scottish classics like toad-in-the-hole and Scotch rarebit while enjoying a drink from a large selection of ales from the British Isles.
The Tam O’ Shanter | 2980 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039
13. Idle Hour
With one of Los Angeles's most distinctive exteriors, Idle Hour is housed inside what looks like a giant wooden barrel, an effect that is mimicked on the interior as well. This fun restaurant in Los Angeles has housed many establishments since it was first built in 1941. Today, it’s home to a trendy bar, serving signature cocktails and gastropub-style meals and small plates.
The Vibe
Lined with wood, the domed circular interior of the Idle Hour really feels like the inside of a barrel! Soft lights add an atmospheric and cozy feel.
What to Order
Try American classics like sloppy Joes, grilled cheese or the signature Barrel Burger washed down with a wide selection of beer and ready-made cocktails, like old fashioneds and palomas.
Idle Hour | 4824 N. Vineland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 91601 | $$
14. Firefly
Often cited as one of the most romantic spots in the city, this fun restaurant in Los Angeles is endlessly cozy. Located in Studio City, the library-inspired lounge interior of Firefly makes it a unique and sultry spot for a memorable date night.
The Vibe
Firefly is a candlelit nod to dark and romantic European restaurants and offers a warm and relaxing place to unwind with good food. There’s also a large patio with semi-private cabanas for larger parties.
What to Order
Diners can choose from both a regular dinner menu and a prix fixe multi-course meal that features specialties like duck breast, Atlantic salmon and garlic mashed potatoes.
Firefly | 11720 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 | $$$
15. Tu Madre
Tu Madre is known for its amazing tacos and house-made chile salsas. This Westwood eatery is one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles for Mexican food lovers.
The Vibe
Light, contemporary and bright, the interior of Tu Madre is casual and laid back. The vibe makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch or brunch complete with its much-touted margaritas.
What to Order
Try the selection of slow-roasted meats, crispy shrimp tacos or one of many vegetarian tacos. For something a little different, opt for a mini squash blossom quesadilla, potato taquitos or truffle guacamole. Red velvet churros are on the menu for dessert.
Tu Madre | 1824 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 | $$
16. Beetle House LA
A perfect fun restaurant in Los Angeles for Tim Burton fans, Beetle House LA is a concept eatery dedicated to the work of the famous director. It features both dinner and a themed show. Going to this eatery is an especially fun thing to do in Los Angeles for film-loving visitors.
The Vibe
Decked out in surreal décor and neon lights, the interior is a nod to Burton’s style down to replicas of props and set pieces from his films.
What to Order
The food is themed around Burton’s films, with specialty cocktails and dishes like the Edward Scissorhands Burger and the Cheshire Mac.
Beetle House LA | 7080 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | $$$
17. Burger Bitch
With a fun name, Burger Bitch serves up delicious gourmet burgers that have a lot of attitude. From high-quality beef to locally made bakery-fresh brioche buns, this is one of the fun restaurants in Los Angeles that doesn’t put style over substance.
The Vibe
Neon lit in a wash of purple, pink and red, this spot not only serves enviable burgers but also has a selection of craft beers and cocktails. It's a great spot for nightlife or a fun afternoon meal.
What to Order
Try the Basic Bitch Burger, the No Joke Burger or the Dirty Mac Burger along with an order of fries. BBQ jackfruit burgers and battered cod sandwiches are also on offer if you don’t feel like a beef burger.
Burger Bitch | 11326 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 | $$
18. Library Bar
Another of the many fun restaurants in Los Angeles with a library theme is Library Bar. This cozy Downtown LA spot offers up a selection of literary-inspired drinks and delicious small bites.
The Vibe
Book-lined and stylishly lowlit, the Library Bar is perfect for a date night or romantic outing amid its classic and antique-laden décor.
What to Order
Try the Library Burger, the chorizo sliders or pork belly skewers while sampling drinks with names like Of Mice and Mezcal, Tequila Mockingbird and Gone with the Gin.
Library Bar | 630 W. Sixth St. Ste. 116-A, Los Angeles, CA 90017 | $$
19. The Front Yard
This North Hollywood spot is one of the best fun restaurants in Los Angeles for groups and larger parties. The Front Yard features a large patio and spacious interior and is notably known for serving up some of the best brunch in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Elevated yet casual, this indoor/outdoor eatery is a perfect mix of outdoor charm underneath string lights organized around a mammoth fireplace. The interior features an eclectic mix of décor influences that feel festive and lively.
What to Order
The Front Yard is known for its delicious deviled eggs and short ribs. At brunch, Nutella-stuffed French toast is the go-to dish.
The Front Yard | 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91602 | $$
20. Mel’s Drive-In
In business since 1947 and featured in the film American Graffiti, Mel's Drive-In is a classic fun restaurant in Los Angeles that specializes in burgers, fries and milkshakes with a distinctive 1950s feel.
The Vibe
While the diner no longer serves its food via carhop, there are still large interior and exterior dining spaces to get that mid-century vibe complete with nods to the chrome and steel of classic cars.
What to Order
While burgers are the specialty here, you can also enjoy other classic diner foods like steak and eggs, patty melts and apple pie. Of course, milkshakes, including vegan shakes, are on offer in a variety of flavors to accompany your meal.
Mel’s Drive-In | 1650 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
If you’re looking for fun places to eat in Los Angeles, the city provides endless opportunities for a distinctive and entertaining dining experience for any occasion. No matter which of these fun restaurants in Los Angeles you go to, you’ll have a memorable meal. If you live in the city, you could even tick off every one-of-a-kind spot mentioned on this fun restaurants in Los Angeles list!
For even more ways to explore Los Angeles and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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