20 Unique and Fun Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2025

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.

Interestingly, ET Hospitality World reports that an increasing number of consumers are searching for experiential dining experiences that are unique and include fun and interactive elements, with the dining experience being as important as the food. Therefore, it's not surprising that one of the most theatrical cities in the U.S. offers an array of exciting eateries to check out. 

Best of all, 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 most fun restaurant in Los Angeles, we’ve lined up a selection of unique hotspots that are as entertaining an experience as they are a culinary delight for both native Angelenos and visitors.

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• How We Choose These Fun Restaurants in Los Angeles
• The 20 Fun Places to Eat in Los Angeles
• More Fun Culinary Experiences in Los Angeles

How We Choose These Fun Restaurants in Los Angeles

Connecting foodies with exciting culinary experiences for over 10 years has given the team at Cozymeal a wealth of knowledge when it comes to creating helpful guides on an array of food topics. From cooking advice and entertaining ideas to buying guides and restaurant round-ups, like this list of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles, our editorial team’s goal is to provide the reader with valuable content that engages and informs.

When it came to creating this article on fun restaurants in LA, we undertook in-depth research, scrolled through social media, and consulted consumer reviews on platforms like Yelp to discover the most out-of-the-box options in the city. 

This includes restaurants with generally unique concepts, those with theatrical elements and live shows, and those that turn food into artworks. We also consulted team members who live in LA or are otherwise very familiar with its dining scene. 

The result is a carefully curated guide to the area’s most unique eateries, with something for every budget, taste, occasion and desired level of theatrics!

The 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 this cool restaurant in LA feature seasonal ingredients and range from sharing plates to larger dishes and decadent desserts. We suggest you start with the ahi tuna tacos and then 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 Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90077 | $$$

2. Tail O’ the Pup

If you're looking for a casual outdoor spot to grab lunch, Tail O’ the Pup is an excellent choice. Interestingly, this hard-to-miss stand has been in business since 1946. The hot dog spot has even been seen in films 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 meal.

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, we recommend the Jalapeño Pup. Corn dogs, burgers, ice cream and fries are on the menu as well. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options at this fun restaurant in Los Angeles.

Tail O’ the Pup | 8512 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 | $

3. Cicada Restaurant and Lounge

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 Restaurant and Lounge make 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

Ideal for romantic dates or special occasions, this luxuriously decorated fun restaurant in Los Angeles requires cocktail attire to maintain the classic ambiance for all guests. Live music and burlesque-style shows add to the luxe supper club atmosphere. 

What to Order

The extensive menu at this fun restaurant in Los Angeles includes dishes like lobster spaghetti, vegan penne Bolognese and almond-crusted salmon. Decadent desserts and 1920's 1920s-inspired cocktails are also on offer. Best of all, when attending a show, you'll be able to order a three-course dinner special for under $100. 

Not in the mood for a large meal? The mezzanine bar offers appetizers and small plates, perfect for those searching for fun and casual yet romantic restaurants in Los Angeles. 

Cicada Restaurant and Lounge | 617 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90014

4. MainRo

A lively and neon-infused nightlife spot, MainRo features trapeze and aerial acts, dancers and other performers to accompany your dining experience. The unique show that goes with your meal makes this one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles for an exciting evening out. 

The Vibe

This fun restaurant in Hollywood 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. Notably, this is one of the best places to make a reservation if you're planning a memorable birthday dinner in Los Angeles. 

What to Order

The menu is driven by a mix of French, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine. If you can't decide what to get from the extensive and high-end menu, we suggest going with one of the many types of steak, plus the truffle pasta. Ordering a selection of rolled sushi is also a great idea to best experience what this luxurious and fun restaurant in Los Angeles has to offer. 

MainRo | 6350 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | $$$$

5. The Magic Castle

This exclusive fun restaurant in Los Angeles 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 one of the most unique restaurants in LA.

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 past centuries. The dining experience at this fun restaurant in Los Angeles 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 da Massimo Bottura

Located in the Rodeo Drive flagship location of the stylish retailer, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura 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 this Michelin star restaurant in Los Angeles 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. While luxuriating at this fun restaurant in Los Angeles, you can also try decadent desserts and cocktails inspired by fashion history.

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura | 347 N. Rodeo Drive, 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. If you've been searching for the best hotel restaurants in Los Angeles, we can't recommend this spot enough!

The Vibe

Psychedelic lights and burlesque performers greet guests in 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., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | $$$

8. Corridor 109 

Re-opening in summer 2025, Corridor 109  is an exclusive and in-demand Japanese-Korean culinary experience. This fun restaurant in Los Angeles is especially perfect for date nights or other special dinners for two. 

The Vibe

While the new space has not been unveiled at the time of publication, it will likely highlight minimalist Korean design while allowing the food to shine. It's reported that there will be a bar and lounge as well as a more intimate tasting counter. 

What to Order

Corridor 109 offers tasting menus that highlight fresh ingredients, with a focus on high-quality seafood. 

Corridor 109 | Corner of Melrose and Western Aves., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | $$$$ 

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 at this fun place to eat in LA include two-guest outward-facing tables that take in the view or interior seating for larger groups.

What to Order

The prix fixe menu at this high-end, fun restaurant in Los Angeles includes courses like yellowfin tuna tartare, A5 Japanese wagyu and Tasmanian Ocean Trout; it’s a must-try if you want to indulge in decadent dishes. Desserts like blueberry pavlova and mango rice pudding are on offer for the final course.

71Above | 633 W. Fifth St., Fl. 71, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | $$$$

10. OpenAire

Called a plant lover's 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 at this Koreatown restaurant allow you to appreciate the LA sun or the city sparkling outside at night. 

What to Order

The seasonal menu changes, but highlights include the likes of ahi tuna tartare and heirloom tomato salad with yuzu vinaigrette. Brunch options at this fun restaurant in LA 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 rich 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 one of the best places to visit with your other half. 

The Vibe

Laid back and casual, the décor of The Old Place is pulled straight out of the Wild West, featuring era-specific 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 the amazing steaks like the bone-in ribeye. This fun restaurant around Los Angeles also serves seafood and a signature version of mac and cheese. 

The Old Place | 29983 Mulholland Highway, 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-running restaurant operated 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. This fun restaurant in Los Angeles 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 mains 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 at this quirky and fun restaurant in Los Angeles. 

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 classic cocktails. 

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 seasonal salads, Atlantic salmon and garlic mashed potatoes.

Firefly | 11720 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 | $$$

15. Tu Madre

Known for its amazing tacos and house-made chile salsas, Tu Madre 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, we recommend opting for a squash blossom taco, potato taquitos or truffle guacamole. Don't leave without getting the red velvet churros for dessert; we know you won't regret it!

Tu Madre | Multiple Locations | $$

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 at this fun place to eat in Hollywood is themed around Burton’s films, with specialty cocktails and must-try dishes like the Edward Burger Hands and Cheshire Mac and Cheese. 

Beetle House LA | 7080 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | $$$

17. Barton G.

If you want your dish to be the star of the show, this thematic restaurant is a must-visit. Meals at Barton G. are served in over-the-top ways, from cotton candy presented as hair on a bust of Marie Antoinette to mac and cheese served in a giant mousetrap and popcorn shrimp in a retro popcorn machine. However, this fun restaurant in Los Angeles doesn’t put style over substance, with all dishes being delicious and featuring high-quality ingredients.  

The Vibe

This fun restaurant in Los Angeles is plush, whimsical and sophisticated with lots of Hollywood glamour. Yet, the design is subdued enough to let the unique food presentation be the main attraction. 

What to Order

The Laughing Bird Popcorn Shrimp is a must-order. We recommend pairing it with a Lobster Pop-Tart or the Light 'Em Up Lobster Mac for a seafood feast. Ordering a cocktail or mocktail is also a great idea at this fun restaurant in LA, with the beverages being as extravagant as the food. 

Barton G. | 861 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069 | $$$$

18. Library Bar

Looking for more fun restaurants in Los Angeles with a library theme? Then head to 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, 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 an expansive 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 for those with a sweet tooth, while the top savory choice is the hot chicken biscuit with fingerling potato salad. 

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 | Multiple Locations | $$

More Fun Culinary Experiences 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 the 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. 

Feel like getting more hands-on after dining at the most fun restaurants in LA? If so, take a few cooking classes in Los Angeles and discover how to make all your favorite dishes from scratch.

Alternatively, turn your home or any other venue of your choice into a fun dining spot by hiring a private chef in Los Angeles. These professional chefs will cook you your dream multi-course menu while also handling shopping and clean-up. 

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.