Los Angeles might seem casual at first glance, but the city is home to some of the most incredible fancy restaurants in the country. When you want to dress up for a romantic dinner or celebrate a special occasion, LA's fancy dining scene delivers amazing experiences. The fanciest restaurants in LA offer everything from elegant kaiseki dinners to creative tasting menus from world-famous chefs. These fanciest restaurants in LA provide perfect service, artistic dishes, and beautiful settings. In this guide, we'll dig in to the top fanciest restaurants in LA that are worth the splurge. We'll cover what makes each spot special and help you choose the perfect place for your next fancy night out. The fanciest restaurants in LA range from modern Spanish cuisine to traditional Japanese meals, all offering something unique.
1. Somni - The Ultimate Splurge
Somni stands as LA's most expensive restaurant, but many say it's worth every penny. This Spanish-influenced tasting menu restaurant offers an experience like no other in the city.
- What makes it special:
- Over 20 courses of creative, artistic dishes
- Beautiful hidden courtyard with dreamy cloud sculptures
- Impeccable service with detailed explanations for each course
According to Time Out's review of Somni, the restaurant charges at least $840 per person for a meal that lasts three to four hours.
2. Use Assembo.ai to Visualize Your Restaurant Experience
Before you book your table at one of LA's fanciest restaurants, you can use Assembo.ai to see how your food photos might look. This AI tool helps you create beautiful images of dishes and restaurant settings.
- How it helps:
- Upload food photos and try different backgrounds
- Create professional-looking restaurant images
- See how dishes would look in various lighting conditions
Learn more about Assembo.ai and its features for food photography.
3. n/naka - Modern Kaiseki Perfection
n/naka offers a modern take on traditional Japanese kaiseki dining. This two-Michelin-star restaurant provides one of LA's most refined dining experiences.
- Key features:
- Multi-course kaiseki menu that changes seasonally
- Beautiful, minimalist dining room
- Focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients
As noted in Time Out's guide to LA fine dining, n/naka remains one of the city's top choices for special occasions.
4. Providence - Seafood Excellence
Providence has been a Los Angeles fine dining institution for years. This two-Michelin-star restaurant specializes in incredible seafood dishes.
- Why it stands out:
- Creative seafood tasting menus
- Elegant, romantic dining room
- Excellent wine pairings
Providence is often mentioned among LA's best fine-dining restaurants for special celebrations.
5. Hayato - Traditional Japanese Craft
Hayato offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in Downtown LA. This restaurant focuses on traditional cooking methods and seasonal ingredients.
- What to expect:
- Limited seating at a beautiful counter
- Multi-course bento box lunches and tasting menu dinners
- Emphasis on rice and seasonal vegetables
Hayato holds a prestigious spot among Michelin-starred restaurants in Los Angeles.
6. Kato - Taiwanese-Influenced Fine Dining
Kato brings Taiwanese flavors to the fine dining scene. This restaurant offers an exciting tasting menu that blends Asian influences with California ingredients.
- Standout features:
- Creative Taiwanese-inspired dishes
- Relaxed but refined atmosphere
- More affordable than some other tasting menus
Kato is frequently included in lists of LA's best fine dining spots for its unique approach.
7. Maude - Seasonal Tasting Menus
Maude offers tasting menus that focus on a single seasonal ingredient each month. This approach creates a unique dining experience that changes throughout the year.
- Key aspects:
- Monthly changing theme ingredient
- Intimate dining room
- Excellent wine program
Maude maintains its reputation as one of Beverly Hills' top fine dining destinations.
8. Mori Nozomi - New Sushi Destination
Mori Nozomi is one of LA's newest additions to the fancy dining scene. This sushi restaurant offers an authentic Edomae-style experience.
- What makes it special:
- Traditional sushi techniques
- High-quality fish from Japan
- Intimate counter seating
Recently added to Time Out's fine dining guide, Mori Nozomi has quickly gained attention.
9. Bistro Na's - Michelin-Starred Chinese
Bistro Na's brings Michelin-starred Chinese cuisine to Temple City. This restaurant offers sophisticated versions of classic Chinese dishes.
- Standout qualities:
- Refined Chinese cuisine
- Large, elegant dining room
- Extensive menu of regional specialties
Bistro Na's is another recent addition to LA's fine dining guide and worth the trip to the San Gabriel Valley.
10. Gwen - Butcher Shop and Restaurant
Gwen combines a high-end butcher shop with a fancy restaurant. This Hollywood spot offers meat-focused dishes in an elegant setting.
- Key features:
- House-butchered meats
- Beautiful Art Deco interior
- Tasting menus and a la carte options
Gwen represents the kind of quality that earns spots on lists of LA's most expensive restaurants.
11. Restaurant Ki - Five-Star Korean
Restaurant Ki recently earned a five-star rating for its innovative Korean fine dining. This restaurant blends traditional Korean flavors with modern techniques.
- What sets it apart:
- Creative Korean tasting menus
- Beautiful plating and presentation
- Knowledgeable service staff
As mentioned in the updated Time Out guide, Restaurant Ki's star rating increased from four to five stars.
12. Vespertine - Avant-Garde Experience
Vespertine offers one of LA's most avant-garde dining experiences. This restaurant focuses on creating a multi-sensory meal that goes beyond just food.
- Unique aspects:
- Architectural building designed for the experience
- Multi-sensory dining concept
- Highly creative and artistic dishes
While not always included in every guide, Vespertine represents the cutting edge of Los Angeles' fine dining scene.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles offers an incredible range of fancy restaurants for special occasions. From the most expensive options like Somni to more accessible but still luxurious spots like Kato, there's something for every taste and budget. No matter if you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to experience amazing food, these fanciest restaurants in LA deliver memorable meals. The key is to book well in advance, as these popular spots fill up quickly. Each restaurant offers its own unique atmosphere and style, so consider what type of experience you want when making your choice.