9. Wp24 by Wolfgang Puck

WP24 by Wolfgang Puck is a sleek ode to Asia, with spectacular views of L.A. from its perch on the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. Dark, sexy and glamorous are the keywords of the expansive space. The NEST lounge features fantastic, cage-like pods, while the main dining room has overhead fixtures that look like skyscrapers, comfy black leather chairs with gilt touches, and three oversized C-shaped gold booths. The NEST menu offers a more casual dining experience. Choose from a wide range of Asian-inspired items, including cut sushi rolls, dumplings, and pork belly bao, miniature open-faced versions of the Chinese classic. Tucked into each pillowy bun is a swatch of rich, tender pork belly touched with hoisin sauce and a sprig of green onion for crunch.

10. The Classics: Border Grill

Even after all these years, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken’s restaurants feel as current as the day they opened. The Border Grill in Downtown L.A. is no exception. With its splashes of bright color and wall-sized murals, it’s not hard to feel festive. Add a good margarita or mojito and it’s pretty much guaranteed. Fresh and spunky ceviches are delicious, especially the Peruvian and the Baja. The former is served on plantain chips and topped with wedges of ripe avocado; the latter arrives on a crispy mini tortilla and is finished with a creamy cilantro aioli. The Border Classics is a great sampler plate of favorites. It features two mini green corn tamales, which house an irresistibly rich, sweet corn pudding; two plantain empanadas filled with black beans that substitute plantain for the usual dough ‘crust’; and two chicken panuchos, fat corn tortillas filled with black beans and topped with juicy chunks of grilled chicken.

11. The classics: Grand Central Market

Visit the landmark Grand Central Market at any time of day, and you can catch a glimpse of L.A.’s past, present and future. Opened in 1917 and in continuous operation ever since, the 30,000 square-foot market houses dozens of stalls that celebrate L.A.’s diverse cultures and cuisines. While longtime favorites like China Cafe and Tacos Tumbras a Tomas continue to serve hungry diners, a new generation of vendors has reinvigorated the historic market, including Belcampo, DTLA Cheese, G&B Coffee, Egg Slut, Horse Thief BBQ, Sticky Rice, and Valerie at GCM. And more are on the way, including Berlin Currywurst, Olio GCM, Oyster Gourmet, and Wexler’s Deli.

12. The Classics: Philippe the original

From bus drivers to politicians, whether you’re a tourist or a lifelong Angeleno, everyone eats at Philippe the Original. Diners share community tables and pass squirt bottles of sinus-clearing mustard. Even if you're a first-timer, Philippe feels like an old friend, with its vintage phone booths by the entrance, sawdust on the floor, seasoned servers in tailored '50s-style uniforms, and 45-cent coffee. You can order a salad, but at Philippe it’s all about the French Dip. The classic is the beef: mild, thinly-sliced beef piled into a soft, torpedo-shaped roll. You can also get turkey or lamb. Get it dipped once, twice, or with the jus on the side. Add a few squeezes of the aforementioned mustard. If you still have room, try a big wedge of pie, perhaps blueberry or chocolate cream. Philippe surprisingly has a smart little list of wines by the glass - how about a Frog’s Leap Merlot with that dip?