Both locals and visitors trek to Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles for a wide variety of shopping destinations and world-renowned restaurants they likely won’t find elsewhere. From MICHELIN-Starred establishments to vegan restaurants beloved by even meat-eaters, there’s something for everyone on Melrose.
Dig into classic hearty Italian fare with a side of celebrity sightings closer to West Hollywood. Or enjoy a light and flavorful plant-based lunch just a bit further east on Melrose. Cap it off with drinks and appetizers at one of Hollywood’s most lauded restaurants.
Book a table at one of the best restaurants in Melrose Los Angeles on OpenTable today.
Read on to learn more about the 10 best restaurants in Melrose Los Angeles right now.
For Italian comfort food with a classic Hollywood vibe – go to Craig’s (West Hollywood)
Craig’s has been a celeb-favorite dining spot on Melrose since opening in 2011. Known for its upscale Italian-American comfort food, the menu offers everything from classic chicken parmesan to the sought-after vegan rigatoni bolognese. Pair your meal with signature cocktails like a key lime martini. The cozy, dimly lit atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or celebrations, with a chance to spot a famous face or two while you dine.
For organic vegan Mexican dishes on a gorgeous patio – book at Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)
A West Hollywood favorite since its opening in 2009, Gracias Madre has become a staple for vegan Mexican cuisine and chic dining. Known for its plant-based spins on Mexican classics like jackfruit carnitas tacos and soy chorizo empanadas, every dish is as flavorful as it is sustainable. Sip on a signature mezcal margarita or fresh agua fresca while soaking in the stunning outdoor patio, surrounded by lush greenery and warm lighting that’ll make you feel like you’re in Tulum.
For modern Peruvian cuisine perfect for a date night – visit Rosaline (West Hollywood/Beverly Hills/Mid-Wilshire)
Rosaline serves up vibrant Peruvian dishes in a bright and airy greenhouse-inspired space. The menu boasts standouts like lomo saltado, kampachi ceviche, and a wood-fired paella. There’s even a dedicated vegetarian/vegan menu to accommodate every member of your party. Pair your meal with a pisco sour or a refreshing mocktail while lounging under twinkling lights on the airy patio or inside the dreamy, plant-filled dining room.
For Mediterranean-inspired, made-for-sharing vegan dishes – book your table at Crossroads Kitchen (West Hollywood)
Crossroads Kitchen has been redefining plant-based dining in LA since it opened in 2013. This sleek, upscale eatery, helmed by chef Tal Ronnen, offers inventive vegan dishes like the artichoke oysters and eggplant “short ribs” that even carnivores rave about at one of the best lunch restaurants in Los Angeles. If you’re not ready for a full meal, drop by the bar for a cocktail like a smoky mezcal pineapple margarita.
For inventive pizzas at one of the best restaurants in Melrose Los Angeles – head to Ronan (West Hollywood)
Since opening in 2018, Ronan has quickly become a local favorite for cozy date nights and lively group dinners. Known for wood-fired pizzas topped with inventive combos like guanciale and honey, Ronan excels with inventive small plates like truffle arancini and can’t-miss homemade focaccia. Pair your meal with natural wines or creative cocktails on the sleek outdoor patio or in the warm, industrial-inspired dining room.
For MICHELIN-Starred California cuisine in a bright and airy casual setting – go to Kali (Hollywood)
A modern gem on Melrose Avenue, MICHELIN-Starred Kali is where locals head for sophisticated California cuisine. Known for its minimalist yet flavorful farm-to-table dishes, standouts include an umami-filled sea urchin pasta and smoked beetroot salad. The wine and craft beer lists perfectly complement the menu’s locally sourced ingredients. Despite its fine dining pedigree, the ambiance is California casual—bright and easy-going—making it a great meeting spot for friends or date nights.
For an award-winning menu of Argentine steaks – discover Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse (West Hollywood/Beverly Hills/Mid-Wilshire)
For expertly seared and seasoned Argentinean steaks, you can’t do better than the 2022 MICHELIN Plate Award-winning Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse. Don’t miss the flavor-packed empanadas and stuffed mushrooms to start your meal. A sommelier can guide you to a bottle from the extensive wine list while you vibe with the live music on their romantic patio. If it’s a chilly night, enjoy a glass of Argentinean red in the cozy dining room.
For a classic New York Italian restaurant vibe by way of Hollywood – book at Marino Ristorante (Hollywood)
A Hollywood gem, family-owned Marino Ristorante is a go-to for romantic dinners and special occasions. Marino shines with elegant Italian dishes like handmade pasta, branzino al sale, and the indulgent lobster linguine. Pair your meal with a curated wine from the extensive list. The upscale ambiance, warm lighting, and cozy leather booths invite you to stay awhile (ideally with a dessert wine) at one of the best restaurants in Melrose, Los Angeles.
For exquisite MICHELIN-Starred seafood at one of the best restaurants in Melrose Los Angeles, visit Providence (Hollywood)
Providence has set the standard for fine dining in Los Angeles. The MICHELIN-Starred restaurant is renowned for its thoughtfully curated seafood-focused tasting menu where the dishes are almost too gorgeous to eat. Pair your meal with a carefully curated wine from the extensive list. The elegant, minimalist interior and refined atmosphere make this a special occasion destination.
For some of the best Italian in the city led by a James Beard Award-winning chef – go to Osteria Mozza (Hollywood)
Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton, MICHELIN-Starred Osteria Mozza is a Los Angeles fine dining mainstay. Come for the iconic mozzarella bar and stay for the refined housemade pastas and perfectly cooked proteins paired with stellar wines. And be sure to leave room for the signature rosemary olive oil cakes. The dark and buzzy dining room has an East Coast feel that practically begs you to linger with an espresso.
Whether you’re in the mood for an extravagant fine dining experience or a more casual pizzeria, the best restaurants in Melrose Los Angeles tend to book up fast (especially on the weekend), so make sure to save time and hassle by booking a table ahead of time.
