We thought we knew what Echo Park arcade restaurant Button Mash would be. Turns out it’s much, much more.

Jones Hollywood is a classic spot that works for pretty much anything, and is the version Hollywood we actually wish existed.

Dong Il Jang in Koreatown has a steakhouse feel, and serves excellent table-grilled gui (ribeye).

Sawtelle’s Tsujita does the best tsukemen-style ramen this side of the Pacific and some of the best overall ramen in Los Angeles.

E.R.B. is sort of a restaurant and sort of a bar - and all things wonderful.

Michin Dak is a strip-mall fried chicken shack with an excellent, no-frills menu to match.

Ahgassi Gopchang is a rowdy, smoky BBQ spot in Koreatown with excellent grilled meat.

Cassell’s is a retro diner in the Normandie Hotel in Koreatown with great pies and a life-changing patty melt.

No, Pizzeria Mozza is not the best pizza in LA. But that doesn’t mean it’s not still a good restaurant.

Canter's is a Los Angeles classic. Come late night for a pastrami reuben and some very entertaining people watching.

This taco spot in South Park doesn’t really have a name, but everyone calls it Tire Shop Taqueria, and they make excellent carne asada.

EMC Raw Bar is a weird, cool, and downright fun Ktown seafood restaurant where even the pickiest eaters in your group will walk out happy.

Crying Tiger is a tiny takeout window in Hollywood, serving some very good Thai.

Mexican restaurant La Cabaña is a Venice landmark with huge burritos and a killer back patio.

Redbird bills itself on being impressive, and it definitely delivers.

Tatsu is the future not just because of its iPad wall waiters. It’s the future because it’s quick and easy, and downright delicious.