Most Popular L.A. Restaurants

Angelenos really love their Denny's and IHOP

Apparently, L.A. residents can't get enough of Denny's and IHOP. The two diner chains made it onto the list of the city's 20 most visited restaurants of 2017, according to "anonymized, aggregate mobile data" compiled by TripAdvisor. But if you're looking to take your out-of-town friends someplace a bit more memorable, don't panic: There are plenty of unique Los Angeles gems to visit, including these restaurants, which rounded out the top 10 spots on the list. 

⑩ The Ivy

We won't judge if you make a reservation with the hopes of sighting a celebrity—just don't neglect your plate of crab cakes while you verify whether or not that's really J.Lo hanging around the corner. 

⑨ Catch 

At this seafood-focused rooftop restaurant that could easily pull double duty as a stylish nightclub, guests dine on elaborate dishes like sashimi topped with caviar and shaved truffles. 

⑧ In-N-Out Burger

Hey, we'd be angry if the burger chain didn't make the top 10.

⑦ République 

The building that used to house Nancy Silverton's legendary restaurant, Campanile, is now home to République, an all-day spot run by culinary power couple Walter and Margarita Manzke.

⑥ Gjusta

The warm bialys, sourdough baguettes and never-ending display case of baked goods are well worth the hour-long waits you'll find on Saturday mornings at this bakery and deli.

⑤ Bottega Louie

It's not all just colorful macarons carefully packaged like fine jewelry here: Stay for the weekend brunch menu, where avocado toast (topped with a poached egg and chorizo) has earned a permanent place in the Instagram hall of fame.

④ BCD Tofu House

Head to this Koreatown favorite for custardy, soon-style tofu that stars in a dedicated menu of spicy, bubbling soups brought to your table in clay pots.

③ Perch

After a long workday, you deserve to sip a well-crafted cocktail while overlooking the city's boulevards—you know, the ones you're usually spending rush hour on.

② Rose Cafe

Venice Beach's favorite weekend hangout is still going strong 38 years later, thanks to a roster of Southern California-inspired dishes like whole branzino with crispy lentils from chef Jason Neroni.

① Gjelina

When he's not up at 4 a.m. baking bread at number six spot Gjusta, you'll find chef Travis Lett at Gjelina, the vegetable-centric hangout L.A. food critic Jonathan Gold prophetically dubbed the place "everybody wants to go to."

See the full list here.