The 38 Essential Restaurants in Los Angeles

"Lebanese-born chef Charbel Hayek incorporates California produce into Mediterranean fare at Ladyhawk, which opened in West Hollywood in late 2023. Mezze is the star of the menu. A recent transplant to LA, the chef reimagined Ladyhawk’s stunning two-person mezze platter with riffs like an avocado and corn hummus served next to a remarkably creamy traditional version. The array of mezze also includes baba ghanouj, muhammara, falafel, Lebanese olives, halloumi with summer tomatoes, spicy harissa wings, and something called “mama ghanouj” made with confit onions, charred zucchini, and lamb chorizo ragu. Another menu charmer is the ahi tuna crudo, an artfully presented dish that won Hayek first place on Season 2 of Top Chef Middle East in 2022. That crudo, along with herby and heaping salads, a dry-aged Rohan duck with honey and rose water, and a braised beef tagine are more of what makes this restaurant tucked inside the Kimpton La Peer Hotel one of Southern California’s newer standouts. — Mona Holmes, reporter" - Eater Staff