The 25 Best Restaurants In LA

"California’s central coast has a rich barbecue tradition and places like Maple Block, Slab, and Bludso’s continue to smoke delicious meats. But selling the idea of great barbecue in LA to anyone outside of LA has always been met with heavy eye rolls. The arrival of Moo’s in Lincoln Heights, however, changed everything. And that’s because this former pop-up isn’t just home to the best barbecue in LA, it’s home to some of the best we’ve eaten anywhere. This is Texas-style barbecue—meaning brisket is king—but what makes Moo’s even more special is how intricately owners Michelle and Andrew Muñoz have incorporated their East LA roots into things beyond smoked meat. Think side dishes like creamy, smoky esquites, dill-heavy red potato salad, and a tres leches bread pudding we’d rank among the best desserts in the city. " - brant cox, nikko duren, arden shore, sylvio martins