The vibrant and ever-evolving food culture of Los Angeles was on full display as Eater LA editors unveiled their latest “Best Dishes” roundup, highlighting the city’s most exceptional culinary offerings from the past week. Released on July 28, the feature served as a flavorful snapshot of LA’s unmatched gastronomic diversity—from haute cuisine to reimagined street food.
Each week, Eater LA’s editors sift through an endless variety of restaurants, pop-ups, and hidden gems to uncover dishes that not only delight the palate but also represent the creative pulse of the city’s culinary innovators. This week’s selections were no exception, reflecting the blend of cultural richness, technical excellence, and boundary-pushing experimentation that define Los Angeles dining in 2025.
One standout came from Kato’s Summer Series, where guest chef Evan Funke offered a daring fusion of Asian and Italian traditions with his xiao long bao tortelloni. The dish combined the precise folding technique of the classic Chinese soup dumpling with the refined texture of handmade tortelloni, filled with a savory pork and prawn blend. The result was a bold reinterpretation that exemplified cross-cultural cuisine at its most inventive.
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Meanwhile, in Highland Park, Mala Class continued to impress with its take on traditional Szechuan fare. Their dry pepper fried tofu became a highlight for editors thanks to its expertly balanced crispiness and the addictive, tongue-tingling heat characteristic of authentic mala seasoning. The dish was praised for elevating plant-based dining with intensity and flair, while also staying true to its regional culinary roots.
Down in the Arts District, chef Joshua Skenes brought deep comfort food into elevated territory at Happies Hand Made. His double-fried cherrywood-smoked chicken wings, served atop golden waffles, combined rustic Southern flavors with refined culinary techniques. The smoky-sweet balance, enhanced by careful frying and seasoning, made it a must-try item for fans of both fine dining and soul food.
In Hollywood, a collaborative event between Koast and vegan fine-dining staple Crossroads presented a show-stopping Baja tuna tower. Featuring sustainably sourced bluefin tuna layered with creamy avocado and vibrant tobiko, the dish offered a luxurious and visually arresting centerpiece. With its clean lines and bright flavors, it exemplified how LA chefs continue to blur the line between artistry and edibility.
What united these diverse selections was not just their execution, but their stories. Each dish showcased the imagination of chefs who blend tradition with innovation, honoring their culinary heritage while daring to evolve it. As Eater LA editors noted, “The city’s chefs are constantly in dialogue—with their past, with each other, and with the communities they serve. These dishes speak that language fluently.”
Los Angeles has long been celebrated for its multicultural food landscape, with influences from Mexico, China, Japan, Korea, the American South, and more shaping its menu offerings. But this latest roundup highlights how the city’s food scene is entering a new phase—one where culinary experimentation and cultural reverence go hand in hand.
Moreover, the July 28 feature arrives at a time when LA’s restaurant industry continues to rebound and reimagine itself following years of pandemic disruptions. With renewed focus on sustainability, collaboration, and community-driven experiences, chefs and restaurateurs are not just serving meals—they’re crafting narratives that reflect the city’s complexity and creativity.
Whether through a dumpling-inspired pasta, spicy tofu done right, or next-level chicken and waffles, Los Angeles continues to make a compelling case as one of the most exciting culinary capitals in the world. For food lovers, this week’s Eater LA roundup was more than just a guide—it was a celebration of what makes dining in LA a singular experience.
