Los Angeles, California, United States

Handmade pasta at Bestia Conceived by husband–and–wife duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, this rustic Italian go–to in the Arts District specializes in handmade pasta, pizza and charcuterie. Inside a repurposed warehouse, exposed brick walls, industrial bar stools and tan leather booths serve as the backdrop for inventive dishes like roasted bone marrow with crispy bread crumbs.

Potato latkes and natural wine at Freedman’s Bruce Hornsby and the Talking Heads play through the speakers as diners dig into plates of glazed brisket and potato latkes (famously prepared in a waffle iron) at this modern Jewish restaurant tucked into a strip mall in Silver Lake. The half sour salad – made with pickles, fennel and a savoury herb mix – balances out the menu’s heavier fare, and Matt Bone, Freedman’s general manager, curates an impressive all–natural wine list. (Want to find other gems in Silver Lake? See some of Jonah Freedman's go–to neighbourhood spots to eat and drink.)

Modern Mexican fare at Broken Spanish This eatery offers fresh takes on traditional Mexican staples. Chef Ray Garcia prepares dishes like oxtail quesadilla and chicharrón with elephant–garlic mojo and radish sprouts, served up in a clean–lined space with cognac–hued tufted banquettes, hardwood floors, hanging plants and concrete accent walls.

Third–wave coffee at Dinosaur Coffee Los Angeles has no shortage of clinically precise caffeine labs, but if you’re looking to stay a while, this sun–filled coffee counter in Silver Lake is a cut above the rest. Serving strong pours of San Francisco’s famed Four Barrel Coffee, Dinosaur’s casual atmosphere and ample seating make it an ideal spot to feel like a local.

Pastrami sandwiches at Langer’s Delicatessen and Restaurant An Angeleno institution for over 70 years, this family–owned deli in MacArthur Park has built an international reputation as one of world’s leading purveyors of pastrami. Sink into a well–worn vinyl booth and order the legendary #19: a mountain of hot pastrami topped with coleslaw, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing served on double–baked rye.

Late–night bites at E.P. and L.P. This West Hollywood establishment – whose name stands for “extended play, long play” – features an Asian restaurant and a rooftop bar. At L.P., sip concoctions such as the Walk This Way cocktail, made with vodka, lychee, coconut water and tropical fruit pearls. For a late–night bite, choose from organic tofu fries or the pastrami bao with sliced pastrami, ginger, scallions and smoked chipotle.

Stiff drinks and city views at Upstairs at Ace Hotel Resembling an urban resort with sweeping city views, this popular spot located on the rooftop of Ace Hotel in Downtown L.A. features one bar, a concrete pool, Moroccan tile and canopy lounge chairs. Mingle with the Hollywood crowd while sipping on a Tetanus Shot cocktail, a mixture of blended Scotch, Cynar, Averna and orange bitters.

Cocktails and waterfalls (seriously) at Clifton’s Republic This 47,000–square–foot dining complex originally opened in 1935. The iconic establishment reopened its doors in 2015 after a five–year, multi–million–dollar renovation and houses an art deco–style cafeteria, six bars, a ballroom and a coffee shop. Inside, you’ll find updated versions of Clifton’s original curiosities, from manmade waterfalls and wildlife murals to a faux, three–storey redwood tree.

Carnitas at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas Tomas Martinez, taquero and co–owner of Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, has been serving tacos in downtown L.A.’s Grand Central Market since 1995 and is responsible for some of the best carnitas in the city. Order one of his $3.50 tacos and get a generous piling of tender meat on two corn tortillas (plus two extra on the side).