Why do I feel like Steve Martin in “The Jerk”? “The new phone books are here!!!” For the first time ever, food trucks have been included in the ratings, with Zagat raters declaring trucks both the best and worst development in the LA restaurant scene. Of the 57 trucks included, Kogi is up there amongst the top rated. Shocker.
Amongst the brick-and-mortar restaurants,
Matsuhisa took top honors for Food, The Edison won Top Decor with its speakeasy style and the hospitality of Urasawa nabbed it Top Service honors. Perpetually crowded Spago was named the area’s Most Popular restaurant. As far as new dining options go, Paul Shoemaker’s Savory was named the Top Newcomer.
Other highly-rated trucks are Border Grill truck, Buttermilk Truck, Coolhaus, Crepe’n Around, LudoTruck, Frysmith, Gastrobus, TaBom, Smokin Willie’s and Lake Street Creamery. Local darlings Urasawa, Providence, Mélisse and Pizzeria Mozza unsurprisingly made it into the top 10 LA restaurants. More top newcomers include Cleo in The Redbury Hotel, Scott Conant’s Scarpetta, Lukshon in Culver City’s Helms Building and Olio Pizzeria.
John Sedlar’s Playa was lauded for its decor, mixologists, brunch, and imaginative dishes. Son of a Gun was comlimented on their convivial vibe, moderate prices, and “the best fried chicken sandwich anywhere.” Little Doms got high marks for its charming, retro, New york setting, but is judged to be “a little pricy.”
Readers can score a discount by purchasing their copy of the 25th annual LA Zagat Guide here and entering the code “LARESULTS” before September 30. Premium members get a 30% discount, whereas the rabble get a mere 15% off the cover price. Of course, you could just do like some of us do and fill out the surveys, which nabs you a free copy!
