Best Contemporary European Restaurants in Historic South-Central

We had a large party of 8. The service, food, atmosphere are always a 10 out of 10. The Belvedere never disappoints. Beautiful, elegant & festive. Jessica our waiter  made some amazing executive decisions before my guest arrived and brought out a couple of cheese boards and charcuterie trays to get the party started. Brilliant idea. You will not find it on the menu, but ask for it  if you are having a festive gathering.

The Vespertine experience is off the charts amazing. This was our second visit (our first was pre-pandemic). Some things have changed about the experience, but what you truly are there for, the food, hasn't and it is absolute art. I've been a Jordan Khan fan for a long time, and every time I'm at one of his restaurants, I'm always awed by his creativity. The menu items always work together to tell a story, but the flavor profiles are so different with each course. The service is first rate knowledgable and friendly. Both times we've visited we've had a great time with the service staff. They know the menu deeply, and love to talk about it, or any other fun topic that comes up. The restaurant isn't pretentious at all. It's a bit like being at home, especially if you sit upstairs with a larger party, sitting on your patio or deck and being served the meal of a lifetime. If you do sit upstairs, definitely bring a jacket b/c it's open air. There's heaters and blankets, but it still can be chilly. We went two days ago and all of us are still thinking about he experience, and not the cost. Which is pretty remarkable considering how costly this restaurant is, but both times I've gone to Vespertine, I've left thinking, 'That was totally worth it!'

Vito's has been a neighborhood favourite since I moved here 17 years ago. The staff are always friendly, they remember you. It's cozy and wonderful place to build memories with family, celebrate special occasions or just pull up a seat at the bar and enjoy their delicious and well priced happy hour. My favourite dish is a Pasta della Casa. Honestly, if that's the last meal I'd ever eat, I'd be OK with that. The wine selection is wonderful. The cocktails are spendid. Sharing isn't frowned upon. The hardest decision of the night will be "do I get my regular dish or one of their delightful specials." Great options for Gluten free, vegetarians. Wait till you see the dessert cart! I can't describe enough how much my friends and family from both here in LA and abroad in Australia, love their visit to Vito's. A must on everyone's visit to LA.

Joliet is, without a doubt, the best spot in LA for whatever it is you're looking for. My boyfriend and I are absolutely obsessed with it - when a group of our friends decided to have a night out the 6 of us, we came to Joliet and there is something perfect for everyone. By day, it is the cutest spot for coffee, tea, a dirty chai, a pastry, and/or a sandwich. I recommend bringing your laptop or a book and staying a while, striking up a conversation with Alejandro or Olivia at the bar, and trying one or several of their fantastic options. You TRULY cannot go wrong. I had a pistachio croissant that absolutely changed my life. The egg sandwich made my jaw drop. Come nighttime, Joliet is a sexy speakeasy that boasts outstanding cocktails, great music, date-night ambience, and a whole different menu of mouthwatering options. My boyfriend loves the lobster roll, and I am obsessed with the mezze platter. The espresso martini is elevated and vibrant, and the spicy marg was better than imagined. Alejandro's attention to detail is incredibly extraordinary - he adds a special touch to everything he does, whether it's shaving an extra layer of cheese on your sandwich, or adding a cute little flower to your cocktail, or just taking the time to get to know you, it's really such a special experience.