Why is Dine LA Restaurant Week a Must-Attend Event This Summer?

Los Angeles, a city renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, is once again hosting the much-anticipated Dine LA Restaurant Week. This biannual event, which runs from July 12 to July 26, 2024, marks its 16th year of celebrating the city’s vibrant food scene. With over 300 participating restaurants offering special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus ranging from $15 to $65-plus, Dine LA provides an excellent opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore new dining experiences and revisit old favorites at a fraction of the usual cost.

The Must-Try Deals

This summer’s Dine LA features a plethora of dining options, from upscale date night spots to cozy family-style feasts. One standout is A.O.C., where a $65 four-course dinner offers a taste of Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s California-style cuisine. The menu includes three different starters and mains such as the signature Spanish fried chicken, accompanied by side vegetables and dessert.

Another highlight is Beverly Bar, offering a $35 three-course meal. This local favorite in the Golden Triangle serves up delicious gastropub staples like a fried chicken sandwich and Wagyu pepperoni pizza, making it a go-to spot for reasonably priced meals during Dine LA.

For those seeking a health-conscious option, Botanica in Silver Lake offers a $120 dinner for two, featuring vegetarian-friendly dishes like Turkish eggs and white bean hummus. The family-style dinner includes two glasses of rosé, spring peas with stracciatella cheese, and Japanese sweet potatoes with salsa verde.

Exploring Culinary Diversity

Dine LA Restaurant Week is not just about deals; it’s a celebration of Los Angeles’ culinary diversity. From the Peruvian cuisine at Cabra, where a $55 seven-course menu includes chicken thigh skewers and wood-fired skirt steak, to the vegan delights at Cafe Gratitude, offering a $25 lunch entrée and drink, the event showcases a wide range of flavors and cultures.

At Cali Chilli in Long Beach, Michelin-recognized chef Manjunath Mural presents a $45 three-course dinner with a global twist on Indian cuisine. Highlights include Indo-Chinese chicken wings and Korean-inspired Cali sticky ribs. Meanwhile, Charcoal Venice offers a $65 four-course steakhouse dinner featuring dry-aged cuts and well-executed sides from chef Josiah Citrin.

For a taste of classic Los Angeles, Dal Rae in East Los Angeles offers a $65 three-course steakhouse dinner, including their signature pepper steak filet mignon and New York-style cheesecake with raspberry sauce. This preserved L.A. institution provides a nostalgic dining experience with a modern twist.

Iconic Institutions and Newcomers

Dine LA also brings attention to iconic institutions and fresh faces in the culinary scene. Dear John’s, a revamped steakhouse from the Rat Pack era, offers a $65 four-course dinner with options like sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce and chicken parmesan. For dessert, diners can choose between cheesecake or chocolate crunch cake.

Newcomers like Hibi in Koreatown present a $95 tasting menu, a $40 discount from their usual $135 price. The seven-course dinner includes high-end dishes like kanpachi, uni, and geoduck, showcasing chef Daniel Kim’s ambitious and delicious cooking.

Another noteworthy mention is Ubuntu on Melrose Avenue, serving compelling plant-based West African food. Their $45 four-course dinner includes jollof arancini, charred okra salad, and puff puff bread with blueberry compote ice cream, offering a unique and flavorful dining experience.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to explore Los Angeles during Dine LA Restaurant Week, we recommend making advance reservations to secure a spot at your desired restaurant. While walk-ins are welcome, the popularity of the event means that space can be limited. Additionally, be sure to check the menu availability and pricing with the restaurant before making a reservation, as menus are subject to change based on ingredient availability.

For occasional travelers, consider visiting some of the participating restaurants located in scenic areas like Marina del Rey or Malibu. These locations not only offer fantastic dining experiences but also provide beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.

For expert travelers, we suggest exploring the lesser-known gems in neighborhoods like Koreatown or the Arts District. These areas are home to some of the city’s most innovative and exciting culinary offerings, providing a deeper dive into Los Angeles’ diverse food culture.

In conclusion, Dine LA Restaurant Week is a celebration of the city’s rich culinary heritage and a testament to its status as a premier dining destination. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event offers a unique opportunity to indulge in new dishes and old favorites, all while supporting the vibrant restaurant community in Los Angeles. Enjoy the flavors, the ambiance, and the culinary creativity that make this city a true food lover’s paradise.