The Best Spanish Food in Los Angeles
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The best Spanish food in Los Angeles, according to the experts: Michelin Guide, The 50, and The Infatuation have all weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. Somni comes out on top.
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San Laurel and Vaca hold the next two places. Michelin Guide shows up on more of this list than any other guide, with The Infatuation next.
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Rank 1. Somni
Spanish
A rainbow bull's head salvaged from the original location watches over the 14-seat counter like a totem, and that detail tells you everything about the mood here. Somni is a Spanish creative tasting menu in a converted bungalow just off Santa Monica, with three Michelin stars and a courtyard that feels like it was designed inside a dream. The chef trained at El Bulli, and the cooking lands accordingly: intricate, theatrical, and dead serious about having fun.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: 3 Stars
- The 50 The 50: #46 · North America's 50 Best Restaurants
- The Infatuation The Infatuation: #2 · The Top-Rated New Restaurants
- Michelin Guide 3 Stars
- The 50 #46 · North America's 50 Best Restaurants
- The Infatuation #2 · The Top-Rated New Restaurants
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Rank 2. San Laurel
Modern Californian Spanish
The tenth floor of a downtown hotel turns out to be a fine place to stare at Walt Disney Concert Hall while José Andrés's team works through a menu of modern Californian cooking with a Spanish lean. The facade opens fully, making the room feel more rooftop than restaurant. A Forbes Four Star. Earth tones, greenery, a busy bar, and a tomato tartare that arrives looking like the beef version but absolutely is not.
The awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide: Forbes Four Star
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
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Rank 3. Vaca
Rustic Spanish
The banquettes are printed with jokes, which tells you something about the mood at this rustic Spanish tapas bar from chef Amar Santana. Sherries and Spanish wines run deep, the bar area is a good-looking place to park yourself, and the kitchen sends out croquetas, paellas, and little grilled sandwiches layered with jamón ibérico and Manchego. Two outdoor patios round out the options when the weather cooperates, which in Costa Mesa it usually does.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
- Eater Eater: The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants
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Rank 4. CASA LEO
Contemporary Spanish
A tapas spot in Los Feliz where the Iberian flatbreads come topped with caramelized onion, aged cheese, and a drizzle of passionfruit, which sounds like a dare but lands. The menu is built for sharing, moving through small plates and ceviche shots before reaching a wine-braised oxtail stew that finishes with house-made potato chips for crunch. The chef draws on Spanish pantry staples without being precious about it.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
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Rank 5. LA Paella
Spanish
The awards
- AAA AAA: Approved
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Rank 6. Vaca DTLA
Spanish
Vaca is a polished Spanish restaurant by the FIGat7th mall, an Orange County import that landed where the consultants and the company cards are. Tapas like gambas al ajillo and croquetas start around $20, ribeyes and paellas run much larger, and the steaks climb past $100. It suits a client dinner, a power lunch, or a parent you'd like to impress. Wear the good blazer, and let the expense report take the hit.
The awards
- The Infatuation The Infatuation: The 19 Best Restaurants In Downtown Los Angeles
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Rank 7. The Paella Concept
Spanish
The awards