Somebody Feed Phil (in LA): 5 Restaurants He Can’t Live Without

“Maybe the best all-around restaurant in LA, because breakfast is fantastic, lunch is fantastic, and dinner is fantastic, and they’re all different.”

République is a versatile powerhouse in the LA dining scene. Whether you’re starting your day with their impeccable pastries or ending it with elevated French-inspired dishes, this spot never misses.

Phil’s Picks:

• Potato pancake with poached eggs and smoked salmon (breakfast)
• Restaurant burger (lunch)

Dover sole or any of their house-made pastas (dinner)

“I think it’s the best steak restaurant in the city.”

Matū redefines the steak restaurant experience with its focus on grass-fed beef that’s as delicious as it is sustainable. Phil can’t stop raving about the flavors and the playful conclusion to their tasting menu: a cheesesteak.

Phil’s Picks:

• Fries (Phil calls them the best in LA)
• Tasting menu, featuring their famous cheesesteak

About that cheesesteak? Phil explains: “They drew inspiration from a place in Lisbon where dessert was a steak sandwich, and people here went crazy for it.”

“There’s a ramen genius there who I actually had his food in Kyoto. His name is Cean Geronimo… if you get nothing else, you have to get the ramen.”

RVR is a Japanese izakaya co-led by chefs Travis Letts (formerly of MTN and Gjelina) and Ian Robinson (formerly of Skippa in Toronto), with standout contributions from Cean Geronimo, whom Phil describes as a “ramen genius.” While the menu offers a wide variety of inventive small plates and dishes, the ramen made an unforgettable impression on Phil.

Phil’s Pick:

• Ramen, naturally

Phil adds, “As you’re eating there, you can’t wait to go back.”

“It’s just really fun, really casual. It’s kind of the way I’d rather eat now—delicious food in a casual way.”

Though Budonoki is new to Phil’s rotation, it’s already earned a spot on his list thanks to its comforting, approachable atmosphere and consistently delicious offerings. While he didn’t name a standout dish, he emphasized that “you want everything on that menu.”