



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

République
“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)

matū
“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.”

Budonoki
“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.”

Osteria Mozza
“It kind of created the modern restaurant scene in Los Angeles, and is still innovative, relevant, and fantastic.”
Phil’s love for Osteria Mozza stems from its legacy of excellence under the direction of chef Nancy Silverton. Known for its flawless Italian dishes, the restaurant has become an institution in LA.
Phil’s Picks:
- Orecchiette with sausage
- The duck (though he admits, "I want everything on the menu!")
Phil jokingly calls Silverton’s talent her ‘biggest problem’: “You don’t know what to order because everything is phenomenal. It’s a nice problem to have.”