23 Best Restaurants for a Birthday Dinner in Los Angeles, CA in 2024
Have you been scrolling the web trying to find the best restaurants for a birthday dinner in Los Angeles? With so many amazing eateries in and around LA, deciding on the ideal place for a celebration can be overwhelming.
To help you narrow it down and plan the perfect event, we’ve rounded up 23 of the best birthday dinner restaurants in Los Angeles, with something for all tastes. From Korean barbecue spots to upscale restaurants serving modern American cuisine, you’ll find a venue on our list to suit every budget and party size.
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23 Best Birthday Dinner Restaurants in Los Angeles
1. Carousel
Family-run favorite Carousel is an excellent birthday venue, offering big-hearted vibes and plates heaped high with delicious Middle Eastern mezze.
The Vibe
The original Carousel has been helping locals to celebrate birthday dinners in Los Angeles since 1984. There are now several Carousel locations across the city and all have a casual, neighborhood eatery vibe.
What to Order
The Carousel Party Menu includes a selection of their top-rated dishes, from sarma (stuffed vine leaves) to fatayer (pan-fried cheese turnovers) and classic falafel. It’s a must-order to get a taste of as many excellent dishes as possible.
Carousel | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Jilli
Located in Koreatown, Jilli is a cool and fresh spot that’s ideal for a chilled-out birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
The vibe at Jilli is relaxed with some late '90s and early Noughties tunes in the background and a mixture of bar and table seating.
What to Order
Starting with honey butter potato chips is highly recommended. Next, try the rigatoni alla kimchi vodka, a Korean twist on the classic rigatoni alla vodka, and the Chimmelier KFC, a spicy twist on fried chicken. As many of the dishes here are made for sharing, get a variety and enjoy amongst your group.
Jilli | 3905 W. Sixth St., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
3. Uchi
Uchi is an upscale Japanese restaurant in West Hollywood that’s the perfect setting for a refined birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
This elegant venue has a sophisticated feel with a mixture of table and bench seating and a tasteful, nature-inspired aesthetic.
What to Order
Top choices from the menu include the salmon sashimi and the pork belly katsu with pickled cucumber, fried egg and miso. If you’re looking to splurge, go with the omakase menu, which features 10 courses chosen by the chef. Save room for the signature fried milk dessert as well.
Uchi | 9001 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 101, West Hollywood, CA 90069 | $$
4. Bacari Silverlake
Celebrate craft beer-loving friends with a birthday dinner at Los Angeles’ Bacari Silverlake. Serving Venetian-inspired dishes, signature cocktails and beers from around the world, this is a slam-dunk choice for both intimate dinners and larger group meals.
The Vibe
The inviting vibe at Bacari is accentuated by distressed wood floors, exposed stone and lots of foliage. If you can, reserve a table in the courtyard for your birthday dinner in Los Angeles — the trees and lights make a charming atmosphere.
What to Order
Choose the scallops served with carrot and parsnip purée for a sweet and savory taste explosion. The Hunter’s Mac and Cheese topped with toasted panko and white truffle oil is another exquisite option that’s worthy of a celebration.
Bacari Silverlake | 3626 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 | $$
5. OyBar
Looking for a place for a birthday dinner in Los Angeles with a speakeasy slash dive bar vibe? Then you have to check out OyBar, a well-loved and super trendy eatery in Studio City. Just note that this spot is generally walk-in only. There are a few open reservations each day, but it may not be the best choice for larger groups.
The Vibe
OyBar exudes cool vibes with black and red décor and pools of illumination made from string lights. The main focus is the bar, but there are several tables for intimate birthday dinners.
What to Order
The Oy Burger gets very good reviews and comes with hoisin ketchup and Dijon mustard for a sweet and spicy hit. The quesadillas are another popular option. Being a bar, don’t miss out on some of the unique cocktails and other mixed drinks as well.
OyBar | 12446 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604 | $-$$
6. Homage Brewing
Treat the lager lover in your life to an unforgettable birthday dinner in Los Angeles at Homage Brewing in Chinatown, a trendy brewery with great food and even better drinks.
The Vibe
Homage Brewing has a funky vibe that makes it one of the most fun restaurants in Los Angeles to visit. There’s outdoor seating to enjoy the sunshine or you can head indoors to soak up the minimalist interiors and listen to the DJ.
What to Order
To accompany your beer, you have to order a smash burger with two patties, cheese, pickles and relish. Alternatively, try out the masa battered fried chicken for a new twist on a bar classic.
Homage Brewing | 219 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | $-$$
7. Bavel
Celebrate your special day by visiting Chef Ori Menashe’s sequel restaurant to the popular Bestia. Bavel retains its predecessor’s vibe and has a similar Mediterranean menu that’s ideal for a memorable and delicious birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Bavel has a fresh and sunny interior with bare brick walls, trendy fixtures and lots of foliage. If you're after birthday ideas in Los Angeles that allow you to celebrate in style with a small group of friends, planning a dinner at Bavel is one of the top options.
What to Order
The freshly grilled seafood is a real taste of sunshine but the duck hummus and pita also come very highly recommended. Being a mezze-inspired spot, this is another birthday restaurant in Los Angeles where getting a variety of dishes for the table is the best idea.
Bavel | 500 Mateo St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | $$$
8. Bludso’s BBQ
Helmed by Kevin Bludso, a regular judge on the Netflix show “The American BBQ Showdown,” Bludso’s BBQ is a fantastic spot for a fiery birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Fancy this eatery is not. However, if you’ve got a pal who loves freshly grilled meat and a laid-back vibe, then Bludso’s will be the perfect setting for their next birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
What to Order
The Bludso Party Tray is a great choice for a large group birthday dinner in Los Angeles. It feeds up to 15 people and features brisket, pulled pork, hot links, ribs, a whole chicken and plenty of sides.
Bludso’s BBQ | Multiple locations | $-$$
9. Lasita
Chilled-out wine bar and Filipino rotisserie Lasita in Chinatown is a great destination for birthday dinners in Los Angeles if you’re planning a smaller event but still want to drink and dine surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere.
The Vibe
Decked out in green, Lasita features simple and functional interiors that let you concentrate on the food and the conversation.
What to Order
Regulars rave about the pork belly lechon and the Pancit Kang Kong, featuring noodles with water spinach, garlic and chile. For dessert, you’ve got to try the Laroolou Calamansi Cream Pie with a moreish cracker crust and sweet custard filling.
Lasita | 727 N. Broadway, Ste. 120, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | $$
10. The Sisters Café
The Sisters Café serves up delicious and innovative Vietnamese dishes in a modern restaurant on Sunset Boulevard, making this a super choice for a birthday dinner in Los Angeles for lovers of Asian cuisine with a twist.
The Vibe
Despite being slightly unassuming from the outside, the interior of The Sisters Café is bright and modern. Step inside and you’ll discover a chilled-out vibe and a space covered with decorative wood-paneled walls and natural touches, including lots of greenery.
What to Order
Check out the pho dumpling dish with vegetables and mushrooms and the bánh xèo chay, a light and tasty Vietnamese crêpe. If you don’t fancy birthday cake, then the delicately aromatic and satisfying mango sticky rice makes a great alternative.
The Sisters Café | 5910 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | $$
11. Santuari
Boasting a reputation as one of the best Mediterranean restaurants for fine dining birthday dinners in Los Angeles, Santauri is a beloved secret among LA residents.
The Vibe
Elegantly appointed dining rooms set in vaulted stone arches create a sophisticated and magical vibe for your next birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
What to Order
The Mediterranean menu is full of hits but regulars love the grilled branzino and the crab fettuccine with mascarpone and citrus breadcrumbs. The asparagus with burrata is also a popular choice. If dining in a larger group, ordering a selection of small plates and mains to share is an excellent way to go.
Santauri | 6711 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068 | $$
12. Park’s BBQ
Situated in Koreatown, Park’s BBQ is a trendy venue that’s ideal for both a big group birthday dinner in Los Angeles and lovers of Korean barbecue joints.
The Vibe
Park’s BBQ has a bustling and friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of seating options for all group sizes and the grill-at-your-table setup keeps things fun and interactive.
What to Order
For an indulgent birthday dinner in Los Angeles, order the Park’s specialty Gal-Bi, which features prime short rib beef cooked in an award-winning barbecue sauce. You could also splurge on the Taste of Park’s BBQ option, which includes a variety of the most popular barbecue meats.
Park’s BBQ | 955 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90006 | $$
13. Girl & The Goat
Helmed by Stephanie Izard, Girl & The Goat is a sunny eatery that brings its Chicago roots to the West Coast in an upmarket space that’s a fabulous setting for a fun birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Girl & The Goat has a trendy feel that’s open and inviting. The interior is filled with natural materials, wicker chairs and blonde wood, all of which perfectly complement the laid-back dining experience offered here.
What to Order
Girl & The Goat is one of the very best restaurants for birthday dinners in Los Angeles for foodies and ordering a selection of dishes is recommended. If you can’t decide, the sticky glazed pork shank or confit goat belly are mouth-wateringly tender and full of flavor. The chickpea fritters are very popular as well.
Girl & The Goat | 555-3 Mateo St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | $$-$$$
14. Traktir
Traktir is the ideal place to gather with friends and enjoy a few drinks and good food, making this the perfect base for a chilled-out birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
There are two Traktir locations in LA and both have a distinctive Eastern European personality mixed with a cozy pub feel.
What to Order
The Special Banquet Menu includes blintzes, chicken shashlik and zingy picked vegetables. Plus, you can toast your day with a glass of homemade vodka infused with raspberry or, interestingly, horseradish.
Traktir | Multiple locations | $$-$$$
15. Mel’s Drive-In
Mel’s Drive-In is a certified Hollywood legend (it’s even appeared in a few movies) that will make any birthday dinner in Los Angeles feel like a celeb party.
The Vibe
Mel’s is super relaxed and will transport you straight to the 1950s with its neon sign, rockabilly hits on the jukebox and booth seating. Stopping by this renowned location is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles and heading by for your birthday will add a fun retro twist to your special day.
What to Order
For a real A-list birthday dinner in Los Angeles, you can’t top the Mel’s Burger and a chocolate shake that you definitely deserve (after all, birthdays come around but once a year).
Mel’s Drive-In | Multiple locations | $-$$
16. Casa Sanchez
For a birthday dinner in Los Angeles that’s perfect for Mexican food fans, look no further than Casa Sanchez, a charming Mexican eatery in the Del Rey neighborhood.
The Vibe
Casa Sanchez is housed in a Spanish Mission Revival building and has a celebratory, rustic atmosphere that's just right for a birthday dinner in Los Angeles. Plus, there’s live mariachi music six nights a week to add to the fiesta feel!
What to Order
This is the perfect place to share a delectable platter of tacos or fajitas with friends. There’s a great selection of vegetarian dishes as well.
Casa Sanchez | 4500 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066 | $$
17. Granville
Mixing contemporary vibes and a menu full of reimagined American staples, Granville is the perfect setting for a relaxed birthday dinner in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Granville is a newer eatery but has quickly become one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. It’s housed in a funky building with upscale interiors that are stylish and understated.
What to Order
Granville specializes in using locally sourced ingredients to create both shareable and individual dishes, including the perfect for two Uptown Mac and Cheese or the not-for-sharing wagyu beef stroganoff. No matter what you get, accompany your meal with a few cocktails for the full Granville experience.
Granville | 8701 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048 | $$$
18. The Six
Perfect for those looking for a seasonally inspired birthday dinner in Los Angeles, The Six focuses on local ingredients transformed into mouth-watering dishes.
The Vibe
The Six is a perfect spot for big birthday dinners in Los Angeles with space for up to 125 guests. The interiors are elegant and modern but welcoming at the same time.
What to Order
The upmarket gastropub-style menu features lots of classics, from fried pickles and chicken wings to the signature Six Burger or a short rib grilled cheese for your main dish. With so many comfort food classics, you’re sure to have a delicious birthday meal no matter what you go for.
The Six | 10668 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 | $$
19. Jewel
The bright and friendly Jewel is the ideal spot for the best birthday dinner in Los Angeles if you want a lot of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Even meat eaters love this eatery for its fresh and innovative cuisine.
The Vibe
Take your celebration al fresco at Jewel’s laid-back patio — there’s space for up to 20. Dogs are also allowed, meaning cute canine party guests can celebrate with you!
What to Order
The menu at this fun spot for birthday dinner in Los Angeles is entirely plant-based. Popular dishes include the Forbidden Fried Rice and plant-based chicken and waffles. The drinks are also excellent and there’s a tasty brunch menu if you feel like a daytime celebration instead of dinner.
Jewel | 654 N. Hoover St., Los Angeles, CA 90004 | $-$$
20. Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse
Infuse your next birthday dinner in Los Angeles with a hint of Latin spice courtesy of Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse.
The Vibe
Whether you’re planning a small celebration or a big birthday dinner in Los Angeles, Carlito’s has a welcoming and stylish feel with lots of pictures on the walls, dark wooden furniture and low lighting.
What to Order
It has to be a steak, grilled to perfection and served with an authentic chimichurri sauce. The Parrillada Argentina is perfect if you’re having trouble deciding as it comes with five different cuts of meat.
Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse | 7963 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046 | $$$
21. Providence
Gather your nearest and dearest for a birthday dinner in Los Angeles at Providence, which has been serving the finest and freshest seafood in LA for over a decade.
The Vibe
Providence has a refined, tranquil atmosphere with accents of light wood, warm walls and imaginative plating. Its unique and upscale design makes it not only an excellent setting for special birthday dinners in Los Angeles but also one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles.
What to Order
Chef Michael Cimarusti focuses on sustainability and freshness to create a tasting menu filled with sensational dishes, such as California halibut, golden Kaluga caviar and a house-made Hawaiian chocolate dessert that will have you booking your next reservation before you leave! A wine pairing is also available with the tasting menu if you want to go all out.
Providence | 5955 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | $$$
22. Cicada
Head back to a time of riotous excess, short dresses and swinging jazz dives with a birthday dinner in Los Angeles at Art Deco supper club Cicada.
The Vibe
Think "The Great Gatsby,” flappers and sultry jazz and you’ll have an idea of the vibe at Cicada’s 1920s-inspired dining room.
What to Order
Sip a signature Cicada Martini while you choose between lobster spaghetti in a creamy tomato sauce and braised short rib with roasted rosemary potatoes, among many other indulgent dishes.
Cicada | 617 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 | $$-$$$
23. 71Above
If you’re looking for an impressive backdrop to your birthday dinner in Los Angeles, you can’t beat 71Above. With stunning 360-degree views over the city and a fabulous menu, this is one of the most spectacular rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles that will surely impress your birthday guests.
The Vibe
Located on the 71st floor of an LA skyscraper, this upmarket venue will guarantee a memorable rooftop birthday dinner in Los Angeles. While not marveling at the views, you can enjoy the highest-quality service and a refined, sleek and contemporary interior design.
What to Order
The menu focuses on fresh, modern American cooking, with dishes like grilled octopus and bacon-wrapped pork loin available. You can also indulge in caviar service and there’s a smoked chocolate marquise to finish that’s better than any birthday cake.
71Above | 633 W. Fifth St., 71st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | $$$
Other Foodie Experiences in Los Angeles
Going out for dinner is one of the best birthday ideas, but if you’re looking for something different, why not select one of the world-class private chefs in Los Angeles to cook at your house? They’ll devise a menu that’s tailored to the guest of honor and will even clear up afterward! It’s a perfect way to get a restaurant-quality meal in a relaxed atmosphere and makes a very special gift for any birthday.
If you’re struggling to decide between birthday restaurant venues, then you could also consider joining fun food tours in Los Angeles. Showcasing the best bites in every neighborhood, food tours offer a great way to get to know new eateries for locals and visitors.
Whether you’re planning a small birthday bash with family or going all in with a fine dining experience, the City of Angels has lots of options. Use our list of the top 23 best venues for birthday dinners in Los Angeles and make it a celebration to remember!
For even more ways to explore Los Angeles and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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