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Top 15 Restaurants in Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a neighborhood on the eastside of Los Angeles where you can experience the hipster culture in all its glory. There are all sorts of artisanal coffee shops, art venues, and even a fun Indie music scene, but what I love most about this city is what it offers in terms of restaurants. When I went to Silver Lake, I made it my mission to find all the best places to eat around the city, and I did not come back empty-handed. Actually, it was quite the opposite.

dinner served at a restaurants in silver lake

I found a whole list of restaurants that I think everyone should try, so I put them all together in a handy guide for all my fellow foodies out there.


Pine & Crane

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-668-1128
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The first place I want to draw your attention to is called Pine & Crane. This restaurant specializes in Taiwanese fare and they do it better than anyone else in town, if you ask me. You can check this place out off of Griffith Park Boulevard, just north of the Micheltorena Stairs.

When you get here, I suggest trying the garlic pork belly to get you started, but then I really think you should go for the minced pork on rice or the dan dan noodles. Of course, there are plenty of other authentic Taiwanese dishes to choose from that are sure to please.


Botanica Restaurant and Market

1620 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-522-6106
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Not far south from the Silverlake Dog Park on Silver Lake Boulevard is a place called Botanica Restaurant and Market that you’re going to want to make plans to visit. I love coming here for their dinner menu, but they open up early at 9 AM, so you can come get a delicious breakfast or lunch here as well.

My favorite part about Botanica Restaurant and Market is that they have an extensive selection of organic bottles of wine to choose from. As a wine-lover, I found myself in heaven looking at the menu, but it sure was hard to pick just one bottle.


Alimento

1710 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-928-2888
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Up next is a charming Italian bistro called Alimento that everyone is going to love. Look for Alimento off of Silver Lake Boulevard near the Los Angeles I’m Yours “Je t’aime” Staircase and the Silverlake Recreation Center. If you’re feeling hungry after a day at the park, then this is a great stop for dinner.

Whenever I come to Alimento, which is as often as I can, I usually find myself drawn towards the pasta portion of the menu, but they also offer a mouth-watering Snake River Farms tri-tip that’s rubbed with porcini for an absolutely wonderful flavor.


Bowery Bungalow

4156 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: 323-663-1500
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This next place is called Bowery Bungalow and they’re a Middle Eastern restaurant that’s ideal for anyone looking to experience something a little different. Of course, if you’ve never had Middle Eastern cuisine before, then this is a great place to start when you’re in Los Angeles.

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Bowery Bungalow is a low-key spot that’s tucked away near the suburbs of Silver Lake that specializes in North African fare. They serve an incredible Istanbul-style lamb sandwich that comes with labneh, cilantro, and onion served on a pita. Don’t be afraid to try something new when you come here, it’s all delicious.


Same Same Thai

2835 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 213-273-8424
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Now, for some Thai food. Same Same Thai is one of my go-to spots for Thai food in Silver Lake and for very good reasons. There’s no other place that I can think of serving Thai cuisine better than this restaurant.

What I love the most from Same Same is the curry, hands down. They offer both red and green curry with the option of shrimp, beef, fish, pork, chicken, veggies, and even tofu.

Be sure to check out their selection of wine and beer as well to have something refreshing with your meal. Check out Same Same Thai off of Sunset Boulevard, just north of the Olive Motel.


Millie’s Cafe

3524 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-664-0404
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Millie’s Cafe is another must-visit spot for anyone in the Silver Lake area of LA. This charming little cafe has been open since 1926, so you know they’re doing something right to have stayed around for so long. That’s almost 100 years of serving the community delicious food.

This is my go-to breakfast spot when I’m nearby and I’m feeling hungry. My favorite things to order from Millie’s are the omelettes, but whenever I’m in the mood for a burger, this is also where I find myself stopping sometimes. They even offer vegan options for both their burgers and omelettes!


Silverlake Ramen

2927 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-660-8100
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This next place is a strip mall ramen joint called Silverlake Ramen that I don’t think many people know about. This low-key spot is guaranteed to satisfy all of your ramen cravings, so definitely stop by if you find yourself in the area.

What I usually order from Silverlake Ramen is the tonkotsu spicy ramen, but the shoyu ramen is simply divine as well. Whatever you order, you know it’s going to be good since they boil their ramen for 13 hours to ensure the highest-quality, authentic flavor. I really can’t recommend this place enough.


Burgers Never Say Die

2388 Glendale Blvd Unit A, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Phone: 323-922-6161
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Just east of the Silver Lake Meadows park off of Glendale Boulevard is a place called Burgers Never Say Die. This is the ultimate spot to visit for the burger of your dreams, trust me. Look for them right across the street from the Neutra Institute Gallery & Museum.

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When you get here, you just have to get a burger. It’s the only way to go, really. These burgers are unlike any I’ve tried before and I usually end up ordering at least two of them. As if that wasn’t enough, I never can resist their French fries with cheese on them.


El Cochinito

3508 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-668-0737
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Up next, we have a family-owned and operated Cuban restaurant called El Cochinito. This place specializes in the classic slow-roasted Cuban pork as well as all the other amazing, traditional fare you would expect from a top-notch Cuban joint.

I simply cannot come to El Cochinito without ordering a Cubano sandwich. In my opinion, you will not find a better Cuban sandwich than El Cochinito’s outside of Tampa, Florida where the sandwich is said to have originated. They have a large menu here, however, so if a sandwich doesn’t suit you, there is surely something else that will.


Freedman’s

2619 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 213-500-0916
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Right next to the Comfort Inn Los Angeles Near Hollywood off of Sunset Boulevard is a place called Freedman’s that you have to eat at while you’re in town. You will not find a better Jewish-American restaurant in the area, I promise. This place puts an insane amount of care into all their cuisine.

What I love most about this place is that they serve up some incredible food and craft cocktails that will make for a splendid night out. I highly recommend booking a reservation here if you’ve got a romantic evening planned and you want to make a lasting impression.


Ceviche Project

2524 1/2 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
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Not far east of the Ivanhoe Reservoir and the Silver Lake Reservoir on Hyperion Avenue is a place called Ceviche project. This Latin American restaurant is like no other when it comes to artisan ceviche. They even make it right in front of you so you can actually see how fresh it is.

Ceviche is the name of the game here, of course, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try some of the other delicacies offered at Ceviche Project. The raw bar is a fantastic way to start when you come to Ceviche Project. I prefer the oysters on the half shell.


Bar Restaurant

4326 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: 323-347-5557
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Up next is Bar Restaurant, a European-influenced eatery with a gorgeous, seasonal menu that you do not want to miss out on. You can find this place off of Sunset Boulevard, right across the street from “The Bates Motel”, surrounded by other great places to eat. 

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What I think you should try when you come to Bar Restaurant is one of their classic cocktails to start with like a Manhattan or a Negroni, but that’s just to sip on while you pursue the menu. The menu is heavily influenced by French cuisine, so if that’s something you enjoy, then you are in the right place.


Eszett

3510 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-522-6323
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Another amazing place to eat in Silver Lake that you do not want to miss out on is Eszett. This restaurant is extremely unique and unlike any other places I’ve dined in the city. The menu changes frequently here at Eszett, so if you like variety, then this is the place you should be visiting every month or so to try something new.

When I had the pleasure of dining here at Eszett, I enjoyed the whole fish entree. It consists of an entire branzino fish that’s grilled over charcoal with hazelnut, herb oil, and lemon for an intricate flavor profile.


Maury’s

2829 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-380-9380
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Tucked away in the suburbs of Silver Lake is a bagel shop called Maury’s that’s absolutely ideal for anyone in search of a breakfast and lunch spot here in town. They open up early at 7 AM, so it’s perfect for any early birds out there in need of coffee and a bagel to get their day started.

What I usually find myself ordering from Maury’s is a breakfast sandwich on one of their homemade bagels. I think my favorite bagel sandwich is the lox with cream cheese, red onions, and capers, but you can build your own too.


Needle

3827 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 123-456-7890
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Wrapping things up is Needle, a phenomenal Chinese restaurant that you can find off of Sunset Boulevard and the corner of Hyperion Avenue. If you find yourself in the nearby area feeling hungry, this place is always worth a visit. Just keep an eye out for the bright green sign on the building!

Needle serves up some of the most terrific Hong Kong-style buns, as well as other traditional Chinese favorites. Everything on the menu here at Needle is so artfully-prepared and presented that you will almost feel guilty eating it, but that will only last until you’ve tasted the food.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.