After a long day, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal in a pleasant atmosphere. If you haven’t explored Silver Lake yet, what are you waiting for? This neighborhood is truly a culinary haven! While it’s well-known for its indie music scene, art installations, and hip vibe, Silver Lake is home to many hidden gem restaurants just waiting to be uncovered along Sunset Blvd. On a lovely day, the outdoor dining options in this area are simply unforgettable. Keep scrolling to discover the fantastic restaurants in Silver Lake that you won’t want to miss.
Location: 3626 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Nestled just off Sunset Blvd, Bacari Silverlake feels like a tranquil forest escape in the city. They offer Venetian tapas, exquisite wines, and craft beers every night of the week. Following its renovation in 2021, every seat in this restaurant is surrounded by trees and gardens. Dubbed ‘The Treehouse,’ the main dining area features tables that wrap around a magnificent Southern live oak. Edison bulb string lights create a cozy ambiance perfect for brunch, happy hour, or dinner. One of the best aspects of Bacari is its versatility; it can cater to a relaxed evening with friends or a more formal setting. If you’re after a casual night out, gather around the fire pit with a few friends over craft IPAs and an Asian pear pizza. For a romantic dinner, indulge in pan-seared sea bass paired with Central Coast albariño in their intimate, speakeasy-like lounge.
Pro-Tip: For just $32 per person, they offer a 90-minute open bar with unlimited wine, beer, and sangria—a fantastic deal!
Location: 2524 1/2 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Ceviche Project, touted as having the best ceviche in Silver Lake, is a true hidden treasure. Just a mile off Sunset, this spot is tucked between a lymphatic drainage clinic and ‘K-9 Tubs’ (a pet groomer). With its vibrant purple exterior, you would never guess that upscale dining awaits inside. Upon entering, however, you’ll discover a dining experience like no other. The restaurant’s layout reflects the ceviche it serves: compact, crisp, clean, and bursting with flavor. Here, you’ll find delightful dishes like Mayan octopus and shrimp tostadas, but the standout is the scallop shooter—creamy and adorned with tangerine and pomegranate for a refreshing tang. The meticulously presented dishes showcase the artistry behind this unassuming establishment, making Ceviche Project one of LA’s best-kept secrets.
Pro-Tip: This spot only has 28 seats, making it perfect for a date or an intimate catch-up with a close friend.
Location: 3909 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Immerse yourself in civil rights history at The Black Cat, a unique gastropub in Silver Lake. This moody venue, known for hosting the first LGBTQ civil rights demonstration in February 1967, offers elevated bar bites and exquisite cocktails while honoring its storied past. As a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, The Black Cat’s charming mid-century dining room, complete with a sleek black bar, adds to your dining experience. For a complete meal, sit in the lounge where attentive servers can recommend dishes like chicken liver toast alongside one of their refreshing ‘mules,’ featuring zesty lime and ginger.
Pro-Tip: If you secure a late-night reservation, make sure to order early since the kitchen closes at midnight.
Location: 2943 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Azizam (which means “my dear” in Farsi) is the go-to Persian restaurant in Silver Lake, worth visiting come rain or shine. Although Los Angeles doesn’t often see inclement weather, what’s even rarer is authentic Iranian cuisine, especially on the east side. Azizam serves traditional dishes like maast o mousir (yogurt dip) with homemade flatbread in a casual, industrial setting. With charming pastel chairs and lush plants, the ambiance is warm and welcoming. Adding to the delightful atmosphere, their friendly service brightens up your dining experience even more.
Pro-Tip: If you’re short on time, Azizam’s takeout is just as delicious!
Location: 3926 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Disguised as an elegant European wine bar, La Pharmacie Du Vin offers light bites and perfect sips for an enjoyable afternoon with friends or a romantic evening. Resembling a villa from Marseille, this restaurant features blooming rose bushes, transporting you to a hidden escape in France. Although the menu focuses on salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie, generous portion sizes will have you bringing leftovers home. One of our favorites is their niçoise salad, which pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Gamay. If you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge, this charming restaurant also offers one-time wine tasting events and month-long packages, an excellent opportunity to enjoy food and wine with new acquaintances.
Pro-Tip: If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, check out Bar Stella next door—owned by the same team and it’s Reneé Rapp’s favorite bar in LA!
For even more dining and drinking experiences in Los Angeles, be sure to check out the best wine bars in LA.
