JUSTIN PICHETRUNGSI

Chef and co-owner of Anajak Thai Cuisine

KINJIRO

“Honestly, you won’t ever be able to walk in here: [It’s] email reservations only, don’t call, and same-day is impossible — and if you want to come back, you best show Jun [Isogai], the owner, that you can eat and drink well too. If you pass the test, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best well-crafted izakaya cuisine that’s equally comforting. Try the warm mushroom spinach salad, the grilled beef tongue and the whole soy-mirin-braised Madai fish head. Also, the soba is delightful. Jun’s knowledge of great sake will get you to overstay your welcome. Trust me.”

424 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles, (213) 229-8200, kinjiro-la.com

KUYA LORD

“Filipino food at its best. Hands down, the tastiest food I’ve had outside of Asia. Chef Maynard [Llera] is the ultra talented big brother of the culinary scene here. His whole family will be there too. Go with a lot of friends who like to crush food because you will want to order the whole menu. The grilled prawns are [the] move to start; break your tooth with the kawali tray — crispiest pork belly known to man. And finish with tocino, grilled sweet prime short rib, guaranteed to make you lick your lips for the following week.”

5003 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, kuyalord.com

ANTICO NUOVO

“This is my secret: Walk in for a late seating, go sit at the bar — because A-listers like Meryl Streep are sitting at a table — but you actually want a frontrow seat to gawk at the hearth and chef Chad [Colby] plate up beautiful pastas. I keep it modest: I go get a couple glasses of wine and order a pasta and the ribs, and I’m the happiest person ever. Go eat all of the ice creams because I can’t. (Thank you, lactose intolerance.)”

4653 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 510-3093, antico nuovo-la.com