Are you looking for those hidden gems to try in LA? Well tucked along the coast and just a short distance from LAX, is the city of El Segundo where you will find plenty of hidden culinary treasures. From hip hole in the walls to seaside seafood restaurants and local neighborhood bistros, El Segundo’s dining scene has something for everyone. Keep scrolling to discover the Best El Segundo Restaurants and start planning your next culinary journey now.
Jame
Location: 241 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Celebrated for its simple but inventive menu based on house-made pasta and fresh, locally grown ingredients, Jame is a trendy Italian restaurant with a modern twist to classic dishes. As the first restaurant of the husband and wife restaurateur duo Jackson and Melissa Kalb, Jame presents a laid-back neighborhood atmosphere where customers are invited to enjoy family-style hospitality. It features a large outdoor patio and contemporary indoor seating, perfect for lunches, dinners, and happy hours. Among the delicious dishes on the menu are their spicy rigatoni alla vodka, meatballs made with potato puree, and paccheri pasta topped with pork sugo and fennel. On top of that, some of their popular choices for lighter meals are the kale salad with almond vinaigrette and crispy brussel sprouts. Whatever you do, save room for desserts (one of the reasons this is one of the best restaurants in El Segundo); the Nutella mascarpone cheesecake is the sweet ending you didn’t know you needed. Inclusive of various dietary restrictions, Jame also has a variety of gluten-free options.
Pro-Tip: Swing by for their Aperitivo Happy Hour between 3 and 5 pm to enjoy cocktails and yummy snacks.
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Caló Kitchen + Tequila
Location: 2191 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Caló Kitchen + Tequila, located on the busy Rosecrans Avenue corner, combines modern and traditional features for an upscale Mexican cuisine experience. The restaurant is perfect for a chic night out with friends, with its sophisticated atmosphere, including chandeliers, candles, and a cozy outdoor fireplace. Guests can enjoy carefully plated dishes on their beautifully designed ceramics, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the dining experience. Complementing light appetizers and well-crafted cocktails from the marble-top bar, the Braised Rib and Short Rib enchiladas are some local favorites. The location is also perfect for larger gatherings and celebrations as it provides spacious tables and semi-private areas. The leather-wrapped bar chairs and attentive servers dressed in formal wear enhance the atmosphere. Caló Kitchen + Tequila offers the perfect environment with their delicious cuisine and excellent service, for a laid-back evening or a festive party.
Pro-Tip: Don’t miss their veggie tacos! The fresh seasonal vegetables are expertly seasoned and packed with flavor. For an extra kick, ask for their house-made salsa on the side to compliment the tacos perfectly.
Kagura
Location: 403 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245
If you’re looking for traditional and delicious Japanese cuisine you will find it at Kagura. This cozy Japanese restaurant features authentic dishes which is known for its Tonkatsu Gozen sets. It includes deep-fried pork loin or fillet, paired with tempura, sashimi, and steamed vegetables, making these sets a favorite among regulars. Feeling fancy? Try the notable dish, Beef Steak Gozen, which has a tender ribeye including side dishes which reflect Kagura’s attention to detail. For seafood lovers, the Gindari Saikyoyaki Gozen is a must try with their black cod grilled to perfection paired with soba noodles. Aside from their signature Gozen sets, Kagura offers a wide range of noodles, sushi, and sashimi. Some of our favorites are the curry udon, dragon rolls, and albacore carpaccio. The cozy interior, with U-shaped community tables and a sushi counter, is complemented by a few outside tables for those who prefer to dine in the open air.
Pro-Tip: Opt for lunch to enjoy the same high-quality Gozen sets at a lower price.
Tapizôn
Location: 450 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Tapizôn is not your typical fusion restaurant. It’s the ultimate combination of Brazilian and Californian cuisine, and all gluten-free. Eric Petterson and Almir Araujo created this vibrant restaurant, which serves “Tropi-Cali” food that integrates Brazilian home cooking traditions with fresh California ingredients. Settle into the elegant artful interior or walk outside to the rustic patio for a beautiful and delicious dinner at one of the best restaurants in El Segundo. Tapizôn is tucked away in a nook of El Segundo, and while its exterior is simple, the food is anything but. The meal features an exciting combination of textures and flavors. Try the pão de queijo sliders with soft tapioca flour cheese bread buns, or go adventurous with the smoked brisket tapi-tacos, which combines slow-roasted beef with a punch of tabasco-glazed onions. Tapizôn’s brunch menu includes unique variations like shrimp and cream cheese-filled tapioca crêpe, and the popular feijoada, a hearty Brazilian black bean stew served with traditional side dishes.
Pro-Tip: Stop by for the Happy Hours on Tuesdays to Sundays from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Ali’i Hawaiian Grill
Location: 409 E Grand Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
If you want to savor the tropics without flying, Ali’i Hawaiian Grill is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of El Segundo, this laid-back restaurant offers some of the tastiest poké on the mainland. The owners source their fish from the Honolulu Fish Auction, ensuring it’s not just good but incredibly fresh. Many customers describe the poké that melts-in-your-mouth and bursting with umami. Don’t overlook the rest of the menu, each item transports you straight to the islands! Every dish, from Poké Nachos to Kalua Pork, embodies the aloha spirit. Also, if you judge a restaurant by its mac salad, you won’t be disappointed. You can enjoy your meal in this hidden Hawaiian gem that offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Pro-Tip: The poké bowls are so amazing that they often sell out by the evening. Swing over for lunch to beat the crowd and get your bowl before the fresh fish is gone.
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After dinner, be sure to check out the coolest things to do in LA.
