The Most Eclectic Steakhouses in Los Angeles
The City of Angeles proudly claims the title as one of America’s most culturally and ethnically diverse cities, something that manifests as one of the most multifaceted restaurant scenes in the country. With so many residents bringing their own heritage and culture to the city, Los Angeles is the ultimate melting pot. This is certainly true of its steakhouses, too, which go far beyond the standard American fare with influences from Asia, Latin America and beyond. Here are some of the best ethnic-inspired steakhouses in Los Angeles.
BOA Steakhouse: For a glimpse into this iconic steakhouse’s ethnic stylings, just glimpse at its steak selections. From all-American tomahawk chops and Kansas City filets to Japanese Wagty, Cajun rib-eyes and classic French-style steak frites, the options really run the gamut. And that’s the tip of the iceberg, too. The rest of the menu bounces all over the globe, a true melting pot of a menu indicative of Los Angeles’ dining populace. Dishes range from smoked beef carpaccio and French onion soup to goat cheese baklava, Chilean sea bass, Nova Scotia lobster tail, black truffle gnocchi and much more.
Baltaire: In Brentwood, this ritzy go-to plays it pretty close to the chest with classic French fare. Veering in more of an old-school, buttery direction, the restaurant outfits its menu with diet-defying dishes you’d expect to find in a Parisian bistro, like steak tartare, foie gras, Burgundy escargots, French onion soup gratinee topped with aged Comte, king crab Louie salad, caviar service and lobster Thermidor with all the classic fixins’ of mushrooms, brandy and Parmesan cheese.
Red O: Considering the chef running the show here is Rick Bayless, a celebrity in his own right and famed for his novel takes on Mexican cuisine, it’s safe to expect that Red O is far from typical. Indeed, the popular restaurant features a splashy Mexican-accented take on the steakhouse template. After all, it’s not too often a steak restaurant features appetizers like corn and goat cheese tamales and short rib sopes. Even the steaks are far from straightforward, with accents like chipotle crema atop an 8-oz. skirt steak and grilled Mexican knob onions and cotija mashed potatoes with filet mignon.
Chianina Steakhouse: If there’s a country that loves beef as much as America does, it’s Italy. So you can rest assured knowing that this Italian-inspired steakhouse is worth your while. Chianina skews contemporary with novel takes on Italian flavors, starting with small plates like poached egg-topped mushroom crostini and butter-poached crab chitarra, or foie gras in duck broth with beets and cabbage. The Florentine steak is the way to go for your entree, or one of the restaurant’s Piedmontese beef selections, like a 15-oz. Delmonico. Of course, this being an Italian steakhouse, you’d be remiss in not trying at least one of their exemplary pastas, like smoked clam carbonara or the beef bolognese.
Jar: Don’t be fooled by all the bearnaise or the popular fixtures like “Fried Chicken Sundays.” Jar flies under the radar when it comes to its Asian-inspired dishes. The Hollywood steakhouse is definitely eclectic, drawing inspiration from all over the map, but its Asian-leaning creations are underrated menu stars. Start with tempura squash blossoms with spicy ponzu and lemongrass chicken with kaffir lime leaf. The char siu pork chop is another sterling starter, especially when served with a side of duck fried rice or Brussels sprouts kimchi.
