Best Fine Dining Restaurants in East Los Angeles

For full disclosure, we were already huge fans of their Tsubaki. With Camelia, Chef Charles Namba and the superb Courtney Kaplan have created a remarkable dining experience. The menu offers choices for everyone at the table. By offering small plates or larger communal options, Camelia allows you to enjoy an exciting and delicious dinner. My husband and I happily cruised through just a small part of the menu. Starting with Chef Charles' version of Uni toast and his spin on Dungeness crab on purple yam blini, we were primed for the elevated Chicken liver mousse toast that followed. These small bites each built flavors and tastes. Our meal was further enhanced with Courtney's perfect choice of sake. Her deep knowledge and instinct for what a guest will enjoy is unique. If there is any such thing as a "Sake Sommeiler," Courtney would be the grand master. We moved to larger plates with Scallops, dashi lime cream, maitake & king trumpet mushrooms, Tokyo negi, and chestnut date purée, a series of complex tastes. And the Abalone and Florida wild pink shrimp pot pie!!! A perfect sized bowl of magic! We finished up with the Koshihikari risotto, grilled Monterey Bay squid was a perfect ending, creamy with and rich with deep flavors. The grilled squid were lightly spiced, crisp, soft and with a bit of chew all at the same time. GM Kristen Dumandan leads a warm and welcoming staff. Everyone was knowledgeable and helpful guides through the menu. Happily, dinner was perfectly paced, without more plates arriving to distract from what we were enjoying or getting cold. We didn't leave room for dessert. But we're coming back because there is so much more we want to enjoy.

SUPER IMPRESSED!!! Can’t wait to be back! The food were amazing. Our server were great as well. I believe his name is Michael. The service provided elevated our experience tonight. To the point I had to write this glowing review right away. We did the pre fixed menu. Out of everything the Tteok & Grilled King’s Cut Short Rib were the highlight of our dinner. We would come back just for those two items. Thank you for a great night!!!

What an absolutely incredible evening! The food was nothing short of sensational, the ambiance was electric, and we had an absolute blast! I can't wait to return for another unforgettable experience!

Gracious service is a lost art. Paired with food of impeccable quality and creativity, in a gorgeous setting - a rare treat. We had the omakase sushi as a late lunch and found the selections varied and plentiful and delicious. I will definitely return!

Ah, Manual LA, the hidden gem nestled in the vibrant art district where parking is a bit challenging ! Who doesn't love a limited-time weekend affair where reservations are as essential as your morning coffee? Trust me, you'll want to secure your spot in advance to avoid the dreaded waitlist of doom. As for the menu, prepare to be swept off your feet by the ocean trout tartare – it's a love letter to seafood that even Poseidon would approve of. The burrata is a creamy delight with delight cucumber that will make you question why you've ever eaten anything else. And then, there's the French toast, a carbohydrate devil that could easily moonlight as dessert. If you're someone who finds carbohydrates utterly captivating (and let's be honest, who isn't?), Manual LA is your carb-laden paradise.