The 20 Best Los Angeles Restaurants According To Jonathan Gold

We've not been shy about our love for the Los Angeles food scene, which we are constantly reminded is one of the most underrated in the world. In the past, we've dropped lists noting the city's top pasta masters and ethnic bakeries and told you about flavors in the San Gabriel Valley and where to eat well around the Staples Center.

And here we are today with yet another poke-in-the-ribs notice that Los Angeles might just be the most exciting place to dine out in the country. Yes, we just went there. Over the years, Pulitzer Prize–winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold has released his yearly assessment of the city's restaurant scene, first for LA Weekly and for the past three years as part of the Los Angeles Times.

Released today, this year's rendition of Gold's annual compilation (see here for the complete list) features a variety of establishments representing a variety of cuisines sprawled across the city. For the third consecutive year, Michael Cimarusti's Providence claimed the top spot, while we were especially pleased to see our friends Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo crack the top ten once again with their restaurant Animal, as well as with Trois Mec, their collaboration with Ludo Lefebvre. Fresh off being highlighted in the new PBS show I'll Have What Phil's Having, the city's stellar taco scene was well represented, with multiple inclusions on the list. Take a look at the top 20 below: