LaBoucherie Archives

Circa Reveals 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards

Calling all wine lovers! More than 4,000 dining spots, from all 50 U.S. states and more than 85 countries, were honored for excellence in their wine lists, cellars and service by the 2026 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. But the most exciting news is that nine winners are right here in DTLA, many not far from Circa. Awards are given across three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award (which went to only two restaurants, one in California and the other in Spain). Award of Excellence winners generally have a wine list of at least 100 vintages, while Best of Award of Excellence winners generally have at least 350 selections. So get ready to sip, savor and swirl at these coveted dining destinations that share a dedication to wine!

Mastro's Ocean Club Wine Spectator Award winner located at Circa in Downtown Los Angeles

Mastro’s Ocean Club DTLA 1200 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Best of Award of Excellence Savor a wine and dine experience that blends modern elegance with classic indulgence at Mastro’s elegant Downtown L.A. location, conveniently located on the ground floor of Circa. Elevated cuisine and refined ambiance come together to create an evening meant for unforgettable moments. Pair your meal with a curated selection of wines chosen to complement every moment, turning dinner into an adventure and the occasion into something truly special. Mastro’s offers nightly live entertainment to enhance your dining experience. Enjoy an inviting atmosphere while top local musicians keep things lively.

San Laurel at Conrad Los Angeles Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

San Laurel at Conrad Los Angeles 100 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Award of Excellence Enter a Michelin-rated dining experience from Chef José Andrés, offering the flavors of Spain as seen through a California lens. The menu highlights the beautiful ingredients of the abundant Golden State, with dishes from the land and sea. Indulge in an intimate Chef’s Table experience featuring sustainably farmed produce, meats, and artisanal cheeses. Learn from culinary masters trained by renowned Chef Jose Andres in this interactive experience, and elevate your meal with a pour from San Laurel’s extensive wine list.

71Above Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

71Above 633 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Best of Award of Excellence In the heart of downtown Los Angeles and almost 1,000 feet above ground level, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi, with spectacular 360° views from Malibu to Laguna Hills and the surrounding mountain ranges. Executive Chef Javier Lopez prepares elevated seasonal modern American cuisine with a variety of dining experiences. Guests are able to dine within the buzz of the bar, the relaxed bistro-style lounge, or the lively main dining room. The award-winning wine list features sommelier selections from the world’s premier vintages.

Manuela restaurant Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Manuela 907 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Award of Excellence Situated at the Hauser & Wirth art complex in the Downtown LA Arts District, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California. Serving a wide range of vegetables, grains, fish, and game, Manuela also features an exemplary bar program, which serves classic cocktails using house-made bitters and tonics. Local beers are on tap, while the carefully selected wine list is designed to pair with the smoke and acid at the heart of Manuela’s menu.

LA Prime Steakhouse Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Prime Steakhouse 404 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Best of Award of Excellence Located on the 35th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, with spectacular panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, LA Prime Steakhouse is an award-winning restaurant that’s received honors such as Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. The menu offers a refined steakhouse experience rooted in premium cuts, timeless technique, and elevated presentation. Recognized as a standout among restaurants that Los Angeles diners seek for special occasions, LA Prime showcases wet-aged prime beef, seasonal fish, fresh shellfish, and refined wine pairings for unforgettable evenings.

La Boucherie Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

La Boucherie InterContinental Hotel 900 Wilshire Blvd. Floor 71, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Best of Award of Excellence Welcome to the pinnacle of Los Angeles dining! La Boucherie, the acclaimed downtown Los Angeles steak and seafood restaurant, invites diners to the 71st floor to savor a selection of impeccably-prepared classics. Discover immaculate steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list of more than 1,200 bottles. With its unmatched ambiance and pulse-quickening views, La Boucherie is an ideal place for special occasions, celebrations, and romantic meals. Private dining is also available.

Majordomo restaurant Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Majordomo 1725 Naud St. Los Angeles 90012

Best of Award of Excellence Ensconced inside a former warehouse on the edge of Chinatown, Majordōmo delivers a singular take on Asian cuisine, offering noodles and creatively prepared meat and fish in an industrial-chic space. They aim to source a broad range of artisanal wines from producers whose ecological values and commitment to deliciousness match their own. The sommelier team would love to help you select the perfect bottle for your experience.

Kato restaurant Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Kato Restaurant 777 S Alameda St. Building 1 Suite 114, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Best of Award of Excellence Helmed by Jon Yao, Kato is an Omakase-style Taiwanese restaurant. Kato has garnered virtually every acclaim a restaurant could want, from 3x #1 winner of Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants List and a coveted Michelin star. Yao was awarded Food and Wine Best New Chef in 2018 and in 2024 was listed in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants as “One to Watch”. Even the drinks at Kato are award winning, earning a Michelin “Exceptional Cocktail” award. In 2025, Kato was ranked #26 on the list of the 50 best restaurants in North America.

M Grill Wine Spectator Award winner near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

M Grill 3832 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010

Best of Award of Excellence At M Grill, you’ll discover a premium Brazilian steakhouse experience built around craftsmanship, hospitality, and the timeless tradition of Brazilian churrasco. Their gauchos carve prime-grade meats, aged 21 to 45 days, directly at your table while guests explore the Chef’s Table of seasonal accompaniments and an award-winning wine collection of more than 400 labels. For over two decades, M Grill has been a destination for those who appreciate exceptional ingredients, attentive service, and the pleasure of gathering around a remarkable meal.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: La Boucherie

Photo #2: Mastro’s Ocean Club

Photo #3: San Laurel at Conrad Los Angeles

Photo #4: 71Above

Photo #5: Manuela

Photo #6: LA Prime Steakhouse

Photo #7: La Boucherie

Photo #8: Majordomo

Photo #9: Kato

Photo #10: M Grill

Calling All Carnivores! Where to Get Your Protein Fix in DTLA

Let’s face it, sometimes you just want to sink your teeth into a juicy burger or succulent steak! Go ahead and indulge your carnivorous cravings. Meat has all the nine essential amino acids you need in order to build and rebuild every cell in your body. A satisfying meat-a-palooza also makes you feel better, by boosting pleasure-inducing dopamine and soothing serotonin.

Whether you prefer a classic burger, hearty Brazilian-style feast, smoky BBQ chow-down, or an elegant steakhouse dinner, you can eat your fill of meaty goodness in DTLA. Meat not your thing, but you still want to tag along with your friends? You’ll never starve in this town! Scan the menu for fresh salads, veggie burgers, healthy sides – and save room for dessert!

Cassell’s Hamburgers DTLA 421 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Fans of Cassell’s Hamburgers in mid-Wilshire have reason to rejoice! Late last year, founders Christian Page, Jingbo Lou, and Elia Aboumrad completed their takeover of the former Pellicola Pizzeria in Downtown LA, conveniently located right next to the iconic Golden Gopher bar. Cassell’s downtown outpost features their renowned patty melt, along with some new menu items, such as chicken cutlet sandwich on ciabatta roll, hoagie with nitrate-free meats and provolone, and ice cream shakes using McConnell’s ice cream.

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse 518 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse is a new take on Brazilian food, brimming with healthful recipes. The restaurant was founded by Henrique Huyer with the mission of bringing authentic, traditional Brazilian barbecue from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. to the American market. H&H is committed to working with only the best suppliers, serving top-quality organic, grass-fed meat and local produce that you can enjoy with unique wines from South America. The menu caters to nearly every food preference with a variety of beef, lamb, pork and chicken dishes. The extensive salad bar presents gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings as well.

L.A. Brisket 736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A popular destination originating in Artesia, L.A. Brisket recently opened a spiffy brick-and-mortar location in Chinatown. The restaurant specializes in hand crafted snadwiches loaded with all natural meat sold by the pound, with house BBQ sauce and bread. The menu offers brisket, chicken, pulled pork, pork ribs, and BBQ Bowls served with LA slaw, salsa verde, garlic, and jasmine rice. Sides include elote (grilled Mexican corn), French fries, truffle fries, and sweet potato fries.

Moo’s Craft BBQ at Smorgasburg 787 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Perhaps the best underground barbecue cooking in Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue is smoking up a storm every Sunday at Smorgasburg ROW DTLA. The Texas-styled menu includes classics like ribs and brisket, with owners Michelle and Andrew Muñoz at the helm. Launched in June of 2016, Smorgasburg LA has become the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, attracting 8,000 to 12,000 attendees every Sunday, year round. Located on the five-acre site of the weekday 7th Street Produce Market in ROW DTLA, Smorgasburg LA features over 90 food vendors, a beer garden offering local craft beer and micheladas, live DJs, cultural events, pop-ups, and sophisticated shopping including design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Love Hour at Smorgasburg 787 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

While you’re at Smorgasburg, be sure to stop by Love Hour – featuring the smash-style patty that has become the new standard for street and backyard pop ups around town. The first permanent burger tent at Smorgasburg, Love Hour offers a minimalist menu comprised of single and double patty smash burgers and fries. The meat is pressed thin and cooked on a grill at a high heat, which sears in the flavor and creates a delicious crusty exterior.

Belcampo Meat Co., butcher shop and restaurant at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA.

Belcampo Meat Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Part country cafe and part full-service butcher shop, Belcampo Meat presents organic, grass-fed meats that have been raised on their own 10,000 acre ranch near Mount Shasta, and custom-butchered in house. Grab a seat at their modern-meets-retro counter service diner for breakfast or lunch. Indulge in the signature organic grass-fed burgers while people watching and enjoying a glass of beer or wine. Or stop by after work to pick up their ever-changing rotation of Grab & Go foods, or convenient reheat & eat options to bring home for dinner.

La Boucherie 900 Wilshire Blvd Fl 71 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Elevate your evening with an unforgettable dinner at La Boucherie at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, which occupies 37 floors of the Wilshire Grand Center. The Wine Spectator award-winning steakhouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles and a delectable menu featuring reimagined dishes, premium steaks, and first-rate seafood sourced from around the globe. The restaurant also features a cheese cave and charcuterie atelier, complemented by offerings from the extensive, award-winning wine list of 1,200 different types, all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of private dining rooms or discrete Starlight Booths.

Cole’s French Dip 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Cole’s, Originator of the French Dip Sandwich, opened in 1908 in the Pacific Electric building. Evoking the spirit of an early 20th century saloon, the welcoming 40-foot Red Car Bar boasts original glass lighting, penny tile floors, and historic photos, preserved in the restoration of the cherished landmark. During Prohibition, Cole’s was a favorite hangout for gangsters like Mickey Cohen (If you were a regular customer, your “coffee” came with a little something extra!). Today, continuing the tradition of the Golden Age of American cocktails, the Red Car Bar’s ample selection of premium spirits, drafts, and historic cocktails compliment the saloon’s classic French Dip sandwiches, appetizers, salads and sides.

A Little Romance: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in DTLA

There’s something about Valentine’s Day that brings out the romance in all of us! February 14 first became associated with romantic love in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th century England, Valentine’s Day evolved into an occasion where lovers expressed their affection by presenting flowers, confectionery, and greeting cards, known as Valentines.

This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to knock it out of the park! From dazzling celebrations soaring above the LA skyline, to elegant dinners, and cool retro entertainment, DTLA has a little romance for lovers everywhere.

71Above 633 W. 5th Street, 71st Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071

Take Valentine’s Day to new heights! Towering over downtown LA on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Offering elevated modern American cuisine by Chef Vartan Abgaryan, 71Above boasts breathtaking ocean views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, along with spectacular views of the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. Guests may choose to dine within the buzz of the bar or in the adjacent lively main dining room. The Chef’s tables offer views of the open kitchen and transition into a semi-private dining area, offering a quieter and more intimate dining environment. For diners seeking the ultimate in privacy, 71Above offers one large and two small private dining rooms overlooking Dodger Stadium. For Valentine’s Day, 71Above is offering a sumptuous Four Course Dinner with Optional Wine Pairing.

OUE Skyspace LA 633 W 5th St #840 Los Angeles, CA 90071

Skyspace Los Angeles is ready to make your Valentine’s Day memorable with their Toast From The Top package! Located at the very top of the U.S. Bank Tower, the Skyspace observation deck sits 1,000 feet about the city and provides breathtaking views. Your Toast From The Top package includes:Two General Admission tickets, Two Rides on the all-glass Skyslide (one per ticket), Two Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Your choice of 2 glasses or a bottle of champagne. Buy tickets here.

Cicada Restaurant and Club 617 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Make history this Valentine’s Day! Cicada Restaurant and Club presents their Valentine’s Dinner Dance at the historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu at this glamorous venue, and dance the night away with Jack’s Cats Swing Quartet. $95 per person, tax and gratuity not included.

Faith & Flower 705 W 9th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Indulge your Valentine with a romantic Three Course Pre-Fixe Menu at Faith & Flower, a contemporary Los Angeles restaurant located in the WaterMarke Tower in DTLA’s South Park district. Inspired by a global influence of flavors and techniques, complemented by the use of a wood-fired oven and pristine raw bar, the menu redefines Californian rustic cuisine. The cocktail program celebrates the drinking culture spanning the Gilded Age and Roaring Twenties in Downtown Los Angeles, and features cocktails with long-forgotten ingredients as well as modern signature drinks.

Mrs. Fish 448 S. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

There’s nothing fishy about Valentine’s Day! With every detail in place, Mrs. Fish welcomes diners and drinkers to experience modern Japanese cuisine and a robust whisky program in a stunningly designed, art-filled DTLA oasis. Located 15 floors below Perch (same ownership), Mrs. Fish combines food, art from the hottest galleries in Tokyo, and drink to create an unparalleled dining and drinking experience in an immersive environment that is at once Zen-like and provocative. $70/person. Additionally, they’ll offer four seats for a more attentive, seven-course kaiseki experience at the omakase bar. $238/couple.

La Boucherie 900 Wilshire Blvd Fl 71 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Elevate your evening this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable dinner at La Boucherie at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, which occupies 37 floors of the Wilshire Grand Center. The Wine Spectator award-winning steakhouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, live music, and delectable tasting menus curated by Executive Chef Igor Krichmar. Optional wine pairings are available, as well as private and group seating options. Dinner at La Boucherie includes complimentary access to Spire 73’s Cupid’s Club event, featuring a live DJ, complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon, and a variety of lounge experiences. Enhance your evening even more with the Romance Package, which includes overnight accommodations at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Chocolate covered strawberries with sparkling wine upon check-in, breakfast for two, and more.

Cafe Pinot 700 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Named “Most Romantic Restaurant.” by L.A. Downtown News. Cafe Pinot is a California French-inspired restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles offering twinkle-lit outdoor dining on the garden patio. This Valentine’s Day, celebrate your love of food with a special menu by Executive Chef Phillip Martin. $70 Three-Course & $85 Four-Course Menus.

Le Petit Paris 418/420 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nothing says romance quite like France! Le Petit Paris comes from Cannes-based restaurateurs David and Fanny Rolland, owners of Miramar Plage on La Croisette and the original Le Petit Paris, both located in Cannes. The restaurant is housed in Downtown Los Angeles’ historic El Dorado building, originally built in 1913 and features multiple skylights, a mezzanine level, a lounge, a room dedicated to date night goers, “La Boutique,” a gift shop with artisanal goods from France and a large outdoor patio. Le Petit paris offers dishes from the South of France and provides a true French brasserie dining experience to Downtown LA’s Historic Core.