Inside the secret dining spots favored by elite chefs

Learning about food from the food experts themselves

Elite chefs often share their favorite hidden spots, revealing what inspires them. From Tokyo basements to Paris markets and California coastal towns, each location offers flavors tied closely to its surroundings.

This guide highlights destinations where craft, culture, and atmosphere create unforgettable meals. You will also find reservation advice that helps you secure a seat at these highly sought-after places.

Dear John’s, Culver City, Los Angeles, USA

Chef Dana Slatkin recommends this retro steakhouse located in Culver City near the west side of Los Angeles. It preserves a classic sixties look with dim lighting, red booths, and stiff martinis.

The menu focuses on comforting favorites like ribeye steaks and shrimp cocktail. Reservations are available through OpenTable, and the online booking system is simple and reliable.

Hama Sushi, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, USA

Chef Jesus Chuy Cervantes points to this beloved sushi bar located in the heart of Little Tokyo. Its setting is small and nostalgic, and guests watch chefs prepare flawless pieces such as spot prawn nigiri served with the fried head.

Quality and freshness remain central to the experience. There are no reservations, and the restaurant operates on a walk-in basis. Arriving at opening time helps avoid long waits during busy nights.

Great N.Y. Noodletown, New York City, USA

Chef Alex Raij highlights this longtime Chinatown favorite situated near the intersection of Bowery and Bayard Street. The restaurant is open nearly all day and serves dishes like roast duck over rice, flowering garlic chives with shrimp, and crisp baby pig during daytime hours.

It reflects the vibrant food history of Lower Manhattan. There are no reservations, and the service is fast. Bring cash because cards are not accepted here.

Benu, San Francisco, California, USA

Chef Thomas Keller highlights this acclaimed restaurant in San Francisco’s SoMa district. Benu’s menu blends several Asian influences with inventive presentations, including its well-known thousand-year-old quail egg served with ginger.

The dining room offers a calm and elegant setting. Reservations are available through Tock and release daily at ten in the morning up to thirty days ahead. The tasting menu lasts about three hours.

Burdell, Oakland, California, USA

Chef Fernay McPherson recommends this North Oakland restaurant located near the Temescal area. Burdell honors soul food through a modern lens, serving standout oxtails over buttery grits with thyme-scented gravy in a lively room filled with music.

It blends comfort with technique. Reservations can be made through OpenTable, and dining room reservations are strongly suggested.

Walk-ins are welcome, and guests can contact the restaurant directly by phone or email with questions. Wait times can grow on busy evenings.

Rory’s Place, Ojai, California, USA

Chef Suzanne Tracht recommends this warm neighborhood restaurant located in downtown Ojai near the arcade. The kitchen features wood-fired dishes such as roasted half chicken with escarole and blackberries, along with sweet potatoes served with rich miso butter.

The setting feels relaxed and coastal. Reservations are handled through Resy, and booking ahead is wise because the dining room is small. Walk-in diners may face long waits during weekends.

Veselka, New York City, USA

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli recommends this East Village institution located on Second Avenue. Veselka has welcomed locals for decades with comforting Ukrainian dishes like hot borscht and handmade pierogies filled with cheese, potato, or sweet fruit.

The diner-style setting feels warm at any hour. Most guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis, but Veselka now offers limited reservations via Resy at some locations. Larger groups should contact the restaurant directly to arrange seating.

Sukiyabashi Jiro, Tokyo, Japan

Chef Heston Blumenthal recommends this sushi landmark located in a quiet basement inside Tokyo’s Ginza district. It is known for its mastery of traditional technique and meticulous sourcing of seasonal seafood. Guests enjoy a focused meal centered on pure flavors.

Reservations are extremely limited, usually accessible only through trusted concierges, and must be arranged early in the previous month. Regulars and returning guests often receive priority in the booking process.

Du Pain et des Idées, Paris, France

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa praises this historic Paris bakery found in the tenth arrondissement near Canal Saint Martin. Locals line up early for its flaky pain au chocolat and the famous pistachio raspberry escargot pastry.

Everything here reflects classic French baking done with quiet innovation. Reservations are not needed, and the shop opens early in the morning, so arrive near opening time to secure the best pastries before they sell out.

Les Enfants du Marché, Paris, France

Chef Guillaume Sanchez recommends this lively counter located in the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. Diners enjoy refined small plates such as mussels, buttery snails with hazelnut, and foie gras paired with smoked eel.

The open market atmosphere adds character to the experience. The restaurant does not take reservations, so you must arrive early, especially on weekends, when lunch crowds gather quickly, and seats fill fast.

Mriya Bistro, London, UK

Chef Olia Hercules highlights this modern Ukrainian restaurant located in West London on Old Brompton Road, in the Earl’s Court area.

It celebrates heritage through dishes like potato and pork dumplings, beef borscht, and a delicate nettle soup for vegetarian diners.

The room feels bright and welcoming. Reservations can be made through SevenRooms or TheFork. Because the restaurant is popular, especially on weekends, booking ahead is recommended. Direct contact can help if you need specific arrangements.

These practices can save some trouble from these 15 worst-rated fast food restaurants, according to Reddit.

Elkano, Getaria, Spain

Chef Janaina Torres celebrates this Basque restaurant located in the coastal village of Getaria, about thirty minutes from San Sebastian. Elkano is famed for whole turbot grilled with precision over charcoal, yielding rich, delicate flavor.

Diners appreciate the view of nearby fishing boats that supply the restaurant daily. Reservations should be made online or by phone. Weekend and summer slots fill fast, so it’s best to book well in advance, especially for peak season visits.

If you live in or near Boston, there is good news: 311 Omakase has become Boston’s first Michelin-starred restaurant in the city’s new Michelin Guide.

Which one of these restaurants will you be trying soon? Tell us in the comments.

Read more from this brand:

• Why Turkish street foods are taking over restaurant menus
• Why hot pot restaurants are taking over the world
• The best fast casual restaurants in America are ranked

If you liked this article, you’ll LOVE our free email newsletter.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.