It's hard to believe that this is the third summer since the pandemic shutdowns of 2020 that transformed the restaurant world forever. From takeout pivots to makeshift outdoor seating and Instagram pop-ups, Los Angeles restaurants navigated through countless regulations, price inflation, and staffing difficulties with aplomb — all in the spirit of feeding the city’s communities well. All over the Southland, restaurants are teeming with ambition sparked by phenomenal local ingredients and cooking talent; dining rooms are packed with hungry diners looking for both comfort and innovation with influences from the city’s myriad cuisines. The year is halfway over and Eater LA’s editors (@nicoleleftcoast @monaeats @overoverunder @mattatouille @gastronomyblog) have tirelessly eaten through the very best places that have sprouted up as of late. From the South Bay to the San Gabriel Valley, to the Westside and Downtown, here are the restaurants that need to be on your summer bucket list. Tap the link in bio for the full rundown.