Found Oyster

Tucked away on Fountain Avenue in East Hollywood, Found Oyster is the kind of neighborhood gem that quickly becomes a go-to destination. This compact raw bar buzzes with an infectious energy that’s hard to replicate—think indie funk playing under a disco ball while friends and strangers alike crowd around the counter, sharing stories over towers of pristine shellfish. It’s unassuming from the street, but step inside and you’ll find yourself swept up in the lively atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a celebration.

The menu here is refreshingly focused, letting exceptional ingredients shine without unnecessary embellishment. The overboard platter is the star attraction—a two-tiered showstopper loaded with oysters (often sourced from the owner’s family farm in Cape Cod), smoky Old Bay-dusted prawns, and glistening scallop crudo. The crab cocktail arrives as mostly sweet lump meat with just a hint of lime brightness, served with humble Ritz crackers that somehow feel just right. Even the oysters get special treatment, accompanied by a housemade mignonette perfumed with fresh herbs—a family recipe that sets them apart from every other raw bar in the city.

The experience at Found Oyster is really about surrendering to the moment. Whether you’re perched at the counter solo with a glass of chilled chablis or sharing a wedge salad the size of a small boat with friends, this is the kind of place where your brain finally quiets down. The vibe is effortlessly cool without trying too hard, and you might just spot a familiar face from that indie film you watched last weekend at the table next to you. It’s casual enough for a spontaneous Tuesday dinner yet special enough for birthdays and first dates.

If there’s one LA restaurant worth bringing visitors to, this is it. The combination of impeccable seafood, genuine warmth, and that electric neighborhood energy creates something truly memorable. Just be sure to save room for the key lime pie—the tangy, creamy filling balanced by billowy whipped cream is the perfect punctuation to a meal here. You’ll want to linger as long as possible, ordering just one more round of briny snacks before the night ends.