Providence

Providence isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a statement. Nestled on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, this legendary establishment helped put Los Angeles fine dining on the map and continues to hold its ground among the city’s most prestigious tables. With pristine white tablecloths, attentive service that borders on telepathic (leave for the restroom and return to find your napkin elegantly refolded), and an atmosphere of quiet sophistication, Providence sets the stage for something truly special.

The kitchen takes a sea-to-table philosophy that celebrates sustainable, wild-caught seafood prepared with precision and creativity. The tasting menu unfolds over eight courses, each one thoughtfully constructed—from gently warmed oysters crowned with caviar to delicate Dungeness crab pasta and uni spooned into silken pools of butter. While some flourishes might lean theatrical (does anyone truly crave foam?), nothing feels excessive or performative for its own sake. Every element serves the dish.

This is the kind of place you bring hard-to-impress parents, celebrate major milestones, or mark an anniversary with someone you genuinely love spending three sacred hours with. Reservations remain notoriously difficult to snag—expect to plan a couple months ahead unless you’re flexible enough to call day-of hoping for a bar seat. The investment is substantial, north of $250 per person, but for those who appreciate exceptional seafood and impeccable service, it’s worth every penny.

Providence rewards diners who come ready to be swept away by the experience. If you find yourself asking whether this kind of splurge is worth it, do everything in your power to say yes. Some restaurants simply deserve to be experienced at least once, and this Hollywood institution sits firmly in that category.