Finding the perfect mac and cheese in a city as vibrant and diverse as Los Angeles can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, fellow cheese lovers! This comprehensive guide dives deep into the best mac and cheese in Hollywood and Los Angeles, highlighting eleven spots that redefine this classic comfort food. We'll explore different styles, from creamy and classic to inventive and gourmet, ensuring there's a cheesy masterpiece for every palate.
Creamy Classics: The Traditional Takes
These spots offer a comforting embrace of the classic mac and cheese recipe, emphasizing rich, creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. They're the go-to for those craving a familiar, satisfying experience.
1. Musso & Frank Grill (Hollywood): A Hollywood Landmark's Cheesy Secret
Musso & Frank Grill, a legendary Hollywood institution, surprisingly offers a fantastic mac and cheese. While not the main attraction, their version is a surprisingly delicious, old-school rendition. Expect a creamy, cheddar-based sauce with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It's a testament to the power of simplicity executed flawlessly. The atmosphere alone makes this a memorable mac and cheese experience.
2. The Original Farmers Market (Fairfax): A Diverse Culinary Hub's Cheesy Gem
Nestled within the bustling Original Farmers Market, you'll find several vendors offering mac and cheese. While the specific offerings may vary, you're almost guaranteed to find a satisfyingly creamy, classic version. This is a great option for a casual, family-friendly outing where everyone can find something they love. Look for vendors specializing in comfort food; they usually have a strong mac and cheese game.
Gourmet Gastronomy: Elevated Mac & Cheese Experiences
These establishments elevate mac and cheese to an art form, incorporating unique cheeses, unexpected ingredients, and sophisticated presentations. Prepare for a culinary adventure!
3. WP24 by Wolfgang Puck (Downtown LA): A Panoramic View with Premium Mac & Cheese
WP24, located high above downtown LA, boasts stunning city views to complement its upscale menu. Their mac and cheese is no exception. Expect a luxurious take on the classic, possibly featuring artisanal cheeses and creative additions, elevating the experience beyond a simple side dish. This is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic night out.
4. The Lobster (Beverly Hills): Indulgent Seafood Meets Creamy Comfort
The Lobster in Beverly Hills is synonymous with opulence and fine dining. Their mac and cheese reflects this commitment to quality. Expect premium cheeses, a flawlessly executed sauce, and potentially some luxurious additions that elevate this dish into a memorable highlight of an elegant meal.
Globally Inspired: Mac & Cheese with a Twist
These restaurants blend the beloved mac and cheese with global flavors and culinary techniques, offering unique and exciting experiences.
5. Gracias Madre (West Hollywood): Vegan Mac & Cheese that's Surprisingly Delicious
Gracias Madre, a popular vegan Mexican restaurant, demonstrates that plant-based cuisine can be incredibly indulgent. Their vegan mac and cheese is surprisingly creamy, rich, and satisfying, proving that you don't need dairy to create a truly delicious dish. This is a testament to culinary innovation and a fantastic choice for vegan and vegetarian diners.
6. Bestia (Downtown LA): Italian Flair Meets Cheesy Goodness
Bestia, a popular Italian restaurant in the Arts District, often features mac and cheese on their menu. Expect a creative twist on the classic, perhaps with Italian cheeses or other Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Their focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in their mac and cheese creations.
Unique & Unforgettable: Beyond the Ordinary
These spots offer mac and cheese experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind, pushing boundaries and delivering unexpected culinary delights.
7. Little Dom's (Los Feliz): A Neighborhood Favorite with a Homemade Touch
Little Dom's in Los Feliz is a neighborhood gem known for its homemade pasta and comforting Italian-American fare. Their mac and cheese reflects this commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques. It’s a consistently delicious, heartwarming option.
8. AOC (West Hollywood): Sophistication and Comfort in One Dish
AOC, a renowned West Hollywood restaurant, showcases seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes. While their mac and cheese might not always be on the menu, when it is, expect a refined and elegant take on the classic. This is a great option for those seeking a sophisticated mac and cheese experience.
Casual & Convenient: Quick Bites of Cheesy Goodness
These places offer a quick and easy way to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings without sacrificing quality.
9. Umami Burger (Multiple Locations): A Gourmet Burger Joint with Surprising Mac & Cheese
Umami Burger, known for its creative burgers, often offers mac and cheese as a side. Expect a flavorful and unique take, possibly incorporating their signature umami flavors. This is a great option for a casual meal.
10. Shake Shack (Multiple Locations): A Fast-Casual Classic
Shake Shack, a popular fast-casual chain, offers a reliably tasty mac and cheese. While not gourmet, it’s a consistent and convenient choice for a quick, satisfying bite of cheesy goodness.
The Wild Card: A Hidden Gem
This selection represents a location that deserves special mention for its unique offering or surprising quality.
11. Your Local Dive Bar: The Unexpected Mac & Cheese Champion
Sometimes, the best mac and cheese is found in the most unexpected places – your local dive bar! Many bars offer surprisingly delicious mac and cheese as a comfort food staple. It might not be fancy, but it often hits the spot after a long day. Don't underestimate the power of a well-made, no-frills mac and cheese at your neighborhood pub.
This list is just a starting point; Los Angeles’s culinary scene is constantly evolving. So, explore, experiment, and discover your own personal favorite mac and cheese havens within the city of angels. Happy eating!
