Girl & the Goat Los Angeles ★9.7

Girl & the Goat — Chicago’s superstar gone full California

When a Chicago legend moves to Los Angeles, the question is always whether the magic travels. At Girl & the Goat in the Arts District, the answer arrives with the first plate of green beans: Top Chef champion Stephanie Izard didn’t just relocate her famous restaurant — she let it get a tan, filling a sun-drenched, plant-filled room with the boldest sharing plates in the neighborhood.

The concept

Dinner here is a group sport. Plates come out as the kitchen fires them, everything lands mid-table, and the menu hops happily between continents — a Korean glaze here, a tamarind chutney there, California vegetables over the wood hearth throughout. It is fine-dining flavor in a setting relaxed enough for a Tuesday catch-up.

What to order

Non-negotiables: the green beans with fish-sauce vinaigrette (trust the table that orders two), the confit goat belly, and the wood-fired broccoli with shrimp crunch. Add the chickpea fritters and the kalbi short ribs for heartier appetites, and end with the mango sticky rice — a dessert that tastes like a vacation. Sunday brunch brings its own playful lineup.

The space

Boho-chic done right: soaring ceilings, natural light for days, linen textures, hanging greenery and an open hearth glowing at the back. It photographs beautifully at lunch and turns golden and buzzy at night — a rare Arts District room that feels airy instead of industrial.

Who it’s for

Birthday tables that like passing plates, girlfriends’ dinners with strong cocktail requirements, food-loving couples who order ambitiously, and brunch crews who want more than eggs on toast.

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to get in? Prime weekend slots go fast — book ahead — but lunch and early weeknight tables are refreshingly attainable.

Is it a good group spot? One of the best: sharing is the whole format, and the room absorbs lively tables without blinking.

What is the vibe at brunch? Calmer and sunnier than dinner — same bold flavors, easier reservations, excellent for long Sunday catch-ups.

What should first-timers know? Dishes arrive as they are ready, not in courses — pace your ordering and save room for dessert.

Does the menu suit picky eaters? Yes — flavors are adventurous but the range is wide, from simple hearth vegetables to ribs and fritters.

Opening hours