Small plates remain en vogue in Los Angeles because of tapas eateries like AOC. (And here you thought it was the locals’ penchant for staying skinny that was buoying the culinary trend.) The charcuterie selection is especially good, with savory offerings like the coppa, sopressata and cacciatorini, as well as the lomo and chorizos. In the fish department, you can’t go wrong with the albacore with eggplant and green harissa; it’s an unexpectedly refreshing and good blend of flavors. The staff will help you pair your choices with just the right wines (the list is vast, so let them). Getting a seat at the bustling wine bar itself isn’t easy, so try the separate cheese and charcuterie bar instead. Just remember: It gets loud and crowded the later it gets, so follow another local trend—the early-to-bed movement—and make reservations for earlier in the night.

AOC Information:

• Tapas menu. Dinner. Bar. Reservations recommended.