Los Angeles has quietly become one of the most rewarding cities in the U.S. for serious wine drinkers. Tucked between buzzy bistros and neighborhood favorites are restaurants and wine bars where the lists go deep—without leaning too hard on trends. If you're planning a food-focused weekend with fellow industry friends, these five spots offer strong wine programs, thoughtful selections, and just enough personality to keep things interesting, without the sticker shock.

1. Anajak Thai – Sherman Oaks

Tucked away in the Valley, Anajak has become one of LA’s most talked-about destinations—for good reason. The menu is Thai-Californian with some serious ambition, but the wine list is what turns heads in the trade. Expect a deep stash of off-the-beaten-path classics: aged Riesling from Keller, back vintages of Rhône, and plenty of grower Champagne. Pricing is fair for the city, and if you can snag a reservation for Thai Taco Tuesday, you’ll be pairing duck laab with Chablis like a local.

Wine Pro Tip: The team here knows their stuff—if you're indecisive, just ask and let them surprise you.

Image Source: Resy

2. Republique – Miracle Mile

This isn’t just a restaurant with a good wine list—it’s one of the most respected food and beverage pairings in the city. Housed in a historic building that feels almost cathedral-like, Republique’s French-leaning list is curated with intention. You’ll find deep verticals of Burgundy, a solid Old World backbone, and a by-the-glass menu that’s constantly evolving. The staff is trained, attentive, and knows how to talk to industry folks without the fluff.

Wine Pro Tip: If you're with a group, go for magnums. They're often priced surprisingly reasonably.

Image Source: Republique LA

3. Sushi Note – Sherman Oaks

One of the rare spots where both the wine and sushi are taken equally seriously. Sushi Note leans traditional on the food side, but the wine list is where it gets playful. Expect Champagne, aged whites, and reds that aren’t afraid of umami. The sommeliers work closely with the chefs, and every pairing is intentional—even if it breaks “rules.” It’s intimate, refined, and well worth the drive from central LA.

Wine Pro Tip: Ask about off-menu pours or library bottles—they often hold a few gems behind the bar.

Image Source: LA TImes

4. Mirabelle Wine Bar – Valley Village

A hidden favorite in the Valley with a list that punches far above its weight. Mirabelle offers a rotating, tightly curated wine selection with producers focused on quality over marketing trends. You'll find expressive Burgundy, thoughtful West Coast picks, and a handful of European bottles that rarely make it onto lists this side of the Atlantic. It's cozy, the pricing is kind, and the crowd is refreshingly casual.

Wine Pro Tip: This is a perfect spot for a low-key evening of bottle-sharing with friends—corkage is friendly and staff is approachable.

Image Source: Mirabelle Wine Bar LA

5. Buvette – Sherman Oaks

A cozy, candlelit counter‑service bar sister to Vintage Wine + Eats. Buvette offers an eclectic wine list of around 50 bottles by the glass—spanning Champagne, Burgundy, Loire, and California. It’s snug and warm, with sommelier‑run service, charcuterie, sparkling‑wine happy hour, and often weekend flute pours on offer 

Wine Pro Tip: Take advantage of weekday happy hour (4–6 PM Monday–Friday) for sparkling wine paired with caviar or cheese, elevated but easy on the wallet. 

Image Source: LA Weekly

In a city that often feels more style than substance, these wine-centric venues strike a rare balance: lists that impress, service that knows what it’s doing, and settings that let the wine lead the conversation. For wine professionals or simply the wine-curious, this is LA at its best.