This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The New Zagat Guide is Out Today ...and it Tweets!
The newest edition of Zagat covering Los Angeles and Southern California Restaurants was released today. Zagat 2010 covers 2,034 restaurants as voted on by local amateur foodies.
As with anything in today's internet age, the guidebook, ratings and reviews are not only listed on Zagat's website, but they are now available for the first time on mobile platforms, including apps for the iPhone and Android. Oh, and they Twitter (of course).
In another example of Zagat's progressiveness, food trucks were also added to this edition. Kogi Korean BBQ, Lomo Arigato and Frysmith were all worthy of mention.
Although most diners responding to the survey are feeling the economic crunch and eating out less, "55% of surveyors report finding better deals at restaurants; 36% say getting a table at popular places is easier; and 20% say ironically they are eating healthier as a result of cutting back on alcohol and rich foods." Voted the best "Bang for your Buck" this year were In-N-Out Burger, followed by Best Fish Taco, Tommy’s, Kogi Korean BBQ and Portillo’s Hot Dogs.
The Top Newcomer this year is The Bazaar by José Andrés, scoring 27 on the Zagat 30-point scale for its Food. Voted second was Drago Centro and coming in third was local fave Church & State. In spite of the recession, Urasawa wins this year’s awards for Top Food and Top Service. It will surprise no one that "Pizzeria Mozza edged out Spago as this year’s Most Popular restaurant." Other restaurants in the Most Popular category are In-N-Out Burger (it's like a cult), A.O.C, and Osteria Mozza. No doubt next year will find Mozza2Go on the list as well.
For additional survey results, check out their website and Facebook, or even better, become a member of Zagat.com and vote for next year's favorites!.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
