Hippo

The story

Hippo Restaurant in Los Angeles | Michelin-Recommended Italian Brunch & Dinner

A Dangerous Animal in Highland Park

Hippo stakes its claim on a half-block of Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, a neighborhood spot that has quietly earned serious attention. The restaurant’s own website calls itself “a dangerous animal,” and the buzz from Michelin—which awarded it a Recommended designation—backs that up. The Infatuation, Condé Nast, the LA Times, TimeOut, and Eater have all taken notice.

The space is compact and unpretentious, with air conditioning for warm evenings and outdoor seating for those who prefer the California air. Wheelchair access makes it welcoming to all. The hours are deliberate: dinner service runs Wednesday through Sunday, from 5pm to 9pm, with the last seating at 9pm. It’s a schedule that suggests a kitchen that cares about quality over volume.

What’s on the Table

The menu leans into Italian cuisine, though the website offers few specifics. What’s clear is that Hippo is a place for both brunch and dinner, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and straightforward preparations. The restaurant’s location in Highland Park places it among a strong network of local favorites—Highland Park Wine, Triple Beam Pizza, and Everson Royce Bar are all listed as “friends and neighbors.” Reservations are handled through Resy, and the restaurant welcomes larger parties of eight or more.

The Michelin Nod

Michelin’s Recommended status is not given lightly. It signals a restaurant that delivers a consistently excellent experience without the full star treatment. For Hippo, that recognition feels earned—a neighborhood spot that has become a destination for those who know where to look. The restaurant’s own description of itself as “a dangerous animal” hints at a playful, confident spirit, one that has clearly caught the attention of critics and diners alike.