Backbone is an upscale neighborhood restaurant from husband and wife team Nathan McCall and Karen Yoo. They were the original Chef Owners of McCall’s Meat & Fish, a beloved Los Feliz Butcher Shop & Bakery for over 10 years. Going back to their Michelin roots, the Chefs have worked in such notable restaurants as Sona (LA), Daniel (NYC) and Arzak (Spain), and are now looking to create an elevated experience close to home. Expect Spanish and Asian influences, with a firm foundation in French technique. Euro Traditional with California flare.
Brian Moore
Stepping into this sleek, modern space, you might not know what to expect—but by the end of the meal, you’ll be completely blown away. Chef Nate McCall has crafted a restaurant that dazzles with both creativity and precision. The Beet salad is unforgettable, with horseradish crème fraîche and toasted candied nuts that elevate every bite. The New York strip paired with short rib is a revelation—the meat is incredibly tender, and the short rib burnt ends are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. To finish, his pastry chef wife’s deconstructed Key Lime Pie is pure genius. Though this is only my second visit, I’ve already found my new favorite restaurant.
… moreBei C
Thank you for another amazing meal, Nate, Karen, LA, Kyle and Backbone team!! Fantastic service and amazing food, and has remained consistent since opening day. The team really makes you feel at home, and are always warm, kind, and genuine. Always looking forward to the next visit!!
… moreJane Song
This is by far the best restaurant in the area, and they had some of the best dishes – including their chicken pâté and Madelines which were our favorite. Uni was really good too and as an avid seafood lover it was enjoyable but also easy for intro experiences for those who don’t like seafood as much because they blend the flavors to make it more subtle. Their staff was amazing and really wanted the customers to have a great dining experience. One of those places that I want to keep secret but just want to support because we had a great time.
… moreVeronica Kyuhee Kim
Restaurant felt cozy and small than I thought. It was my birthday dinner. We planned to order the desert and they said If we order any desert, they will message HBD on the desert. But we had to cancle the desert.. when I was back from the washroom, there were cute little madeleines in a basket and sparkling wine in mini class which was soo thoughtful and impressed. Foods were delicious as well! I would like to visit again next time for sure. I appreciate it.
… moreyousef
Its name suggests fundamental strength, and it certainly leans into quality ingredients, but the price point feels a touch elevated beyond itself. The ambiance skews towards a quiet, mature, respectable dining room. Service, while perfectly competent, lacks the anticipatory approach one expects when dining at a premium. More critically, the portions across the board left me feeling hungry at the end of the meal and I contemplated a second dinner.
The uni waffle was truly a unique dish that became a culinary memory. Golden, airy waffle coupled with delicate uni. Sweet savory nori honey butter and yuzu cream. I nearly immediately ordered a second. While the beets themselves were of good quality, the beet salad was heavy-handed with the horseradish crème fraîche and dressing. The corn agnolotti had a pillowy texture, but then came the bacon crumble that bulldozed the sweetness of the corn and cheese. I needed less of it. The ny strip & short rib was well executed with both cuts cooked precisely, offering dependable comfort. While not reinventing the wheel it was reliably good. Ultimately, Backbone is where exceptional ingredients take the stage, but the overall value proposition leaves one pondering.
… moreBev Van Citters
This is our third time And each time we’re always surprised because there are new entrées, and new desserts added. Our group of 4 started with the cheeseboard, which was exceptional. Then we had a salad for four and squash ravioli as appetizers.
Our entrees included: Bream fish, Halibut, Duck and NY Strip with ribs. Dessert was wonderful as we shared the key lime ball and a large macaron sandwich filled with mascarpone. I had to have a glass of Tokay from Hungary. Make reservations early by either calling or go on Resy. Backbone is Michelin level! We are fortunate!
Service is exceptional and friendly. I appreciate when servers actually know the food they are serving. Please try Backbone and get those reservations in early!
… moreDomenico Arturo Ingenito
Backbone is one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. I grew up in Italy and even though I am very particular about new approaches to Italian food, Chef Nathan McCall’s lamb lasagna is one of the most wonderful dishes I’ve ever tasted in my entire life. All dishes are made with meticulous appreciation for soulful experimentation, while keeping a rigorous approach to traditional cooking techniques. The beautiful presentations do not prevent the food from revealing all the love and dedication with which it was made. The desserts, made by the Chef’s wife, Karen Yoo, are to die for. The marvelous staff is exceedingly attentive and genuinely friendly. They truly make you feel right at home. I wish there were more establishments like this in Los Angeles. We keep going back, and both the food and the ambience keep living up to our expectations
… moreGrant McMahon
Amazing experience, staff is super friendly and the food was on another level. I’d get one appetizer, one entree and one dessert per person. It’s pricey but well worth it.
… moreEric Shevin
Hands down the best lamb dish I’ve ever had!!! Everything was insanely delicious and demonstrated truly expert technique throughout. The pickled albacore, uni waffle w yuzu cream, butternut squash agnolotti and strip loin w short rib were all sensational but the lamb shoulder confit was phenomenal and unlike anything I’ve ever had. The desserts are as good as any 3 star in Paris and were all . The wine list was very on point and full of gems. Chefs Nate and Karen are killing it and it’s always an extra pleasure to support a local husband and wife team. Great service and very comfortable vibe as well. Michelin is for sure coming soon. Enjoy!!!
… moreElisa Perez-Selsky
So thrilled to have one of the LA Times best 101 restaurants in the neighborhood! Everything was delicious, staff attentive, vibe cozy. My decadent, buttery hanger steak was only outdone by a truly marvelous surprise of a key lime “pie”–an ingenious little invention of perfectly zingy-sweet key lime custard housed in ball of speculoos cookie atop delicate chantilly. Left me smiling ear to ear. Will return!
… more