Unidos Restaurant & Wine Bar

On our list of the best wine bars in Los Angeles.

Jose 'Che' Pena started as a busboy at The Ivy and later managed Pace in Laurel Canyon before opening this Ventura Boulevard tapas room with chef Rafael Torres, building the menu around years he spent living in Spain. Croquetas de jamon, chorizo-stuffed dates and a jamon Iberico board lead into paella de mariscos and steak a la parrilla, finished with a capirotada recipe from Pena's mother. Pena selected the wine list himself, weighted toward Spain with detours through California, France and Italy, plus a shelf of Spanish vermouth. Reservations go through Resy, though walk-ins are seated when there's room.