Discover the Culinary Heart of Los Angeles

Los Angeles is widely regarded as the top food city in the United States. It thrives on its exceptional range, quality ingredients, inventive cooking, and abundant dining options. In a city often seen as divided, food and restaurants unite the people. Below, we explore 50 unique dining experiences that define life in L.A.

The Guide Explained

Our team visited each recommended location. We do not accept complimentary meals. Share your recommendations at [email protected].

This guide showcases experiences fundamental to understanding L.A.’s love for food, not a definitive list of the best restaurants.

Whether a local or visitor, enjoy any combination of these experiences for a taste of L.A.’s robust food scene.

Olvera Street

Indulge in Mexican classics. The handmade taquitos and avocado salsa at Cielito Lindo are a testament to Los Angeles’ culinary history, unchanged since 1934, located on the vibrant Olvera Street.

Chinatown Pastry Crawl

Explore Chinatown’s walkable neighborhood, sampling pastries from Phoenix Bakery, Flouring Cake Shop, and others.

Otomisan

Visit Otomisan in Boyle Heights, the oldest Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles, offering historical context and delightful comfort foods like tempura and udon noodles.

Philippe the Original

Embrace old-school Los Angeles at Philippe the Original with its famed French dip sandwiches before heading to a Dodgers game.

Original Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market offers a century-old, diverse selection from raw oysters to sourdough pizza. Mix and match dishes for a timeless experience.

Langer’s Deli

Savor the iconic hot pastrami on rye at Langer’s Deli, seen as a pilgrimage for sandwich lovers.

Little Tokyo Dining

Little Tokyo’s 1st Street offers authentic Japanese experiences from ramen at Daikokuya to mochi at Fugetsu-Do.

Fosters Freeze

Visit the original Fosters Freeze in Inglewood for a nostalgic dip into L.A.’s soft-serve history.

East L.A. Burritos

Taste the renowned burritos of East L.A. at Al & Bea’s and La Azteca Tortilleria for a true local experience.

More Experiences

Hawkins House of Burgers – embrace towering burgers in Watts.
Sawtelle Boulevard dining – explore Japanese cuisine, from ramen to ice cream.
Burbank’s Old Hollywood – enjoy steaks and milkshakes.
Westwood’s Persian Square – feast on Iranian specialties.
Grand Central Market – experience a historical food hall.
San Gabriel Valley Dumpling Tour.
Tonga Hut – indulge in tiki cocktails.
Malibu Seafood – dine ocean-side on fresh seafood.
Dal Rae – relish classic steakhouse charm.
The Serving Spoon – experience Southern hospitality.
Little Ethiopia – discover Ethiopian cuisine.
The Apple Pan – savor historic hamburgers.
Boyle Heights Taco Crawl – explore taco truck culture.
Koreatown nightlife – Korean BBQ and iconic bars.
Santa Monica Farmers Market – shop with top chefs.
Mini Kabob – enjoy Armenian-style kebabs.
Musso & Frank Grill – traditional steakhouse fare.
Roma Market – Italian sandwiches in Pasadena.
Leimert Park – support Black-owned businesses.
Thai Town Adventure – boat noodles and more.
Mercado La Paloma – diverse food halls.
Kogi Food Truck – try renowned Korean fusion tacos.
Sunset Tower – classic cocktails and dining.
Moo’s Craft Barbecue – L.A.-style barbecue.
Endorffeine – top-notch coffee in Chinatown.
Smorgasburg L.A. – diverse entrepreneurial eats.
San Gabriel Valley Boba Trail – explore tea shops.
Earle’s on Crenshaw – innovative hot dogs.
Spago – iconic Californian dining in Beverly Hills.
Bay Cities Deli – legendary Italian-American subs.
République – dine in Charlie Chaplin’s former offices.
Dunsmoor – comfort foods chefs love.
Leo’s Tacos Truck – late-night al pastor tacos.
Madre and Mírate – Oaxacan mezcal delights.
Anajak Thai – groundbreaking Thai Taco Tuesday.
Santa Canela Bakery – unique churros in Highland Park.
Found Oyster – seafood delicacies in Hollywood.
Maydan Market – a communal food hall in West Adams.
1010 Wine – experience Black-owned wine selections.

Stateside Policy Press