LA’s food scene is so diverse that one day it lets you indulge in a $365 kaiseki tasting menu and discover incredible street food the next.
LA’s dining scene ranks among the most exciting in the world. Eater LA currently tracks 38 outstanding restaurants that showcase the city’s remarkable culinary landscape. The food scene continues to expand in exciting ways, and the latest 101 Best Restaurants list proves it with 27 fresh additions.
The sort of thing I love about LA’s food is the seamless blend of traditional and innovative cooking. The city’s culinary identity shines through its long-standing street food vendors and creative restaurants that serve an amazing variety of flavors. Ready to discover LA’s best food spots? Let’s explore the places that have made this city a true food lover’s paradise.
Iconic LA Food Institutions
LA has an array of iconic food spots that have shaped the city’s food scene for decades. Taco stands and historic delis have become part of LA’s food culture. These places serve up the city’s diverse flavors and history.
Original LA Taco Spots
LA’s must-try restaurants start with taco spots. The city’s taco scene has grown by a lot through the years. New styles and regional variations keep popping up. The digital world now has everything from classic street tacos to creative fusion dishes.
King Taco, founded by Raul Martinez Sr. in 1974, stands as one of the pioneers in LA’s taco history. Martinez parked his converted ice cream van outside an East LA bar. This marked the start of the taco truck movement in the city. He opened King Taco No. 1 in Cypress Park within a year, which changed LA’s approach to tacos forever.
El Cholo is another taco institution that stands strong today. This 1923-old establishment is LA’s first Mexican restaurant. The menu works like a historical guide to the city’s changing taste buds. Each dish shows the year it first appeared on the menu.
Sonoratown is a great place to get authentic flavors of northern Mexican cuisine. Their tacos come with thin, handmade flour tortillas and mesquite-grilled meats. These remind people of San Luis Río Colorado in Sonora, Mexico.
Historic Delis and Diners
Iconic delis and diners make LA’s food scene complete. These spots have served comfort food and deli classics for generations. They’ve become vital parts of their communities.
Langer’s Delicatessen opened in 1947 and serves some of America’s best pastrami. The #19 sandwich is a must-try for food lovers visiting LA. It comes with hand-cut pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on double-baked rye bread.
Canter’s Deli is another LA legend running since 1931. This 24-hour spot has sold over ten million pounds of corned beef since it opened. Red booths and stained-glass-like drop ceilings take diners back in time.
The Apple Pan in Cheviot Hills gives you a taste of old-school LA. This classic diner opened in 1947 and hasn’t changed much. It shows visitors what the city’s food was like in the past. The Hickory Burger and banana cream pie remain local favorites.
Classic Burger Joints
LA’s burger scene matches its taco world in diversity and excitement. Some of the country’s most influential burger spots call LA home. Each puts its own spin on this American classic.
Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers started in 1946 and quickly became an LA favorite. People call their chili cheeseburger “LA’s secret handshake.” It stands as the city’s quintessential fast food.
Cassell’s Hamburgers in Koreatown serves one of the city’s best patty melts. This classic diner dates back to 1948. Food critics praise it, and popular food shows feature its exceptional burgers.
Bill’s Hamburgers in South LA has served its famous cheeseburger tacos for over 74 years. This mix of American and Mexican flavors shows LA’s diverse food culture perfectly.
LA’s First Food Trucks
Food trucks are everywhere in LA now, but their story goes way back. The modern food truck era started with Raul Martinez Sr.’s ice cream van in 1974, which later became King Taco.
Mobile food in LA started even earlier. Chuckwagons served food during the gold rush era. These moving kitchens fed workers and travelers, starting LA’s street food culture.
Taco trucks, or “loncheras,” became part of LA’s food scene in later decades. These trucks stood out with colorful exteriors and bold murals. They gave immigrant families and aspiring chefs a chance to succeed.
Roy Choi changed everything in 2008 with Kogi BBQ. His Korean-Mexican fusion tacos started a new wave of gourmet food trucks. Choi used social media to tell people where his truck would be next. This worked so well that hundreds of UCLA students lined up at midnight to get tacos.
LA’s food truck scene keeps growing today. It offers foods from many cultures and tastes. These mobile kitchens are now essential to LA’s food identity. They make great food available to locals and visitors alike.
LA’s food spots tell the story of its diverse people and rich history. Long-standing delis and creative food trucks have fed generations of LA residents. These places are vital to the city’s food culture. You need to try these iconic spots to really understand LA’s amazing food scene.
Hidden Food Gems in LA
Los Angeles has countless hidden gems beyond its prominent food institutions. These lesser-known spots serve extraordinary meals that match their famous counterparts. Let’s check out some of the city’s best-kept food secrets.
Secret Strip Mall Spots
LA’s strip malls hide some exceptional eateries that locals love. These unassuming locations pack surprising culinary wonders.
Palms neighborhood’s n/naka shines as a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant. Netflix’s Chef’s Table featured Chef-owner Niki Nakayama who creates a 13-course tasting menu that shows her Japanese cuisine expertise. The $365 per person dining experience proves that LA’s strip malls hold remarkable high-end gems.
Budget-conscious diners can head to Baroo in East Hollywood, which serves innovative fermentation-focused cuisine. This nondescript strip mall spot earned recognition as one of Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants nationwide.
Underground Supper Clubs
LA’s food scene stretches beyond traditional restaurants. Underground supper clubs have grown popular lately, offering intimate gatherings and social connections through food.
Sana Keefer’s Asi Asi Projects matches chefs with unique locations that enhance their culinary creations. Diners enjoy immersive experiences that transcend regular meals.
Vietnamese pop-up Tóp Tép’s offshoot, 888 Supper Club, stands out. Founder Thao Pham creates spaces where guests bond over shared meals.
Asia White’s Suppa Club takes a different approach with ‘anti-networking’ events. This concept attracts people seeking authentic connections rather than business opportunities.
Off-Menu Specialties
Secret off-menu items reward savvy diners at many LA restaurants. These hidden options showcase a chef’s creativity and give guests insider status.
Jitlada’s owner Jazz Singsanong sometimes prepares her signature secret menu burger. This low-carb creation features chili-studded beef patties caramelized with garlic and palm sugar, served on lettuce with Thai basil, red onion, and tomatoes.
Santa Monica’s Wexler’s Deli offers “The Russian Hack,” a luxurious $100 off-menu item. House-smoked lox, cream cheese, capers, and onions come topped with 30g of Wexler’s Deli Private Label Oscietra Caviar.
Culver City’s Maple Block Meat Co. serves a special Brisket Burger during dinner. The 100% beef brisket patty comes with American cheese, iceberg lettuce, comeback sauce, and pickled onions on a toasted challah bun.
Local Neighborhood Favorites
Each LA neighborhood treasures its own culinary spots that tourists often miss. These places serve authentic flavors that capture the city’s diverse food culture.
Glendale’s Porto’s Bakery & Cafe draws crowds with its medianoche sandwiches and crispy potato balls. Quick service handles the long lines efficiently, making it worth visiting.
Another Glendale gem, Carousel, serves festive Middle Eastern feasts. This Lebanese-Armenian restaurant’s family-style dining creates a constant celebration atmosphere.
Peruvian food lovers flock to Lola’s Peruvian Restaurant in Glendale for authentic ceviches, saltados, and perfectly crispy yuca fries.
Avenue 26 Tacos has built a loyal following in Eagle Rock and Little Tokyo. Locals count on their consistent quality for quick, delicious meals. Some even love their tacos for a tasty brunch.
Smorgasburg LA brings together various food vendors in an open-air market. The space showcases LA’s culinary diversity, from fresh arepas and Korean fried chicken to vegan ice cream.
LA’s hidden food spots paint a rich picture of the city’s big culinary world. High-end strip mall restaurants, underground supper clubs, and neighborhood favorites offer memorable meals to adventurous diners who step away from tourist spots. Both locals and visitors can find exceptional dining experiences by exploring these lesser-known gems.
LA’s Culinary Innovators
LA’s food scene shines with chefs who expand the boundaries of cooking to create remarkable dining experiences. Modern Mexican cuisine and Asian fusion lead the way as these innovators change the culinary world of LA.
Modern Mexican Masters
Chef Enrique Olvera now guides LA’s modern Mexican movement from his Arts District restaurant, Damian. His ground-breaking cooking earned him recognition on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, making him a global ambassador for Mexican culture.
Chef Alan Sanz brings a fresh viewpoint to Los Feliz’s Mírate with his Yucatán-style cochinita pibil and kampachi aguachile negro. Bill Esparza, a prominent voice in Latin American cuisine, chronicles LA’s Mexican food development in his book “L.A. Mexicano: Recipes, People & Places”.
Asian Fusion Pioneers
Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois on Main celebrates 40 years of innovative Asian fusion cuisine. The restaurant blends Chinese and French techniques that created Pacific Rim cuisine. His son, Byron Lazaroff-Puck, carries this tradition at Merois, which opened in 2021 and combines Asian flavors with French techniques and California ingredients.
Chef Sang Yoon’s Lukshon stands as proof of modern Southeast Asian cuisine’s excellence. Food critic Jonathan Gold ranked it as LA’s #3 restaurant. Lukshon serves bright, flavorful dishes that showcase Southeast Asian ingredients with a modern touch.
Farm-to-Table Leaders
Downtown LA’s Arts District houses Manuela, a model of farm-to-table excellence. Executive Chef Kris Tominaga sources ingredients from Southern California’s best farms. The seasonal menu highlights fresh, local produce with creative touches.
Chris and Christy Lucchese’s Wife and the Somm adds warmth to farm-to-table dining. Their menu shows their love for local produce and expertly chosen wines.
The Arbor showcases its steadfast dedication to sustainability and California’s agricultural wealth. Strategic collaborations with local farms help them serve fresh, flavorful dishes that celebrate regional produce.
Next-Gen Food Trucks
LA’s food trucks now offer more than traditional fare. Antonio and Maria’s La Isla Bonita, 36 years old, serves authentic Mexican seafood. Customers return for their ceviche tostadas and chicharrón tacos, staying loyal for over three decades.
Dulanville food truck emerged from Kim’s Nashville hot chicken expertise and Greg Dulan’s multi-generational soul food legacy. They serve chicken in four heat levels, from West Coast Plain to Nashville Hot, using five dried pepper varieties including the Carolina reaper, the world’s hottest pepper.
Food trucks embraced gourmet and fusion concepts in 2008, giving street food new meaning. Today’s trucks serve everything from traditional to innovative fusion dishes, making exceptional food available across the city.
These creative chefs bring fresh ideas while honoring traditional methods. Their work has made LA a top destination for food lovers seeking exceptional meals. Quality ingredients, creative techniques, and authentic flavors raise LA’s profile in the global food scene.
Neighborhood Food Destinations
LA’s neighborhoods serve up a feast of flavors. Each area brings its own unique food identity to the table. The mix ranges from Asian specialties to Mexican street food that shows off the city’s rich food culture.
San Gabriel Valley Asian Eats
The San Gabriel Valley (SGV) shines as a wealth of Asian cuisine. This big area east of Downtown LA houses some of Southern California’s finest Asian restaurants. You’ll find amazing Sichuan, Cantonese, and Vietnamese food scenes here.
Sichuan Impression dishes out refined regional plates that pack enough heat to make you sweat. Delicious Food Corner brings Hong Kong-style food with a big menu of everyday Cantonese dishes. Yang’s Kitchen has hit its stride with a menu that celebrates fresh, local produce after recent changes.
Malaysian food lovers will enjoy Ipoh Kopitiam’s tasty dishes like nasi lemak and Hainanese chicken rice. Luyixian has built its reputation on tender soy-braised pork that comes with pickles and seasoned boiled eggs.
Jiang Nan Spring draws Shanghai cuisine fans. This elegant spot serves dishes that capture Shanghai cooking’s best flavors. Golden Deli remains SGV’s top pick for Vietnamese food enthusiasts.
Newport Seafood Restaurant is a must for seafood lovers. Their signature fresh lobster comes prepared with green onion and garlic. Tam’s Noodle House brings the true Cantonese all-day cafe experience with quick service and plenty of choices.
Sweet treats await at Diamond Bakery. The shop offers countless individually wrapped pastries. Noodle fans should try XiAn Biang Biang Noodle’s perfectly made biang biang noodles and spicy lamb noodles in red-tinted broth.
Downtown LA Food Scene
Downtown LA’s food scene has changed remarkably in the last decade. The area now features dining spots of all types, from fancy restaurants to casual spots.
Damian, under Chef Enrique Olvera’s leadership, stands out. This Arts District spot showcases modern Mexican cuisine and has earned spots on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois on Main celebrates 40 years of groundbreaking Pacific Rim cuisine for Asian fusion fans.
Manuela in the Arts District draws farm-to-table enthusiasts. Executive Chef Kris Tominaga’s kitchen uses ingredients from Southern California’s best farms. Wife and the Somm, run by Chris and Christy Lucchese, adds a personal touch with local produce and expert wine pairings.
Bistro Na’s offers a special dining experience with its big menu of palace-style fare and matching atmosphere. Chef Tony serves as the go-to spot for dim sum lovers with its simplified dim sum service and evening Cantonese dishes.
Koreatown Must-Try Spots
Koreatown stands as America’s Korean food capital. Seoul food experts marvel at this neighborhood’s food quality and variety.
K-Team BBQ brings a fresh take on Korean barbecue. Their frozen pork belly and minari seared on hot tabletop griddles draws crowds. Sun Nong Dan serves galbi jjim (braised short ribs) 24/7 for those late-night cravings.
MDK satisfies noodle cravings with their spicy cold jjolmyeon. Borit Gogae specializes in rustic feasts centered around barley rice. The restaurant’s creamy pumpkin soup and tangy banchan create a cozy meal.
Kobawoo has served some of LA’s best homestyle Korean food since 1983. The restaurant’s bossam (pork belly wraps) keeps locals coming back. Jjamppong Zizon brings Korean-Chinese fusion with spicy versions of jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup).
Boyle Heights Mexican Cuisine
Boyle Heights, east of the LA River, serves as a paradise for Mexican food lovers. The area dishes out some of LA’s best tacos, tortas, and burritos.
Guisados, with roots in Boyle Heights, keeps serving exceptional tacos. The menu focuses on homestyle Mexican braises on fresh handmade corn tortillas. This approach has made Guisados a must-visit spot for taco enthusiasts.
Mariscos Jalisco food truck has achieved legendary status locally. Their shrimp tacos dorados and aquachile keep neighborhood fans coming back. La Azteca Tortilleria makes its name with fluffy tortillas and outstanding burritos.
Vaka Burgers serves massive meals that showcase the neighborhood’s growing food scene. Their creative burgers help spread Boyle Heights’ reputation for great food across LA.
These neighborhood spots showcase LA’s varied food world. The Asian flavors of San Gabriel Valley blend with Boyle Heights’ Mexican cuisine to create the city’s rich food culture. Locals and visitors alike should explore these areas to taste LA’s best food.
LA’s Signature Dishes
LA’s culinary identity shines through four iconic dishes. Each one comes with a fascinating backstory that shows how the city helped shape American food culture.
French Dip Origins
The French Dip sandwich, LA’s beloved creation, started a friendly competition between two historic spots. Cole’s, which opened in 1908, says their chef Jack Garlinghouse created the sandwich. He dipped bread in Au Jus to help a customer with sore gums. The City of Los Angeles recognized Cole’s contribution by making it Historical Landmark Site #104.
Philippe’s, which also opened that year, tells a different story. They say owner Philippe Mathieu dropped a French roll into roasting pan drippings while making a sandwich for a local worker in 1918. The customer loved it so much that others started asking for the “French Dipped Sandwich”.
Both places still serve their versions with a unique twist. Philippe’s dips the roll before putting the sandwich together, while Cole’s gives you the au jus on the side. Each place makes its own spicy mustard to kick up the flavor.
California Roll Story
The California roll shows LA’s creative spirit in food. While people debate its exact origins, the roll came about when Americans wanted sushi they could relate to more easily. A classic California roll has avocado, cucumber, and crab meat wrapped in seaweed and sushi rice.
Ichiro Mashita, who worked as a sushi chef at Tokyo Kaikan in Los Angeles, made an early version back in the 1960s. He used real crab meat because imitation crab wasn’t around yet. The roll became popular across Southern California first, then spread nationwide during the 1980s.
Korean-Mexican Fusion Tacos
Roy Choi’s Kogi BBQ truck changed LA’s food scene forever in 2008 with Korean-Mexican fusion tacos. Their famous tacos come with Korean BBQ meats in corn tortillas, topped with slaw, cilantro, onions, and salsa roja.
Kogi’s soaring win led to more fusion spots popping up. Cha Cha Chili became another standout Korean-Mexican place, serving unique dishes like Kimchee quesadillas, bulgogi beef tacos, and Korean Philly Cheese Steaks.
LA Hot Chicken Development
Nashville hot chicken made its way to LA through the Prince family in 1992. Martin Prince, whose great-uncle Thornton Prince III created Nashville hot chicken, brought the dish to Lancaster’s California Poppy Festival. People loved his stand so much that festival organizers kept asking them to come back.
Martin’s daughter, Kim Prince, kept the family tradition going by opening Hotville Chicken in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw mall in 2019. Her restaurant sticks to authentic Nashville-style cooking methods and offers heat levels from mild to super spicy.
Hot chicken’s popularity exploded across Southern California, leading to new takes on the dish. Michael Mina created a Japanese-Nashville hot chicken fusion in Glendale. On top of that, places like Rockbird changed their menus to feature hot chicken variations.
These signature dishes mean more than just good food – they tell stories of innovation, cultural mixing, and cooking excellence that make LA’s food scene special. From French Dip sandwiches to Korean-Mexican tacos, each creation adds something unique to the city’s rich food culture.
Los Angeles Food Tour Charter Rentals
A Los Angeles food tour charter rental from Metropolitan Shuttle is the ultimate way to explore LA’s diverse culinary scene without the hassle of coordinating multiple rides or navigating public transit. No matter which direction your culinary senses are pulling you, a private charter ensures your group travels comfortably and efficiently between stops. With spacious seating, climate control, and a professional driver, you can focus on savoring every bite while Metropolitan Shuttle takes care of the logistics. Perfect for corporate outings, food lover groups, or private celebrations, a Metropolitan Shuttle food tour offers a stress-free, customizable experience to explore LA’s hidden culinary gems, iconic eateries, and must-try local flavors.
Comparison Table
| Category | Notable Examples | Key Characteristics | Signature Offerings | Historical Significance |
| Iconic LA Food Institutions | King Taco, El Cholo, Langer’s Delicatessen | Time-tested establishments, Traditional recipes, Local landmarks | #19 Pastrami (Langer’s), Chili Cheeseburger (Tommy’s), Hickory Burger (Apple Pan) | Most operate since 1920s-1940s and shaped LA’s food scene |
| Hidden Food Gems | n/naka, Baroo, Asi Asi Projects | Strip mall locations, Underground dining clubs, Special off-menu items | $365 Kaiseki menu (n/naka), Secret menu burger (Jitlada), Russian Hack (Wexler’s) | Built reputation through customer buzz and food critics |
| LA’s Culinary Pioneers | Damian, Chinois on Main, Lukshon | Fusion cooking, Local farm ingredients, Contemporary takes | Pacific Rim cuisine, Modern Mexican dishes, Asian-French fusion | Led new food movements since 1980s |
| Neighborhood Food Destinations | San Gabriel Valley, Koreatown, Boyle Heights | Local specialty cuisines, Rich authentic food scenes | SGV: Dim sum, Koreatown: BBQ, Boyle Heights: Tacos | Each neighborhood showcases unique food heritage |
| LA’s Signature Dishes | French Dip, California Roll, Korean-Mexican Fusion Tacos | Homegrown creations, Mixed cultural flavors, Global reach | French Dip (Cole’s/Philippe’s), Kogi BBQ tacos, Nashville Hot Chicken | LA originals created between 1908-2008 |
Conclusion
LA shines as a unique food city where old-school cooking meets culinary breakthroughs. From decades-old taco stands to restaurants that redefine the limits of taste, each spot adds its distinct flavor to the city’s menu.
Legendary spots like King Taco and Langer’s Delicatessen laid the groundwork for LA’s food culture. These places still serve their proven recipes that inspire new generations of chefs and restaurant owners.
Strip malls and underground supper clubs hide exceptional food gems beyond the famous addresses. Culinary pioneers like Enrique Olvera and Wolfgang Puck blend techniques and traditions to create fresh dining experiences.
Every neighborhood writes its own food story. San Gabriel Valley showcases Asian cuisine excellence. Koreatown comes alive with BBQ spots. Boyle Heights brings authentic Mexican flavors. These areas highlight LA’s rich cultural diversity through food.
LA’s signature dishes showcase the city’s influence on American food culture. French Dip sandwiches and Korean-Mexican fusion tacos reflect both the city’s creative spirit and its deep respect for culinary traditions.
LA gives food lovers an amazing range of dining choices. Street tacos or Michelin-starred restaurants create memorable food experiences that match every taste and budget.
FAQs
Q1. What are some must-try foods in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles offers a diverse culinary scene. Some must-try foods include tacos from food trucks, Korean BBQ in Koreatown, sushi at high-end restaurants, Chinese cuisine in San Gabriel Valley, and the iconic In-N-Out burger.
Q2. Which neighborhoods in LA are known for their food scenes?
Several LA neighborhoods are renowned for their food scenes. Koreatown is famous for Korean cuisine, San Gabriel Valley for Chinese food, Boyle Heights for Mexican dishes, and Downtown LA for a mix of high-end restaurants and casual eateries.
Q3. What are some iconic LA food institutions?
Some iconic LA food institutions include Langer’s Delicatessen for pastrami sandwiches, Philippe’s for French dip sandwiches, Canter’s Deli for Jewish deli fare, and Original Tommy’s for chili burgers.
Q4. What unique fusion cuisines can I find in LA?
LA is known for its innovative fusion cuisines. You can find Korean-Mexican fusion tacos from food trucks like Kogi BBQ, Japanese-Peruvian dishes at high-end restaurants, and various Asian-fusion concepts throughout the city.
Q5. Are there any famous dishes that originated in Los Angeles?
Yes, several famous dishes originated in Los Angeles. These include the French Dip sandwich (claimed by both Philippe’s and Cole’s), the California Roll (a type of sushi), and the Cobb Salad (invented at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant).
