Around LA In 80 Flavors: Los Angeles Food Bucket List (A Tribute To Jonathan Gold)
There’s a certain type of person who says they “did LA” after an In-N-Out Burger run, a street taco, a lap around Smorgasburg Downtown, and maybe a night out at Catch.
Respectfully… no, you didn’t.
As I near eight years of calling Los Angeles home, this is my love letter to the city through its food. I’ve been known to traverse great distances to get to that one tostada or that special dumpling joint.
The result is this list. My tribute—not replacement—to Jonathan Gold’s iconic 101 Best Los Angeles Restaurants.
This is not exhaustive. It’s not meant to be.
I could write 80 spots just on regional Mexican and Central American cuisines alone. Oaxacan, Yucatecan, Salvadoran, you name it. And I have – browse the blog. 😉
So don’t come after me for featuring Universal Studios candy instead of a little mom n pop tlayuda shop in East LA. Because I have so many of those beloved little joints.
This is the list you share with a newcomer. Or to that Angeleno friend who somehow hasn’t left their neighborhood since 2007.
This is your edible map of LA—a city with people from over 140 countries, where 224 languages are spoken and 52% speak a language other than English at home.
The flavors here are as sprawling as the 405, the 10, the 110, the 5… So fuel up—literally. We’re going on a food drive.
The 80 Dishes That Define LA (Expanded Edition)
1. Villas Tacos – The Tacos That Went Viral
At Villas Tacos, hand made blue corn tortilla tacos are griddled until crispy, layered with melted cheese, and finished with signature salsas.
This is the kind of place that went from neighborhood favorite to Super Bowl spotlight, with a nod from Bad Bunny sealing its cult status. It’s cheesy, messy, and exactly the kind of taco that defines modern LA.
You might also like: SoCal’s Best Kept Taco Secret: Arturo’s Puffy Tacos
2. Grand Central Market – A World Under One Roof
Grand Central Market is LA in microcosm—chaotic, diverse, and impossible to fully conquer in one visit.
You can bounce from a breakfast sandwich to pupusas to ramen within minutes, surrounded by tourists, downtown regulars, and chefs on their day off. It’s loud, it’s historic, and it’s one of the best reflections of the city’s food culture.
3. Musso & Frank – Old Hollywood on a Plate
Walking into Musso & Frank Grill feels like stepping into a time capsule where nothing—and I mean nothing, not even staff—has changed.
Order the liver and onions, famously loved by Charlie Chaplin, even if you think you don’t like liver. Pair it with a perfectly icy martini poured tableside, and suddenly you’re part of LA history.
4. Breakfast Burritos – A Citywide Religion
There’s no single “best” breakfast burrito in LA, and that’s the point. This is a choose-your-own-adventure across the city.
Crispy hash browns (or tater tots!), fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and/or creamy avocado. It’s less a dish and more a lifestyle, one that requires early mornings, strong opinions, and a willingness to drive.
You might also like: We Ate All The Veggie Breakfast Burritos in LA So You Don’t Have To (Here’s Top 10)
5. Late Night Street Tacos – Follow the Smoke
The real LA taco experience happens after dark, on sidewalks lit by a single bulb and the glow of a trompo spinning.
No branding, no Instagram strategy—just expertly grilled meat, fresh tortillas, and a line of people who know what’s up. These are the tacos that remind you why LA is one of the best food cities in the world.
6. Matsuhisa – Before Nobu Was Nobu
Matsuhisa is where Nobu Matsuhisa started his empire, long before Nobu became a global luxury brand.
The food is precise, balanced, and quietly revolutionary—this is where Japanese technique meets Peruvian influence in a way that changed fine dining forever (also known as nikkei).
You might also like: Matsuhisa: A Culinary Journey Through Nikkei Cuisine in Los Angeles
7. Pupusas – El Salvador Lives Here
In LA’s Salvadoran corridor, pupusas are more than food—they’re identity. Thick, griddled corn cakes stuffed with cheese, beans, loroco or chicharrón, served with curtido and salsa.
Every family has their favorite spot, and every bite tastes like tradition passed down through generations.
You might also like: El Salvador Corridor: Best Pupusas in Los Angeles
8. Michelin Star LA – Choose Your Adventure
From the meticulous kaiseki at n/naka to the Spanish influences at Somni and seafood precision of Providence, LA’s fine dining scene doesn’t follow rules—it rewrites them.
It’s less about white tablecloths and more about storytelling through food.
You might also like: Quique Dacosta Review: A 3 Michelin Star Culinary Journey To Dénia, Spain
9. Guatemalan Night Market – Sunday Magic
Tucked away and easy to miss, the Guatemalan market is a Sunday ritual of grilled meats, tostadas, pupusas, tamales and sweet corn treats.
It’s the kind of place where the best dishes aren’t on menus—they’re on makeshift grills, cooked by people who’ve been perfecting them for years.
10. Guelaguetza – Mole That Tells Stories
Guelaguetza doesn’t just serve mole—it honors it. Complex, layered, and deeply rooted in Oaxacan culture, each version feels like a story unfolding on your plate.
Add live music and a vibrant dining room, and you’ve got one of LA’s most iconic meals.
11. Al & Bea’s – Chimichanga Heaven
Al & Bea’s Mexican Food is unapologetically old-school. Their chimichangas are deep-fried perfection—crispy on the outside, rich and comforting inside. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly why it works.
You might also like: 30 Best Bean And Cheese Burritos In LA (And How The Burrito Almost Saved My Marriage)
12. The Serving Spoon – Soulful Sundays
The Serving Spoon is where you go for a plate that feeds both body and soul. Think fried chicken, biscuits, and sides that taste like someone’s grandmother made them—with a dining room full of laughter and community. Pro tip: go on a Sunday around/after morning Church time.
13. Kogi – The Quesadilla That Changed LA
The kimchi quesadilla from Kogi BBQ is the dish that launched a thousand fusion menus. Korean and Mexican flavors collide in a way that feels effortless, bold, and unmistakably LA.
“If LA had a song, one of those songs just might be the knocking sound of a Kogi truck engine whistling through the streets, on its way to feed.” Kogi por vida!
14. Dodger Dogs – Stadium Ritual
At a Los Angeles Dodgers game, the Dodger Dog isn’t just food—it’s part of the experience. Add garlic fries, a cold beer, a sunset over Chavez Ravine, and you’ve got a quintessential LA moment.
You might also like: Dodger Dogs History: A Taste Of Los Angeles Baseball Culture
15. Nobu Malibu – Dinner With a Sunset
Nobu Malibu on the PCH is where food meets fantasy. The miso black cod is iconic, but let’s be honest—you’re also here for the ocean views, the golden hour glow, and the feeling that you’re in a movie.
You might also like: The History of Nikkei Cuisine (And What’s Nobu Got To Do With It)
16. Randy’s Donuts – The Icon
Randy’s Donuts is instantly recognizable thanks to its giant rooftop donut, but the real magic is in the simplicity—classic glazed donuts done right.
You might also like: 10 Best Donuts in Los Angeles (2026 Update)
17. Glendale Armenian Food – Underrated Excellence
Start with Lahmajune Factory, where thin flatbreads lahmajune (aka pizza predecessor, no big deal) are topped with spiced meat or zataar and baked to perfection. Then unleash your inner Kardashian and make your way around the neighborhood.
You haven’t lived your best LA food life util you’ve tried manti or khinkali. Glendale’s Armenian food scene is deep, delicious, and still somehow shockingly under the radar.
18. Filipino Food – The Rise Is Real
At Park’s Finest or Sari Sari Store, Filipino cuisine shines with bold flavors—sweet, salty, sour, all in one bite. It’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.
You might also like: Why Filipino Food Is Underrated in the US—And How That’s Changing in Los Angeles
19. Jewish Delis – A Taste of Tradition
Canter’s Deli, Langer’s and the like serve pastrami piled high, bagels with just the right chew, and a side of history in every bite.
20. Korean BBQ – The Ultimate Family Meal
Koreatown’s KBBQ scene is a marathon, not a sprint. Endless banchan, sizzling meats that never stop—it’s loud, social, and one of LA’s most essential dining experiences. Leave your veggie friends at home.
You might also like: Soul of Asia: What To Eat in Seoul (11 Traditional Korean Foods and Street Snacks)
21. Burritos – LA’s Other Love Language
From Sonoratown and Tito’s Tacos to Ramona’s and Burritos La Palma, LA burritos range from minimalist perfection to fully loaded masterpieces. There’s no wrong choice—just strong preferences.
Take it from someone who once wore a burrito Halloween costume: Los Angeles is the world capital of burritos (sorry, Mission District). Make the most of it!
You might also like: Cofax Breakfast Burritos, Los Angeles: Worth the Hype?
22. Gardena Japanese Food – The Real Insider Move
Skip the obvious Little Tokyo DTLA and head to Gardena, where spots like Azuma, Kotohira, Otafuku and Spoon House (hello Japanese spaghetti!) serve home-style Japanese dishes that feel like a well-kept secret. That’s because they kind of are.
You might also like: Where To Eat In Sawtelle LA: 17 Most Iconic Eats In Japantown
23. Sawtelle Noodles – Carb Heaven
Sawtelle Boulevard is noodle paradise—ramen, udon, mazemen, tsukemen—each spot with its own cult following.
It’s one of those streets where you can close your eyes, walk in anywhere, and eat well. But if you can only eat in one place, make it Tsujita. It’s the crown jewel.
24. San Gabriel Valley Dim Sum – A Sunday Ritual
Dim sum in the SGV isn’t just a meal—it’s an event. Families gather around, carts roll by with dumplings and buns, and the table quickly fills with more food than you planned.
If you’re driving from another part of town, come very hungry, bring friends and turn it into a dim sum crawl.
25. Nancy Silverton Empire – LA Royalty
Osteria Mozza and Republique showcase Nancy Silverton’s mastery—perfect pastas, impeccable pastries, and spaces that feel both grand and welcoming.
Pro tip: get yourself an Amex Platinum and enjoy a Nancy Silverton curated menu at the Centurion Lounge every time you fly out of LAX.
26. Thai Town – The Real Deal
Thai Town is where you go when you want heat, depth, and authenticity. From boat noodles to seafood pancakes and indulgent lobster fried rice, it’s a neighborhood that rewards curiosity and a high spice tolerance.
Outside of Thai Town, be sure to check out Night + Market. Their ultra popular crispy rice salad has somewhat of a cult status.
You might also like: 15 Best Thai Restaurants in LA (A Love Letter To Thai Town + A Few Detours)
27. La Azteca – The Burrito That Earned Michelin Love
La Azteca Tortilleria’s chile relleno burrito is smoky, cheesy, and somehow perfectly balanced—a true East LA icon.
The tortillas are made in house, which is a rare find – the only other burrito place with hand made tortillas we know of is Burrito Exchange in Downey.
You might also like: La Azteca Tortilleria: Best Chile Relleno Burritos in LA?
28. Little Ethiopia – A Communal Feast
At Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine or Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant, meals are shared, eaten with your hands or scooped up with injera bread, and full of bold, spiced flavors that bring people together.
Pro tip: Rahel’s mid week lunch buffet might just be the most nourishing and best priced meal in town. Don’t miss the coffee ceremony.
You might also like: Vegan Restaurants LA: An Insider’s Guide to Plant-Based Los Angeles
29. Holbox at Mercado Paloma – Seafood, Perfected
Holbox delivers pristine Michelin-starred seafood in a casual setting—ceviches, tacos, and tostadas that taste like the ocean at its best.
While at Mercado Paloma, also check out Chichen Itza for some of the finest Yucatecan food outside of Yucatan.
You might also like: Beyond Chichen Itza – A Responsible Traveler’s Guide to Yucatán
30. Persian Food – Tehrangeles Pride
Westwood’s Persian restaurants serve fragrant rice, perfectly grilled kebabs, and stews that simmer for hours—comfort food with depth and elegance. Start at Shamshiri Grill or Farsi Cafe, end at Saffron & Rose for ice cream.
31. Dulan’s – Soul Food Institution
Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen is the kind of place where portions are generous and flavors reflect heritage. Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens—it’s all the classics, done with the kind of care that feels like home cooking.
This is comfort food that doesn’t cut corners, served in a space that feels like community first, restaurant second. Inglewood’s finest.
32. Mercado Buenos Aires – Argentina in LA
Mercado Buenos Aires brings a slice of Argentina to the Valley with flaky empanadas, grilled meats, and shelves stocked with imported goods.
It’s part restaurant, part market, and entirely worth the trip. Come hungry, leave with leftovers for later.
You might also like: A Guide to the Best Argentine Empanadas in Los Angeles
33. The Milky Way – Hollywood Home Cooking
Founded by Steven Spielberg’s mother, this spot feels like stepping into someone’s dining room—if that someone also had a deep Hollywood connection.
The menu leans into comforting Jewish classics. It’s nostalgic without trying too hard. Go on a Wednesday for their popular family-style supper.
34. Cielito Lindo – Taquito Time
Cielito Lindo has been doing one thing extremely well for decades: crispy taquitos drenched in that signature avocado sauce. No frills, no reinvention—just consistency.
It’s an obligatory stop you make mid-walk through Olvera Street, standing and eating like generations before you.
Be sure to give thanks to Nuestra Señora of Los Angeles as you walk around the city’s founding streets – taquitos truly is food of the gods.
You might also like: Mexico City Street Food: A Taste of Tradition and Transformation
35. Little Fatty or Pine & Crane – Taiwanese Done Right
Both take nostalgic Taiwanese dishes and give them just enough of a modern twist without losing their heart. Both feel trendy yet deeply rooted in Taiwan tradition at the same time.
Pro tip: take advantage of Little Fatty’s excellent happy hour and enjoy some of the finest craft cocktails on the Westside.
You might also like: Best Eats in Taipei: How To Have An Epic Three Course Meal On a Taiwan Layover
36. Broken Mouth – Hawaiian Soul
Broken Mouth blends Hawaiian comfort food with bold LA energy—garlic shrimp, spam musubi, and rice plates that hit every craving at once. It’s casual, flavorful, and proof that LA’s island influences run strong.
You might also like: What is Poke And Why You Won’t Find Poke Bowls in Hawaii
37. Eggslut vs Egg Tuck – Breakfast Sandwich Battle
Eggslut and Egg Tuck prove that LA can turn something as simple as eggs into a full-on obsession. Soft buns, rich yolks, and just the right amount of indulgence.
Pick a side—or don’t. In LA, breakfast is serious business.
You might also like: Brooklyn Bagel Bakery: 70 Years of New York Bagels in Los Angeles
38. Malibu Farm – Brunch With a View
Malibu Farm is all about fresh, seasonal plates served right over the ocean. Avocado toast tastes better when there’s a sea breeze involved—it’s just science.
It’s the kind of brunch that reminds you why people move to California in the first place.
39. The Butcher, The Baker… – Latte Art Goals
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker is where brunch meets aesthetics—rainbow lattes, colorful plates, and a patio built for people-watching.
More specifically, the Selling Sunset crew at the O Group across the street. But beyond the visuals, the food actually delivers, making it more than just an Instagram moment.
You might also like: Latte Art Galore: The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
40. Korean Tofu Houses – Comfort in a Bowl
There’s something deeply satisfying about a bubbling pot of sundubu, spicy and rich, served with an endless array of banchan.
It’s warming, filling, and perfect any time of day. This is Koreatown comfort food at its finest—simple in concept, complex in flavor.
41. Badmaash – Indian With a Twist
Badmaash doesn’t play it safe—tikka poutine, butter chicken with attitude, and bold flavors that lean into both tradition and rebellion. It’s loud, creative, and exactly the kind of place that could only exist in LA.
You might also like: Best Indian Burritos in Los Angeles: 3 Mexican Indian Fusion Spots You Should Try
42. The Ivy – Classic LA Glam
The Ivy is where florals, paparazzi, and comfort food collide. The spaghetti and meatballs are classic, but the real draw is the scene.
It’s unapologetically LA—charming, a little over-the-top, very overpriced and always entertaining.
43. Porto’s – Potato Ball Perfection
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe has lines out the door for a reason—crispy potato balls, guava pastries, and Cuban classics that people will happily wait for.
You might also like: Los Angeles and Porto’s Potato Balls: A Love Story
44. Gjelina / Gjusta / Ggiata – Venice Holy Trinity
These three spots define Venice dining—seasonal ingredients, laid-back vibes, and menus that shift with the moment.
Whether it’s pizza, pastries, or shakshuka, they rarely miss. It’s that effortless cool LA is always trying to bottle.
You might also like: 8 Best Croissants in LA: West Side Edition
45. Spago – Beverly Hills Fine Dining Royalty
Spago has been setting the standard for decades, blending innovation with consistency. The menu evolves, but the level of execution by the beloved Wolfgang Puck never dips.
The salmon pizza is iconic and the house made pasta one of the best in the city.
46. WeHo Nights – Dinner Before Chaos
From Craig’s and Gracias Madre to Laurel Hardware and Delilah, these are the places where dinner is just the beginning.
Expect great food, dim lighting, and a crowd that’s ready for the night to escalate. This is where West Hollywood nightlife and dining blur into one long, glamorous evening.
47. Cuban LA – A Flavor Trip
Versailles, Gigi’s, Cafe Tropicale are the go-tos for fried plantains, big plates of rice, yuca and loaded Cubano sandwiches that don’t hold back. Who needs Miami?
You might also like: Where To Eat And Drink In Havana Like A Local (Sort Of)
48. Lupe’s – Avocado Fries
Avocado on fries sounds like a gimmick—until you try it. Crispy, creamy, and completely addictive.
It’s one of those “only in LA” bites that you didn’t know you needed. Come for the fries, stay for the burritos.
49. Max and Helen’s – Phil Rosenthal Approved
Created by Phil Rosenthal, this spot leans into comforting, nostalgic dishes that feel familiar from the first bite. It’s less about reinvention and more about getting things right. Simple, heartfelt and fun.
50. In-N-Out – Animal Style Always
In-N-Out Burger is fast food, but elevated through consistency and cult-like devotion. Fresh ingredients, a not-so-secret menu, and lines that move surprisingly fast.
Best burger in LA? Not by any means. But it’s a rite of passage. One you’ll likely repeat every time you land at LAX.
You might also like: The $100 Burger Club: A SoCal Pilot’s Guide to Flying for Food
51. Teddy’s Red Tacos – Birria Boom
Teddy’s Red Tacos turned birria into a full-blown phenomenon. Crispy tacos dipped in rich consommé, dripping with flavor and impossible to eat neatly. It’s messy, comforting and completely worth it.
You might also like: Teddy’s Red Tacos: Breakups, Birria And A Growing Empire
52. The Queen Mary – Dining With History
Queen Mary offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience aboard a historic ship. The setting alone makes it memorable. It’s part history lesson, part dining destination.
53. Anajak Thai – Thai Tacos, Only in LA
Anajak Thai is Michelin-recognized and unapologetically creative. Thai flavors meet Taco Tuesday in a way that feels both unexpected yet completely natural. This is LA at its best—fearless, cross-cultural, and impossible to replicate anywhere else.
54. Universal Studios – Candy Counts, Too!
Universal Studios proves that not every food moment needs to be serious. Sometimes it’s about churros, deep fried everything, candy, and pure nostalgia.
No need to go more than once, but when you do – enjoy. It’s indulgent, playful, and very much part of the LA food experience.
55. The Black Cat – History and Drinks
The Black Cat in Silverlake is more than a bar—it’s a landmark in LGBTQ+ history. The food and drinks are solid, but the legacy is what stands out. It’s a place where past and present intersect in meaningful ways.
You might also like: Where to Eat in Silverlake, LA: 10 Places You Shouldn’t Miss
56. Pink’s – Chili Dog Chaos
Pink’s Hot Dogs is loud, messy, and unapologetically…pink. Chili dogs piled high with toppings that require a strategy to eat. Completely iconic.
In the Valley, try Cupid’s Hot Dogs for 70s charm and solid chili dogs.
57. Modern Mexican – Elevated and Bold
Casa Madera, Broken Spanish Comedor, Toca Madera and similar spots marry design, craft cocktails and elevated take on Mexican cuisine. Expect big flavors and even bigger presentations.
You might also like: Review of Toca Madera: Elevated Mexican in West Hollywood
58. Mel’s Drive-In – Retro Vibes
Mel’s Drive-In is all about burgers, milkshakes, and neon-lit nostalgia. It feels like stepping into a different era. Comfort food, no complications. Similar to Universal Studios, no need to go more than once. Pro tip: bring coins for the juke box.
59. The Apple Pan – Pie Perfection
The Apple Pan keeps things simple—burgers, pies, and a counter that hasn’t changed in decades.
It’s consistency, perfected.
60. Cobi’s – Santa Monica Charm
Cobi’s is colorful, cozy, and full of personality. The menu is as eclectic as the space itself. It’s one of those places you end up lingering longer than planned.
If you can’t get a reservation check out Chinois across the street – it’s just as unique.
61. Huntington Gardens – High Tea Escape
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena offer a calm, elegant escape from the city. The afternoon tea here feels almost transported. It’s a reset button in the middle of LA life. Pro tip: go at peak rose bloom.
62. San Pedro – Hidden Coastal Gems
San Pedro feels like a different version of LA—slower, quieter, and hiding gems such as the only Little Italy north of San Diego, Choriman hand made chorizo, or the San Pedro Fish Market with its giant plates of seafood.
Stay tuned for the seaside promenade project coming soon. It will bring this forgotten port city to life.
63. Cambodia Town – Long Beach Treasure
Long Beach’s Cambodia Town is home to the largest Cambodian community outside Cambodia. The food is bold, vibrant, and full of flavor you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a reminder of just how global LA truly is.
64. Chinatown – Old Meets New
Chinatown blends legacy Chinese cuisine spots with new-school favorites like Howlin’ Ray’s spicy chicken sandwiches. It’s a neighborhood constantly evolving. You get history and hype in the same block.
You might also like: Why “Ethnic Food” Is a Racist Invention—And Why It’s Time To Let It Go
65. Majordomo – David Chang Does LA
Majordomo is bold, loud, and built for sharing. Big flavors, big portions, and a dining room that matches the energy. It’s an experience as much as a meal.
66. DTLA Dining – Industrial Chic Done Right
Bestia, Damien, Girl and the Goat and Bavel (among others) define the Arts District vibe—raw spaces, refined food. It’s where LA’s creative energy shows up on the plate.
You might also like: A Boozy Bucket List: 15 Best Drinks in LA for a First Time Visitor
67. Philippe’s – The French Dip Origin Story
Philippe The Original is where the French dip sandwich was born. Sawdust floors, simple menus, and history in every bite. It’s old-school LA at its finest.
68. Mario’s Peruvian – The Green Sauce Secret
Mario’s Peruvian & Seafood is all about that green sauce—bright, spicy, addictive. Pair it with their complimentary bread and you’re set even before you dig into their beloved ceviches and saltados.
One of LA’s best-kept secrets, right there on Melrose.
You might also like: Savor The World With Purpose: Best G Adventures Tours For Food Lovers
69. Trejo’s – Hollywood Storytelling on a Plate
The actor Danny Trejo turned his personal story into a full-on food brand—tacos & burritos, donuts & coffee, and a whole lot of personality.
You might also like: We Ate All The Vegan Tacos In LA – Here Is Our Top 10
70. Beechwood Café – Old Hollywood Charm
Beechwood Cafe sits right at the historic entrance to the original Hollywoodland, tucked into a canyon that feels frozen in time. A longtime local favorite—once beloved by Harry Styles—it pairs cozy breakfasts with old LA charm.
Afterward, wander the nearby hidden stair hikes to work it off, or remember the days when the Monastery of the Angels sold homemade pumpkin bread from a tiny window. It’s a soft, storybook slice of Los Angeles.
71. LA Pizza – A Scene of Its Own
From Jon & Vinny’s to Sei and Quarter Sheets to da Michele, LA pizza has carved out its own identity. It’s not New York, not Naples—it’s something else entirely. And it’s worth exploring.
You might also like: The Best Pizza in Los Angeles (According to a Pizza Snob)
72. Manuela – Art Meets Food
Manuela blends seasonal cooking with an art-filled setting in the Arts District. The space and menu feel equally curated. It’s a full sensory experience.
73. Seafood Boil – Hands-On Dining
Seafood boils are messy, communal, and incredibly satisfying. Bags of shrimp, crab, crayfish and corn coated in butter & spicy cajun sauce. No utensils required—just big appetites.
74. Smorgasburg DTLA – Weekend Playground
Smorgasburg at The Row is a weekly open-air food market that brings together some of the city’s most exciting pop-ups and small vendors. From viral bites to experimental dishes, it’s a snapshot of LA’s ever-evolving food scene.
Go hungry, wander slowly. It’s where you go to discover your next favorite food truck before it becomes a permanent restaurant.
75. LAPD Academy Cafe – A Very Hidden Gem
LAPD Academy Cafe is a true hidden gem tucked inside the actual police academy, serving up hearty, no-nonsense breakfast plates at unbeatable prices.
Think eggs, bacon, toast, strong coffee—done simply and well. Safety guaranteed 😉
You might also like: LAPD Academy Cafe: The Best-Kept Food Secret in Los Angeles
76. Cafe Gratitude – Affirmations Included
Cafe Gratitude is peak LA—plant-based dishes served with a side of self-reflection. The menu reads like a therapy session. Surprisingly, the food lives up to the concept.
You might also like: I Am Converted: How Cafe Gratitude Won Me Over
77. Japadog – Because Why Not
Japadog is quirky, unexpected, and very LA. Hot dogs topped with Japanese flavors somehow just work.
A fun, casual bite in Santa Monica. If for whatever unknown reason you absolutely must eat on the pier, make it here.
You might also like: The Origin of the California Roll: Chef Tojo’s Legacy (And Vancouver’s Culinary Gems)
78. Formosa Cafe – Dinner With a Story
Formosa Cafe is one of the most unique dining rooms in the city, filled with Hollywood history and character. The dimly lit sexy caravan setting alone makes it memorable.
79. Classic Diners – Breakfast Nostalgia
Pann’s, Astro Family Restaurant, Ronnie’s Diner, Lucky Boy, Hearts Coffee Shop and similar spots keep the diner tradition alive—eggs, huge pancakes, and booths that have seen decades of stories. Simple, timeless, and comforting.
80. Rajdhani – Worth the Drive
Last but not least, Rajdhani offers an endless vegetarian thali that’s the closest thing SoCal has to a real Indian experience. Technically outside LA—but absolutely essential to understanding its cultural makeup.
You might also like: The City That Fed My Soul: Mumbai Street Food Memoirs
RIP: The Ones That Shaped LA (And Still Do, In Memory)
Some places don’t just close—they leave a permanent craving behind. These weren’t just restaurants. They were culinary eras.
- The Original Pantry Cafe — 24/7 comfort for over 100 years straight; generations of Angelenos raised on pancakes, coleslaw and nostalgia
- Patrick’s Roadhouse — quirky, colorful, one of a kind
- Broken Spanish — redefined modern upscale Mexican before it was mainstream
- Guerilla Tacos — from street cart to culinary institution
- Baco Mercat — a playground of bold, boundary-pushing flavors
- Sprinkles Cupcakes — the cupcake ATM era… iconic
- Taco Maria — Michelin-starred Mexican that changed perceptions
- Lasa — modern Filipino with heart, soul and the best pancit outside of Manila
- The Bazaar by José Andrés — theatrical, imaginative, unforgettable
- Rosaline — vibrant Peruvian flavors with a celebrity edge
- Irenia — intimate Filipino dining that felt like auntie’s home
- Cassia — Southeast Asian flavors done with elegance and depth
You might also like: Tesla Diner Review: Best Veggie Burger in LA?!
Why I’m Still Here
I was never meant to stay in LA. And yet, here I am—eight years later—largely because of the food.
I recently wrote a piece called 16 Reasons Not to Leave LA. Surprise, surprise: several of them are food-related. Because LA might just be one of the most underrated food cities in the world.
And I still have unfinished business here. I’m not leaving until I’ve eaten my way through every last corner of this sprawling, chaotic, delicious city.
This list? It’s just a starting point. A simplified version of my own ever growing LA food bucket list for you, my friends.
Here’s to the greats who have paved the way—Anthony Bourdain, Phil Rosenthal, Guy Fieri, Andrew Zimmern, and of course Jonathan Gold.
And here’s to you—my aspiring food explorers.
Bon appétit
¡Buen provecho!
Kain na!
نوش جان
请慢用
Բարի ախորժակ
ทานให้อร่อยนะ
Have you been to any of the 80 spots above? What else would you add to the list of best food in LA? Let us know in the comments or tag @eightyflavors on socials!
OUR TRIED AND TESTED FOOD TRAVEL RESOURCES: Book a hotel with Booking.com. Search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Find the best local food tours on Viator. Browse curated conscious group trips with GAdventures. Get your travel insurance with World Nomads.
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