Los Angeles is known for its glitz, glamour, movie stars, beaches, and of course the eclectic cuisine. The city’s restaurants run the gamut from healthy to Asian.
From Italian to soul food. No matter what your palate craves, there’s something for everybody.
Downtown Los Angeles Restaurants: Where Celebrities Go
When you are in the Downtown LA area and looking for good food you will find a plethora of dining options that will suit your needs. This area is clustered with a series of restaurants that will whet your appetite.
Food is something that unites us and a good nomad restaurant will get you there. Make sure to stop by the Barcito & Bodega for Argentinean fare, and if you’re in the mood for Tijuana style, Tacos 1986 is the place to be.
West Los Angeles Restaurants
West LA restaurants are a blast of flavor for those in the mood for delectable Asian fare. Brentwood is a hotspot of activity that has many restaurants to explore.
In the mood for steak? Then you should absolutely check put Big Boi from the Filipino restaurant B Sweet Dessert Bar. If you’re in the mood for ramen, make sure to go to Killer Noodle Tsujita.
Chinatown Restaurants in the City
Chinatown restaurants have a focus that is represented in the name and location. However, you might be surprised to know that there is a range of food styles should you make the trek.
Some of the best restaurants there are paradoxically Mexicali, such as MexiCali Taco and Co. However, if you are looking for a good Vietnamese sandwich shop, then My Dung Sandwich Shop is the way to go.
Restaurants in Little Tokyo: Delicious Variety
Little Tokyo LA, a place to eat, drink, and marvel at beautiful plates. When you are in the mood for some warm sake, this is definitely the place to be.
If you are looking for a dish that is supremely famous, then get the sashimi lunch special at Sushi Gen in the Arts District.
Udon is gladly gaining in popularity, and for a unique experience that involves watching the chefs cut every noodle by hand behind glass before being served up with delicious Sea Urchin Creamy udon, then Maugame Monzo is for you.
Vegan Restaurants: A Plant-Based Gourmet Meal
Thanks to LA's long history of supporting vegans, it is very easy to find mouth-watering Vegan restaurants cover a wide range of dining categories. If you are in the mood for food that is Japanese, vegan, and microbiotic, then you absolutely must go to Shojin, which has two locations in Little Tokyo and Culver City.
The Grove Restaurants
Restaurants of the most visited spot in LA will find a myriad of ways to appease you. You’ll find the best fare at The Original Farmer’s Market. Singapore’s Banana Leaf has Indian-style curries, Malaysian noodle dishes filled with spices, and nice flaky roti bread.
Pampas Grill Churrascaria is a Brazilian churrascaria that allows you to load up on meat as it is cut straight from the skewer to your plate.
Mexican Restaurants: Adding Spice to Your Diet
Mexican restaurants in LA are nothing to be trifled with. The food is as much a staple as the Hollywood sign and spotting movie stars living their daily lives.
Whether you want some tacos, some traditional Mexican fare, or enchiladas then Los Angeles Restaurants have you covered. Make sure to take the time to go to Enrique’s in Long Beach in the Marina Pacifica neighborhood for burritos and chimichangas.
If you want Mexican seafood, then Coni'Seafood located near Imperial Highway is your spot for marlin tacos, giant snook, and ceviche to name a few dishes.
Indian Restaurants in LA
Indian Restaurants in LA and South Asian eateries are abundant. From every corner of the beloved city, you can find a way to appease your craving for crispy dosas and spicy curries.
When you are in The Woodland Hills, make sure to stop by Anarbagh Restaurant for classic tandoori and tikka. For masala fries and lamb nachos, then IndiMex in Hollywood is definitely worth it.
Chinese Restaurants
Chinese Restaurants are consistently growing larger and greater. With an ever-increasing number of restaurants to choose from to quench your Chinese food crying, you won’t be left wanting for anything.
Joy is the place to go in Highland Park and Kurobuta pork is the dish to order when you are in the mood for something that sticks to your bones. If you are in the mood for Hong Kong-style breakfast all day, try the Delicious Food Corner for pork congee with egg and fried crullers.
Great Korean Restaurants
When searching for Korean restaurants in Los Angeles, of course, you should take the time to go to Koreatown.
Whether you want feasts of barbeque that allow you to eat everything in sight or stews that are boiled to perfection you will find the best Korean food on this side of the ocean in the city. Han Bat Shul Lung Tang is your source for bone marrow broth that is legendary. BCD Tofu House has a popular silken tofu stew that has been a hit since the 1990s.
Seafood Restaurants: Fresh Fish from the Pacific
For an explosion of flavor and diversity Seafood Restaurants in Los Angeles are the way to go. The entire city is filled with everything from cool ceviche to spicy oysters.
La Cevicheria on Pico Boulevard offers Guatemalan seafood with a staple of blood clams topped with avocado, tomato, citrus, and mint. Don’t’ forget to visit the Broad Street Oyster Co for the nomadic raw bar way to dine that is so popular among Angelenos.
While you can find it on Sundays at Smorgasburg and evenings at Tabula Rasa Bar, they now have a permanent home in Malibu.
Japanese Restaurants
There is no denying that Japanese restaurants are a major draw. Ramen has taken over the United States and of course, LA restaurants cater to this craving effectively.
Santouka Ramen has thin curly noodles, Chashu pork, scallions, mushrooms, fish cake, and delicious mushrooms to top off your ramen. For something with a kick, get the Spicy-Miso Butter Ramen from Jidaiya Ramen Dining in Gardena.
This is Hokkaido-style ramen that has all the fixtures with the added ingredient of butter for creaminess.
French Restaurants
French restaurants in LA have a lot to offer the person who is traveling in or is a native. French food is known for its wine and cheeses, and of course the scenery.
If you want delicious croissants and Croque madames, then the Republique on La Brea is the place to stop. For a chicken confit that is unmatched, you have to visit Petit Trois in Hollywood.
Kosher Restaurants: Observing Your Cuisine Traditions
Kosher dining is something you will find in abundance in Los Angeles. The Pico is a spot you should visit to keep in alignment with those meals.
Whether you are looking for latkes of some good kosher sausage there are a plethora of delicatessens and Kosher restaurants to choose from. For incredible challah that crosses the boundary to extraordinary, go to Got Kosher Deli & Bakery and get the Original Pretzel Challah. For sausage, go to Jeff’s Gourmet Sausage Factory.
Italian Restaurants for Pasta Lovers
There are quite a few Italian restaurants around the metro that will serve your need for pasta and sauce. You have a lot to choose from.
When you find yourself in Pasadena, make sure you visit Union for octopus cooked to stunning perfection, saffron linguini, and polenta with mushroom. For a restaurant that will take walk-ins, you must try the Osteria La Buca on Melrose Avenue. Their bucatini carbonara is to die for.
Thai Restaurants: Yellow Curry, Coconut Milk and Other Great Dishes
Thai restaurants in LA will help you with your craving for Asian food. When you are in the mood for Bi Bim Bop or Pad Thai, you can find what you’re looking for even if you don’t make the trip to Thai Town. If you are looking for fresh rice and seafood dishes, then Lum Ka Naad is the place for you.
Don’t forget to try The Noodle in Chino Hills. For a kitchen that accommodates dietary requests, then you have to travel to Ayara Thai Cusine. This location is in Westchester.
Soul Food Restaurants
There is something about soul food restaurants in LA. From unmatched delicious cheese grits to juicy catfish, you can find your fill of food that feeds your soul. Taking a trip to The Serving Spoon will allow you to try a taste blast that has drawn people in since 1982.
Of course, you can expect long waits for breakfast on Saturday and especially after church on Sunday. Here you can get cheese grits with catfish and eggs, candied yams, chicken and waffles, and collard greens.
For soul food restaurant with a twist, you have to visit Alta from Chef Keith Corbin. Here you can get miso-infused oxtails, shrimp and grits, and delicious black-eyed pea fritters.
Sushi Restaurants: Raw or Cooked – Your Choice
Sushi restaurants in Los Angeles are meant to go together. After all, this is the spot where sushi first exploded onto the American scene and there’s no looking back.
Sushi|Bar creates sushi that is unconventional and would appeal to the experimentalist. Make sure to stop by Ventura Boulevard for this fare.
Soregashi is great for a hidden gem of a restaurant in a strip mall on Santa Monica Boulevard. It is known for its lunch combos that come to less than $30 a person.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Vegetarian restaurants in Los Angeles are found abundantly and that is a great thing! You can find vegetarian burgers, vegetarian Mediterranean food, vegetarian Japanese, and everything in between.
For a delicious vegetarian burger that is unrivaled, then go to the Honeybee Burger.
From the options of both the Impossible Burger and the Beyond Burger and a taste that rivals In-N-Out, you won’t be disappointed. Plant Food and Wine is the way to go if you are a fan of vegan cheese and like it drizzled over your food. Located in Venice, this is a must-visit spot.
Amazing, Communal Ethiopian Restaurants
Ethiopian restaurants in Los Angeles can be found all over Little Ethiopia. If you are looking for unique date night vibes, then Meals By Genet is the place to visit. Make sure to get the spicy chicken dorowot for a kick of flavor. For a delicious vegetarian Ethiopian treat, get Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant and Market. Make sure to order a quick glass of Ethiopian honey wine, and dig into their Vegi Combo with four different vegetarian options for only $11.99.
German Restaurants: Carb and Protein Heaven
German restaurants in LA are known for their schnitzel, their beer, and their baked goods. They are spread throughout the city and you can easily find what you are looking for.
BBQ Restaurants
BBQ restaurants can be found in LA if you know where to look. This city is fortunate enough to draw people from all over the world, so of course, that means that people have migrated from BBQ Meccas and set up shop.
When you are in the mood for some nice sloppy BBQ in Los Angeles, there are a few sports that will whet your appetite. Maple Block Meat Co in Culver City has incredible brisket, pimento sandwiches, and mac and cheese. Baby Blues BBQ in Weho has delectable pulled pork that is authentic in taste and feel.
Filipino Restaurants: Signature Rice Dishes
Filipino restaurants in LA are a great choice as the number of Pinoy transplants are numerous. Spoon and Pork is a restaurant to try that reimagines comfort food from the Philippines. Hot adobo rolls served with pillowy rolls and fried pork rinds are a couple of the dishes you can find when you are in the mood.
Oi Asian Fusion has to be on this list because of its multiple locations as much as for the food. With 8 locations to choose from, you can always find your lemon-mayo-slathered karaage. Also, make sure to get the pork stuffed buns.
Cuban Restaurants
Cuban restaurants in LA are a delight for those who want everything from that perfect Cuban sandwich to Moho Pork. El Cochinito in Silver Lake won the “World’s Best Cuban Sandwich” prize and it is worth going just for that, although their Lechon Asado is definitely worth the price.
For sheer longevity you have to go to El Colmao. Opening in 1969 and continuously bringing in people with delicious saffron rice dishes and roasted pork legs in garlic-citrus sauce and crisped onions on a grill that would make Gordon Ramsay salivate make this a must-visit.
Steak Restaurants
When you just have to sink your teeth into a nice thick steak, you can find some of the best steak restaurants in LA.
For a place to visit in Pasadena that has a large selection of Wagyu beef, check out Alexander’s Steakhouse in Pasadena.
The Arthur J serves the South Bay and is known for its steak meals that are cooked on a white oak grill. They offer USDA Prime and Certified Angus as options.
Peruvian Restaurants: Choose Your Flavor
Peruvian restaurants in LA are well known and well represented.
Pablito’s Tacos began as a food truck concept and then turned into a permanent fixture in Burbank. With food that is both fresh and flavorful, you can’t miss it. Make sure to order the tofu saltado.
Mancora Peruvian Cuisine in Alhambra has a variety of dishes that will hit the spot including the tallarines verdes con bistec or Peruvian pseto spaghetti that is topped with grilled steak.
Russian Restaurants
Russian restaurants in LA are a rare find, but if you look in the right places you can find your borscht when you want it.
Traktir Restaurant in West Hollywood offers a rare treat the galubtsy.
Steamed cabbage is wrapped around ground veal and served with sour cream and fresh dill for a treat that hits the spot.
Michelin Star Restaurants
There are a few things that are widespread in the city, and that is Michelin Star restaurants in LA. Kato Restaurant in Santa Monica Blvd offers daily tasting menus that make use of seafood in combinations you are sure to appreciate.
New Restaurants
One thing you will always be sure to find is new restaurants in LA. These restaurants are pandemic babies and offer takeout and delivery options first and foremost.
Fingers Crossed is a spot to visit while it’s around, they are on a six-month residency and offer dishes such as squash-blossom cracker-like pizza. Gamboge is a Cambodian food that serves casual num pang dishes.
Rooftop Restaurants in Los Angeles
Seeing the city from the rooftops as you dine is a treat.
There are a grand many places to enjoy a rooftop restaurant in LA. For Spanish and Mediterranean food, then you must visit Margot right next to the Culver Metro Station.
Pilot on Broadway is located on the rooftop of Downtown LA’s Hoxton Hotel. You can find antipasto plates and shrimp cocktail to feed your late-night adventures.
Fancy Restaurants Around the City
Fancy restaurants in LA are a staple that brings everyone from the glitterati to the business people. Saddle Peak Lodge is a getaway tucked away in the mountains of Santa Monica. They offer a weekend brunch for those who enjoy an eggs benedict in the trees.
Mastro’s Ocean Club in Malibu gives you an ambiance that puts you right on the water. While you are there, get their delightful butter cake and bone-in New York steak.
Romantic Restaurants: Glamorous Date Nights
Romantic restaurants in LA are bountiful and easy to find. Santa Monica boasts the Citrin restaurant that has been open for 20 years and has a Michelin-star chef.
Nestled next to Melisse, either one of these is a great romantic choice. The lobster bolognese is a crossover hit. Olivetta in West Hollywood boasts yellowtail tartare, grilled branzino, and roasted baby carrots.
Celebrity Restaurants: Experiencing Hollywood
Celebrity restaurants in LA are a draw for major reasons. Who wouldn’t want to look up from their hollandaise and see a movie star?
If you are either visiting or entertaining out of town guests then it may be a great idea to check out a few restaurants that are star-studded. Craig’s in West Hollywood has a high chance of seeing a celebrity, but of course, you have to make reservations.
All Time on Hillhurst is a draw for those who have seen their time in the spotlight.
Famous Restaurants
There is a fair share of famous restaurants in LA and they are as well known as the stars that frequent them. Felix Trattoria in Venice specializes in pasta and Italian cuisine and is very well known for its pappardelle bolognese.
Pizzana in Brentwood offers casual dining that is renowned for its Neapolitan pizza that reflects the diversity of LA.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Dog-friendly restaurants in LA are plentiful and with good reason. Being able to hang out with your pooch while dining is a real treat.
Old Place in Malibu up in the Santa Monica Mountains and offers delicious comfort food to enjoy outside. If you are interested in taking your dog to a place that is trendy, then Lady Byrd Cafe is a must-visit especially as they have adapted to the pandemic in a truly elegant way by offering small greenhouses around the dining areas
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Finding kid-friendly restaurants in LA is a rare treat.
Kids menus are a must-have for the little ones, and Pasadena Fish Market leads the charge with fried seafood dishes that children can’t get enough of. Of course, if your child likes to eat a little cleaner, then Sushiya is a great choice for them.
Outdoor Restaurants in Los Angeles
Outdoor restaurants in LA are a no-brainer. The weather is always nice and sunny. Golden Road Brewing enjoys pub food as well as some BBQ. The Roost is a place to enjoy some Thai chicken wings on the patio outside.
Good and Fun Restaurants
If you are looking for a unique good and fun restaurant in LA, you’re in luck. Saddle Peak Lodge in Malibu is located in the mountains and was LA's original destination restaurant from the time when the West was still Frontierland and the decor reflects it.
The Magic Castle is an experience for those who can get it. You have to have an invite but once inside you are truly transported into a magical place filled with magicians and talking owls.
FAQ
What are must-try restaurants in Los Angeles?
There are many must-try restaurants in LA that range through a wide variety of tastes. If you are in the mood for pho, then Pho 79 is the place for you with a soup that is truly to-die-for. It is cash only though so make sure you are prepared. Sung Nong Dan in Koreatown offers a galbi jjim with shredded mozzarella on top for your dinner.
How many restaurants are in Los Angeles?
You are in luck. Los Angeles has the fourth-highest number of restaurants on earth at a figure of 29,560 that was clocked in 2018.