Best Food Los Angeles

Best Food Spots in Los Angeles

Eat Like a Local

Los Angeles is a foodie’s paradise, there’s no two ways about it. I can walk down nearly any street and run into some of the most mouth-watering grub, from irresistible street tacos to dishes that make you feel all fancy like at Michelin-starred joints. Whether I feel like treating myself or just grabbing something quick and tasty, there’s no shortage of options. This city dishes out a smorgasbord of tastes that echo the colorful cultures stitched into its fabric.

One of the best parts? L.A. doesn’t play favorites when it comes to mealtime. We’re talking authentic Thai, banging taco stands, and gourmet setups without the attitude. Every flavor and price point is covered, so folks like me can’t help but feel right at home in this food haven.

So, here’s the lowdown on some killer eats around town:

If tacos are your jam, you can’t skip spots like Sonoratown and La Carreta. They’re holding it down with flavor (Justin Sather). And for anyone thinking Thai sounds good, Hollywood’s Thai Town has options that’ll make you wonder why you don’t eat Thai every day (Justin Sather).

Michelin-Star Magic

Gotta say, the Michelin folks give L.A. all the feels. Holbox, for instance, isn’t some crazy big spot—just a laid-back food stall serving seafood that’ll make you question life’s other menu choices. Frankly, their experimental tasting menu lets you go gourmet without feeling like your wallet’s been pickpocketed (Time Out).

Then there’s Park’s BBQ. If you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu steaks and other fancy meats, you can’t go wrong here. It’s the kind of joint you’d choose for celebrating big or just for when you’re hangry and deserve a treat (Time Out).

This whole Michelin vibe adds some depth to L.A.’s food game, leaving us with meals we talk about forever. On another note, if burgers are calling your name, slide over to my picks for the best burgers los angeles. Whatever your craving, L.A.’s got something that’ll hit the spot, guaranteed.

Iconic Food Destinations

Think of Los Angeles, and you gotta think about food that’s worth waiting in line for. These joints aren’t just places to eat; they’re legends with a side of yum. Here’s my personal hit list of LA eats that define what being an Angeleno’s all about.

The Donut Man

Let’s rewind to 1972 when The Donut Man made its mark. Their fresh strawberry donut is the real MVP—massive ripe strawberries smothered in their special glaze. Mark your calendars between February and July ’cause that’s when this gem’s on the shelf. And in 2020, they set up camp at Grand Central Market, so getting your fix is as easy as pie. While you’re there, don’t sleep on trying other flavors. Hungry for more donut spots? Peep my list of best donuts in Los Angeles for further snackspiration.

Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles

Roscoe’s popped up in 1975 and it’s been a national treasure ever since, thanks to their crispy chicken and golden waffles. You could keep it simple with a quarter chicken and two waffles or level up with Herb’s Special—a half chicken drowning in gravy and onions. It’s a hangout with soul, and if you’ve had a day, nothing hits the spot like Roscoe’s. Even celebs like Natalie Cole and Redd Foxx have paid their respects. Fancy some more fried goodness? Hit up our list on the best fried chicken in Los Angeles.

Langer’s Deli

Say hello to the #19 sandwich at Langer’s Deli, serving goodness since 1947. Think hand-cut pastrami, coleslaw, Russian dressing topped off with Swiss cheese on double-baked rye bread. It’s like they’ve found a way to combine history and flavor in one bite. Don’t just take my word for it– no LA trip’s complete without it. Looking for more sandwich havens? Check out the best lunch spots in Los Angeles.

Pink’s Hot Dogs

Roll back to 1939, and you’re chilling with Pink’s Hot Dogs, the holy grail of hot dogs. Started out selling them at a dime, and now, they’ve got 30 flavors of delight, including the iconic chili dog. There’re even hot dogs bearing names of celebs and chefs! Craving some belly-padding comfort eats? Pink’s is the ticket. For chill dining experiences worth your time, explore our picks for the best diners in Los Angeles.

The Apple Pan

Since 1947, The Apple Pan’s been serving up its hickory-smoked burger magic. Imagine a beef patty bathed in hickory sauce, mayo, pickles, lettuce, and an invite to add melted cheddar. Go classic with their crispy fries and mind-blowing banana cream pie for dessert. On the hunt for old-school burger joints? Don’t miss out on our list of the best burgers in Los Angeles.

L.A.’s food scene? It’s like a buffet of legends. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, need a hearty meal, or a midnight snack attack, these places prove why they’re the real food deal.

Funky Ethnic Food Scene

Los Angeles is a wild mix of cultures, and it’s all laid out in its food scene. I’ve stumbled onto some killer dishes that really show off the spirit of ethnic eats in this crazy city. Let’s chow down on some of my favs.

Real-Deal Thai Food

When on the hunt for Thai eats, LA shines bright in the US food map. From Thai Town in Hollywood to every nook and cranny, you won’t run outta authentic options. My go-to spot? Luv2Eat Thai Bistro—it’s got an eye-popping 4.5 stars on Yelp from over 3,000 peeps. It hits you with bold tastes and classic dishes—it’s a no-brainer for Thai food lovers (Justin Sather).

Killer Tacos

LA’s taco scene is buzzing. By far, Sonoratown with its Sonora-style tacos, and La Carreta with Sinaloa-style offerings are top of the list. Each spot puts a unique spin on tacos, showing off the deep taco culture that LA rocks (Justin Sather).

Check out what they’re serving:

Tasty Sandwiches

When it’s sandwich time, Dan’s Super Subs and their LA Street Pastrami get my vote. This sandwich is a wild ride with provolone, crispy bacon, grilled onions, jalapeños, and a blistering homemade sauce. Best to devour it as-is to soak up all the seasoned goodness (Justin Sather).

And, you just gotta try the classic Hickory Burger from The Apple Pan, whipping up yumminess since 1947. This bad boy has a beef patty swimming in hickory sauce, mayo, pickles, lettuce, with optional melted cheddar. Toss in their retro fries for a tasty blast from the past (Discover Los Angeles).

Whether I need spice, a fresh bite, or a trip down memory lane, LA’s funky ethnic food scene hits the spot. Don’t let these eats slip by when you’re roaming the town! For more delish bites, scope out my tips on the best burgers in Los Angeles or best tamales in Los Angeles.

Notable Dining Neighborhoods

LA’s like a big, tasty buffet, and I can’t get enough of checking out its foodie spots. Here’s a handful of neighborhoods I’m really into right now.

Sawtelle

Cruisin’ around West LA, Sawtelle’s like hitting the jackpot for food lovers. You’ve got everything from mouthwatering tejate and tamales to killer banh mi. Juquila serves up Mexican delights that are just heavenly, while Naan Hut is your go-to for some seriously good Indian nosh. It’s legit got something for everyone, and I just dig how much this spot covers for food cravings.

To see what’s hitting the mark for best lunch menus out here, check out my killer list of best lunch spots in Los Angeles.

Koreatown

You haven’t truly fed your soul until you’ve eaten your way through Koreatown. Seriously, haven’t had a dud meal yet. Whether I’m inhaling Korean BBQ, slurping up kimchi jjigae, or munching on some tasty banchan, there’s nothing like it. It’s lively, buzzing, and ready for a fun food frenzy.

If you’re hunting for tips, don’t miss out on the finest fried chicken in Los Angeles while you’re roaming around.

Little Saigon

Over in Garden Grove and Westminster, Little Saigon steals the show with epic Vietnamese grub. It’s a bit of a trek, but so worth it for bánh cuốn and bún bò Huế. The flavors here aren’t just good—they’re next level, and the spots around cater to every taste bud itch. Talk about a hidden spot in SoCal that’ll rock your taste buds.

If your palate’s in the mood for more amazing eats, give the best seafood in Los Angeles a whirl. Every neighborhood serves up a taste tour that’ll let you savor the absolute best of what LA dishes out.

Culinary Events in LA

Los Angeles is a foodie wonderland, and there are a few awesome food fests that I gotta hit up if I wanna chow down on the city’s tastiest bites. Here are three events that make LA’s grub scene pure magic.

Dine LA Restaurant Week

Dine LA Restaurant Week is my golden ticket to dive deep into the local dining vibes. This gig shines a light on the city’s top-notch food joints, making it a real treat for anyone who loves to eat. Held twice a year over 12 glorious days, Dine LA dishes out set menus that won’t make my wallet cry. It’s a wild ride through loads of cuisines. Wanna see who’s joining in? Peep Thrillist for the deets.

LA Beer Fest

When I feel like mixing my grub with some top-tier craft brews, the LA Beer Fest calls my name. It’s set against the lively backdrop of downtown LA, where over 80 breweries pour out 200+ beer varieties. Pair that with mouth-watering food truck delights, and I’m in heaven. Throw in some live tunes and a killer vibe, and it’s the ultimate hangout for anyone who’s into eats and drinks. Last-minute scoop? Hit up Thrillist.

Los Angeles County Fair

The Los Angeles County Fair’s a feast-tacular must for me, and it’s got all the unique to classic treats. Running from May 2–26, 2025, at Pomona’s fairgrounds, it reels in more than 700,000 folks ready for tunes, rides, shows, and of course, food galore. Think of it as a smorgasbord, with something to tickle everyone’s fancy. Keep tabs on updates by checking Thrillist.

Hitting up these gatherings is the bomb way to taste fresh flavors while soaking in LA’s buzzing scene. Whether it’s posh bites or fun fair munchies, there’s always something to hit the spot. Wanna get the full scoop on LA nosh? Check out my round-up on best tacos los angeles or munch into my best burgers los angeles.

Hidden Gems in LA

So, you’re hungry, huh? Let me spill the beans on Los Angeles, where the streets are brimming with under-the-radar food haunts that deserve your belly’s attention. Stumbling around this foodie paradise, I’ve come across some spots you gotta visit if you’re after the top chow in Los Angeles worth bragging about.

Northern Thai Food Club

You ever hankering for that legit Northern Thai nosh? Northern Thai Food Club is your go-to. Forget the usual suspects; here, we’re talking jade noodle soup that sings of soul and crispy wings that’ll slap a grin on your face. They serve up the real deal, all in a chill setting where every bite feels like a hug from Thai grannies (Justin Sather).

Classic Diners

Longing for a classic diner vibe? Right here in L.A., we treasure those. One gem’s Nick’s Café, cozy like grandma’s kitchen and cooking up “border-style” breakfasts that hit you just right. I’m a sucker for their chilaquiles or huevos rancheros, but they swing American too—think omelettes and bagel sarnies (Cozymeal). It’s the kind of place where the smell alone feels like a hug, any day of the week.

Innovative Food Scene

L.A. ain’t all about keeping it old-school; we’re also walking on the edge with cutting-edge eats. From everyday joints to wild pop-ups, the scene’s bustling (Time Out). Chefs are crafting magic with fresh-from-the-farm produce, spinning unique tacos, and offering swanky bites in laid-back settings.

You gotta dig into:

Whether you’re diving into Northern Thai authenticity, rekindling diner nostalgia, or hopping on the latest food trends, L.A.’s tucked-away pearls won’t leave your taste buds hanging.