Best Lunch Spots Los Angeles

Best Lunch Spots in Los Angeles

Los Angeles knocks it outta the park with an epic food scene. When it’s time to grab lunch, the city offers everything from creative bites to classic comforts. Here’s my cheat sheet to the tastiest must-visits for lunch — guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.

Outdoor Dining Gems

Eating outside is my kinda vibe, especially in the sun-kissed city of LA. Casaléna in Woodland Hills is a go-to. Imagine chilling in a massive 2,000-square-foot garden. It’s perfect for those who wanna feel fancy but chill at the same time.

And then there’s A.O.C., nestled in Beverly Grove. Picture a Spanish courtyard where small plates rule the menu. I always make a beeline for those bacon-wrapped dates — the true MVPs! Pair them up with a planet-friendly wine, and you’re set!

Delicious Italian Cuisine

You can’t talk lunch without mentioning Italian grub. Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery in Santa Monica is a legend, and it’s been around since 1925. The Godmother sandwich — with its salami, prosciutto, and provolone on fresh bread — is basically a rite of passage.

If you’re down for a twist, Jon & Vinny’s serves up pizzas and pastas that make any lunchtime feel like a celebration. A definite fave for catching up with friends over great food.

French Classics with a View

When I’m feeling a little French flair, it’s off to Perch LA in Downtown. With a rooftop scene overlooking Pershing Square, this place lets you soak up amazing views while devouring steak frites or orange cardamom crème brûlée. And the cocktails? Totally worth raising a glass or two!

California-Centric Flavors

For the farm-fresh fanatics, Openaire in Koreatown calls your name. It’s got this lush rooftop garden to chill in, where the dishes shout out local ingredients — from charred sprouted cauliflower to slow-roasted trout. And don’t skip on those bottomless mimosas!

These spots show LA’s buzzing culinary spirit, making sure every lunch dish is a tasty journey. Whether it’s Italian delights, French treats, or a sunny outdoor meal, this city has you covered. Hungry for more? Check out my tastes on best lunch los angeles and best food los angeles.

Hidden Gem Restaurants

Los Angeles ain’t shy about flaunting its grub, but sometimes the real magic is tucked away in those sneaky little spots. Let’s chow down on some places that tickle my taste buds just right.

Yemeni Delights

Craving a bit of something different? Swing by House of Mandi LA in Westwood. They whip up heavenly Yemeni treats like roast lamb lounging on fragrant mandi rice and sweet mova fish fresh from the oven. Don’t even get me started on the creamy mashed fava bean foul, served with soft, fluffy flatbread. The low tables and shared seating are perfect for a meal with your crew (Eater LA).

Syrian Kebab Specialist

Meat on skewers, anyone? Kobee Factory in Van Nuys has you covered with their top-notch kebabs and fried kobee. Jonathan Gold gave their stuffed lamb’s intestines a thumbs up, and let me tell ya, their fateh is something else. It’s a medley of flavors and textures you just gotta try (Eater LA).

Modern Persian Cuisine

Kuku Cafe in Inglewood is where Persian flavors get a modern twist. You can dive into lentil soup, savor braised lamb shanks with dill-kissed rice, or munch on saffron rice shawarmas. Their mix-and-match bowls, wraps, and salads are a fun way to taste Persian tradition in a fresh way. It’s a chill vibe for lunch, packed with flavor (Eater LA).

Authentic Somali Flavors

Banadir Somali Restaurant in Inglewood is like a little piece of Somalia in LA. The only one around, it’s worth stopping by for anjera at breakfast or generous rice platters with goat, chicken, or fish for lunch. Oh, and it’s served with bananas—don’t knock it till you try it! Cozy and delicious, you’ll feel right at home (Eater LA).

These lesser-known spots in Los Angeles prove that beating your own path leads to the tastiest bites. Whether it’s the flavors of Yemen or a modern Persian feast you’re after, I promise you won’t leave disappointed. For more mouth-watering locales, check out our guide on best food los angeles.

Iconic Dishes of Los Angeles

When I think of grabbing a bite in Los Angeles, a few standout dishes immediately pop into my mind. They aren’t just food; they’re little pieces of LA culture on a plate. If you’re wandering around with a rumbling belly, these local bites are just the thing to hit the spot.

The Hickory Burger

The Hickory Burger at The Apple Pan has been wowing folks since 1947. Picture a juicy beef patty smothered in sweet and smoky hickory sauce, paired with gooey Tillamook cheddar, and piled high with pickles, iceberg lettuce, and creamy mayo. It’s the kind of burger that makes you want to quit your diet. And the old-school vibe of The Apple Pan? That’s just the cherry on top. If you’re out hunting for LA’s top-notch burgers, you gotta taste this one.

Strawberry Donut Delight

Got a sweet tooth? Then head over to The Donut Man in Glendora for a Strawberry Donut that’s been turning heads since ’72. Picture fat, ripe strawberries drowning in a glaze so good you’ll wanna lick the plate. They’re around from February to July, so set a reminder on your phone. If I had to bet on LA’s dessert royalty, this tasty number would take the crown.

Savory Chicken and Waffles

For a mix of sweet and savory, the Chicken and Waffles at Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles hits the spot. You get crispy fried chicken sitting next to fluffy waffles with all the fixings. My favorite? The Herb’s Special – think half a chicken, waffles, gravy, and onions. Perfect for when you can’t decide between breakfast and lunch and just say, “I’ll have both.” If you’re prowling for late-night grub in LA, this is your jam.

Dodger Stadium’s Classic Dodger Dog

Heading to a Dodgers game without snagging a Dodger Dog is like going to the beach without a swimsuit. Since ’62, this footlong has been the MVP of snacks, with fans devouring millions each season. You can dress it up with ketchup, mustard, or go wild with chili and cheese. They even have a plant-based version now, so everyone can get in on the action. Check out more on this stadium classic here.

The Godmother Sandwich

If sandwiches are your thing, then The Godmother from Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery is essential. Layered up with Genoa salami, prosciutto, mortadella, coppacola, ham, and provolone cheese, all hugged by the freshest Italian bread, it’s like a little Italian hug. I like to load mine up with all the extras. This sandwich is a must-hit when you’re chasing the ultimate LA lunch experience.

LA’s a goldmine of tasty eats. Each dish is a snapshot of the city’s rich food scene, dishing out memories with every bite. From juicy burgers to sticky donuts, there’s a little something for everyone here in the City of Angels.