LOS ANGELES FOOD GUIDE
LOS ANGELES FOOD GUIDE
MK
A comprehensive list of all the best spots around Los Angeles, as a local, for anything and everything you're craving. With so many spots around the city, I'll continue to update this as I discover more hidden gems and popular spots.
Updated ago
3
Share
Sushi
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
@travelsbymk
Sister restaurant to Sugarfish, this handroll bar is my go-to sushi spot. There are set menus of 4, 5, or 6 rolls at a fixed price, or oder a la carte.
Add to
Details
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
@travelsbymk
A sushi chain with multiple locations in LA. It's the sister restaurant to Kazunori. This place is always reliable, and the quality is the most consistent out of every sushi restaurant in my opinion. This place also has set pre-fixed menus, but you could order a la carte if that's your preference.
Add to
Details
Sushi Fumi
@travelsbymk
Great sushi, but one of those places that doesn't take reservations and so the wait can fill up quickly. Get there right when it opens to put your name down. There will likely already be a wait!
Add to
Details
Nobu Malibu
@travelsbymk
An iconic restaurant. There's another location in West Hollywood, but I highly recommend the Malibu location. The view on the water is unmatched. Reservations recommended.
Add to
Details
The IZAKA-YA by KATSU-YA Manhattan Beach
@travelsbymk
Top notch sushi. A known chain in the Los Angeles area, Izakaya is perfect for every sushi lover. Their lunch deals cannot be beat.
Add to
Details
Katsuya Brentwood
@travelsbymk
This is the parent company to Izakaya by Katsuya with a very similar menu, but possibly different prices.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Italian
Bestia
@travelsbymk
Known as one of the best, if not the best, Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, this cute spot lies in the Arts District is perfect for date night or a special occasion.
Add to
Details
The Rose Venice
@travelsbymk
A sweet, romantic spot in Venice with a carbonara that you'll be dreaming about.
Add to
Details
Élephante
@travelsbymk
A rooftop restaurant in Santa Monica, this restaurant is currently a popular spot. I highly recommend the whipped eggplant with the flatbread. Also, be sure to make a reservation for this place - it tends to book up quickly!
Add to
Details
Il Pastaio
@travelsbymk
This is a place I have yet to go to, but it has been on my list for quite some time. You may spot some celebrities if you're lucky during your meal.
Add to
Details
Pasta Sisters
@travelsbymk
In the heart of Culver City, you can customize your pasta order at this spot. You can also add a whole burrata ball on top if you'd like. My recommendation is the mushroom pasta - hearty and homey, just what you crave.
Add to
Details
Felix Trattoria
@travelsbymk
The bread, the cacio e pepe, the squash blossoms. One of those places where you can't go wrong - everything on the menu is likely everything you crave.
Add to
Details
Jame
@travelsbymk
This gem tends to fly under the radar unless you're in the South Bay, but I would argue it's one of the best Italian restaurants in LA.
Add to
Details
Jon & Vinny's Fairfax
@travelsbymk
There a few locations around Los Angeles, but the one on Fairfax is the original location. Honestly, everything on the menu is delicious and you won't be disappointed, but the Spicy Fusilli Vodka is a must order.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Ospi Venice
@travelsbymk
A cute, authentic place in Venice Beach with an option to sit on the patio and enjoy the sunset! Everything on this menu is delicious.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thai
The Original Hoy-Ka Thai Noodle
@travelsbymk
My personal favorite Thai place in all of Los Angeles. My recommendation: the pad see-ew, pad thai, any of the curries (panang curry is my favorite), and egg rolls.
Add to
Details
Luv2eat Thai Bistro
@travelsbymk
Their curry tastes as if it's been simmering for days. Also another reliable spot if you're looking to do to-go orders.
Add to
Details
Night + Market Sahm
@travelsbymk
Traditional Thai food served family style - perfect for large groups!
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ramen
Silverlake Ramen
@travelsbymk
My go-to ramen spot that never disappoints and always hits the spot. The Blaze is a popular order.
Add to
Details
Tatsu Ramen
@travelsbymk
Another chain that is really popular, but if you go during peak times, be prepared for a line!
Add to
Details
Men Oh Tokushima Ramen
@travelsbymk
Another one of those places that has been around for the longest time, this place has broth so rich you'll wish there were such a thing as endless broth here.
Add to
Details
JINYA Ramen Bar - Santa Monica
@travelsbymk
Another popular ramen joint with multiple locations around LA and reasonably priced. This will still hit the spot.
Add to
Details
Daikokuya Little Tokyo
@travelsbymk
The original ramen shop in LA -- this place has been around for so long and for good reason. Everything on the menu is delicious, authentic, and transports you instantly.
Add to
Details
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles
@travelsbymk
This ramen joint is known for their Tsukemen ramen. Unlike anything else you'll find in LA.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Burgers
Add to
Details
The Win~Dow at American Beauty
@travelsbymk
Attached to the restaurant American Beauty, this is a separate window (hence the name) serving up the burgers that are so popular on their menu, they created a separate place to order them,
Add to
Details
Simmzy's Restaurant Manhattan Beach
@travelsbymk
Burgers, beers, and the best fries. A small joint located on the main Manhattan Beach Blvd right up from the beach. Perfect for strolling in after a day in the sun. This place is super casual and laid back, which is exactly what you want.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
French
Add to
Details
Petit Trois
@travelsbymk
Unassuming on the front, but don't let that deter you. The French onion soup and the burger are two meals I dream of often.
Add to
Details
République Café Bakery & République Restaurant
@travelsbymk
I recommend coming for breakfast / brunch. Get there early - there are no reservations, and it's one of those spots that you order, then find your seat.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Steak & Seafood
Dudley Market
@travelsbymk
Quickly becoming a popular spot in Venice, and it's close to the strand so perfect to watch the sunset if you're sitting outside. If you're not craving seafood, their burger is also delicious.
Add to
Details
Fishing With Dynamite
@travelsbymk
A nice seafood place in Manhattan Beach, but the attire is casual. It's a beach town, and even if it's fancy there's no need to dress up.
Add to
Details
Jus' Poke
@travelsbymk
My personal favorite that I stop by every time when I'm in town. The best Hawaiian poke in all of Los Angeles, and at a reasonable price. Nothing beats that.
Add to
Details
The Penthouse at Mastro's
@travelsbymk
If you're looking to splurge and for a nice seafood meal, this is the place. Reservations highly recommended.
Add to
Details
Catch LA
@travelsbymk
This is one of those places that will likely pop up as a place to go, and for good reason. Everything on the menu is tasty, but this is one of those places that's a bit more expensive. If you're craving dessert, get the "Hit Me" cake.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Add to
Details
Catch Steak LA
@travelsbymk
Newly opened in LA, this is the sister restaurant to the iconic Catch LA but this focuses on the steak. It's quickly become a crowd favorite.
Add to
Details
FISHBAR
@travelsbymk
A place that's all about the fish. I recommend the following: lobster tacos, clam chowder, and the lobster mac n'cheese.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Salads & Sandwiches
All'Antico Vinaio
@travelsbymk
This iconic spot in Florence, Italy just recently opened with their new Los Angeles location... Warning: lines are long, but they're SO worth it.
Add to
Details
Joan’s on Third
@travelsbymk
Right on 3rd street, and down the street from the Grove, Joan's on 3rd is a casual spot perfect for lunch. My recommendation: the Chinese chicken salad.
Add to
Details
Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese
@travelsbymk
A small local market shop on the main street in Larchmont Village, their sandwiches are so good there's likely a line outside for people waiting for them. I would recommend calling ahead of time and placing an order for pick up to avoid the long lines. You can walk around the street and pop into the local shops while you wait.
Add to
Details
California Chicken Cafe
@travelsbymk
There a few locations in the Los Angeles area, but if you're looking for something simple, straightforward, yet delicious and hits the spot - I would recommend here. While most of the meals have chicken (hence the name), there are some vegetarian options as well.
Add to
Details
Ggiata Delicatessen
@travelsbymk
In my opinion, one of the - if not the - best sandwich spot in Los Angeles. There's a location in Venice, but the original spot is the one on Melrose. My recommendations: the Spicy P & J-Stilly.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mexican
El Gringo Manhattan
@travelsbymk
Can't forget about the Mexican food. While other places like El Sombrero are great, this is a personal favorite that has a mix of both healthy and indulgent Mexican cuisine.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
El Cholo - The Original
@travelsbymk
This may not make the classic lists from Infactuation or Eater, but there's a reason it's been around for so long (opened in the 1960s) and it's a staple. You'll want to keep coming back for more. And the margaritas are perfect as well.
Add to
Details
Pink Taco
@travelsbymk
A great place on Sunset Blvd that's perfect before a night out in West Hollywood.
Add to
Details
Gracias Madre West Hollywood
@travelsbymk
This place is a bit more upscale than your other Mexican restaurants, but it's a perfect spot for people who are vegan and vegetarian.
Add to
Details
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sweets
Salt & Straw
@travelsbymk
A craft ice cream store with flavors that have a twist, such as salted malted cookie dough (my personal favorite) or olive oil & sea salt. They have vegan options too!
Add to
Details
Levain Bakery – Larchmont Village
@travelsbymk
This place is well known in NYC and they finally opened their first location on the west coast in Larchmont Village.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
The Bigg Chill
@travelsbymk
The best soft serve ice cream with edible cookie dough as a topping, what else could you want. Note: this place is cash only, but there's an ATM there if you're running short!
Add to
Details
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt
@travelsbymk
My favorite ice cream shop in all of Los Angeles. Homemade ice cream with so many flavors it'll leave you wanting to try them all. Plus, their portion sizes are big.
Add to
Details
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MK
Hi there! I'm based in Los Angeles, but love to travel. My life goal is to see as much of the world as possible. All my travel itineraries are based off my own personal research, travels, and experiences. I've been to 35+ countries and still counting. I love experiencing the finer aspects of travel, but certainly won't shy away from budget options if they come highly recommended. All in all, I value experiences and memories over everything else. Hope you enjoy and have as wonderful of a time as I did!
Send A Tip
Support MK’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© MK 2024 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places