Los Angeles: the City of Angels, the City of Stars, and home to the rolling Hollywood Hills and tumbling waves of the Pacific. Call it what you want, but LA isn’t just beaches and superstars; it’s home to one of the best food scenes in the nation, in my humble (Californian) opinion. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, balling-out, or balling-on-a-budget, LA has something for every price point and every palette: from Asian fusion and classic Mexican food, to iconic chain staples and delectable desserts.
Though college has made me an East coaster, I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and every trip home includes a detailed foodie itinerary to ensure that I hit as many of my favorite spots as possible. As a food writer and California native, I’m frequently asked which spots in town are my fave. I’ve introduced many of my out-of-state friends to The Bigg Chill, Reel Inn, Tatsu, and, of course, In-N-Out — and they’ve agreed that these restaurants live up to the hype.
Fair Warning: I’m probably (definitely) missing some of the most popular spots in LA (I still haven’t been to Felix – sue me). This list may not be comprehensive, but I promise each spot is damn good.
The Bigg Chill, Westwood, for their Honey Greek Yogurt
The Bigg Chill has been a staple all my life thanks to their incredible selection of frozen yogurts with fun flavors such as Cookies & Cream Custard, Matcha, and Circus Animal Cookie.
A few years ago, the shop debuted Honey Greek FroYo, which is even better than I could have imagined — especially when topped with their vegan cookie dough. It’s consistently worth braving 405 traffic.
The Bigg Chill, 10850 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
El Coyote, Fairfax, for their Shrimp Enchiladas
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, there was a little Mexican joint on Beverly Boulevard that served my favorite shrimp tacos, ever. Being from Southern California, I’ve had my fair share of Mexican food, and the tacos at El Coyote take the cake. Whenever I’m away at school, I long for the days I can chow down in a candlelit booth with a Classic Marg in hand.
El Coyote Café, 7312 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 9003
Diddy Riese, Westwood, for an Ice Cream Sandwich
For just 75 cents, you too can experience some of the best cookies I’ve ever had. Diddy Riese is a beloved Westwood establishment thanks to their homemade cookies — including Candy Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Sugar Cinnamon, and more — available into the wee hours of the night.
But beware — they’re closed Mondays, and I’ve been unable to indulge in a build-your-own ice cream sandwich a few too many times.
Diddy Riese, 926 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
In-N-Out, multiple locations, for their Animal Style Burger
It’s a classic for a reason. In-N-Out is always my first stop off the plane for what may just be the best fast food burger. Nothing tops a Double-Double (aka two patties and two slices of cheese) with In-N-Out’s special sauce and caramelized onions, plus a secret menu Neopolitan Shake on the side.
View a full list of In-N-Out’s multiple locations here.
Tatsu Ramen, Sawtelle, for their Bold Ramen
I had my first ever bowl of ramen at Tatsu, and no experience has quite lived up to it since. Bold Ramen set a pretty high bar with slow-cooked Tonkotsu (pork) broth mixed with 11 warm, spicy, and bold ingredients, topped with thin noodles and served with a soft-boiled egg, scallions and fried onions.
PS – Bold Ramen was one of the top 10 meals Angelenos ordered-in during the pandemic. How’s that for comfort food?
Tatsu, 2123 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025
PLANT FOOD + WINE, Venice, for their Mushroom and Ricotta Toast
I’m all for eating plant-based, but I’m always skeptical of vegan places and food substitutions (don’t ask me why). PLANT FOOD + WINE came highly recommended, and I was utterly blown away by how delicious the food was. I opted for the Mushroom Toast with “Ricotta,” truffle aioli, and greens, and holy moly. Let’s just say PLANT planted a seed in my head, and I’ve been dreaming of mushroom toast since I first visited.
I’m all for eating plant-based, but I’m always skeptical of vegan places and food substitutions (don’t ask me why). PLANT FOOD + WINE came highly recommended, and I was utterly blown away by how delicious the food was. I opted for the Mushroom Toast with “Ricotta,” truffle aioli, and greens, and holy moly. Let’s just say PLANT planted a seed in my head, and I’ve been dreaming of mushroom toast since I first visited.
PLANT FOOD + WINE, 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
MASA of Echo Park, for the Traditional Deep Dish Pizza
After my mom and I went to Chicago in 2017, we were craving authentic deep dish in LA. Enter: MASA, whose deep dish pizza rivals the Chicago Classics (think Luminati’s and Gino’s East), IMO. We make the hour-plus drive at least twice a year just for their Traditional Deep Dish.
MASA of Echo Park, 1800 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Dan’s Super Subs, Woodland Hills, for their Chicken Salad Sub
My childhood memories of road trips past are all defined by one consistent stop: Dan’s Super Subs in Woodland Hills, just off the 101.
The sandwich shop is always packed (be sure to call 30-45 minutes ahead of your pickup time, to be safe), and rightfully so: their chicken salad, like their other deli classics, is absolutely delightful.
Dan’s Super Subs, 22446 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Salt & Straw, multiple locations, for their Salted, Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
You’ve heard the hype, I’m sure — and trust me, it’s well-worth it. There’s no bad flavor at Salt & Straw (yes, I’m a Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese convert), but Salted, Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough takes the cake. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples — and don’t knock Pear & Blue Cheese until you try it.
Check out a list of Salt & Straw’s LA (and OC) locations here.
Sanamluang Cafe, Thai Town, for their Shrimp Pad Thai
Sanamluang Cafe is the epitome of true Thai food in LA. Reviewers rave about nearly all of their dishes — including Coconut Curry, beef panang (aka the #99), “the best” pad see ew, and General Tso soup. My favorite, though, is the Shrimp Pad Thai, which is the perfect combo of sweet, salty, and spicy.
#SpoonTip: Sanamluang Cafe is open until 2:30am when that late-night craving hits.
Sanamluang Cafe, 5176 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Kettle, Manhattan Beach, for their French Onion Soup (with a Honey Bran Muffin)
The Kettle is a staple of the South Bay food scene, serving up an extensive menu including classic diner breakfasts, salads, the best tuna melt, and my personal favorite: hearty french onion soup with a thick layer of melted cheese on top and served with a complementary house-made muffin.
General Manager Jeff Byron told Eater in 2021 that “signature warm muffins are easily the most popular item…with something like 400 muffins (including the always available honey-bran) sold every weekday.”
The Kettle, 1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Reel Inn, Malibu, for their Fish & Chips
There’s nothing quite like a hike in Topanga Canyon followed by a sunset dinner at Reel Inn on your drive back down PCH. After waiting in line, walk up to the window and choose from a wide selection of fresh-caught seafood.
Pick the dish that strikes your fancy (think: shrimp tacos, grilled mahi mahi, or lobster and chips) before sitting down at the family-style picnic tables and enjoying a great view of the Pacific with an even better meal.
Reel Inn, 18661 PCH Malibu, CA 90265
Lemonade LA, multiple locations, for their Truffle Mac & Cheese
There’s nothing quite like a hike in Topanga Canyon followed by a sunset dinner at Reel Inn on your drive back down PCH. After waiting in line, walk up to the window and choose from a wide selection of fresh-caught seafood.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in Topanga Canyon followed by a sunset dinner at Reel Inn on your drive back down PCH. After waiting in line, walk up to the window and choose from a wide selection of fresh-caught seafood.
Lemonade is the epitome of a California chain, redefining fast-casual dining with a wide selection of fresh and diverse salads, hearty proteins, sandwiches, desserts, and of course, thirst-quenching, handcrafted lemonades. My favorite quick meal? White Truffle Mac & Cheese with a Blood Orange Lemonade, or if I’m feeling fancy, the spicy Ahi Poke and a Lavender Elderflower Lemonade.
View a map of Lemonade’s California locations here.
EggSlut, DTLA (Grand Central Market), for The Fairfax
Going to school in New Jersey has bred my allegiance to a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel, but the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had was in California.
The Fairfax — with soft scrambled eggs and chives, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and sriracha mayo in a toasty brioche bun — is 100% worth braving the bustle of Grand Central Market.
EggSlut, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phanny’s, Redondo Beach, for the Bacon Breakfast Burrito
I was on the hunt for the best breakfast burrito when a family friend led me to Phanny’s in Redondo Beach. There’s no hangover cure quite like a breakfast burrito, especially a SoCal one with eggs, bacon, hash browns, avocado, onions and peppers (and I add Cholula) while looking at the ocean down the street.
Phanny’s, 1021 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Bludso’s Bar and Que, Fairfax, for their Pork Ribs & Buffalo Fries
Bludso’s BBQ originates in Corsicana, Texas, where the Bludso family has been perfecting the craft of slow-smoked meats for five generations. Named “The Hottest BBQ in the US” by Eater, Bludso’s southern barbecue essentials are seasoned with a custom dry rub and slow-smoked for up to 14 hours for mouth-watering BBQ that’s truly Southern.
If you can’t make it to the City of Angels but still want to try some delicious barbecue, Bludso’s is available for purchase and nationwide shipping on GoldBelly.
Bludso’s Bar & Que, 609 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Dan Sung Sa, Koreatown, for the Beef Bulgogi
This K-Town tavern is perfect for late night bites, thanks to a menu (which comes printed on giant wooden blocks) of nearly 100 different anju, or tiny Korean bar bites traditionally meant to be eaten while you drink.
Their lineup of skewers — including spicy chicken and frog legs — costs no more than three dollars apiece, but the star of the show is Dan Sung Sa’s beef bulgogi with silky, crystal noodles that’s great for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).
Dan Sung Sa, 3317 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Paradise Bowls, Manhattan Beach, for the Coconut Breeze Bowl
Sorry Playa Bowls, but you got nothing on Paradise. This tiny smoothie shop is tucked into a wood-paneled building overlooking the Pacific Ocean and transports you right to the tropics.
My favorite self-care mornings at home include walking my dog along the beach before grabbing a pink pitaya bowl topped with mango, pineapple, coconut, and house-made granola.
Paradise Bowls, 919 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Sprinkles ATM, Beverly Hills, for their Red Velvet Cupcake
No matter what hour, Sprinkles’ ATM is serving up iconic cupcakes just off Rodeo Drive. Just like a normal ATM, insert your credit card and out pops your selection of cake — my faves are the best-selling Red Velvet, Black & White, Salty Caramel, and Carrot Cake.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, 9635 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210