In the place where the sun always shines, late night food joints are entire food groups, juices are full meals, and Sunday brunch doesn’t exist because it exists every day, LA’s got some of the best eats in the west.
After hearing what’s good from a tourists perspective AND what’s good from those who eat Cali swagged out foods 24/7, it’s definitely a challenge to manage your eating endeavors. Here’s a guide to help you experience the best of both worlds.
Tavern
Photo by Dannah Strauss
Move over avocado toast; this epic smoked salmon, goat cheese, cilantro, dill, mustard seed, soft boiled egg, heirloom grape tomato toast just about defined breakfast. This restaurant is super elegant but doesn’t hold back on savory, messy, and delicious.
M Street Kitchen
Photo by Dannah Strauss
Bloody Marys and sky-high breakfast sammys for brunch, Mexican inspired dishes for lunch, or burgers for dinner that are so big you can practically taste them before they touch your tastebuds, M Street is a grungy, but upscale, restaurant that will not disappoint a hungry traveler.
Photo by Dannah Strauss
Oh yea… AND they have cinnamon rolls the size of your head. So there’s that…
Nate N Al’s
Photo by Dannah Strauss
For those of you who are east coast home-bodies, this diner/dive in Beverly Hills has mouth watering classics like cold cut sandwiches that require two hands, bagel platters, and insane sizzling cheese blintzes to tickle your fancy.
Frida’s Tacos
Photo by Dannah Strauss
Located in Brentwood’s upscale shopping center, this taco joint has all the Mexican flavors you could ever dream of. Pairing their traditional dishes with fresh sauces and piled on top of salads, Frida’s Tacos gives Californians their required avocado fix.
Farmshop
Photo by Dannah Strauss
Farmshop is a tad pricey, but they have all the fine foods you can possibly dream of prepared to perfection. This is the perfect stop for a gourmet sandwich and a side (or several sides).
In-N-Out Burger
Photo by Avid Khorramian
Two words: animal style. When ordering a burger or fries always ask for them done animal style (extra sauce containing pickles, onions, and secret spread). Though In-N-Out is totally a tourist spot, it never gets old for locals (so drooling won’t make you stick out, don’t worry).
Urth Cafe
Photo by Dannah Strauss
Probably the most insane variety of a brunch menu I have ever seen, but you can’t go wrong with anything you order. This lox pizza is a flavor explosion and you simply have to try it to know what I mean.
Cheesy, salty, crunchy, and creamy, but not too heavy; a meal like this has you inappropriately licking your fingers in the middle of Beverly Hills.
Photo by Dannah Strauss
ALSO, their Spanish latte is easily one of the best coffee drinks around. Creamy and sweet and super artsy.
M Cafe De Chaya
Photo by Dannah Strauss
The concept of M Café is fresh, wholesome, vegan foods with the exception of selective sushi items. Saucy kale salads and soba noodles with peanut dressing allow you to forget your eating something entirely good for you.
Coral Tree Café
Photo by Dannah Strauss
This classic fine foods eating establishment has awesome soups, salads, and sandwiches made from local ingredients. They also have juices, smoothies, and insanely good pastries. This is a must visit for a casual lunch or mid-day snack (c’mon shopping is hard).
Sugar Fish
Californians bow down to Sugar Fish, and with good reason. The menu has pre-selected sushi and sashimi meals delicately plated and with simple ingredients. Sugar Fish is easily one of the most fresh and trendy sushi experiences in LA.
Holy Cow
Photo by Dannah Strauss
Yep, the craze of “fresh fast food” has hit the west coast. This BBQ joint has awesome ribs, steaks, chicken dishes, and vegetarian options with incredible sides. Everything may be slow cooked, but it ends up in front of you before your stomach has the chance to growl again.
Krispy Kreme
If your favorite doughnut is not a traditional Krispy Kreme, you have some serious dougnut issues. These doughnuts are mainly found on the west coast and melt in your mouth. Every day, any time of day, always… KRISPY KREME.
Sweet Rose
Photo by Dannah Strauss
The motto here is organic and homemade ice cream. Flavors change daily and seasonally to keep this ice cream parlor constantly surprising its customers.
Exotic flavors like macha and blueberry muffin force ice cream lovers to come back for more. Even traditional flavors, like mint chip, keep people on their toes as it’s made with real mint leaves and tastes real earthy.
The Bigg Chill
Photo by Emily Bochner
HOLY COOKIE DOUGH. The Bigg Chill makes you want to never go to a self-serve froyo place ever again.
Swirled way past the rim, flavors like red velvet, peanut butter, blackberry, and cookies and cream are perfectly complemented by tons of toppings: the vegan cookie dough is a must…WOULD YA JUST LOOK AT IT.
Oh, so you want more about LA eats?
19 Top Los Angeles spots from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Why You Should Be Shopping At LA’s Chicest Farmers Market