Well, well, well, look who we have here!
A fellow foodie and Los Angeles native, I see?
You’ve come to the right place, my friend.
As someone who has explored the depths of LA’s food scene, let me tell you, it’s a wild ride.
But fear not, for I have braved the grease and spices, and I am here to guide you to the culinary promised land.
Oh, and let me tell you, LA has some of the most amazing dining options you will ever lay your taste buds on.
From hole-in-the-wall joints to Michelin-starred restaurants, this city has it all.
And I’m not just saying that because I’m biased (well, maybe just a little).
Trust me, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
So, whether you’re a tourist looking for a taste of LA or a local searching for your next food adventure, buckle up because I’ve got you covered.
Get ready to salivate and scroll through my list of the best restaurants in this delicious city.
I guarantee you’ll find something to love, or else, well, you’ll just have to take your taste buds elsewhere!
| # | Restaurant | Description | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pizzeria Mozza | This place serves up some of the best pizza in town with fresh toppings and crispy, chewy dough. | Bianca pizza |
| 2 | Animal | This restaurant is known for its inventive meat dishes like pig ear and beef heart that are surprisingly delicious. | Beef dishes |
| 3 | Grand Central Market | This food hall offers all kinds of cuisine, from tacos to ramen to vegan fare. | Eggslut breakfast sandwich |
| 4 | Gjusta | This bakery and deli serves up some of the best sandwiches in the city, made in-house from bread to pickles. | Smoked fish sandwich |
| 5 | Bestia | This Italian restaurant offers an extensive menu with delicious bone marrow pasta and pizza. | Bone marrow pasta, pizza |
| 6 | The Apple Pan | This classic burger joint has been around since the 1940s and serves up juicy burgers and delicious pies in a nostalgic atmosphere. | Classic burger, pie |
| 7 | Providence | This Michelin-starred seafood restaurant offers a fancy tasting menu and impeccable service. | Tasting menu |
| 8 | Sqirl | This breakfast and lunch spot is always packed with fresh and inventive dishes, including must-try house-made jams. | Ricotta toast |
| 9 | Langer’s | This pastrami spot offers piled-high sandwiches with juicy meat and fresh rye bread. | Baloney |
| 10 | Sugarfish | This sushi restaurant offers fresh fish and knowledgeable sushi chefs with a trust me menu to try. | Trust me menu |
| 11 | Guisados | This taco spot has some of the best handmade tortillas and flavorful fillings, with the cochinita pibil being a standout. | Cochinita pibil taco |
| 12 | Osteria Mozza | This Italian restaurant serves up perfectly cooked pasta and an extensive wine list, with fried squash blossoms as a must-try side. | Pasta, fried squash blossoms |
1. Pizzeria Mozza
Owned by the famous Nancy Silverton, this place serves up some of the best pizza in town.
The dough is crispy and chewy at the same time, and the toppings are always fresh.
I recommend the Bianca pizza.
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2. Animal
If you’re a meat lover, Animal is a must-visit.
This restaurant is known for its inventive dishes like pig ear and beef heart.
Don’t let the unusual menu scare you, everything is delicious.
3. Grand Central Market
This is more of a food hall than a restaurant, but I had to include it on the list.
You can find all kinds of cuisine here, from tacos to ramen to vegan fare.
I always stop by Eggslut for a breakfast sandwich.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
4. Gjusta
This bakery and deli serves up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
Everything is made in-house, from the bread to the pickles.
Get the smoked fish sandwich, you won’t regret it.
5. Bestia
This Italian restaurant is a favorite among locals.
The menu is extensive and everything is delicious.
Make sure to try the bone marrow pasta and the pizza.
6. The Apple Pan
One of my favorite memories at a LA restaurant was at The Apple Pan.
My friends and I were looking for a classic burger joint, and The Apple Pan did not disappoint.
The burgers were juicy and the pies were delicious.
The best part was the ambiance – the restaurant has been around for so long that it feels like you’re stepping back in time.
This old-school burger joint has been around since the 1940s and is still going strong.
The burgers are classic and the pies are a must-try.
7. Providence
If you’re looking for a fancy night out, Providence is the spot.
This Michelin-starred seafood restaurant is known for its tasting menu and impeccable service.
8. Sqirl
This breakfast and lunch spot is always packed, but for good reason.
The food is fresh and inventive, and the house-made jams are a must-try.
Try the ricotta toast.
9. Langer’s
If you’re a pastrami fan, Langer’s is the place to go.
The sandwiches are piled high with juicy meat and the rye bread is always fresh.
Be prepared to wait in line, though.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
10. Sugarfish
This sushi restaurant has multiple locations around LA, and for good reason.
The fish is always fresh and the sushi chefs know what they’re doing.
Try the trust me menu.
11. Guisados
This taco spot has some of the best tacos in the city.
The fillings are always flavorful and the tortillas are handmade.
I recommend the cochinita pibil.
12. Osteria Mozza
This Italian restaurant is another Nancy Silverton spot, and it doesn’t disappoint.
The pasta is always cooked perfectly and the wine list is extensive.
Make sure to get a side of the fried squash blossoms.
13. Sichuan Impression
If you’re looking for spicy food, Sichuan Impression is the spot.
The flavors are bold and the spice level is no joke.
Try the hot pot and the cumin lamb.
14. The Little Door
This French restaurant has a cozy, romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for a date night.
The food is always delicious and the cocktails are inventive.
15. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle
If you’re a ramen fan, you have to try Tsujita.
The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are always cooked perfectly.
Be prepared to wait in line, though.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
16. Cassia
This Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant is a must-visit.
The menu is full of bold flavors and inventive dishes.
Make sure to try the laksa.
17. Jon & Vinny’s
This Italian-American restaurant has become a staple in LA.
The pizza and pasta are always delicious, and the atmosphere is lively.
18. Bavel
This Middle Eastern spot is a must-visit.
The lamb neck shawarma and the grilled prawns are out of this world
That’s it my friends….
LA is a foodie’s paradise, and these restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg.
From pizza to ramen to tacos, there’s something for everyone in this city.
So, what are the best restaurants in Los Angeles? These are my personal favorites, but there are so many other great spots in the city.
So go out and explore, and let me know your favorite LA restaurant?
FAQs
Q: Are these restaurants expensive?
A: It depends on the restaurant.
Some, like Pizzeria Mozza and Guisados, are more affordable.
Others, like Providence and Osteria Mozza, are more expensive.
However, all of these restaurants are worth the price.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: It’s always a good idea to make a reservation, especially at popular spots like Bestia and Providence.
However, some restaurants, like Grand Central Market, are more casual and don’t take reservations.
Q: Are these restaurants suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
A: While some of these restaurants, like Sqirl and Grand Central Market, offer vegetarian and vegan options, others, like Animal and Langer’s, are known for their meat dishes and may have limited options for vegetarians and vegans.
It’s always a good idea to check the menu or contact the restaurant beforehand if you have dietary restrictions.
Q: Is parking available at these restaurants?
A: Parking availability varies by restaurant.
Some may have their own parking lots or valet services, while others may have street parking or nearby parking structures.
It’s always a good idea to research parking options beforehand, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Q: Can these restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, many of these restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
However, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and inform the restaurant of any dietary restrictions to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Q: What is the best time to visit these restaurants?
A: It varies from restaurant to restaurant.
Some, like The Apple Pan and Sugarfish, are open for lunch and dinner and can be visited any time of day.
Others, like Sqirl and Gjusta, are primarily breakfast and lunch spots.
It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s hours before planning your visit.
Q: Are these restaurants family-friendly?
A: Some of these restaurants, like The Apple Pan and Guisados, have a more casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Others, like Providence, may not be the best choice for young children.
It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to see if they have a children’s menu or can accommodate families.
