Los Angeles is not only a city made up of many different neighbourhoods, but many different cultures as well. And how to best get a taste for these cultures? Through the food, of course!
See Also:
- A local’s guide to the areas of Los Angeles
- 28 awesome spots to get your drink on in LA
- Instagram accounts that will have you dreaming of Los Angeles
LA’s traffic may make it a bit difficult to make your dinner reso on time, but don’t let the gridlock get you down. Eyes on the prize, people – the prize being, of course, delicious food.
Here are some of the best places to eat your way through Los Angeles.
Seafood: San Pedro Fish Market
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Home to the largest seafood restaurant in all of California, San Pedro Fish Market can seat nearly 3,000 people. But if you want to get your hands on its infamous shrimp tray you’ll have to get there early, because when the cruise ships pass through the Port of Los Angeles, seats fill up very quickly.
Address: 1190 Nagoya Way
Neighbourhood: San Pedro
Phone: +1-310-832-4251
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Coffee run: The Verve Cafe
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This spot will serve you up a refreshing cold brew for your on-the-go caffeine fix. It also has a killer outdoor patio with ultra comfy cushions if you’re looking to bang out some emails. While you’re at it, try out their Featured Toast – a unique take on traditional avo toast – with all of the cheese.
Various Locations
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Plant-based: The Butcher’s Daugther
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With outposts popping up in New York City and LA, The Butcher’s Daughter has become a hit because of their plant-based menu (and, let’s not kid ourselves, the Insta-worthy decor). They hilariously describe themselves as a “vegetable slaughterhouse” as they chop, filet and carve each veggie to perfection.
Address: 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Neighbourhood: Venice Beach
Phone: +1-310-981-3004
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Instagrammable brunch: Cecconi’s
Cecconi’s Patio/West Hollywood Travel & Tourism Board
Cecconi’s has become a staple all around the world for creating standout Italian fare. With each spot known for their standout decor and beautiful outdoor space, their West Hollywood location is no exception.
Come here for celebrity sightings, a healthy (yet delicious) morning dish, fresh juices and endless coffee. Not to mention the incredible indoor/outdoor space. You can thank us later.
Address: 8764 Melrose Avenue
Neighbourhood: West Hollywood
Phone: +1-310-432-2000
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Award-winning: Hippo
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Winner of a James Beard Award, Matt Molina redefines contemporary American cuisine at Hippo. This intimate outpost serves way more than just burgers and fries, known primarily for its seafood dishes made with oysters and clams and larger platter sized dishes.
Address: 5916 1/2, N Figueroa Street
Neighbourhood: Highland Park
Phone: +1-323-545-3536
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Middle Eastern: Bavel
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Mixing together the delectable flavours of Israel, Morocco, Turkey and Egypt, Bavel reinvents these age-old dishes with a modern twist. Set in Downtown LA’s Arts District, Bavel brings together slow cooking techniques filling the restaurants with aromatic woods, herbs and spices.
Address: 500 Mateo Street
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-213-232-4966
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Something for everyone: The Henry
The Henry/West Hollywood Travel & Tourism Board
Looking for an upscale, but a casual option that appeals to a variety of people? Look no further, because this fare will feed the vegan to the carnivore and everyone in between. The dishes are delicious, the tables large, and the interior elegant. Oh, and the patio is dog-friendly.
Local tip: West Hollywood is the number one dog-friendly city in North America. They can come with you just about everywhere, so feel free to bring your pup.
Address: 120 North Robertson Boulevard
Neighbourhood: West Hollywood
Phone: +1-424-204-1595
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Californian Italian: Felix Trattoria
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Top Chef Canada judge Janet Zuccarini is known in Toronto for her work on hotspots like Gusto 101 and Chubby’s, and has now teamed up with Evan Funke to bring her culinary roots to California. Each dish is created with locally grown ingredients to bring the best of Italy to Abbot Kinney.
Address: 3386, 1023 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Neighbourhood: Venice Beach
Phone: +1-424-387-8622
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LA street tacos: Guerrilla Tacos
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Arguably some of the best tacos served north of the Mexican border are right here in Los Angeles. Guerilla Tacos is known for serving seasonal menus from local vendors and a rotating selection of tasting dishes making everytime you go a new experience.
Address: 2000 East 7th Street
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-213-375-3300
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Rooftop sushi spot: CATCH LA
Catch LA/West Hollywood Travel & Tourism Board
The moment you step out of the rooftop elevator onto the magical flower and vine-covered platform, you’ll realize why this is a local favourite. And if you love sushi like we do, you’ll want to order everything on the menu.
These dishes are made for sharing, so come all and come hungry because you can’t go wrong with any option. We recommend ordering the MRC Roll – they sear it at your table! They also have plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes for those of you not into seafood.
Address: 8715 Melrose Avenue
Neighbourhood: West Hollywood
Phone: +1-323-347-6060
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Trendy & tasty pizza: Gjelina
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Okay let’s be real, every place on Abbot Kinney is trendy and tasty, so of course Gjelina (pronounced Jel-eena) is no exception. Come here for delectable gourmet pizzas, a dimly lit rustic atmosphere, and communal plates and seating. There’s also a takeaway outpost next door to grab a slice if you’re on the go.
Address: 1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Neighbourhood: Venice Beach
Phone: +1-310-450-1429
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Garden patio: Firefly
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One lovely part of LA is that the weather is temperate all year long, meaning a garden patio is always welcoming you with open arms. Firefly presents an intimate atmosphere, serving elevated dishes made with familiar ingredients. If you can, try and reserve one of their outdoor booths that are the perfect intimate setting for date-night or to pop the question while on vacay (hint! hint!).
Address: 11720 Ventura Boulevard
Neighbourhood: Studio City
Phone: +1-818-762-1833
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Healthy fare: True Food Kitchen
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Just steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, True Food Kitchen brings out those SoCal flavours making healthy food taste delicious. Their dishes are routed in anti-inflammatory eating principles, serving up seasonal sandwiches, starters, salads, entrees and more that taste delicious and leave you feeling great.
Address: 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 172
Neighbourhood: Santa Monica
Phone: +1-310-593-8300
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Old school LA: Musso & Frank Grill
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One of the oldest restaurants in Hollywood, Musso & Frank Grill has had some of the biggest stars over the last 90+ years stroll through their doors. The menu is the same since they first opened in 1924, serving up killer martinis, seafood cocktails, steaks, chops and retro dishes in the same classic way. Can’t you imagine Frank Sinatra dining here?
Address: 6667 Hollywood Boulevard
Neighbourhood: Hollywood
Phone: +1-323-467-7788
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Celeb hangout: Craig’s
Aside from the small group of paparazzi waiting on any given evening, the outside of this restaurant is actually very unassuming. Known for its comfort food and relaxed atmosphere, Craig’s is a celebrity favourite. So if you’re in the mood for spotting a star, grab a drink at the bar and act natural because the odds are in your favour.
Address: 8826 Melrose Avenue
Neighbourhood: West Hollywood
Phone: +1-310-276-1900
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Pre-hike fuel: Little Dom’s
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Only a short drive away from Griffith Park, Little Dom’s is a neighbourhood favourite and it’s rumoured that Ryan Gosling has been seen dining here. Do we even need to go on? … Okay, we will. This cozy Italian joint is best known for their fixed-price Monday supper, busy brunches and comfort food dishes.
Make sure to check out their deli beside the main restaurant, which is the perfect spot to pick up a scone and a sandwich before going on your hike to the Griffith Observatory.
Address: 2128 Hillhurst Avenue
Neighbourhood: Los Feliz
Phone: +1-323-661-0055
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Outdoor atmosphere: Boxwood On the Roof at the London West Hollywood
Boxwood on the Roof/West Hollywood Travel & Tourism Board
You won’t believe the views at Boxwood on the Roof in West Hollywood. Oh, did we mention it’s a rooftop pool lounge? It really doesn’t get much better than this. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, you’ll have to stop by more than once just to see how the view changes based on the time of day.
For a pleasant and delicious surprise, try the Peanut Butter and Jelly smoothie. If you didn’t know any better, you would think it was the real thing.
Address: 1020 North San Vicente Boulevard
Neighbourhood: West Hollywood
Phone: +1-310-358-7747
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Filipino cuisine: Lasa
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Name 2018 Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year, Lasa is a Filipino-inspired but Californian influenced restaurant owned and operated by second-generation Filipino-American brothers, Chad and Chase Valencia. With a modern take on classic Filipino dishes, each item shows their love for their heritage and its cooking tradition.
Address: 727 North Broadway #120
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
Phone: +1-213-443-6163
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Vegetarian Mexican: Gracias Madre
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If there’s one thing Los Angeles does well it is delicious, vegetarian food. And Gracias Madre’s plant-based tacos and ceviches are no exception. Chef Chandra Gilbert creates bold favours with seasonal produce to make dishes inspired by the kitchens of Mexico. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, it is worth the visit to Gracias Madre just for the beautiful patio space and incredible eats.
Address: 8905 Melrose Avenue
Neighbourhood: West Hollywood
Phone: +1-323-978-2170
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Coffee run: Urth Caffe
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From A-listers to the everyday LA local, the line for Urth Caffé is always streaming out the door because it’s somewhere that everyone loves. Best known for their organic coffee, Urth Caffé’s menu boasts a never-ending list of dishes made with fresh ingredients and indulgent baked goods.
Various Locations
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Casual dining: Viale at Kimpton La Peer Hotel
La Peer Hotel/West Hollywood Travel & Tourism Board
Two words: Burrata Pizza. It’s delish but also massive, so we recommend bringing a friend or three to share. The stylish decor transforms into a casual bar scene so hang around and grab yourself one of their refreshing spirit cocktails – they also do their own version of an Aperol Spritz. Yup.
Local tip: Pop over to La Peer Hotel’s poolside bar (same location as Viale) for some casual lounging. On Thursdays, they have live music and it’s definitely worth checking out.
Address: 627 North La Peer Drive
Neighbourhood: West Hollywood
Phone: +1-213-296-3038
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Disclaimer: Travel, accommodation, and meals were provided to Mapped by the West Hollywood Travel and Tourism board. All views and opinions are those of the author.
See Also:
- A local’s guide to the areas of Los Angeles
- 28 awesome spots to get your drink on in LA
- Instagram accounts that will have you dreaming of Los Angeles
Want to contribute to Mapped by sharing your favourite places to dine in your own city? Contact us at [email protected].
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