Lonely Planet guide on where to eat and drink in LA

At the risk of sounding like a culinary simpleton, I’ve always been a fan of buffets.

It’s not the all-you-can-eat aspect, but the variety that appeals to me. Finding pasta, orange chicken and enchiladas in the same place? Pure heaven. I think this is the same reason I love dining in Los Angeles so much. Go to a neighborhood known for its Armenian cuisine and you’ll also stumble upon superlative Peruvian plus a nearly century-old steak joint inspired by the South Pacific – all within the same block.

The neighborhood described above is where I live: Glendale. Tourists don’t necessarily flock here – unless they’re shopping at the Glendale Galleria or the upscale outdoor mall across the street, the Americana at Brand – but this stunning area of LA County (technically, it’s its own city) that butts up to Griffith Park, the Verdugo Mountains and the Angeles National Forest is worth a visit for some of the best places to eat in LA.

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Because these are my stomping grounds, you’ll find my restaurant guide heavy on Glendale-area spots. But I’m not opposed to the occasional Santa Monica dinner either, especially when it combines Malaysian, Thai and Indian in one place. And you'll also find me in Highland Park for breakfast, downtown LA for lunch and in East Hollywood for drinks. These are my favourite places to eat in LA.

1. Start the day at Belle’s Bagels

Ignore everything you’ve heard about not being able to get a good bagel in LA. The cacio e pepe bagels at Belle’s Bagels in Highland Park would make even a New Yorker weak at the knees. They’re so perfectly chewy and jam-packed with cheesy-peppery flavor, and they often sell out on weekends, so get there before 11am.

If you'd prefer a lie in, something that’s key to my weekends, opt for the all-day breakfast at vegan bakery and cafe Just What I Kneaded in Frogtown. While its breakfast burrito – brimming with soyrizo, tofu egg scramble and avocado – is mouthwatering, the real showstoppers here are the baked goods. The strawberry "pop tarts," often decorated with cartoon characters, are both delightful and delectable.

2. Order breakfast in the wee hours at Canter’s

You can arrive anytime at Canter’s, a deli that serves breakfast – thick-cut bacon, challah French toast and huevos rancheros – 24 hours a day. This iconic spot has been feeding Angelenos since 1931 and has even been a backdrop in episodes of Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage. 

3. Get a delicious caffeine hit at Regent Coffee

For a high-quality cup of caffeine in Glendale, I head to Regent Coffee, where the small shop on Brand Ave is no-frills, but the small-batch, bourbon barrel-aged beans are exceptional, as are their seasonal specials at their Eagle Rock branch infused with fresh ingredients and housemade syrups. Grab a fresh cup of brew and a bag of beans for home. 

4. Flee the rat race at Tilt Coffee

If you find yourself stuck in morning traffic in downtown LA, escape it and stop by Tilt Coffee. A patio and green space beside the coffee shop invite you to sit and refuel with their signature cloud lattes. Tea drinkers will appreciate the cafe’s cloud matcha (a matcha latte with a heavenly layer of cold cream), plus several herbal tea options.

5. Savor Cuban flavors at Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

I often joke that among Glendale residents, the season’s “it” bag is always a to-go sack from Porto’s Bakery & Cafe – the Cuban spot constantly has visitors clamoring for carry-out medianoche sandwiches (slow-roasted pork, sweet ham, Swiss cheese and pickles) and crispy potato balls. Wander the streets around here and you’ll spot a number of the ubiquitous yellow bags with brown type. When you get to the bakery, don’t worry if you see a line; it moves quickly.

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6. Take a leisurely lunch at Cafe Fig

If you’re looking to linger over lunch, head to the 1920s Spanish Colonial Hotel Figueroa in downtown LA. Visits here are part-culinary excursion, part-art walk. The lobby, which is lined with artwork that’s part of a rotating exhibition, is also home to Cafe Fig, where even the grilled cheese (served on sourdough with caramelized onions and slightly spicy mustard) feels like a creative endeavor. 

7. Stop for sushi rolls at Yuko Kitchen

For another cool place to eat in downtown Los Angeles, visit Yuko Kitchen. The Japanese fusion restaurant’s plant-filled downtown LA location is the perfect place to stop for lunch after hitting up The Last Bookstore. Order the strawberry soda boba for a refreshing burst of flavor, then fill up on fresh sushi rolls or the vegan-friendly “Amazing Curry.” Before you leave, snag a gluten-free strawberry mochi cookie from the bakery case.

8. Splash out at Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant

While prices can run high, Langer’s remains a must-try LA staple. Serving hot pastrami sandwiches since 1947, this deli has stood the test of time. Celebrities like Chris Pine adore this long-standing institution’s classic dishes. Try the French dip (a food originally created in LA), or get the famous #19 combo.

9. Café Gratitude is a vegan sensation

Café Gratitude is one of the most well-known vegan restaurants in Los Angeles. Visit the Larchmont location for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick juice shot. While you might feel a little silly reading out the affirmations-based dish names to your server, the cafe is perfect for vegan and vegetarian diners.

10. Try a literary cocktail at 1894

For a drink pre-dinner or post-shopping, the 1894 in Pasadena is my go-to. It’s inside Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore, Vroman’s, and, as you might expect, cocktails here are inspired by literature. Tequila lovers should try the "Margarita Atwood," while sake fans will like "Pride and Pearjudiced."

11. Light bites and drinks at The Wellesbourne

Set the tone for a classy night out by starting with drinks and small plates at The Wellesbourne. Located in the Sawtelle Japantown neighborhood, this bar named after a village in England will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a 19th-century library. In the main lounge, you can sip on handcrafted cocktails or mocktails and snack on bacon-wrapped dates by the fireplace or in a booth lined with bookshelves. For a breath of fresh air, step out onto the patio in the back and enjoy a beer.

12. Delicious butter chicken at Cobi’s 

Cobi’s – a Santa Monica restaurant offering South Asian cuisine, including pork dumplings, wok-tossed veggies and curries (don’t leave without trying the butter chicken) – is worth the traffic. Plus, the homey decor (floral wallpaper, fringed lampshades and mismatched china) makes it feel like a meal at your favorite aunt’s house… if your favorite aunt was an antique collector in Thailand. 

13. Join the party at Carousel

It’s always a party at Carousel in Glendale, which serves Middle Eastern feasts with convenient family-style ordering and per-person prices (from $33). When I’ve invited friends here, at least twice they’ve whispered as we entered, “I think this is a private party.” But that’s just the perpetually festive feel at this Lebanese–Armenian restaurant.

14. Tuck into authentic Peruvian dishes at Lola’s 

While you’d expect Middle Eastern food in Glendale, which is known for its Armenian population, you might be surprised by the neighborhood’s top-notch Peruvian food. Lola’s Peruvian Restaurant has authentic ceviches and saltados (stir fries) plus sides of yuca fried to crispy perfection.

Across the street, tiki-decorated Damon’s, which has been around since 1937, will transport you to the South Pacific for a prime rib roast (Friday to Sunday only) and fruity cocktails – peruse the menu with a mai tai in hand.

15. Korean BBQ with the stars at Ahgassi Gopchang

Los Angeles is home to some incredible Korean food. See where K-pop stars like BTS dine when you eat at Ahgassi Gopchang. Open late, this KBBQ spot is one of the best restaurants for filling up on seared meats, ramyun and tofu stew after drinks.

16. Delectable tacos at Avenue 26

Los Angeles is famous for stellar tacos, so it can be hard to choose where to satisfy your cravings. While the ever-evolving world of LA food trucks can be difficult to pin down, you can always count on reliable spots like Avenue 26 Tacos. With locations in both Eagle Rock and Little Tokyo, this is a prime spot for scarfing down a plate of tacos. 

17. Embrace the options at Smorgasburg

For an impressive collection of street food vendors, visit Smorgasburg LA. This massive open air food market has delicious creations ranging from fresh arepas and Korean fried chicken to vegan ice cream and mouthwatering tanghulu. The market is open every Sunday and has a family-friendly beer garden.