Local Flavor: 26 of the best places to eat 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 draw, 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 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. 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. 

Advertisement

Here’s where I eat in Los Angeles…

Breakfast

1. 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 in 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.

2. 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. For locals and tourists alike, Canter’s is a must-visit restaurant.

3. Just What I Kneaded

Another spot to get breakfast all day, something that’s key to my weekends, is the 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.

Coffee

4. 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. 

5. Tilt Coffee

Escape from morning traffic when you stop by Tilt Coffee in downtown Los Angeles. 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.

6. Bloom & Plume Coffee

For all the frills, there’s Bloom & Plume Coffee in a historic building with a purple facade about a 10-minute walk from the Echo Park Swan Boats. Maurice Harris, aka LA’s most stylish florist, is a co-owner, so you can expect bold monochromatic bouquets for sale along with innovative “dranks” like the Channel Orange Latte, which tastes like a chocolate and orange Creamsicle.

Lunch

7. 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.

Advertisement

8. 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. 

9. 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.

10. Chifa

If it’s Sunday, however, I’m reserving my appetite for Chifa, a Chinese and Peruvian outpost in Highland Park. It does a dim sum lunch, where you can wash shrimp dumplings down with Inca Kola, only on Sundays.

11. 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. Even 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.

12. Café Gratitude

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.

Aperitivo

13. 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. Whiskey lovers should try the "Pitcher In The Rye," while soju fans will like "Paradise Sauced."

14. Bar Lis

Bar Lis, the rooftop lounge in the Thompson Hollywood hotel, is less literary, but more of a scene for people-watching – guests get dressed up to perch on striped bar stools, and a famous face or two has been spotted here. The decor is Southern California meets the French Riviera, and the Summer Spritzes (Casamigos Blanco, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit, orange blossom water and bubbles) are as appealing as the Hollywood Hills views.

15. 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.

Dinner

16. 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. 

17. 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 $28). 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.

18. Lola’s Peruvian Restaurant

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.

19. Damon’s

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.

20. 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.

Bar

21. Bar Chelou

Bar Chelou is perfectly situated next door to the Pasadena Playhouse for a post-show drink. For martini lovers like myself, I recommend the Olivette (gin, St Germain, dry vermouth and bitters). If you’d like a bite, the place is also a full-service restaurant (self-described as a “weird kinda-French bistro”), but the dedicated lounge area, surrounded by tropical plants, means you can wander in for only a cocktail. 

22. Lolo Wine Bar

Another favorite spot of mine is Lolo Wine Bar in East Hollywood. Take your pick from the extensive wine list – I’m always a fan of a natural orange – and settle into the candle-lit, couch-lined bar area. 

23. Zebulon

If you’re looking to cut loose, Zebulon in Frogtown is an indoor-outdoor, not-too-cool-for-school dance spot with live music and themed DJ sets, like '80s nights and “indie sleaze dance parties.” Boogie for a song or two, then pull up a barstool or hang outside in the beer garden-style portion of the venue to enjoy the LA night air.

Street food 

24. Avenue 26 Tacos

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, Avenue 26 Tacos is a prime spot for scarfing down a plate of tacos. 

25. 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.

26. Mariscos Jalisco

Founded in 2002, this long-standing, cash-only taco truck is known for its Mexican seafood dishes, from ceviche to crispy shrimp tacos. With locations in Boyle Heights, Downtown LA, Pomona and West LA, Mariscos Jalisco stands out in a sea of taco trucks due to its fresh ingredients and authentic flavor.