Also known as the City of Angels, Los Angeles is the largest city in the state of California and has almost four million residents making it the second most populated city in the US. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, which is one of the most renowned places in the world.
With all of the people living there, you know it has to have some of the best food. In fact, they have 24 Michelin-starred dining spots. But they also have quaint cafés and amazing small eateries where you can get the best food. Drop off your backpacks and bags at a Los Angeles luggage locker and go eat.
Michelin Starred Restaurants
n/naka
The only place in LA with two stars, n/naka is a fabulous Japanese establishment served by Chef Niki Nakayama. The 13-course tasting menu is popular with an array of delights to sample. Some of these may include grilled branzino, sea urchin, lobster dumplings, pickled cod roe, and black truffle.
Orsa & Winston
Whether you want something from the land or the sea, Chef Josef Centeno has what you want and makes it in a unique and innovative way. Their tasting menu typically has delights like crispy crab tempura with pumpkin, Washugyu flank steaks, and Satsuki porridge with parmesan cream.
Osteria Mozza
How about some fine Italian dining on Melrose in Hollywood? The dark wood and white marble décor are stunning and so is the food. Mozza is famous for their bread but the sausage orecchiette with swiss chard is impeccable. Other specialties include grilled octopus and crispy duck leg.
Shibumi
Shibumi has such a variety of cuisines, it is hard to put a label on it, but they call it Kappo style. The minimalist décor is surrounded by exposed pipes and concrete for a unique look. You will be treated to creative dishes like silken tofu with ikura, true chicken teriyaki, and Holstein steak with wasabi.
Casual Eateries
Pampas Grill
If you like BBQ, head to the Pampas Grill for some original Brazilian BBQ where you pay by the pound. That way you only pay for what you eat. Some of the meats include sirloin, chicken thighs, pork loin, Brazilian sausage, and leg of lamb. Other dishes include beef stew, chicken stroganoff, and garlic linguine.
Urban Masala
The casual atmosphere at Urban Masala makes you feel like family and the real Indian food is outstanding and very affordable. Try the Tandoori platter with chicken, lamb, fish, and shrimp kebabs or the chicken Makhani with yogurt curry. They also have five desserts like mango ice cream and kulfi.
Pasta Sisters
The Pasta Sisters began in Padova, Italy many years ago with the Giovanna family and their gnocchi. Today they offer up a variety of pasta and other dishes that range from light and delectable to rich and robust. The beef Bolognese cooked in red wine is a treat or try the black truffle pasta in butter sauce.
Guisados
You can find Guisados in several locations around LA and you won’t have trouble tracking it down because you can smell the meat and chiles simmering from blocks away. They make their corn tortillas by hand like all their other mouthwatering food from breakfast tacos to Hongos con cilantro for lunch or dinner.
Fast Food
Philippe the Original
Since 1908, Philippe the Original has been serving French dipped sandwiches, making them the first as well as the best sandwich in LA. You can get it with the traditional roast beef or try ham, pastrami, turkey, lamb, or pork. But they also have soup, salads, sides, chili, stew, and a variety of yummy desserts.
In-N-Out Burger
You’ve probably heard of this famous fast-food giant but if you haven’t been there, you need to make a stop at one of their five locations. Try the original burger and fries or make it a double. Or you can get it with three or four patties if you are really hungry. Get it wrapped in lettuce or with no meat for a lighter meal.
Pink’s Hot Dogs
If you like hot dogs, Pink’s is the place to go in LA. They have 17 ways to serve a dog including the LA Chargers dog with two 9-inch dogs in one bun smothered with nacho cheese, chili, and mustard and the Brando with onions, chili, cheddar, and guacamole. They also have 11 types of burgers and 23 sides.
DeSano Pizza Bakery
Pizza lovers can head over to DeSano Pizza Bakery for a real fire-roasted pizza in 12 different flavors. The lasagna pizza is amazing with meatballs, ricotta, scarmorze, and mozzarella. Or try the Napolitana with broccoli rabe, sausage, and pecorino Romano. Or get one of the calzones, meatball meals, or balsamic salads.
Just Desserts
The Pie Hole
At the Pie Hole, you can get any kind of pie (or pie hole) you can think of and more. Have you ever had Earl Grey pie or cereal killer cheesecake pie? And the salted honey custard is delectable. They also have chocolate crostata, maple custard, Mexican chocolate, and banana batter. You can even get a pot pie or quiche for lunch.
Milk
For an old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience, Milk has what you need. The quaint shop is adorable, and the ice cream and baked goods are handmade fresh all day long. Their ice cream includes flavors like red velvet, coconut, blood orange, and Fruity Pebbles. Or try one of their many cookie flavors or cakes.
California Donuts
In LA, donuts are not really a breakfast thing, they are an all-day thing. California Donuts features 20 classics like taro, horchata, matcha, and rose. Or try one of the 18 specialty donuts like the unicorn, Froot Loop, Fruity Pebbles, or Circus Animals. They also have muffins, cheesecake, cream puffs, and bagels.
Georgetown Cupcakes
You cannot go wrong with any cupcake at Georgetown. They have seasonal favorites like the Hummingbird with banana, pineapple, and pecans or the lavender earl grey tea cake. Or get the strawberry sundae with a fudge core and strawberry frosting. They also have classics like chocolate ganache and red velvet.
You may be here for the food but don’t miss the attractions in LA while visiting. The Santa Monica Pier can keep you busy for days or you can get some sun and sand at Venice Beach. And you have to get some selfies with the landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame while you are there.
