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$ | Santa Monica |
Part deli, part market, Bay Cities has been home to incredible Italian subs since 1925. This renowned counter-service spot is always crowded (best to order ahead), but monster subs run the gamut from the mighty meatball to the signature Godmother, made with prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, Genoa salami, and provolone. At the market you can buy rare imported pastas, cheeses, wine, and sliced meats for a sunset beach picnic.
1517 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90401, USA
Known For
- Market with rare imports
- Old-school, deli-style service
- Huge sandwiches
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$ | Downtown |
There’s a fight in Los Angeles over who created the French dip sandwich. The first contender is Cole’s, whose sign on the door says it's the originator of the salty, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meats. The restaurant opened in 1908 and today is still going strong with dark lighting, delicious sandwiches, and a secret speakeasy called the Varnish hidden in the back. The men’s room nods to the famous clientele of the past with plaques over the urinals notifying bathroom goers that Charles Bukowski and Mickey Cohen both "pissed here.”
118 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, California, 90014, USA
Known For
- Historic L.A. dining
- One of the top contenders for best French dip sandwich in the country
- Secret speakeasy in back
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$ | |
When this music-influenced doughnut shop first opened on York Boulevard in the early days of Highland Park’s renaissance, there wasn’t much there, and its arrival helped shape the now-bustling strip and its vegan inclinations. Donut Friend has evolved into a destination in its own right, touting both a signature and limited menu of purely vegan doughnuts—which also happen to be inspired by the pop punk and emo music scene.
5107 York Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90042, USA
Known For
- Fun flavors like Green Teagan and Sara (with matcha tea glaze)
- All-vegan ingredients
- Ice cream and shakes
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$ | Beverly–La Brea |
Open since 1931, this landmark spot is perfect for those on a budget or anyone after an authentic Mexican meal. The traditional fare is decadent and delicious while the margaritas are sweetened to perfection. Inside you'll find busy, colorful decor, and string lights throughout. Servers wear traditional fiesta dresses. Look for the large neon sign on Fairfax.
7312 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90036, USA
Known For
- Affordable, quality cuisine
- Festive atmosphere
- Being an L.A. staple
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$ | Hollywood |
Are you even in L.A. if you haven't had a smashburger yet? Usurping all other burgers and burger joints, For the Win has become a power player on the burger scene in L.A., growing from this unassuming location in a strip mall in Hollywood to a collection of storefronts throughout the region. Seasoned beef patties are stuffed with onions and cheese, thrown on the hot plate then served on a perfect bun, customized with bacon, stacked to be a double or a triple (and why not), and then drizzled in homemade sauce. Simple recipe for success here: no-fuss focus on quality ingredients, flavor, and delivery. The fried chicken sandwich is also a winner.
6221 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90028, USA
Known For
- Smashburger
- House-made sauce
- Recognized as one of the best burgers in L.A.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Downtown | Eclectic
In continuous operation since 1917, Grand Central Market has always been a hub for ethnic eats from Jewish delis and Asian fishmongers to Italian butchers and Latino farmers. While the vendors have changed over time, the market continues to feature an ever-evolving array of all-day dining choices, like Wexler’s Deli for the best lox in L.A., or Madcapra for inventive falafel. For those willing to wait in a Disney-esque line, Eggslut is your breakfast go-to. And for lunch on a chilly day, don’t pass up the slurp-worthy vegan hot spot Ramen Hood by Top Chef winner Ilan Hall.
317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California, 90013, USA
Known For
- Breakfast at Eggslut
- Fast casual dining
- Popular lunch destination
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$ | |
Family-owned Guisados has achieved cult status in L.A. with locations throughout the city (DTLA, Boyle Heights, WeHo) to accommodate its popularity. This Echo Park spot is worshipped and well supported locally for Nana’s slow-cooked stew recipes, cooked to perfection for five to six hours and slapped on house-grilled tortillas. Since this is L.A., there are vegan and vegetarian options as well, but the bestsellers include the steak picado, chicken tinga, and chorizo quesadilla. All tacos are delicious, so you may want to get a sampler to try a variety. Chase your picks with made-daily agua frescas like the summer-perfect Armando Palmero.
1261 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90026, USA
Known For
- Cult favorite
- Breakfast tacos
- Tacos with slow-cooked meats
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$ | Downtown |
Don’t let the hour-long waits deter you—if you want the best Nashville fried chicken in L.A., Howlin’ Ray's is worth the effort. Right in the middle of Chinatown, this tiny chicken joint consists of a few bar seats, a few side tables, and a kitchen that sizzles as staff yell out “yes, chef” with each incoming order. Opt for the sandwich with varying spice levels, but don’t skimp on sides, with collard greens and fries to help cool the fire in your mouth.
727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA
Known For
- Spicy fried chicken
- Classic Southern sides
- Long waits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$ | West Hollywood |
Part restaurant, part bakery, part market, Joan’s on Third has a little bit of everything. This roadside French-style café caters to families, the occasional local celebrity, and lovers of all things wholesome. Inside, clean white walls give way to a daily fresh deli/salad counter, imported cheeses, crispy baguettes, and fresh pastries. People-watch on the outdoor patio while eating egg-white omelets and tuna melts. It's crowded on weekends; the key is to arrive around 9 am to secure your spot outside.
8350 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, California, 90048, USA
Known For
- Crispy baguettes and fresh pastries
- Deli sandwiches and imported cheeses
- Long lines (get there before 9 am)
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$ | |
The award-winning Knowrealitypie, hidden in a shop the size of a large walk-in closet, is truly a passion project, with co-owner Tracy Ann DeVore furiously paddling beneath the water's surface to make those homemade pies on her own. That's why it's only open from Thursday through Saturday until it sells out, which it often does. Partaking in a rotating menu of seasonal savories and sweet pies, turnovers, and other pastries is practically a Northeast L.A. initiation, however, so it's an important stop when visiting the neighborhood. Tracy also holds pie-making classes every month--a terrific opportunity for travelers to participate in something local.
5106 Townsend Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90041, USA
Known For
- Triple berry Cabernet pie
- Salted caramel mango rum pie
- Vegan and gluten-free options on request
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs.
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$ | North Hollywood |
Mofongo’s small storefront represents one of the best and only venues to get authentic Puerto Rican food in L.A. Stop by and try the namesake dish (a delectable mash of fried plantains), but stay for the pasteles (cakes) and rellenos de papa (stuffed potatoes). For those familiar with Puerto Rico, you'll find yourself lost in nostalgia here; for those who have not yet gone, you'll be ready to pack your bags before you even have time to digest.
5757 Lankershim Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 91601, USA
Known For
- Mofongo de Pollo Guisado (fried mashed plantains with chicken stew)
- Hard-to-find Puerto Rican food
- Flan de queso (cream cheese flan)
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$ | |
There are a lot of Thai restaurants in Los Angeles, but none have quite reached the level of cult status of Night + Market Song. Tucked between a free clinic, a small clothing store, and a tax office, this second rendition of chef Kris Yenbamroong’s popular WeHo restaurant might be easy to miss, but keep an eye out, as its authentic (and properly spicy) Thai dishes are practically mandatory when you’re in the neighborhood.
3322 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90026, USA
Known For
- Moo Sadoong ("startled pig")
- Khao soi
- Long weekend lines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., No reservations
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$ | Koreatown |
One of the newer (and better) additions to the Koreatown dining scene, Open Market is part restaurant, part corner store, specializing in sandwiches, coffee, and a meticulously curated selection of wines, chocolates, tinned fish, and more. Run by husband-and-wife team Brian and Yoona Lee, the minimalist market attracts everyone from midday construction workers to oenophiles looking for the next best thing. But the star of the show here is the sandwiches like the Hill St., a fried pork chop sandy with cabbage slaw and Serrano ham on pain de mie, or the Olympic, a lemongrass Jidori chicken sandwich with pickled radish, mint, and crispy chicken skin. Come for lunch and then stock up on specialty items that can't be found anywhere else.
3339 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90010, USA
Known For
- Excellent sandwiches
- Locally made chips, hot sauces, and snacks
- L.A. goods and gifts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | Downtown |
First opened in 1908, Philippe's is one of L.A.'s oldest restaurants and claims to be the originator of the French dip sandwich. While the debate continues around the city, one thing is certain: the dips made with beef, pork, ham, lamb, or turkey on a freshly baked roll stand the test of time. Join locals as they chow down at communal tables while debating Dodgers games and politics. Orders are taken at the counter where some of the motherly servers have managed their long lines for decades, doling out huge breakfasts, chili, pickled eggs, and a generous pie selection. The best bargain: a cup of java for 50¢.
1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA
Known For
- 50¢ coffee
- Communal tables
- Post–Dodgers game eats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Hollywood |
Since 1939, Angelenos and tourists alike have been lining up at this roadside hot dog stand. But Pink’s is more than just an institution, it’s a beloved family-run joint that serves a damn good hot dog. The chili dogs are the main draw, but don’t shy away from themed and celebrity-inspired specials. Day or night, the lines are long, but the dogs are worth the wait.
709 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90038, USA
Known For
- The famous Brando Dog
- Late-night dining
- Chili fries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Brentwood |
Certainly (and deservedly) on any short list for the best pizzaiolo in Los Angeles, chef Daniele Uditi's secret is his family's 65-plus-year-old sourdough starter, which he transported from Italy and still keeps alive. The sizzling pies here will remind you of Naples, with their crackling crusts and inventive toppings. The restaurant was co-founded by the creators of Sprinkes Cupcakes (no strangers to buzzy food trends) and actor Chris O'Donnell. In addition to the perfect pizzas, the shop offers weekly sandwich specials and a bevy of healthier salad-loving sides. Devotees order Pizzana pizzas online to have shipped to their homes in other states, so keep that in mind as you chow down.
11712 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90049, USA
Known For
- Excellent Neapolitan pizza
- Sandwich specials
- Laid-back atmosphere
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$ | West L.A. |
Ramen lovers have no shortage of choices across Los Angeles, but if you want the best, head over to this Sawtelle Japantown hot spot. Lines typically bend around the corner as hungry Angelenos drive from far and wide to have Tsujita’s signature tsukemen (a type of ramen where the noodles are served to the side of the broth and you dip each bite individually). Whether it’s cold or hot outside (it’s L.A., so usually hot), this little corner shop will sate your appetite for soup.
2057 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90025, USA
Known For
- Signature tsukemen ramen
- Lots of ramen options, including vegan ramen
- Long lines
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$ | West L.A. | Japanese
The crown prince of ramen in Los Angeles deserves every accolade thrown at it. With lines wrapped around the block, patrons await tonkotsu (a pork broth that simmers for 60 hours) with tender strips of pork, semi-hard noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Other items include spicy tuna or salmon bowls over rice. Don’t mind the lines, the ramen here tops every list for a reason and is worth waiting for.
2057 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90025, USA
Known For
- Spicy tuna
- Salmon bowls
- Long lines
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$ | |
Just because Bea Bea’s is a no-nonsense kind of place, it doesn’t mean the food isn’t special. This diner serves breakfast food that is about as close to extraordinary as the most important meal of the day can be. The plates are massive, but you're bound to finish your meal.
353 N. Pass Ave., Los Angeles, California, 91505, USA
Known For
- Pancakes and French toast
- Friendly staff
- Classic diner grub
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$ | |
This reliably quick and easy bistro serves up fresh, classic pastas and pizzas in the Palisades Village. Savor baked goat cheese on the romantic, breezy patio as you watch the glitterati go by, or enjoy a more substantial dish like linguine and clams inside under old-world wooden beams.
863 N. Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades, California, 90272, USA
Known For
- Delectable lobster ravioli
- Quick service
- Charming patio area
