2 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

Bringing Taiwanese food made with California ingredients to a formerly Central American--dominated neighborhood may have been a reach, but Joy makes it work by keeping close ties with the community, preserving its building's history, and naturally, making delicious affordable food. Pine & Crane's sister restaurant is more accessible, spice-wise, but the simple-to-make dishes on its small menu are still comforting, wholesome, and familiar to those who grew up eating some versions of them. Expect modest lines during the weekends, but the food rolls out quickly so wait times aren't too long.

This is not the typical Chinese restaurant you might expect; it's a fast-casual, often locally sourced Taiwanese restaurant housed in a modern setting. The menu changes based on season, the wine and beer list updates constantly, and the tea menu is carefully curated.