Los Angeles Travel Guide

USA #5 in Best Nightlife Scenes in the USA

Credit

Courtesy of Az Jackson/Getty Images

What to Eat in Los Angeles

Diversity is the key to LA's cuisine. It's also no surprise that LA is the birthplace of the celebrity chef phenomenon, with big names like Wolfgang Puck, Gino Angelini and David Myers at the forefront of the city's premier kitchens. Diners especially enjoy the exquisite (albeit expensive) Italian options at Osteria Mozza in Hollywood. Travelers may also opt for certain restaurants based on who might be sitting at the next table. Those looking for a star-studded meal might try Palm Restaurant or The Ivy in or near Beverly Hills, Fig & Olive in West Hollywood, or The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles boasts a more than 130-year-old Little Tokyo and has been a sushi town ever since the California roll hit LA restaurants in the 1960s – there's even an area along Ventura Boulevard in Studio City dubbed "Sushi Row." To satisfy a craving for raw fish and rice, many suggest Katsu-ya, Sushi Gen and SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa.

But you can't say you've truly had the Los Angeles food experience until you've consumed your weight in Mexican fare. Try a! Grill on Hollywood Boulevard for rich poblano mole or El Compadre Restaurant for flaming margaritas, enchiladas and live mariachi music nightly. If you're feeling adventurous, order some tacos de lengua (beef tongue tacos) from a taco truck.

Food trucks serving up everything from loaded hot dogs and barbecue to sushi burritos (large sushi rolls eaten like a burrito) and gourmet quinoa bowls are popular in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, perfect for a quick bite before heading back to the sand.

And while Los Angeles may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of a burgeoning brewery culture, it is certainly home to some top-notch breweries beer lovers will enjoy. Those interested in a swankier scene can head to one of the city's best cocktail bars, including The Varnish and ETA.

Find the Best Restaurants in Los Angeles

#1
n/naka
#1 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (153)
$$ | Japanese, Sushi, Asian
3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034-5419
Read More »
#2
Salt & Straw
#2 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (271)
$ - $$ | American
1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291-3739
Read More »
#3
Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant
#3 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (1473)
$ - $$ | American, Diner, Asian, Deli
19565 Parthenia St, Los Angeles, CA 91324-3406
Read More »
#4
Providence
#4 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (748)
$$ | Seafood
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038-3623
Read More »
#5
Diddy Riese Cookies
#5 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (928)
$ | American
926 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024-2802
Read More »

#6
Tatsu Ramen
#6 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (145)
$ - $$ | Japanese, Asian, Soups
2123 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025-6200
Read More »
#7
Angelini Osteria
#7 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (452)
$ - $$ | Italian
7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-2534
Read More »
#8
Raffaello Ristorante
#8 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (241)
$ - $$ | Italian
400 S Pacific Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90731-2626
Read More »
#9
Toast Bakery Cafe
#9 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (362)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
8221 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048-4302
Read More »
#10
Gjusta
#10 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (276)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
320 Sunset Ave Venice, Los Angeles, CA 90291-2632
Read More »

#11
Sushi Gen
#11 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (455)
$ - $$ | Japanese, Sushi, Asian
422 E 2nd St Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012-4209
Read More »
#12
Maccheroni Republic
#12 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (280)
$ - $$ | Italian, Mediterranean, Asian
332 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1208
Read More »
#13
Pitchoun!
#13 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (245)
$ - $$ | French, Cafe, European
545 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1006
Read More »
#14
Guisados
#14 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (137)
$ | Mexican, Latin, Fast Food
1261 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026-4422
Read More »
#15
Tocaya - Venice
#15 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (248)
$ | Mexican, Latin
1715 Pacific Avenue Venice, CA 90291, Los Angeles, CA
Read More »

#16
Flake
#16 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (109)
$ | American, Cafe
513 Rose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90291-2605
Read More »
#17
Cafe Gratitude
#17 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (395)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
512 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026-4032
Read More »
#18
Vivian's Millenium Cafe
#18 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (177)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
10968 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91604-3340
Read More »
#19
Magic Castle
#19 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (389)
$$ | American
7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028-8600
Read More »
#20
Langer's
#20 of 12,247 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (803)
$ - $$ | American, Diner, Deli
704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057-4020
Read More »