Los Angeles Travel Guide

USA #5 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.

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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 and Gino Angelini 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 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. For an overview of the city's eclectic dining scene, sign up for a guided foodie tour.

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 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (161)
$$ | Japanese, Sushi, Asian
3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034-5419
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#2
Salt & Straw
#2 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (288)
$ - $$ | American
1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291-3739
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#3
Diddy Riese Cookies
#3 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (974)
$ | American
926 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024-2802
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#4
Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant
#4 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (1537)
$ - $$ | American, Deli
19565 Parthenia St, Los Angeles, CA 91324-3406
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#5
Raffaello Ristorante
#5 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (257)
$ - $$ | Italian
400 S Pacific Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90731-2626
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#6
Flake
#6 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (124)
$ | American, Cafe
513 Rose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90291-2605
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#7
Providence
#7 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (780)
$$ | Seafood
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038-3623
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#8
Angelini Osteria
#8 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (474)
$ - $$ | Italian
7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-2534
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#9
Tocaya Organica
#9 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (279)
$ | Mexican, Latin
1715 Pacific Ave Venice, CA 90291, Los Angeles, CA 90291
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#10
Sushi Gen
#10 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (474)
$ - $$ | Japanese, Sushi, Asian
422 E 2nd St Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012-4209
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#11
Maccheroni Republic
#11 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (319)
$ - $$ | Italian, Mediterranean, Sicilian, Southern-Italian
332 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1208
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#12
Toast Bakery Cafe
#12 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (383)
$ - $$ | Cafe, American
8221 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048-4302
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#13
Guisados
#13 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (144)
$ | Mexican, Latin
1261 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026-4422
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#14
Tatsu Ramen
#14 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (157)
$ - $$ | Japanese, Asian, Soups
2123 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025-6200
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#15
Cafe Gratitude
#15 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (408)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
512 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026-4032
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#16
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
#16 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (109)
$ - $$ | American, Brew Pub, Bar, Pub
600 Wilshire Blvd Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90017-3212
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#17
Genwa Korean BBQ
#17 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (188)
$ - $$ | Barbecue, Asian, Korean
5115 Wilshire Blvd Ste A, Los Angeles, CA 90036-4366
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#18
Pitchoun!
#18 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (255)
$ - $$ | French, Cafe, European
545 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1006
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#19
Gjusta
#19 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (299)
$ - $$ | American, Cafe
320 Sunset Ave Venice, Los Angeles, CA 90291-2632
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#20
Langer's
#20 of 13,257 Places to Eat in Los Angeles
TripAdvisor (817)
$ - $$ | American, Diner, Deli
704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057-4020
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