Discovering the culinary delights of a new destination is one of the joys of travel, but it’s not always easy. How do you avoid the more touristy establishments and pinpoint the best places when you have limited time? This can be particularly difficult in larger cities where the vast number of choices can make it hard to choose and more often than not you end up disappointed.
Table of Contents
A Taste of Los Angeles
You never have to hit the same restaurant twice in a city the size of Los Angeles, and I got to wondering… Just how many dining choices are there? So I asked Google, and it turns out the answer isn’t completely clear. Though what is clear, are that many of them sell doughnuts! “Seriously though” the most common answer was around 20,000 ish, so for the purposes of this post we’ll go with that.
Sidecar’s Pina Colada Doughnut
Based on that very “accurate” number I estimate that if you dine out three meals a day 7 days a week it would take 18 years to eat at every dining establishment in LA! Precisely why this list won’t try to tell you the Best Of, but rather some of my favorites, a taste if you will, and a small one at that. After all I’m only two years in!
I should also say, that while I do love to eat, I don’t love to take photos of my food, but have done my best to try and convey the deliciousness.
Life is short so dessert first!
Sidecar Doughnuts
Location: 631 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
warm from the oven huckleberry doughnut
Sidecar Doughnuts is our favorite Westside doughnut shop, and we’ve tried a few! We aren’t the only ones who love them, so be prepared for a long line. I promise you it’s worth the wait they’re baked fresh all day long.
You might also be interested in: Donuts are the New Cupcakes
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Location: 516 W 6th Street Los Angeles
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken is our new favorite Downtown LA doughnut shop. I’m glad this place isn’t closer to home because the food was so good I know I’d be there every chance I got!
Somi Somi
Location: 621 S. Western Ave (upstairs)
Tayaki with fruity pebbles
We love Somi Somi in Koreatown for Taiyaki, a fish shaped pastry with a texture somewhere between a waffle cone and a pancake and do our best to enjoy it whenever possible. Traditionally filled with red bean paste, custard and Nutella are other popular options.
You might also be interested in: Things to do in LA’s Koreatown
Compartes
Location(s): 912 S. Barrington Avenue, Los Angeles
10250 Santa Monica Blvd #1625 at the Westfield Century City Mall
Not a meal exactly, but Compartes chocolate bars are so filled with goodness they very well could be! They’re literally bursting with deliciousness. An LA institution since the 1950s these fabulous chocolate bars are a mixture of art, style, and design. Often partnering with other iconic LA brands these are some of the most luxurious and fashionable chocolate bars you’ll ever have the occasion to eat.
Milk Shop
Location(s): 7290 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles & 1639 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles
Milk Shop is an old fashioned ice cream parlor and bake shop with a modern day twist! Not only were the treats Insta worthy, but they were delicious. I couldn’t resist the cookie dough to go, yes please!
Sunday Chocolate Tea
Location: Langham Hotel 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena
The Sunday Chocolate tea at the Langham is a real treat! You’ll know you’re in the right place when you smell the chocolate, you’ll turn left at the chocolate fountain, the centerpiece of the all you can eat chocolate buffet. In addition to chocolate you’ll be treated to traditional tea sandwiches, scones and cream, and bottomless champagne. Oh, and yes multiple tea selections are available as well.
Work off all that chocolate playing lawn games in the Horseshoe Garden including, croquet, frisbee golf, and badminton.
Tea service is held everyday of the week, however the Chocolate Tea is only held on Sundays. Reservations are required.
Smitten Ice Cream
Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
Cookie dough with brown sugar caramel
Churned to order and paired with delicious toppings we are smitten with Smitten.
Mini Monster Milk Tea
Location: Universal City Walk, Universal City
Mini Monster Bubble Tea and Strawberry Lemonade
If you love bubble tea (I do!) and cute things, then you’ll want to stop in at Mini Monster! Their delicious boba is served in your choice of unique and reusable jars in various fun shapes!
Cookie Good
Location: 2448 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
The cookies here are so delicious we bought a dozen different flavors and took a bite of every single one!
You might also be interested in: 50 MORE Things To Do In Los Angeles
Pie Hole
Location: 714 Traction Ave Downtown Los Angeles
Whether you like it savory or sweet you’ll be guaranteed a unique and tasty treat at the Pie Hole. With 5+ locations throughout the greater LA area you have no excuses!
You might also be interested in: 50 Things To Do in Los Angeles
Lark Bake Shop
Location: 3337 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
Eat Cake Be Happy
We stopped in Lark Cake Shop at the request of the kids, and thankfully we were in the mood to say yes! The Ice Box Cake was so delightful we considered going back for a second round.
Suberba Food & Bread
Location: 1900 S Lincoln Blvd.Venice
Fried chicken sandwich
I’ve yet to try something at Superba that I didn’t love! The vibe is all Venice complete with an urban garden out back. Try to resist the bakery counter, I dare you.
The Wee Chippy
Location: 1301 Ocean Front Walk, Venice
BEST fries I’ve ever had!
Located on Westminster just off Ocean Front Walk at Venice Beach, the Wee Chippy is a walk up fish and chips joint, owned by a Scottish fellow. The fish is great, but the chips are easily the best I’ve ever had. Anywhere!
You might also be interested in: 8 Reasons VENICE Should Top your LA List
Groundwork
Location: 3 Westminster Ave.,Venice
This Love Wall is Just across from Groundwork
Okay, this isn’t actually a photo of Groundwork, or coffee, but it is just across from the front door! We love to stop at their beach front location during our morning bike rides. My favorite blend is Lucky Jack.
Menotti’s Coffee
Location: 56 Windward Ave, Venice
Get the Spanish Latte! I promise you won’t be disappointed when you taste this delicious coffee concoction! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Go there! Then take your coffee for a walk along the beach!
You might also be interested in: Venice Art Walls: Caution Wet Paint
Gelina’s Take Away GTA
Location: 1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Gelina Take Away Meatballs
Gelina’s meatballs are almost a right of passage, but securing a table at one of LA’s most popular eating establishments can be challenging. No need to miss out though they’re available next door at the Gelina Take Away counter!
Wabi
Location:1635 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles
We love everything about Wabi from decor so beautiful we want to move in, to the fabulous food and top notch service. Dinner can be pricey and requires a reservation, but lunch time walk-ins are welcome and much easier on the pocketbook.
You might also be interested in: 24 Hours in Los Angeles
Hatchet Hall
Location: 12517 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
We love the quirky decor, bustling atmosphere and fabulous service at Hatchett Hall, but it was these rolls that really won me over! I just can’t stop thinking about them!
Esters Wine Shop & Bar
Location: 1314 Seventh Street, Santa Monica
Charcuterie platter & curried cashews
Esters is my absolute favorite place and I love everything about it. The service is excellent and unpretentious, the food is creative and delicious, and the atmosphere is welcoming and cozy. Get the curried cashews, you’ll be hard pressed not to pour them directly into your mouth.
Sugarfish
Location: 1345 2nd Street, Santa Monica
simplicity = perfection @sugarfish
The menu and presentation at Sugarfish couldn’t be simpler, and the food couldn’t be more delicious. Go early for the best chance at a table and the chance to sample sushi perfection.
Kazu Nori
Location: 120 Broadway #104, Santa Monica
Kazu Nori is small and it’s popular, so get there early, or be prepared to wait. The menu consists of one thing: hand rolls. They’re made to order and to delicious perfection.
You might also be interested in: 5 Places to Get Your Groove on in LA
Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar
Location: 1610 Montana Avenue
Butternut squash risotto
If you love cheese, Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar is the place for you, their cheese menu is extensive, but its the main dishes prepared inside a giant wheel of cheese, yes I said a giant wheel of cheese that keep me coming back! Excuse the poor photo, but trust me it was delicious!
Back on the Beach Cafe
Location: 445 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica
Sunset at Back on the Beach Cafe
Views for days, toes in the sand dining and delicious food are all waiting for you at Back on the Beach Cafe. Kids will love the playground just next door!
You might also be interested in: Santa Monica! Beach!
Malibu Farm Cafe
Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Swedish Pancakes
Stay cozy inside on a stormy day or eat out when the sun is shinning, either way the Malibu Farm Cafe Restaurant is the perfect little breakfast spot! Locals only! Just kidding, but do check this place out if you’re looking for something a little less touristy.
Neptune’s Net
Location: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Fish & chips, motorcycles, and gorgeous ocean views! Need I say more? You’ll find Neptune’s Net just a short drive up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.
Eataly
Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles
Eataly is overflowing with deliciousness
A meal at Eataly is a dining experience like no other. Deciding which of the fabulous restaurants you want to dine at won’t be easy, they’re all amazing. Consider an early lunch for the best chance at a table without a wait.
Din Tai Fung
Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Level 2 Los Angeles
It’s a dumpling experience! More than a decade after eating at Din Tai Fung for the first time I can still say I’ve never had any that were better! Go there!
Furaibo
Location: 2068 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles
These chicken wings are AMAZING!
You’ll find Furaibo in LA’s Japantown, not to be confused with Little Tokyo. They are famous for their Japanese style chicken wings, which are AMAZING!
Bonus: There is parking in the back.
Hurry Curry of Tokyo
Location: 2131 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles
If you’re looking for a unique Japanese cuisine experience Hurry Curry of Tokyo located in Japantown is the place! I’m obsessed with the white sauce.
Pink’s Hot Dogs
Location: 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
Pink’s famous chili cheese dog
No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a trip to Pink’s a true LA institution! Famous for it’s chili cheese dog, Pink’s has been in the same spot on La Brea Avenue for 77 years and if the perpetually long line is any indication, it’s not going anywhere.
You might also be interested in: One Amazing Day in LA!
Laurel Hardware
Location: 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Don’t be fooled by the exterior when you pull up outside Laurel Hardware, one of West Hollywoods most trendy eateries. It may look like an old hardware store from the outside, but the inside is gorgeous and the food is delicious, as are the cocktails.
Canter’s Deli
Location: 419 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
Canter’s, an LA institution, has been serving up their award winning pastrami sandwiches and other deli fare since 1931. Beyond pastrami, other favorites on my list are the Mish Mash Soup, and the High Hat, which is basically a cupcake married to a ding dong! Delicious!
Jon and Vinny’s
Location: 412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
Excellent food, service and celebrity sightings are what you can expect at Jon and Vinny’s. No wonder it’s consistently listed as one of LA’s top restaurants. Getting a table can be tough, so book ahead, or consider a late lunch when you might even be able to walk right in.
Gracias Madre
Location: 8905 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
Let me say upfront that I am not a vegan or a vegetarian, but I LOVED my dining experience at Gracias Madre a plant based Mexican restaurant. The “fish” tacos were some of the best I’ve had as was the guacamole. The service is perfect as is the atmosphere, which is so lovely I’d consider living there. Oh, and the drinks… almost too pretty, but we managed it.
Gracias Madre is a vegan restaurant.
Brothers Korean BBQ
Location: 3680 W 6th St, Los Angeles
Brothers Korean BBQ is our family’s go to for special occasions. My favorite part is the banchan (sides) that come with your meal.
Wurstkuche
Location: 800 E. 3rd Street @Traction Avenue, Los Angeles
Wurstkuche’s exotic sausages and delicious fries are a savory and popular treat. There is a constant line out the door, but don’t be fooled you’ll find a large amount of communal seating in the back.
Manuela
Location: 907 E 3rd Street, Los Angeles
Located in the heart of DTLA’s Arts District, Manuela, is one of my new favorite places. The perfect place to stop in for a mouth watering bite in-between hunting for street art and poking in and out of the area’s fun one of a kind shops and galleries.
You might also be interested in: Downtown Los Angeles Graffiti & Mural Walking Tour
Cole’s Originators of the French Dip Sandwich
Location: 118 East 6th Street, Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles
If you’re a French Dip fan you won’t want to miss a visit to Cole’s the very place the sandwich was invented in 1908!
Cole’s is a bar, but children are welcome.
Otium LA
Location: 222 South Hope Street, Los Angeles
Otium’s roast chicken and crispy potatoes
I almost never order chicken when dining out, but I make an exception at Otium LA also, the crispy potatoes are beyond description. I love any place that has my favorite Spanish wine on the menu!
Otium is just next to the Broad Museum.
You might also be interested in: 11 Places To Get Your Culture Fix In Los Angeles
Smorgasburg
Location: 777 Alameda Street, Los Angeles
Bánh mì hot dog @smorgasburgLA
Looking for something a bit more eclectic? Consider Smorgasburg LA a weekly Sunday food market with a wide variety of local vendors offering everything from bánh mì hotdogs and spiral fries to boba and french macarons.
2 hours free parking at The Row.
Alfred Coffee
Location: 3337 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles (Multiple Locations)
If you ask me Alfred Coffee has their priorities straight, because, while it may be cliche, as far as I’m concerned nothing happens before coffee! With locations all over town, including a tea room, you’ll be able to get your priorities straight as well! Oh, and Avocado toast!
You might also be interested in: The Hidden Staircases of Silver Lake
Pine & Crane
Location: 1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles
Pork Dumplings
More than 1500 words over my self imposed limit I’m going to end this list knowing that there are many fun and delicious places I have yet to share… I hope you enjoy these food finds as much as I do! Please do let me know if you’ve tried any of these places or have any you’d like to share.
Pin for later:
stripSearchLA
Love this list. Thanks for sharing.
Hilary
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Have you been to any of these? Any suggestions?
butterboy5556
I am going to need a bigger belt
Hilary
Ha ha! I know the feeling!
California Globetrotter
Whenever I read posts like this I am both awed by the craziness of the food and sad that Regensburg is such a boring place to live and there is no fun innovative food here. One of the reasons why we want to move! Some of this stuff it just so strange and awesome at the same time! #CityTripping
Hilary
I’m sorry to hear that your current city isn’t awesome, I completely understand as I was in that situation for years. I think that may have been part of what inspired me to travel so much. haha! There are so many fun food finds in this city, but I worry sometimes that I won’t fit into my clothes if I don’t slow down. 😘
Ladies what travel
Man, I should NOT have read this before eating dinner lol. I’ll definitely be visiting some of these if I make it back to LA! #citytripping
Hilary
Ha ha! Lots of delicious choices, just writing it made me want to run out and eat…
MummyTravels
I want to pack a pair of trousers with an elasticated waist, start at the top and munch all the way to the bottom… really useful and definitely mouthwatering! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Hilary
Glad you enjoyed! Makes you want to go out to eat doesn’t it! The top is a great place to start, it’s also one of our regular weekly stops!
Are We Adults Yet
This is such an amazing roundup! I want to try so many of these places, have definitely added Astro Donuts & Fried Chicken to check out THIS WEEK! Would definitely recommend Donut Friend in Highland Park if you haven’t hit that yet 🙂
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http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Hilary
Let me know what you think about Astro, I can’t stop thinking about the little fried chicken sandwiches! Thanks for the donut tip! I’ll definitely check it out!
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels
I wish I had this post to guide me when I went to LA last year! Although I did find some good eats as well because as you said, there are just so many places to try there! Definitely pinning this one for later!
Hilary
So many places!! Even as I wrote the post I knew I was leaving off so many places, but tried to narrow it down a bit to keep it manageable.
passion fruit, paws and peonies
This is my type of post!! Love that you started with the desserts. Thanks for this list – I’ll pass it to my husband who works all over America xx Maria
Hilary
I often start with dessert!! Why not?!
Hilary
So glad you enjoyed, I hope your husband find it useful too!
Annabel Kirk
For someone who doesn’t like photographing food I think you’ve done a very good job! I love sushi and rarely get to eat it out in the sticks where I live in the UK, you have so much choice in LA! And that chocolate tea sounds amazing…. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! We loved the chocolate tea! We have so many sushi restaurants I don’t know how to pick. Life is tough I know. 😘
travelpictorium
Your food photos are stunning: great close-up shots #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you!
grandadventurestory
I probably shouldn’t have read this post at lunchtime! Great selection. My favourite LA style food has usually been either Mexican inspired or healthy Venice. I’ve always loved the Cobb salad on Venice Beach too. Looking forward to trying some of the more unusual options when we’re next in the city in about two years time. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
We definitely have some excellent Mexican food here… I’ll have to put that on my next food post… I’d better get eating!
Niche Travel Design
There are sooo many amazing restaurants in LA and California. I love the diversity of cuisine in Calif. I miss it. I still crave Canter’s, Gladstones (alas is gone), El Coyote, Urth Cafe, a little dim sum place whose name I cannot remember and . . . Chinese Chicken salad from ChinChin. If I am remembering correctly, the Malibu Farm lady is Swedish. Yummy post. Making me want to cook. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Gladstone’s is still here was just driving by this morning, but know it will be gone at some pointsoon… I like Urth for breakfast! Chin chin is still so popular, but not my favorite. Too much ginger. 😂 I’ll check out El Coyote!
Niche Travel Design
I heard Gladstone’s closed from all my college friends. So many people posted about it. I spent many a weekend there in college for Bloody Mary’s. Glad it is still going! El Coyote is a dive, but so good. Oh and what I’d give for a Chinese Chicken Salad from Chin Chin. Honestly I am not sure any of it was/is any good – just comfort food with memories attached. I forgot the Apple Pan on Pico where we used to see OJ and Nicole all the time : ( Loved your list!
Clare Thomson
I had absolutely no idea that doughnuts was a thing in LA until I started reading your blog and Instagram posts. I had this assumption that everyone in Los Angeles lived on white egg omelettes and salad! Those chocolate bars look so pretty I know I wouldn’t eat them – I’d keep them on my dresser. The sheer range of food available here is just extraordinary. You’re travelling the world while staying at home! I definitely couldn’t say that where I live. #farawayfiles
Hilary
The chocolate bars have very fresh ingredients, so they’re best eaten sooner than later! You could save the boxes if you’d like. I never ate doughnuts before I moved here. You almost have to eat them. Xx
Corey | Fifi + Hop
Fab list! Ester’s looks like my kind of place, as does Brothers BBQ. Maybe I should take the girls to Back on the Beach? Would that be a good one for us? Also – I am the same way and like to eat food, but don’t like to take photos of food bc I’m not very good at it. You say you’re not, but these turned out well! #farawayfiles
Corey | Fifi + Hop
Strange – just posted a comment but didn’t see it appear, so doing this as a test…
Lisa Marie
This post is making me so incredibly hungry! I especially love the fish pastry. Absolutely gotta go there next time I’m in LA! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
We love Taiyaki so delicious!
Katherine
I feel like you’ve stumbled on a TV show idea “18 years of food” or something. Where I accept your challenge of eating at every restaurant in LA. Because all of this food looks absolutely delicious (especially the donuts. Always the donuts!). #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Ha ha! I might pitch that idea if the opportunity comes up! Though I’d need to ask for a personal trainer as part of the deal. Donuts…. mmmm…. donuts!
Sarah
That huckleberry doughnut alone is worth an intercontinental trip! The morning bike ride is such a great idea. I could see us picking up our Groundwork coffee while the kids check out the colorful the Love Wall. This post is worth planning an entire L.A. trip around. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Yes! We love our morning rides… though I usually leave the kids home. Ha ha! Many of hear places are part of fun day adventures within the city! Come visit!
Johlene Orton
Oh em gee that Sidecar Doughnut looks amazzzing! I would pick up so much weight in a city like LA! 🙂
Hilary
I admit to possible picking up a few Linda since moving here. 😳 it’s worth it though!
beatravelling
You can not do this to me!! Can’t wait until I visit the US in the fall. I am collecting food tips wherever I can find them 🙂 Very keen on trying food trucks. Love the Mini Monster boba jars! #farawayfiles
Hilary
Fun! What cities will you be visiting? I love mini monster! We reuse our jars all the time!
beatravelling
I was actually considering coming to LA for some cultural explorations with you 😀 I am doing a roadtrip, from DC to New Orleans, along the coast of NC, SC and GA, and then turn west in Jacksonville. Planning to stop in Outerbanks, Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans. Hoping to do a day trip to the Mississippi Delta. After a week in Panama City (not FL), I will spend a couple of days in Alexandria, VA, and DC area before I head back to home. Do they have Mini Monster shops around the country?
Hilary
Sadly, don’t think they do… come to LA! I’ll take you around!! I LOVE NOLA!! When are you going to be there?
beatravelling
Thank you! LA will have to be next time 🙂 I have always wanted to visit NOLA, and the south, so am soooo excited! The end of October. I could feel the travel bug move yesterday 🙂
Hilary
NOLA is amazing! Enjoy!
SeasonedTravelr, aka Jessica
Wow, this really has me missing food in California! When people ask me what I miss most about home, it is always food haha. They have absolutely everything you could ever want! The Otium restaurant and Mini Monster Milk Tea look amazing to me, I will definitely have to check them out when I go back home. And the map you gave is so helpful! Thanks so much for sharing #FarawayFiles
Hilary
So glad you enjoyed the post! You’ll love Otium it’s fantastic!!
Trish @ Mum's Gone To
I love the fact that you started your list with desserts!
Having a Scottish husband, I’d have to make a beeline for The Wee Chippy!
#farawayfiles
Hilary
Deserts are so fun, why not start with them?! Ooh, I’d love to know what he thought of the Wee Chippy! We LOVE IT!
Christine
I would be huge if I lived in LA. So much choice, I’m not sure I’d ever be able to make a decision about where to eat! #farawayfiles
Hilary
Somehow we manage to make a choice! LA has such a big fitness culture so that helps combat the food intake!
Angie
Thank you for doing all this excellent research on our behalf!! Such a fantastic list. I’m saving this for any future visits to LA #Farawayfiles
Hilary
My pleasure so happy to help! Ha ha!
Janis
I love the fact you put the desserts first.
I’m so pleased I had eaten just before I read this post, the places you have chosen look incredible.
I do have a particular weakness for ice-cream it doesn’t matter what time of day or year it is, it is always the right time for ice-cream, so I think I would have to visit Smitten.
By the way, coming from the UK I didn’t have a clue what a ‘Ding Dong’ was. I felt stupid asking, so I had to Google it (now I know) #farawayfiles
Hilary
Ha ha! You shouldn’t feel stupid I should have realized that’s not common knowledge for those outside the US. Smitten is SO delicious!!
Kathleen (Kat) (@katpegimana)
Your post is making me salivate and I just had my dinner 🙂 I’ve never tried a fried chicken in a donut…and omg you have bubble tea in LA too! Amazing photos and tips on places to eat…There will never be shortage of suggestions on places to eat for there are lots of varieties in a huge cosmopolitan city like LA 🙂 Cool! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
So many choices! That’s what makes it tough to pick the right one… good thing I’m looking out for everyone!
Sally
Wow. I’m saving your LA posts so that when I do eventually get there I will know exactly where to go 🙂 Thanks for foodie tips. #farawayfiles
Hilary
You’re welcome! I’m busy working out some new and interesting places, so stay tuned…
Cultural Wednesday
And now I am hungry …. can I have dumplings please?
Hilary
Sure! Come to LA and I’ll take you out!
Cultural Wednesday
It’s a date
Hilary
Say when!
Kyla Spaulding
I was just in LA so much to see! Have so many blog posts coming up from there!