Big and colorful Los Angeles has delicious dishes from around the world, from celebrity chefs to burger joints. Here are the 10 best things to try
If you’re rubbing your elbows in ultra-modern celebrity restaurants or sampling some of the West Coast favorites at a classic diner, trendy Los Angeles is for you. Eating healthy has never been easier either – as the epicenter of health-conscious living, LA has a plethora of juice bars, vegan-friendly restaurants, and organic farmers markets that are sure to please the most health-conscious diners.
Burger and fries
It would be a sin to come to LA without trying a juicy cheeseburger and fries from the iconic state burger chain In-N-Out Burger. Bonus points for ordering your meal “animal-style,” the popular “secret menu” term that refers to a hearty topping of melted cheese, grilled onion, and Thousand Island dressing.
Where to try: In-N-Out Burger (various locations in LA)
Beef burger with cheese and fries
sushi
With an entire borough called Little Tokyo, it’s no surprise that Los Angeles is known for its myriad of delicious sushi options. Owned by a celebrity chef, Nobu is a favorite among many of LA’s most iconic stars (you’ll likely spot a Kardashian), while popular local chain Sugarfish is known for its quality traditional sushi.
Where to try: Visit the Little Tokyo neighborhood or try Nobu (903 La Cienega Blvd) or Sugarfish (various locations).
sushi
Hot dogs
Hot dogs are perhaps a North American staple. LA took the humble hot dog to a whole new level, with fast food outlets across town each offering their own unique and delicious version of the American classic.
Where to try: Pink’s Hot Dogs (709 North La Brea Ave) is a historic roadside spot famous for its chilli cheese dog – a frankfurter piled with melted cheese, beef chilli, and onions.
Pink’s hot dogs
French dip sandwich
The delicious sandwich is said to have been founded by the restaurant owner Philippe Mathieu by chance in 1918 and has its roots in Southern California. The lip-smacking meal consists of meat filled between a French roll dipped in sauce, topped with cheese and served with various side dishes.
Where to try: Philippe The Original (1001 North Alameda)
French dip sandwich with fries
mexican food
Whether it’s hot burritos served from a taco truck or grilled carne asada from a sit-down restaurant, it’s no secret that LA has some of the best Mexican fare in the United States.
Where to try: For upscale and modern Mexican cuisine, visit Broken Spanish (1050 South Flower St). Or, grab some cheap, delicious street tacos at El Chato Taco Truck (5300 West Olympic Blvd).
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
Chicken Parmigiana
A poultry treat, this dish consists of a breaded chicken breast topped with a thick tomato sauce and then topped with a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone.
Where to try: The cozy restaurant at Dan Tana (9071 Santa Monica Blvd) has been open since 1964 and offers a classic take on the legendary Chicken Parmesan.
Chicken Parmigiana
Ricotta toast
Sqirls ricotta toast, an internet legend, has caused quite a stir in the Instagram community. People wait in line outside this quirky cafe for a taste of their thick-cut brioche toast smothered in homemade ricotta and topped with an assortment of brightly colored jams – a really delicious way to start the day.
Where to try: Sqirl (720 Virgil Ave # 4)
Ricotta cheese on toast
Apple Cake
While LA is known for its plethora of healthy restaurants, dessert lovers don’t fear. With many old school restaurants and modern cake shops, the city has some of the best places to try this quintessentially American dessert.
Where to try: The apple pie in Jones Hollywood (7205 California State Route 2) is often called the best in town. Apple Pan (10801 West Pico Blvd) has served the dish on its classic diner counter since 1947.
Apple Cake
Wine
Wine is California’s official drink, and the state offers some of the best in the world. If you don’t want to travel all the way to the Napa Valley or Orange County’s vineyards, head to one of LA’s quaint wineries for the delicious drink.
Where to try: Admire the scenery and sample local wines on the Malibu Wine Safari (32111 Mulholland Hwy) or sample a tasting at the San Antonio Winery (737 Lamar St) downtown.
Wine tasting
Juice / smoothie from a juice bar
The sound of a blender chopping locally produced fruits and vegetables is never far away. The city where juice cleansing became popular is filled with tons of juice bars that focus on healthy organic drinks and smoothies.
Where to try: Moon Juice (2839 Sunset Blvd), Pressed Juicery (various locations), and Clover Juice (342 South La Brea Ave) have some of the best smoothies and juices in town.
Spinach kale blueberry smoothie
Before you go, check:
Comments are closed.