Los Angeles' food scene is one of the best in the country. The city's restaurants provide an endless variety of dishes, from local to cross-continental and everything in between. It's no wonder the city is famous for its world-class, award-winning chefs and restaurants. Read on to find out the best options you have for eating well at any time and in any part of the city.
Types of restaurants in Los Angeles
A remarkable range of culinary experiences in Los Angeles is offered, from mouthwatering street food to Michelin-starred fine dining. Whether you're craving affordable and delicious tacos from a food truck or indulging in a luxurious tasting menu at a world-class restaurant, you will be covered in this city. Famous LA cheap eats
Street Tacos: Los Angeles is renowned for its mouthwatering street tacos, often served from food trucks or small stands. These tacos are not only affordable but also bursting with flavor. Try the iconic "al pastor" tacos, featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with onions, cilantro, and salsa. Birrieria Gonzalez, Teddy's Red Tacos, Burger She Wrote, and Heavy Handed are all sought-after cheap eats in L.A.
In-N-Out Burger: While not exclusive to LA, In-N-Out Burger is a beloved regional chain known for its delicious and affordable burgers. The menu is simple, with options like the classic Double-Double and Animal-Style fries. In-N-Out has a cult following, and the freshly made burgers are a must-try for anyone visiting LA. Budget-friendly prices make it a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Street food vendors: These dining spots, which you will most likely find a stone's throw away from any location, serve up cheap, spicy, tasty dishes that can compete favorably with food from high-end restaurants. They are more popular in neighborhoods such as Koreatown, Thai Town, and others with a dominant ethnic minority.
High-end dining
The most notable fine dining spots in Los Angeles charge $250 a head or more for a meal. Pijja Palace, Yangban Society, Horses, Anajak Thai, n/naka, Hayato, Damian, and Maude are among the standouts. There is a constantly evolving list of trendy new hot spots and sought-after restaurants to get a table at. Check out LA food guides like Time Out or Eater LA.
Health and wellness
Los Angeles is a haven for health and wellness food enthusiasts, offering many nutritious and delicious options. From farm-to-table dining at places like Sqirl to upscale vegan experiences at Crossroads Kitchen, plant-based cuisine in LA is everywhere. Juice bars like Moon Juice and allergen-friendly cafes like The Butcher's Daughter cater to dietary restrictions, while acai bowls with superfood toppings are popular at spots like Backyard Bowls. Adaptogen cafés, non-alcoholic bars, such as Soft Spirits, and plant-based innovators like De Buena Planta and Monty's Good Burger are trendy plant-based options. In LA, being keto, paleo, or whatever the next craze is, is not going to be a problem if you're a health nut, experimenting with a new diet, or just wanting to try something new. LA's health food scene has got you covered.
Notable restaurants in various LA neighbourhoods
Santa Monica: Don't miss out on the Bay Cities' famous Godmother sandwich. It'll also be worth stopping at Rustic Canyon and Cassia. For low-end dining, your best options are HiHo Cheeseburger and Uovo. Birdie G's is another popular choice.
Venice: The Tasting Kitchen, The Rose, Scopa Italian Roots, and Felix are best for Italian cuisine, and Gjusta for pastries. Birdie G's is another strong 2025 favorite. Great White is another excellent option.
Culver City: The best low-end spots here are Cognoscenti Coffee and Kogi Taqueria. Other notable spots are Bacoshop, Destroyer and Father's Office.
Beverly Hills: Some of the most captivating spots include Maude, Spago, CUT, Nate N' Al Delicatessen, and Avra.
West/East Hollywood: You can get some of the best culinary treats for an average Joe in these regions at Boystown, Norah, Musso & Frank, Gwen on Sunset, APL, and Connie & Ted's for unforgettable seafood. For a chance to cross paths with celebrities, try out the upscale tables at Craig's, Catch, or The Nice Guy.
Silver Lake/Echo Park/Los Feliz: Alimento offers excellent Italian dishes, Night Market serves top-draw Thai dining, Pine & Crane is renowned for Chinese-Taiwanese flavors, and Konbi is an Instagram favorite for Japanese-style sandwiches. Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park is another hotspot.
Downtown/Chinatown: Check out hot spots like Sonoratown, Howlin' Ray's, Orsa & Winston, Bavel, Grand Central Market, and Majordomo. Girl and the Goat is another up-and-coming spot.
Northeast LA: Check out Hippo, Triple Beam Pizza, The Heights Eagle Rock, and Casa Bianca.
San Fernando Valley: Ventura Boulevard is home to some of the finest spots in the region, including Petit Trois. Other notable places include FurnSaj Bakery, Brent's, Bill's Burgers, Van Nuys, Wat Thai Temple, and El Venado.
South LA: Hawkins House of Burgers is an iconic spot. Phillip's gives you a classic barbecue experience. Other places to try include Orleans & York Tire Shop, Taqueria, Tamales Elena, and Ackee Bamboo.
Delicacies to try in Los Angeles
Besides staples like steak, tacos, pizza, doughnuts, burgers, etc., you can try out continental dishes like sushi, Korean cuisine, Chinese and Taiwanese dishes like savory shrimp wontons, dan dan noodles, sautéed greens, and toothpick lamb. You can also treat yourself to Japanese delicacies in LA, like Hakata-style bowls, Jiro-style garlic-bomb ramen bowls, and tantanmen. Other dining trends include smashburgers, birria tacos, vegan sushi at Niku Nashi, and Middle Eastern/Armenian barbecue at Mini Kabob.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
