Los Angeles, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offers a delectable array of foods that are as diverse as the city itself. From traditional American dishes to exotic international flavors, this vibrant city has something to tantalize every palate. Here are the top 10 must-try foods in Los Angeles and the best places to savor them:
- French Dipped Sandwich – A savory delight originally created by accident in 1918, the French dipped sandwich is a Los Angeles staple. Philippe’s in Downtown Los Angeles is famous for its traditional roast beef version, selling up to 3,000 sandwiches a day.
- Birria Tacos – A Mexican culinary gem, birria tacos feature juicy, tender meat in a fat-dipped tortilla. Birrieria San Marcos in North Hills offers an authentic taste, serving these tacos with a side of consommé for dipping.
- Ice Cream Sandwich – For a unique twist on ice cream, head to Mashti Malone’s in Hollywood. They specialize in Persian ice cream with flavors like saffron rosewater, sandwiched between crispy wafers.
- Strawberry Donuts – The Donut Man in Glendora is renowned for its strawberry donuts, a fluffy and crispy delight filled with fresh strawberries and homemade jelly, available from February to September.
- Pizza – For a taste of Italy, Elio’s Wood Fire Pizza in Echo Park offers light and chewy wood-fired pizzas from an old Chevy Silverado.
- Artisanal Ice Cream – Wanderlust Creamery in Atwater Village serves ice cream with flavors inspired by global travels, like sticky rice + mango and passion-fruit cocoa.
- Japanese Egg Sandwich – Konbi in Echo Park, named restaurant of the year in 2019, is famous for its Japanese-style egg salad sandwich.
- Breakfast Burrito – Lowkey Burritos in Los Angeles is known for its breakfast burritos wrapped in a crusty, cheesy blanket, a perfect start to the day.
- Cheesy Pork Ribs – For Korean cuisine, Mister Bossam in Koreatown offers their specialty cheesy pork ribs, a dish perfect for sharing.
- Waffle Sandwich – Bruxie in Santa Monica is the go-to place for a variety of waffle sandwiches, including gourmet and dessert options.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants
Los Angeles also offers a plethora of budget-friendly dining options:
- Mariscos Jalisco – Famous for its $2.50 shrimp tacos in Boyle Heights.
- Zam Zam Market – Offers Karachi-style chicken biryani in Hawthorne.
- Leo’s Taco Truck – Known for its $2 al pastor tacos in Mid City.
- My Dung – Serves $5 bánh mì sandwiches in Chinatown.
- Marugame Udon – Provides affordable noodle bowls in Beverly.
Upscale Dining
For those seeking a more luxurious dining experience, Los Angeles does not disappoint:
- Hayato – A Japanese kaiseki restaurant in the Downtown Arts District, known for its seafood-centric meals.
- n/naka – Offers a contemporary kaiseki experience in Palms.
- Orsa & Winston – This Downtown restaurant serves a fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisines.
- Damian – A Mexican fine dining restaurant in the Downtown Arts District.
- Providence – Known for its seafood-focused tasting menus in Hollywood.
Los Angeles’ food scene is as varied and exciting as the city itself. Whether you’re craving a quick and tasty meal on a budget or looking to indulge in a luxurious dining experience, there’s something in this city for every taste and budget. From iconic sandwiches to gourmet international cuisine, Los Angeles is a true paradise for food lovers.
