Are you planning a trip to Los Angeles and looking for restaurant recommendations? You are at the right place! The entertainment capital of the world not only offers countless activities and attractions but also boasts an eclectic food scene thanks to its diverse population.
In this blog post, I will share a list of restaurants we visited during my trip to LA that are worth trying. Some offer the best ambiance, while others have the most innovative food. So let us jump to the list, shall we?
Food scenes in LA
But before I share the complete list with you, I wanted to give you some insights into the culinary scene. Los Angeles is one of the oldest and most diverse cities in the United States. Its rich cultural tapestry makes it a haven for food lovers. From tantalizing Thai food to mouthwatering Armenian delicacies, this city is a melting pot of culinary specialties that will leave you craving more.
Food is an integral part of the identity and history of LA. Therefore, exploring various cuisines will offer a deeper understanding of its past and the residents. Here is a list of the Top 10 Restaurants in LA that stole our hearts:
Pa Ord Noodle 3
Vegan-friendly | $$ | Thai Town
If you love Thai food, you know where to be when in LA. Thai Town is a bustling neighborhood offering the best Thai food in the city. We visited Pa Ord Noodle 3 (you might find several shops of the same name in this location) and tried the Tom Yum Noodle Soup. The broth was delicious, flavorful, and loaded with veggies and seafood. We loved the quantity and taste. It is one of the best Tom Yum Soup I have tried in the US. If you are a vegan/ vegetarian, we highly recommend trying their authentic Drunken Noodles and Papaya Salad.
Avoid: We also visited a restaurant next to this place named Crispy Pork Gang Thai Restaurant. We ordered the Thai Yellow Curry but were highly disappointed with the taste. The curry had too much turmeric in it and lacked flavor.
Papillon International Bakery (earlier known as Ponchikanoc)
Vegan-friendly | $ | Little Armenia
Get ready to be transported to the streets of Yerevan with dishes like lavash bread, perashki, and baklava. We stopped here for breakfast and tried the Armenian staples Perashki and Ponchik. They were freshly made to order and had a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Moreover, the owners were friendly and welcoming, and we had a great time chatting about Bollywood films and other stuff.
We also visited an Armenian grocery store on Sunset Boulevard named Zeytun. This store specializes in authentic-style fresh bread, desserts, and cookies. We bought some cookies for snacking and found them crunchy and delicious.
Mexican Street Tacos (any Food Truck)
Vegan-friendly | $ | Grand Avenue
The taco scene in LA is legendary, with several food trucks and taquerias serving mouthwatering tacos filled with juicy meats, zesty salsas, and fresh veggies. Tacos are something you can find almost anywhere, and all of them are equally good. However, if you are near the Broad and craving some delicious Fish or Vegan Tacos, you should check out Taste the Magic, a food truck known for lip-smacking tacos. Moreover, you can also try out fusion food trucks serving innovative dishes like Korean-Mexican tacos to Filipino-Hawaiian bowls.
208 Rodeo Restaurant
Vegetarian-friendly | $$ | Beverly Hills
Are you planning a romantic evening with your partner or a classic brunch with your friends? If yes, head to Beverly Hills, one of the finest neighborhoods in LA, home to several fine-dining restaurants and cafes. We dined at 208 Rodeo, an upscale restaurant offering California cuisine.
We were strolling around Rodeo Drive and came across this restaurant. Their aesthetically pleasing decor attracted us, and we decided to give this place a chance. And damn, we were blown away by their incredible food and hospitality. They serve the BEST risotto in town. Even the famous Hell’s Kitchen (Las Vegas) could not match the taste. Plus, the hospitality is hands down the best I have experienced in the US. The staff was caring and friendly. We had a good time chatting about Harry Potter with our server while enjoying the risotto.
Jersey Mike’s
Vegan-friendly | $ | Thai Town
Jersey Mike’s is a well-known American chain known for their made-to-order sub sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. So we had to give it a try! This restaurant chain, founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, offers both Vegan and Meat subs at an affordable price. We ordered a Grilled Portabella Mushroom & Swiss hot sub and The Number Four cold sub and loved both. Therefore, if you are looking for comforting food or a satisfying breakfast, you know where to go!
Three Broomsticks
Vegetarian-friendly | $$ | Hogsmeade Village, Universal Studios
All you Potterheads, need I say more? For those who are not into the wizarding world of Harry Potter, Three Broomsticks is a famous inn and pub in the all-wizarding village of Hogsmeade. And you can experience this restaurant in real life at Hogsmeade Village in Universal Studios.
Visiting Three Broomsticks was a dream come true as we felt like we were a part of the Harry Potter film. More than the food, we were here for the experience. Therefore, we went with the safest choice and ordered Fish n Chips. In LA, you can never go wrong with seafood orders. The taste was good, but slightly more expensive than other LA restaurants with similar dishes.
We also tried the famous Butter Beer from a stall near Three Broomsticks. Made using soda, sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a hint of rum, Butter Beer is a must-have.
Mel’s Drive-In
Vegetarian-friendly | $ | Max Factor building, Hollywood
When in Hollywood, dining at America’s most-iconic diner is a must! This 1950s classic American diner-style restaurant gained popularity after getting featured in the film American Graffiti.
We visited Mel’s for breakfast and tried the American breakfast staples Fried Chicken, Waffles, and Hash Browns, which we paired with a thick and tasty milkshake. Even though we do not quite understand how pairing fried chicken with waffles works, we still enjoy this unusual combo every single time. If you love a breakfast rich in carbs, head to the Mel’s and indulge in their delicious food.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Vegan-friendly | $ | Grand Central Market
Ice cream is the best way to beat the LA heat. LA is home to some of the finest artisanal ice cream in the country that goes beyond the ordinary. One of them is McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams offering unique flavors, creative toppings, and handmade waffle cones that will take your ice cream experience to new heights.
Looking at the variety, we were super confused about what to order, and after tasting a few, we went ahead with Garrison Brothers Whiskey & Pecan Pralines. The texture was creamy and smooth, and it had a slight kick. It was simply delicious, and we highly recommend it.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Vegetarian-friendly | $ | Santa Monica Pier
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a popular chain known for serving mouthwatering seafood dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of juicy shrimp-based dishes along with other popular items, like Po-Boys, Dixie-style Baby Back Ribs, and more. We dined at the San Francisco Pier 39 outlet and loved the food. We highly recommend trying the garlic prawns and clam chowder.
Apart from this, Santa Monica Pier has a variety of food stalls offering street food, from hot dogs to tacos. However, one thing that caught our attention was Tostilocos. It’s a popular Mexican street food served in a packet of Tostitos and layered with jicama, cucumber, peanuts, and tamarind candies topped with hot sauce, chamoy, and lime juice. We loved the blast of flavors in our mouths and the mix of ingredients, from fruits to crunchy tortilla chips.
Pink’s Hot Dogs
Vegetarian-friendly | $ | Fairfax
Hot dogs are an iconic American street food and hold a special place in our hearts. The hot dog scene in LA is unique, offering a range of classic and creative hot dogs. Pink’s Hot Dog, a Hollywood institution since 1939, is often synonymously used with LA’s hot dog culture. This family-owned business offers an extensive menu with creative hot dog combinations, including their famous The Hollywood Legend Hot Dog, topped with chili, cheese, and onions.
We visited this place during the evening and met with an overwhelmingly long queue. But surprisingly, the line was moving faster than we expected. We tried their Polish Pastrami dog and cannot recommend it enough.
Keep your diet plans aside when visiting LA, and enjoy a guilt-free time hogging your favorite food.
