Los Angeles is truly a land of plenty, from incredible cultural districts to sprawling arts scenes and access to great produce. What does that yield? One of the best culinary cities in America hands down.
Between late-night bites in Koreatown, incredible Jewish delis, tacos galore, and an ocean full of fresh seafood, there’s no shortage of good bites here. In diverse L.A., you can be snacking on authentic Ethiopian one minute and ordering family-owned Mexican the next. The eclectic metropolis beckons for many reasons, but what’s dished up has to be near the top of the list.
Here are a few of the best restaurants in Los Angeles (and some bonus spots).
Destroyer
Set in Culver City, Destroyer is home to incredibly creative Scandinavian-inspired breakfast and lunch. You will come away inspired, wanting to recreate some of these modern dishes to make your own breakfasts all the better. It’s run by the same crew as Vespertine, the nearly prohibitively expensive ultra-contemporary restaurant down the street that’s won all kinds of acclaim. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but be sure to witness the plating behind the counter and keep an eye out for things like persimmon French toast, rice porridge, and fresh savory tarts. Also, if the Icelandic seeded rye bread is available, get it all (with butter). An easy bike ride from the coast, we suggest pedaling in from Playa del Rey or Venice.
Langer’s
The granddaddy of L.A. delis, Langer’s makes one of the best pastrami sandwiches you’ll ever eat. The entire experience is perfect, from the brown booths and interior that hasn’t changed in generations to the fluffiness of the rye bread and the cure-all that is matzo ball soup. The famed spot opened near MacArthur Park back in 1947 and has been doing its thing since. Sure, try the cold fish specialties, Hungarian beef goulash with noodles, or a French Dip, but really, you came for the #19 (the perfect pastrami sandwich).
Pann’s
An L.A. icon, Pann’s got its start in 1958. Since it’s been immortalized via all kinds of pop culture avenues, perhaps most famously via Pulp Fiction. The retro spot is a midcentury marvel, decidedly stuck in time. Portions are great, service is friendly, and the Americana is spectacular, from hotcake plates and fried pork chops to patty melts and milkshakes. But take it all in, from the unrivaled sign out front to the bar chairs, typography on the menu, and incredible architecture of the building itself, a true landmark. It’s an easy first meal when you’re in L.A., set in Ladera Heights, just a short drive from LAX.
Guisados
Ask an Angeleno what the best tacos in town are, and be prepared for an hour-long lecture and about three dozen options. Guisados always makes the shortlist, a Boyle Heights establishment with zero pretension. Now, up to ten locations throughout the city, the place still knows how to crack the taco code. The handmade tortillas are heavenly, as are the fillings, ranging from steak picado and mole poblano to chicharron and shrimp. Veggie options are quite tasty and you’d be all the better washing it down with a hibiscus iced tea or cantaloupe water.
Bludso’s
When it comes to barbecue, L.A. might be lacking behind the mastery at play in places like Austin or Kansas City, but don’t let that dissuade you. There’s legit barbecue here, and Bludso’s is a fine example. Texas, in terms of style, the place is the brainchild of Kevin Bludso, and the aroma will lure you in from around the block. Do not miss the chips and queso, brisket, or dinosaur beef ribs. The pulled pork sando is a godsend, and all the better with some cornbread with honey butter. And the location is ideal, in between LACMA and Koreatown.
Buna Ethiopian
There’s excellent Ethiopian in the City of Angels. Buna is part market, part restaurant, with wildly fragrant dishes that are downright intoxicating. Try the Kitifo, or beer tartar seasoned with herbal butter, mitmita, and cardamom, or the Foul, a mix of crushed fava beans with onion, pepper, sour cream, and tomato, served with French bread. The lamb stews are remarkable and so too is the Doro Wat, or chicken leg stew. Do it right and get some house-roasted coffee while there. After, check out the nearby Miracle Mile, aka Museum Row.
Bestia
L.A. has its share of high-end restaurants, but this one has earned its keep, gaining Michelin-star notoriety for its exquisite Italian menu. Bestia is a gem, an Arts District and husband-and-wife-run restaurant with phenomenal pizza, pasta, and larger dishes. You will not be dining alone, but it’s worth braving the crowds for items like pumpkin tortellini, chestnut and mushroom agnolotti, and slow-roasted lamb neck with smoked anchovy creme fraiche.
Zhengyalov Hatz
Head out a little way to Glendale for some spectacular Armenian food. A bakery first and foremost, Zhengyalov Hatz specializes in handmade flatbread stuffed with all kinds of delectable ingredients. The menu is short and sweet, and there’s no going wrong here, as the experienced team has been doing this for ages. Savory fillings like scallions and spinach treated to just the right amount of herbs make for a great midday meal. You’re right next to iconic Griffith Park as well as Universal Studios.
Ham Ji Park
You can’t eat in L.A. without getting lost in Koreatown. Make a night of it and go to a few spots, just be sure to reserve a spot for Ham Ji Park. An institution of sorts, the restaurant does proteins exceptionally well, from spare ribs to pork belly, with exceptional kimchi in between. Try the pan-broiled squid before healthy portions of Korean BBQ, featuring dishes like black pork bacon and marinated beef sirloin. It’s a great shared meal and plenty interactive as you grill things up at your table.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but certainly a great means of getting started in a city that has so, so much going on. In fact, check out another Manual Los Angeles guide while we’re on the subject.
