But most of all, perhaps, we have Los Angeles, a sprawling, vibrant metropolis with lots of sun, beautiful beaches, Hollywood glamor and … an undeniably diverse and vibrant food scene. As a major global city, the paradise for foodies, there are plenty to offer in Los Angeles regarding the cuisines, all from around the world. Angelenos like their food and know it: Taco trucks on every corner lead to fine dining restaurants overseen by celebrity chefs.
Thanks to its great immigrant populations, the city has some authentic eats from places like Mexico, Korea, Thailand, China and Japan. The official ethnic enclaves, Chanoytown, Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Thai Town, allow you to sample these exotic flavors. LA also gives its own twist on classics like burgers, sushi and tacos, but. From quick snack to luxurious multi course meal, Los Angeles has something for every craving.
Iconic Los Angeles Dishes
No trip to LA is complete without sampling the city’s most iconic dishes:
Tacos
Arguably, Los Angeles is the taco capital of the US. In every neighborhood you will find taquerias and taco trucks serving up the Mexican staple with a California twist. But for a real taste, it’s East LA spots like Tacos La Carreta and Mariscos Jalisco. If you’re downtown, Guerrilla Tacos has an inventive take with sweet potato tacos.
Burgers
Love them or hate them, Angelenos love their burgers and LA has no shortage of well known burger joints. It’s a classic West Coast chain, and one known for tasty burgers and secret menus. For a more upscale burger experience try Father’s Office with signature burgers topped with blue cheese. You can also trek to old school favorites such as Apple Pan, where juicy patties have been served since 1947.
Sushi
With one of the largest Japanese populations outside of Japan, it’s no wonder Los Angeles has some of the best sushi. Expertly crafted nigiri and innovative rolls fill top notch restaurants such as Sushi Sonagi, Mori Nozomi, and Q Sushi. Instead, head to Little Tokyo’s Sushi Gen for cheap greats in a low key setting. Reserve a sushi experience with your limo driver and see how LA does traditional sushi.
Cuisine Highlights
Thai
Los Angeles boasts one of the largest Thai populations outside of Thailand, meaning you can find legit Thai food on almost every block. From hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale eateries, these spots capture the aromatic flavors of lemon grass, coconut milk, chilies and lime. Check out Chao Krung in Hollywood for crab fried rice and rich curries in an airy, modern space. Anajak Thai in West Hollywood also gets rave reviews for their pad thai and papaya salad.
Oaxacan
With a sizable Mexican and Central American population, Los Angeles unsurprisingly has stellar Oaxacan cuisine. This region of Mexico is known for moles – rich, complex sauces laden with chocolate, chilies and herbs. Top spots include Guelaguetza, serving Oaxacan specialties for over 20 years, and Gish Bac, a artsy restaurant focusing on handmade moles and mezcals. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this unique cuisine on your visit.
Vegan/Vegetarian
Even carnivores love the plant-based fare coming out of Los Angeles kitchens these days. Innovative vegan and vegetarian restaurants like Crossroads Kitchen and Gracias Madre serve up healthy fare so flavorful and satisfying, you won’t miss the meat one bit. José Andrés recently opened a stunning vegetarian restaurant called El Cocinero in Beverly Hills, putting a spin on vegetables through creative preparations. With limitless options, LA makes it easy to maintain a meatless diet without compromising taste.
Must-Visit Food Markets
Grand Central Market
Downtown’s Grand Central Market has been a staple since 1917, home to stalls peddling produce, meat, fish and baked goods. Today, the market retains its old-school charm while integrating newer vendors like Eggslut, known for signature breakfast sandwiches. Grab some ceviche at Villa Moreliana, cheese at DTLA Cheese, or a steaming bowl of ramen at Shuko. With its wide range of eateries and food merchants under one roof, you’re bound to find something delicious.
Smorgasburg LA
Every Sunday, hundreds flock to Smorgasburg LA – a weekly open-air food market setting up shop along the LA River. The event brings together the city’s best food purveyors ranging from pizza to pasta to paella. Walk along rows of tents and trucks sampling Brazilian empanadas from Buena Onda or Vietnamese-Cajun fusion from Afters Ice Cream. When you’ve had your fill, relax on the grassy fields with a glass of wine or local craft beer. Smorgasburg LA offers an excellent chance to experience a variety of LA’s of-the-moment concepts.
Street Food and Food Trucks
Roaming food trucks and sidewalk vendors are a common sight across Los Angeles. These mobile eateries offer quick, cheap eats for visitors on the go. One cluster of food trucks parks near the corner of Olympic and La Brea in Mid City, and has become so popular it’s earned the nickname “Food Truck Alley. For Mexican-style street eats, look for vendors near MacArthur Park dishing out snacks like elote (grilled corn), raspados (shaved ice) and bacon-wrapped hot dogs. And don’t leave without trying California’s famous fish tacos! Lobster rolls from lobsta tron and falafel sandwiches from Falafel U Drive are also popular options.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Los Angeles offers plenty of tempting dessert destinations to indulge your sweet tooth.
Ice Cream
In a city with near-perpetual sunshine, ice cream shops thrive across Los Angeles. Long Beach Creamery serves up homemade frozen treats with local ingredients, with unique flavors like ube taro and matcha latte. Wanderlust Creamery goes beyond classic flavors as well, with options like madagascar vanilla and chocolate sea salt caramel. You can also find innovative liquid nitrogen ice cream at ground-breaking shops like Saffron and Rose or Salt & Straw. Or keep it simple with classic soft serve at Carmela Ice Cream topped with your favorite candy or fruit.
Pastries
For freshly baked cookies, cakes, tarts and other sweet confections, Los Angeles offers plenty from traditional bakeries to trendy new concepts. Milk Bar started in NYC but now has a shop in LA, selling their famed cereal milk cake and compost cookies. République impresses with elegant pastries to accompany morning coffee or afternoon tea service. And Sidecar Doughnuts is a local favorite, with gourmet doughnuts in flavors like huckleberry and bourbon caramel. Mademoiselle Colette offers French patisserie classics in their quaint Atwater Village shop. With limitless options, LA makes for a tempting dessert destination after all your savory culinary explorations.
Conclusion
From street cart snacks to Michelin star tasting menus, Los Angeles offers an incredibly vibrant, diverse, and authentic food scene spanning nearly every global cuisine. Food truly brings angelenos together, whether they’re longtime locals or recent transplants. Dining out isn’t just about the exceptional flavors, but about the one-of-a-kind experience fueled by the city’s cultural melting pot. Visitors would be remiss not to spend a good amount of time exploring LA’s dynamic culinary landscape. With an open mind, empty stomach and reliable transportation like a Los Angeles limo service, prepare for a tasty journey through the neighborhoods, markets and restaurants defining the city’s food culture.