Best Food in Los Angeles
LA has one of the most diverse food cities in the world — but the best spots require knowing where to look. This guide cuts through the tourist traps and covers where locals actually eat.
Where to Eat in LA
Six categories covering the full range — from $5 street tacos to $100 tasting menus.
Tacos (The Real Ones)
Tacos 1986 in WeHo has a perpetual line for $5 birria tacos — it moves fast. Leo's Tacos Truck on La Brea Ave runs 24 hours. Guisados in Echo Park has braised taco fillings unlike anywhere else. Avoid tourist-facing 'Mexican' restaurants near Hollywood Blvd.
Grand Central Market
Downtown's 100-year-old covered market hall has 40+ stalls covering everything from Eggslut breakfast sandwiches to Sticky Rice Thai. Budget $10–$20 per person. Open daily 8am–9pm. Best visited on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds.
Koreatown
The best Korean food outside Korea. Park's BBQ on Vermont Ave is the premium option. Kobawoo House for bossam. OB Bear for fried chicken and beer at midnight. Most places are open until 2–3am on weekends. Parking is difficult — Uber recommended.
Ramen & Japanese
Tsujita LA in Sawtelle Japantown has the best tsukemen (cold dipping ramen) in the city — expect a 30–45 min wait. Sawtelle Blvd itself is a Japanese food corridor with 20+ restaurants in two blocks. Also worth it: Marugame Udon in Little Tokyo.
Farmers Markets
Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday, 8am–1pm on Ivar Ave) has 150+ vendors. Santa Monica Main Street (Wednesday 8am–1:30pm) and Santa Monica Pico (Saturday 8am–1pm) are the coastal options. All are free to browse and excellent for produce, pastries and prepared food.
Splurge Restaurants
Bestia in the Arts District ($80–$120pp, book 3–4 weeks out) for Italian. Majordomo in Chinatown (David Chang, $100+) for Korean-American fusion. Nobu Malibu if you want ocean views with the bill. Gjelina on Abbot Kinney is mid-range but consistently excellent.
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