VWB Blog Want to eat your way through California’s food capital?
If so, this article is your one-stop shop for culinary delights!
California is one of the most in-demand regions for top-quality foods worldwide. And Los Angeles is at the forefront of The Golden State.
The city is a melting pot of flavors and new cooking techniques. And with around 30,800 dining outlets, you’re spoiled for choice.
Since there are endless eateries to choose from, dining in Los Angeles can be stressful. But fortunately, you came to the right place.
So sit back, relax, pour a drink, and read on to uncover our guide to the best Los Angeles eateries you can’t miss!
Courage Bagels, Virgil Village
The only place to begin this list is the only place to start your morning in LA.
Courage Bagels opens its doors at 7 AM to serve a delicious breakfast. Whatever you order will fill you up and give you the much-needed energy for a day of sightseeing.
Bagels are a big deal to New Yorkers as pizza is to an Italian. Those who visit or relocate from the East say that the delicacies are as good if not better than the ones back home. If their word isn’t good enough for you, even the New York Times talks about the quality of the bagels here.
Pho 79, Garden Grove
Pho 79 is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves authentic food at budget-friendly prices. The meals here are so reasonably priced that they are arguably the best value food establishment in Los Angeles.
The restaurant is only a 25-minute drive from the famous Long Beach. The location is perfect if you want to fuel up after a day of swimming.
While you’re here, you must sample one of their hearty soups. Oxtail pho is the most popular, but you will be satisfied no matter which one you order.
Gjusta, Venice
If you are looking for lunch or a light snack, look no further than Gjusta!
Its location, food, and setting make it the ideal space to take a break from the hustle and bustle of LA. It is a stone’s throw from Venice Beach and has a pleasant industrial interior.
On a warm summer’s day, you can enjoy your snack outside in the cozy courtyard. But no matter the time of the year, you can taste some of the best coffee in the state. Complete your trip with one of the many fresh pastries they bake on-site.
Langer’s, Westlake
Walking through Langer’s front door, you feel transported back to 1950. It is a traditional diner where you can sit in the classic booths or at the bar.
The old-fashioned eatery serves its filling sandwiches to millions of happy customers annually. It is hard to look past the pastrami as it’s unquestionably the tastiest on the planet! Take one bite, and you’ll quickly agree.
People know Langer’s for its sandwiches, but plenty of other options are available on the menu.
They serve daily entrées that range from corned beef and cabbage to sweet and sour meatballs. And you can wash it down with an ice-cold local beer.
Sonoratown, Downtown LA
Since you are only a 2-hour drive from the Mexican border, it would be a shame to miss out on its cuisine!
Although Sonoratown is in California, its neighbor to the south influenced the region. And there’s no industry it impacted more than the food and drinks scene.
The restaurant serves everything great about Mexican food. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, you name it, and you will find it here at rock-bottom prices.
Their fresh flour tortillas and generous toppings made it a step above any other Mexican restaurant in town.
The Old Place, Cornell
The Old Place eatery is a unique experience nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. The drive takes 35 minutes from LA through winding roads and postcard scenery.
The only thing better than the scenic drive here is the food in this cowboy-inspired setting.
The grilled steaks are so delicious that celebs such as Bob Dylan and Steve McQueen came to dine here. Chefs cook every steak on a grill with red oak wood, giving it its iconic smokey aroma.
The restaurant’s handpicked wines and freshly grilled veggies perfectly complement each dish.
Boo’s Philly Cheesesteaks, Silver Lake & Koreatown
Boo’s Philly Cheesesteaks has two establishments in the heart of Los Angeles. The first is in the Silver Lake District, and the other sits in the famous Koreatown. Luckily, both dining outlets are open from 8 AM to 11 PM, Monday to Saturday.
These are the spots where locals enjoy extraordinary food on the weekend. And on weekdays, workers fill up on their lunch breaks. So you don’t need to worry about walking into a tourist trap.
Both family restaurants have endless reasons to stand by their comfort classics. The cheesesteak sandwiches are so big we usually say you could share one. However, you will want every bite of its heavenly flavors for yourself.
Grand Central Market, Downtown LA
You can’t say you sampled the local flavors of Los Angeles without taking a trip to Grand Central Market. It is the beating heart of the vibrant food scene in town.
The market has been in downtown LA since 1917. Today, it is home to over 30 vendors.
There is enough here to whet your appetite, from burgers to tacos and sushi to hot dogs. It doesn’t matter what food you are in the mood for at the time!
Not only can you sample mouthwatering cuisine, but you can soak up the buzzing energy inside. And as a bonus, it’s free to enter!
Make the Most of Dining in Los Angeles
Dining in Los Angeles is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or a hearty meal, there’s always an eatery nearby.
If you’re lucky enough to take a culinary tour of LA, don’t settle for tourist traps or average restaurants. Check out our top food recommendations, and you will be more than happy with the flavors of the City of Angels!
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