As a transplant from Florida living in Los Angeles, my friends always ask me what to eat in LA. LA is a true playground for foodies, but it can be overwhelming with its sheer size and geographic spread. I wouldn't want my friends to waste their precious time in traffic trying to find the best places to eat, so I've put together a curated list of my top recommendations. Whether you find yourself in Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, or Pasadena, I've got you covered with the best places to grab a bite. You'll notice some restaurant chains appearing multiple times, but that's because they're reliable and convenient options for a great meal. This is an ongoing list as long as I'm living in LA, so stop by again to see new updates!
Italian - These places have managed to highlight some basic staples like pasta and pizza
Pizza Mozza - Make reservations for this perfect date night-worthy spot. The dim lighting makes this a very romantic spot to enjoy their seasonally rotating menu.
Pasta Sisters - Pasta Sisters is a beloved Italian restaurant with two locations in Los Angeles. The menu is simple and focused on classic Italian dishes like fresh-made pasta, meatballs, and lasagna.
Trendy - Places with great views/ are social media-worthy.
Howlin Rays - The downtown location went take-out only during the pandemic and hasn't gone back to in-person dining. However, I just order delivery to a nearby street and wait in a park or my car for the pick-up. I recommend you ask for the pickles on the side so the chicken doesn't get soggy by the time you are eating it.
Hotel Erwin - This rooftop patio has amazing views of Venice beach. I'd recommend going for an early brunch location to get a good spot with a view and an umbrella. There are plenty of lounging chairs so it's a great spot to go if you are looking to accommodate a large group of people. I'd just make a reservation if you are planning to need more than 8 seats just so you can get tables next to each other
Ballast Point - This brewery 2 locations, but I'd recommend the long beach location for a beautiful sunset view over the water. This is a nice place to hang out for the views, but honestly, the food isn't anything too special to me. They do have a great selection of beer so I recommend it more as a comfortable hang-out spot rather than a place to go if you are looking to fill up on food.
Anaheim Packing District - The Anaheim Packing District is a warehouse for foodies and anyone looking for a fun and unique dining experience in Southern California. This historic citrus packing facility has been transformed into a bustling marketplace with over 20 artisan eateries serving up delicious and diverse cuisines.
Asian Fusion - These places seem to be catered toward young adults and offer more trendy food options
Boiling Point - This is like a westernized hotpot, where you can order individual bowls of hot soup, filled to the brim with yummy meat, noodles, veggies, and tofu. I would recommend going for lunch since it's cheaper and it includes a tall cup of green or black tea.
BoPomofo - This is a cute cafe started by the popular YouTuber Phillip Wang from WongFuProductions. There's not a whole lot of seating and this is a more grab-and-go type of place. Don't expect to have full meals here, but it's a great place to sit and refresh yourself. I love the mapo tofu tater tots here.
Japanese - These restaurants are a must-try and are my top recommendations for all my friends
Sugarfish - This isn't your traditional Sushi restaurant with California rolls and miso soup. This place does not take reservations, but luckily most of their locations are situated in areas.
Maragume Monzo - The creamy udon here is unreal. While you will most definitely find a line at this restaurant, service is pretty fast and you'll likely be seated faster than you think.
Tsujita- I would recommend the dipping ramen here which is perfect for a hot day. The dipping ramen comes in 2 bowls a noodle bowl and a broth bowl. It's different from normal ramen which comes with noodles in the broth. It takes some getting used to but definitely worth trying
Chinese - These places would be approved by my Chinese parents who have owned and worked in several restaurants for many years.
Capital Seafood - You can expect a wait at this authentic Chinese restaurant due to its popularity, but trust me, it's worth it. With a wide range of delectable dishes to choose from, you won't be disappointed. While their menu is incredible in its entirety, I have to give a special shoutout to their almond puff pastry - a true standout. The hot almond soup inside the flaky and flavorful puff pastry is simply unforgettable and will leave you wanting more after your meal is over.
Shang Tseng BBQ - This is my go-to restaurant whenever I go home from skiing in Big Bear. The salt and pepper pork is my absolute favorite, and it's not just me who loves this place - I've even spotted some local YouTubers dining here. This authentic restaurant serves up some seriously tasty dishes that never disappoint.
Desserts - I love sweets of all types, but the cravings for these places hit harder.
Premier dessert - This cafe has one of the largest varieties of Asian desserts. My favorite is their noodle desserts.
Millet Crepe - This place has become popularized on social media recently. This tiny shop started as a chocolate dessert shop that started serving crepes to bring in more customers. The sweet aroma draws in many customers from Sawtelle Blvd.
Paderia - From their website, they are a modern, globally-inspired bakehouse. With every bite, customers can taste the rich, distinctive flavors of horchata, Vietnamese iced coffee, and Filipino brioche, among others. No matter what you decide to order, you can be sure that it will be a delicious and unforgettable experience.
Wanderlust Creamery -This ice cream shop is inspired by various travel destinations around the world. It features a rotating menu but some customer favorites are always available. My personal favorite is the Mango sticky rice. Whenever I go, I always take home an extra pint to eat later.
Link to google map HERE
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