
Celebrity chefs and timeless burger joints are just a few of the many dishes that Los Angeles offers. Here are our top 10 picks.
Los Angeles is trendy. You can rub elbows with stars at trendy restaurants or enjoy West Coast favorites at a classic diner. Los Angeles is a hub for healthy eating. There are many vegan-friendly restaurants in the city and organic farmers’ markets.
Celebrity chefs
Wolfgang Puck opened Spago Los Angeles in 1982. He served hand-rolled pasta made with California’s best produce. Spago was a huge success and has been a favorite of A-listers since. Other celebrity chefs have joined Puck to bring you the best New American farm-to-table cuisine in Los Angeles. Many fine-dining restaurants in Los Angeles can be enjoyed a lavish meals.
Classic diners
American-style greasy eateries are at the other end of celeb-spotting fine dining. These classic diners feature friendly servers who bring large plates of pancakes and soda pop to customers sitting at tables. The coffee is always large and delicious, and the decor is simple. For example, if the tables are battered, the waitress may spread a checkered tablecloth to cover all the sins.
Although classic diners were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s, only a handful of them still exists in select areas where people from all walks can enjoy comfort food.
Fries and burgers
It’s undisputed that the American national identity is based on a juicy hamburger. Therefore, while in LA, it would be a shame not to eat a grilled beef patty on a bun.
In-N-Out Burger has a cult-like reputation. It was established in Baldwin Park in 1948, 16 km (10m) east of downtown LA. More than 12 outlets in the greater Los Angeles area offer the same limited menu, which includes a hamburger, double-double, double-double, and fries. There are six “variations” of hamburgers on the supposedly secret menu. They are not top-secret, but they add an extra mystery to the brand’s success.
Sushi
Approximately 70 million Japanese-Americans live in Los Angeles, and the entire area is known as “Little Tokyo”. It’s not surprising that the California roll (an LA invention), and its traditional cousins, the California roll, continue to draw customers who love fresh fish and vinegared sushi.
French dip sandwich
Philippe Mathieu, a LA restaurant owner, created the mouth-watering French dip sandwich. It is thinly sliced meat that’s stuffed in a baguette with gravy. Another version was created by Jack Garlinghouse, a LA chef who added beef juice to the sandwich to soothe sore gums.
We recommend that you try both the original and the reconstructed sandwich at each place, as foodies cannot decide who invented it. They are only 2.2km (1.4m) apart.
Mexican food
Mexican food has been a delight for Californians for decades, whether warm burritos from a taco truck or chargrilled beef Asada (steak) at a sit-down dining establishment. While some restaurants offer modern interpretations of Mexican street food, others keep the traditional recipes handed down from their grandmothers.
Vegan food
Veganism is not a fringe movement that is only for hippies or weirdos. It is now fully supported by those who care about sustainability. Los Angeles’ F&B owners embrace veganism and offer plant-based options to meet consumer demand.
Ricotta Toast
Before seeing their beautiful photos trending on social media, we had never heard of ricotta bread until Los Angeles breakfast cafes posted them. Fast forward to 2021, and ricotta bread is still very popular. It seems that avocado toast lovers are keen to keep up with the fancy toast trend. They replace the bland mashed green/brown fruits with creamy soft cheese (or faux-tofu) that looks almost like snow.
Craft beer
LA used to be behind San Diego and San Francisco in hip craft brewing culture. Fortunately, things have changed significantly since the recent opening of many microbreweries.
Wine
California, which has approximately 637,000 acres (257.785 hectares) of vineyards, is America’s top wine producer. It accounts for 81% of all US wine sales. You don’t need to travel far to visit a winery in LA. Moraga Vineyard is located in Bel Air (70 Moraga Dr), while Malibu Wine Safaris (332111 Mulholland Hwy Malibu) is just 68km (42m) from downtown LA.
We recommend visiting the Temecula Valley Wine Country if you have the time. It is located approximately 145km (90m) south of Los Angeles. Despite its proximity to the California desert, the unique microclimate makes it a very diverse area for growing grapes. You can expect anything from delicate Chardonnay to powerful Grenache from the approximately 50 wineries. It is strongly recommended to follow the De Portola Vine Trail.