Los Angeles is home to a stunning variety of culinary options, and it is a food lover's heaven. In this vibrant city, chef's tasting menus, pop-up brunches, historic market food stalls, food trucks, and international cuisines coexist. It boasts everything from pavement tacos to Michelin star restaurants. Some of our best meals in the city are also the most affordable.
Grand Central Market is a great place to start. This market has everything one could hope to find in a Los Angeles food market. Over 30 vendors offer everything from produce and seafood to tacos, pupusas, ramen, and even craft beer. Other popular spots in the market include Eggslut, Sarita’s Pupuseria, Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, and McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. It is the kind of market where planning one meal is pointless; the best strategy is to arrive hungry and follow your instincts.
The Grove hosts The Original Farmer's Market that has some unique LA nostalgia. They have stayed in business for a few years and provide entertainment through their homemade ice cream, specialty groceries, homemade cheese, and chocolates. You can also enjoy some hot mulled wine during the seasons. The Farmer's Market provides a very diverse and wide selection when it comes to their restaurants. They offer Brazilian Barbacoa at Pampas Grill, French food at Monsieur Marcel, British pies at Du-par’s, and Mexican Tacos at Trejo's Tacos. While the Farmer's Market does have some shops surrounding it, the real reason to go is the Market.
Providence, located on Melrose Avenue, is a seafood restaurant that has a two Michelin Stars and is a top restaurant in the Los Angeles area. Chef Michael Cimarusti is well known for his use of sustainably sourced wild seafood and extraordinary food presentation. His food is elaborate and not simple like many chefs in other restaurants. His use of sea urchin and inventive beef rolls is the reason why Providence is one of the top restaurants in Los Angeles. While it may be a bit expensive, it is worth it since it shows the quality that the restaurant provides as well as the high standard that Los Angeles has for its restaurants.
république is a place that succeeds with grandeur in offering accessibility. They have a historic building that was Charlie Chaplin's former office. The space features a bakery, café, bar, and formal dining hall with a stunning glass ceiling. The most popular meal at brunch is freshly baked bread and polished pastries, along with the best kimchi fried rice that is a favorite at the restaurant. For diners who want zing in their brunch rice instead of the run-of-the-mill eggs and toast, this one's for you. Brunch does not accept reservations, and therefore, early arrival is the best option.
Bestia in the Arts District has put the neighborhood on the map as a serious dining destination. Residing in an old warehouse, it has the industrial charm that matches the boldness of Italian cuisine. The roasted bone marrow is an iconic dish, and then there is the pungent chew of the spinach dough that is a must when ordering the bone marrow. Handmade pastas and pizzas will complete your meal experience. Weekend dinner reservations are next to impossible, but the restaurant deserves its hype. Bavel, their sister restaurant, is creative with Middle Eastern cuisine as well.
If you are craving pizza in Hollywood, look no further than L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele. It offers the traditional Neapolitan wood-fired oven pizza, and the best order there is the Margherita. This pizza has simple ingredients with a thin crust and just the right amount of restraint that pizza should have on the tomato, cheese, and basil. Celebrities and their photos plaster the walls of this joint, but it stands out for its pizza. Classic but simple and made in a style that is not reinvented, this place is a real winner.
The Butcher's Daughter in Venice shows that dining on the plants does not have to feel like a chore. The restaurant has a Zen atmosphere with an abundance of natural light and many plant decorations. The menu features dishes like Thai-style noodles, and avocado toast that draw in a lot of customers. All of the food is vegetarian, making it a good dining choice for people avoiding meat and wanting to eat something that feels light and refreshing. This restaurant is a great fit for the beachy California vibe of the Venice area.
Horses has now taken over the space that The Ye Coach and Horses used to occupy. This establishment was once a hot spot for Hollywood celebs. The place has been redesigned as a California bistro and has a large bar and multiple dining rooms. There is a focus on filling comfort food for their menu items and also some bespoke cocktails to create for a simple yet refined dining experience. The menu items include roast chicken, chicory caesar salads, and burgers and fries. It serves as a reminder of the simplicity that Los Angeles dining can offer.
In Venice, Ospi channels southern Italy as well as modern Californian cuisine with a mix of contemporary and classic dishes. Chef Jackson Kalb has a knack for making house-made pasta that reflects this style. Roman-style pizza is another highlight. One of the recommended combinations is called “Playful Toppings” and features pepperoni, pineapple, jalapeno, and tomato sauce. It’s best to try it with an open mind.
There are too many wonderful aspects of taco culture in Los Angeles to limit them to sit-down restaurants. One of the great taco establishments is Mariscos Jalisco, which specializes in seafood tacos. One standout item is the fried shrimp taco. It consists of a crunchy tortilla filled with shrimp, potatoes, and veggies. It is then topped with guac and salsa. For those who enjoy long drives for street-style food, this taco is a great reason to go.
Another taco favorite is Leo's Tacos, a popular late-night spot. They serve al pastor tacos which consist of grilled pork, pineapple, and salsa all served on a small corn tortilla. Their hours are perfect for a late-night trek for tacos when no other places are open. It is one of the most taco-tempting places because of how affordable it is.
American staples have also been modified into plant-based versions at Earle's on Crenshaw. The brothers who own Earle's started their business with a hot dog cart, and now they offer vegan burgers, gluten-free and whole wheat options, and loaded chili fries. The goal is not to create health food, but to provide more options for those who don't eat meat.
Looking to spend less at more expensive restaurants?
Dine L.A. is the solution for you! This is a citywide dining event that happens biannually. For 2 weeks, several hundreds of eateries create new menus at lower price points to make the dining experience more affordable. Prices are made relative to their usual pricing at various cut-off points to include less expensive lunches and dinners, as well as more expensive ones to give you a chance to try restaurants that may be too expensive for you to try otherwise. Dine L.A. is a great way to turn your dining out curiosity into a reservation, especially with how many restaurant options are available to you!
