Alex's Local Food & Drink Guidebook
Coffee Shops
Cool industrial feeling coffee shop with great drinks and a small pastry selection. I like the horchata cold brew. Has indoor seating and an outdoor area as well. There's also a pool table that's usually open to use.
Small local coffee shop great to sit inside and have a coffee and a pastry. They also have a few small tables outside as well.
45 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Alta
5359 W Adams BlvdSmall local coffee shop great to sit inside and have a coffee and a pastry. They also have a few small tables outside as well.
Alibi Coffee Co.
2268 Venice Blvd.Great cafe with great food and coffee with plenty of outdoor seating and they serve alcoholic beverages.
65 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Highly Likely Café
4310 W Jefferson BlvdGreat cafe with great food and coffee with plenty of outdoor seating and they serve alcoholic beverages.
Favorite Restaurants a littler father from the house
This is a bar and Korean kitchen that has a menu full of FANTASTIC Korean dishes as well as the option to order smaller Korean bar dishes and skewers. The vibe is kind of grungy and it can be smokey from the grills inside but its one of my favorite places in LA to eat and drink.
34 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Dan Sung Sa
3317 W 6th StThis is a bar and Korean kitchen that has a menu full of FANTASTIC Korean dishes as well as the option to order smaller Korean bar dishes and skewers. The vibe is kind of grungy and it can be smokey from the grills inside but its one of my favorite places in LA to eat and drink.
This is one of my favorite ramen spots in LA. There can often be a line outside but you can put in your name and explore Japan town if the wait is lengthy. Also if the wait is too long there is a great Udon spot next door.
122 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Daikokuya
327 1st StThis is one of my favorite ramen spots in LA. There can often be a line outside but you can put in your name and explore Japan town if the wait is lengthy. Also if the wait is too long there is a great Udon spot next door.
One of my favorite classy casual pasta spots in LA. The cavatelli may be one of my favorite dishes in LA in the $$ range. All the dishes here are great! The salads, calamari, pizzas, and pastas are all fantastic. Make sure to make a reservation as the wait for walk ins can be long. There is also a wine store and bar in the back so if you are waiting its a great place to have some wine and maybe even purchase a bottle.
124 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jon & Vinny's Fairfax
412 N Fairfax AveOne of my favorite classy casual pasta spots in LA. The cavatelli may be one of my favorite dishes in LA in the $$ range. All the dishes here are great! The salads, calamari, pizzas, and pastas are all fantastic. Make sure to make a reservation as the wait for walk ins can be long. There is also a wine store and bar in the back so if you are waiting its a great place to have some wine and maybe even purchase a bottle.
This is a wine and cheese shop that makes some of the most incredible sandwiches in LA. They have a simple menu and each sandwich is fairly simple in concept but their bread, ingredients, sauce and tapenade, and all the rest just makes for one of my favorite sandwiches in LA.
95 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese
223 N Larchmont BlvdThis is a wine and cheese shop that makes some of the most incredible sandwiches in LA. They have a simple menu and each sandwich is fairly simple in concept but their bread, ingredients, sauce and tapenade, and all the rest just makes for one of my favorite sandwiches in LA.
Amazing mouth watering smash burgers. They cook the Pattys thin and get them crispy and serve the burger up with minimal toppings and good fries.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Burgers Never Say Die
2388 Glendale BlvdAmazing mouth watering smash burgers. They cook the Pattys thin and get them crispy and serve the burger up with minimal toppings and good fries.
On Friday - Sunday only, this place serves Detroit style pizza and it is a MUST TRY. My favorite is the Detroit style pepperoni and I add the burrata and honey on top. They also make a really good arugula and bacon salad as well. Make sure you call ahead to make sure the square slices are available they can sell out.
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Apollonia's Pizzeria
5176 Wilshire BlvdOn Friday - Sunday only, this place serves Detroit style pizza and it is a MUST TRY. My favorite is the Detroit style pepperoni and I add the burrata and honey on top. They also make a really good arugula and bacon salad as well. Make sure you call ahead to make sure the square slices are available they can sell out.
Really quirky Korean restaurant with odd actor headshots on the walls and interesting art. But the food and the drinks are AMAZING. They make rich, tasty Korean dishes and incredibly intricate drinks and deserts. Check out their instagram and you'll see how impressive these drinks are (@spoonbyh).
Spoon By H
7158 Beverly BlvdReally quirky Korean restaurant with odd actor headshots on the walls and interesting art. But the food and the drinks are AMAZING. They make rich, tasty Korean dishes and incredibly intricate drinks and deserts. Check out their instagram and you'll see how impressive these drinks are (@spoonbyh).
Everything they do here is fantastic. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't be intimidated by the line outside. You order in line and sit down and they serve you so the line goes pretty fast. Really good food and amazing vibes.
319 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Republique
624 S La Brea AveEverything they do here is fantastic. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't be intimidated by the line outside. You order in line and sit down and they serve you so the line goes pretty fast. Really good food and amazing vibes.
AMAZING! Small counter-service taquería tucked amid the tailor shops and fabric outlets of downtown L.A.'s Fashion District. This place does mesquite charred steaks in the best ways imaginable. The salsas are fantastic and the dishes are serves with a grilled onion that is incredible.
35 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sonoratown
208 E 8th StAMAZING! Small counter-service taquería tucked amid the tailor shops and fabric outlets of downtown L.A.'s Fashion District. This place does mesquite charred steaks in the best ways imaginable. The salsas are fantastic and the dishes are serves with a grilled onion that is incredible.
This is the Korean barbecue to end all arguments, with the highest quality meat and banchan one can find in Los Angeles, which is one of the world’s epicenters for Korean cuisine. Order some wagyu beef and prime American short ribs and eat with the restaurant’s pristine kimchi and fresh lettuce wraps.
57 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Park's BBQ
955 S Vermont AveThis is the Korean barbecue to end all arguments, with the highest quality meat and banchan one can find in Los Angeles, which is one of the world’s epicenters for Korean cuisine. Order some wagyu beef and prime American short ribs and eat with the restaurant’s pristine kimchi and fresh lettuce wraps.
If you're in the mood for a Jewish Deli sandwich, Langer's is the spot. Canters gets all the hyper but I prefer flangers. There's a reason why people make pilgrimages to try this place’s pastrami and even corned beef: There is no better version anywhere in town. Pro tip: Try the No. 54, a blend of both the pastrami and corned beef in one sandwich. And don't skip the rest of the classic Jewish deli menu It has a classic dinner vibe with seating for parties large and small and one of the best daytime dining rooms in town.
71 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Langer's
704 S Alvarado StIf you're in the mood for a Jewish Deli sandwich, Langer's is the spot. Canters gets all the hyper but I prefer flangers. There's a reason why people make pilgrimages to try this place’s pastrami and even corned beef: There is no better version anywhere in town. Pro tip: Try the No. 54, a blend of both the pastrami and corned beef in one sandwich. And don't skip the rest of the classic Jewish deli menu It has a classic dinner vibe with seating for parties large and small and one of the best daytime dining rooms in town.
This wonderful seafood truck in East LA is one of the most reliable street-food experiences in town, with deep-fried shrimp tacos topped with a fresh salsa that might be one of the best bang-for-your-buck dishes in LA. The epic (and spicy) Poseidon, a massive tostada of chopped octopus, is worth sharing if you're adventurous. Only open during the day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
17 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mariscos Jalisco
3040 E Olympic BlvdThis wonderful seafood truck in East LA is one of the most reliable street-food experiences in town, with deep-fried shrimp tacos topped with a fresh salsa that might be one of the best bang-for-your-buck dishes in LA. The epic (and spicy) Poseidon, a massive tostada of chopped octopus, is worth sharing if you're adventurous. Only open during the day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This place is the SPOT for Nashville-style hot chicken, made to perfection. Everybody should order at least one item as spicy as they can handle, and try the fried chicken sandwich too. It's truly a marvel of fried chicken in Los Angeles. The wait can be long so be prepared. The less crowded alternative is Dave's Hot Chicken.
69 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Howlin' Ray's
727 N BroadwayThis place is the SPOT for Nashville-style hot chicken, made to perfection. Everybody should order at least one item as spicy as they can handle, and try the fried chicken sandwich too. It's truly a marvel of fried chicken in Los Angeles. The wait can be long so be prepared. The less crowded alternative is Dave's Hot Chicken.
IF you are looking for a really nice night out.. Bestia is a place to have an incredible dining experience. It's a meat-driven rustic Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Arts District. They cook fantastic Neapolitan-style pizzas, inventive pastas, house made salumi (a true rarity in LA), and large plates like a great pork chop. Wines and cocktails are top rate, and the desserts from Gergis are simple, but prepared with a perfectionist’s attention to detail. The vibe here is amazing and you can pop over to some of the cool arts district bars after dinner.
322 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bestia
2121 E 7th PlIF you are looking for a really nice night out.. Bestia is a place to have an incredible dining experience. It's a meat-driven rustic Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Arts District. They cook fantastic Neapolitan-style pizzas, inventive pastas, house made salumi (a true rarity in LA), and large plates like a great pork chop. Wines and cocktails are top rate, and the desserts from Gergis are simple, but prepared with a perfectionist’s attention to detail. The vibe here is amazing and you can pop over to some of the cool arts district bars after dinner.
One of the best Thai restaurants in LA. They have all the classics as well as some authentic Thai dishes that are all incredible. They don’t take reservations, so if you really don’t want to wait, your best bet is to slip in for lunch. Be sure to order a few sides of rice, and keep your water glass full at all times. Even dishes not marked spicy can be incredibly hot but the flavor is all worth it.
67 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jitlada Restaurant
5233 Sunset BlvdOne of the best Thai restaurants in LA. They have all the classics as well as some authentic Thai dishes that are all incredible. They don’t take reservations, so if you really don’t want to wait, your best bet is to slip in for lunch. Be sure to order a few sides of rice, and keep your water glass full at all times. Even dishes not marked spicy can be incredibly hot but the flavor is all worth it.
Some of the best foods in LA are being served in this downtown culinary food court. If you can't decide what to eat I say split up and share because you're going to want to try multiple spots. Park in the attached parking lot and there will be signage directing you to Grand Central Market.
968 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mercado Central de Los Ángeles
317 S BroadwaySome of the best foods in LA are being served in this downtown culinary food court. If you can't decide what to eat I say split up and share because you're going to want to try multiple spots. Park in the attached parking lot and there will be signage directing you to Grand Central Market.
If you happen to have the day in LA on Sunday and want to eat some of the best food in town some of which is only offered here on Sundays, head to Smorgasburg in downtown LA. There are over 50 food trucks and other vendors selling everything from records to jewelry. They play music and have a good amount of outdoor seating. There is a drinking area with some board games as well as the occasional other seasonal activities they incorporate. There are also a bunch of small boutiques popping up on the street adjacent to the entrance of Smorgasburg. They have a website if you want to look at their vendors for the week.
59 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Smorgasburg
777 S Alameda StIf you happen to have the day in LA on Sunday and want to eat some of the best food in town some of which is only offered here on Sundays, head to Smorgasburg in downtown LA. There are over 50 food trucks and other vendors selling everything from records to jewelry. They play music and have a good amount of outdoor seating. There is a drinking area with some board games as well as the occasional other seasonal activities they incorporate. There are also a bunch of small boutiques popping up on the street adjacent to the entrance of Smorgasburg. They have a website if you want to look at their vendors for the week.
Kasih has amazing Indonesian cuisine and a fun bar with good cocktails. On the weekend the restaurant turns more into a lounge late at night that is pretty fun. Highly recommend trying this place in a group and trying lots of dishes. If you call ahead with a large party they do a large platter of food served out on the table presented beautifully in the private room in the back.
Kasih
200 S Los Angeles StKasih has amazing Indonesian cuisine and a fun bar with good cocktails. On the weekend the restaurant turns more into a lounge late at night that is pretty fun. Highly recommend trying this place in a group and trying lots of dishes. If you call ahead with a large party they do a large platter of food served out on the table presented beautifully in the private room in the back.
If you’re craving Filipino food chaste market is my favorite spot in town. Super casual and has tons of Filipino snacks and goods.
Chaaste Family Market
296 Allen AveIf you’re craving Filipino food chaste market is my favorite spot in town. Super casual and has tons of Filipino snacks and goods.
Food near Home
Alta is an amazing southern critically acclaimed restaurant with a relaxed vibe and cool outdoor or indoor seating. I absolutely love the black eyed pea fritters, the fried chicken, and the oxtail but everything is really amazing. They also do a great brunch menu on the weekends.
45 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Alta
5359 W Adams BlvdAlta is an amazing southern critically acclaimed restaurant with a relaxed vibe and cool outdoor or indoor seating. I absolutely love the black eyed pea fritters, the fried chicken, and the oxtail but everything is really amazing. They also do a great brunch menu on the weekends.
Mizlala is a Mediterranean restaurant with amazing food and really beautiful outdoor seating. Their menu is simple but everything is fantastic.
46 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mizlala West Adams
5400 W Adams BlvdMizlala is a Mediterranean restaurant with amazing food and really beautiful outdoor seating. Their menu is simple but everything is fantastic.
This is a classic authentic Mexican restaurant that is family owned and the food is fantastic. They do amazing carne asada and the cochinita pibil (pictured on yelp) is one of my favorite bites in the city. Its not listed on the menu but ask and they always have it. The carne asada burrito is also amazing!
60 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Taqueria Los Anaya
4651 W Adams BlvdThis is a classic authentic Mexican restaurant that is family owned and the food is fantastic. They do amazing carne asada and the cochinita pibil (pictured on yelp) is one of my favorite bites in the city. Its not listed on the menu but ask and they always have it. The carne asada burrito is also amazing!
Bee Taqueria has amazing artisanal tacos and other dishes like ceviche, chilaquiles, and more. It is all outdoor seating (bring a sweatshirt at night) with a small kitchen but its usually not that crowded and the food is worth the medium wait. It has strung lights above and bench table seating surrounding fire pits. The chef also offers omakase menu with reservation where he cooks a specialized changing menu of five tacos and desserts. Contact the restaurant for more information but its an amazing experience with some really unique tacos. Highly recommend.
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bee Taqueria
5754 W Adams BlvdBee Taqueria has amazing artisanal tacos and other dishes like ceviche, chilaquiles, and more. It is all outdoor seating (bring a sweatshirt at night) with a small kitchen but its usually not that crowded and the food is worth the medium wait. It has strung lights above and bench table seating surrounding fire pits. The chef also offers omakase menu with reservation where he cooks a specialized changing menu of five tacos and desserts. Contact the restaurant for more information but its an amazing experience with some really unique tacos. Highly recommend.
Philips is a famous LA BBQ spot. Everything on the menu is AMAZING and all of the aides are incredible as well. Make sure to call your order in during peak dining hours because the line can get long. There is really minimal seating here, just a table outside, so it's better to take out and eat at home or out at a park.
28 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Phillips Bar-B-Que
2619 Crenshaw BlvdPhilips is a famous LA BBQ spot. Everything on the menu is AMAZING and all of the aides are incredible as well. Make sure to call your order in during peak dining hours because the line can get long. There is really minimal seating here, just a table outside, so it's better to take out and eat at home or out at a park.
Delicious Pizza has a fun pizzeria vibe with outdoor seating that occasional has live music or music outside. They also deliver so if you feel like ordering in this is a great option.
70 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Delicious Pizza
5419 W Adams BlvdDelicious Pizza has a fun pizzeria vibe with outdoor seating that occasional has live music or music outside. They also deliver so if you feel like ordering in this is a great option.
This is one of my favorite casual pasta spots in the city. All the pasta is made fresh in house so the noodles are amazing. The pastas are all great but my favorites are the lasagna, bolognese, and the porcini mushroom. Also the bread they give at the table is fantastic. The restaurant is small so not great for large parties, they have a bigger location not too far in Culver City.
48 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Pasta Sisters
3343 W Pico BlvdThis is one of my favorite casual pasta spots in the city. All the pasta is made fresh in house so the noodles are amazing. The pastas are all great but my favorites are the lasagna, bolognese, and the porcini mushroom. Also the bread they give at the table is fantastic. The restaurant is small so not great for large parties, they have a bigger location not too far in Culver City.
Guelaguetza is one of the best Oaxacan Restaurants in town. They are amazing for large groups with lots of seating, live music, and a bar as well. They have huge platters that give a variety of meats, vegetables and cheeses that are delicious. I personally also love the rolled goat tacos.
56 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Guelaguetza Restaurante
3014 W Olympic BlvdGuelaguetza is one of the best Oaxacan Restaurants in town. They are amazing for large groups with lots of seating, live music, and a bar as well. They have huge platters that give a variety of meats, vegetables and cheeses that are delicious. I personally also love the rolled goat tacos.
This place specializes in birria and serves its dishes with consumé that is really delicious and makes each bite extremely juicy and flavorful. Its just a window with a few outdoor tables but really great food and walking distance from home.
Papi tacos & churros
2622 W Jefferson BlvdThis place specializes in birria and serves its dishes with consumé that is really delicious and makes each bite extremely juicy and flavorful. Its just a window with a few outdoor tables but really great food and walking distance from home.
This is a really good breakfast spot that is really well priced! They have a breakfast special that is ridiculous and they are really nice about substituting items. One of the best deals in town and family owned. Make sure to put your name in on yelp, you can check the wait time on there as well.
37 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Honey Bee's House of Breakfast
4715 W Adams BlvdThis is a really good breakfast spot that is really well priced! They have a breakfast special that is ridiculous and they are really nice about substituting items. One of the best deals in town and family owned. Make sure to put your name in on yelp, you can check the wait time on there as well.
Papa Cristo's is truly an LA gem for old school Mediterranean and Greek food and delicatessens. The plates from here are really delicious and the vibe is relaxed with plenty of seating. They also sell a variety of Greek and Mediterranean goods.
36 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Papa Cristo's Greek Grill
2771 W Pico BlvdPapa Cristo's is truly an LA gem for old school Mediterranean and Greek food and delicatessens. The plates from here are really delicious and the vibe is relaxed with plenty of seating. They also sell a variety of Greek and Mediterranean goods.
Eataly isn't too far from the house and offers a great variety of Italian restaurants and shops. Each restaurant has their own specialties and its a great place to pop around trying different dishes to share while having some wine. The food is fantastic and great open atmosphere. There is indoor and outdoor seating depending on the restaurant. There is also a parking lot beneath.
64 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Eataly L.A.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Eataly isn't too far from the house and offers a great variety of Italian restaurants and shops. Each restaurant has their own specialties and its a great place to pop around trying different dishes to share while having some wine. The food is fantastic and great open atmosphere. There is indoor and outdoor seating depending on the restaurant. There is also a parking lot beneath.
Right near the Sony Studios Lot. Jackson Market offers great food and delicatessens. This market is an absolute staple in the Culver City community and its sandwiches are extremely popular. I love the outdoor seating and vibe of the place. The patio backyard area has great comfortable couch seating and tables. Great for a casual lunch on a sunny day. They also do brick oven pizzas as a special on Fridays - Sundays which are great as well.
42 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jackson Market and Deli
4065 Jackson AveRight near the Sony Studios Lot. Jackson Market offers great food and delicatessens. This market is an absolute staple in the Culver City community and its sandwiches are extremely popular. I love the outdoor seating and vibe of the place. The patio backyard area has great comfortable couch seating and tables. Great for a casual lunch on a sunny day. They also do brick oven pizzas as a special on Fridays - Sundays which are great as well.