Los Angeles is known for its eclectic and lively food scene. While it presents so many options of amazing places to eat, picking from them can be overwhelming. So, if you’re planning on taking a trip to this sunny West coast destination, check out these 8 spots that are sure to please.
1. Pijja Palace
Pijja Palace, located in Silver Lake, is a cool Indian fusion restaurant and sports bar with a chill atmosphere and, of course, fantastic food and drinks. Looking for a spot to try something new and maybe watch a game while you’re at it? This is the place! Serving creative dishes like green chutney pijja—pizza with an Indian-style twist—and dosa onion rings served with a side of mango chutney, Pijja Palace certainly won’t disappoint. If this sounds like your thing, try booking a reservation ahead of time—you can book a week out at most. While they have some tables reserved for walk-ins, this local joint often fills up.
2. Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles
This LA cult-classic, Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles, should be your go-to for some of the best fried chicken with all the fix-ins. With 7 locations in and around LA county, it’s a fixture in the area’s soul food scene. Founded in 1975, Roscoe’s has served many A-list customers, from Stevie Wonder to Shaquille O’Neil, so you know it’s that good. If you find yourself among this star-studded list of patrons, be sure to try a couple of their tasty sides like the mac & cheese, coleslaw, and the corn bread.
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3. Courage Bagels
Stop by this hip and happening little bagel shop in East Hollywood for fresh eats and outdoor seating. Courage Bagels offers a variety of crispy Montreal-style bagels will all the classic toppings for you to enjoy. They even have multiple flavours of cream cheese, often serving spring onion & dill, vegan options, and the classic schmear, of course. My go-to order is the cream cheese tomato on an everything bagel with a sardine on top! If you plan on going, stop by as early in the morning as possible since there often can be quite the line up. Don’t worry if this gets you sleepy though, they also serve up great coffees and teas to wake you up.
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4. Saffy’s
Saffy’s is another East Hollywood gem! It offers delicious Middle Eastern fare, diverse breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, and lots of tea and cocktails to drink. Head to Saffy’s for a classy yet cool, art-deco atmosphere and maybe even take a seat at the bar! Treat yourself to some of their amazing dishes like the hummus ful served with a side of warm challah for dipping, the gem salad seasoned with za’atar, and some of their many choices of skewers. This one can be a bit of a tricky place to get a reservation but it’s worth the effort. Fun Fact: Saffy’s is named after the chef-owners’ daughter, Saffron.
5. Avenue 26 Tacos
LA is known for its top-notch Mexican food which means that there are tons of options! Avenue 26 Tacos is definitely a staple. With 2 different locations, one in Little Tokyo and another in Eagle Rock, Avenue 26 Tacos is an award-winning, no-frills joint. There, you’ll enjoy an al fresco experience in a large parking lot with piping hot eats that won’t break the bank. Staying open late into the night, you can watch the chefs cook up your food right as you order. Try their al pastor tacos with a potato, wash it down with an agua fresca, and thank me later.
6. Celestino Ristorante & Bar
Located in Pasadena in the LA County, Celestino Ristorante & Bar is an upscale restaurant serving up traditional Italian food. There is an elegant dining room and an outdoor patio for when the weather is right. At Celestino you can’t go wrong with one of their many seafood or pasta dishes naturally paired with glass or two of wine. Sit and relish in the distinctly European ambience and you might just be transported to Venice itself. If you make your way over, order the ossobuco alla milanese or consider giving the mushroom tasting menu a try.
7. Sugarfish
If you’re looking for the ultimate California sushi spot, go to Sugarfish! This is a fine-dining sushi restaurant serving omakase of the highest quality at a reasonable price point. There are 11 locations scattered around LA county, so wherever you end up, a Sugarfish may be just around the corner. Head in and order one of their signature “Trust Me’s,” pre-set combos of top-notch menu items, or go a la carte and choose your own adventure. Either way, your tastebuds will definitely thank you after this meal.
8. In-N-Out Burger
Last but certainly not least is this no-brainer! This goes without saying, but In-N-Out Burger is arguably the most “LA” spot you can visit. Slinging customizable burgers and fries, this quintessential chain will never fail to hit the spot. Before you go, it’ll make a difference to know some of the “Not So Secret Menu” hacks to take your experience to the next level. Your burger can be ordered protein-style (e.g. lettuce-wrapped), tomato-wrapped, or classic between a bun. Your fries can be ordered animal-style, with all the fix-ins and extra spread. Your milkshake can even be ordered Neapolitan-style which is a mix of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate in one. With 50 locations in the Los Angeles area alone, you’re sure to have plenty of opportunities to pop into this Californian institution.
With that, I hope you enjoy eating your way around LA. These are just some of the seemingly endless ways to experience what this bustling city has to offer. So, next time you hop off the plane at LAX—sorry, I had to—know that you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure of a lifetime.
Safe travels,
Jacqueline
