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With the endless restaurants in LA, it would be impossible to write a detailed review of each of them. That’s why I decided to pass my notes from my phone to my blog here with a list of the restaurants I highly recommend for visitors, restaurants that are at the top of my to-go list and those that I have come to love. One of my favorite things whenever visitors and friends are visiting is to take them to the best, tourist-free gems in town so they can get an overall perspective of how diverse and abundant the food scene is in LA. Fortunately, my friends and relatives are always impressed by my selection! Undoubtedly, LA is the ultimate foodie paradise.
If you’re reading this, whether you’re a long-term LA resident, you just moved here or are simply looking to broaden your horizons, I hope this list will inspire you. I’m a very visual person so before I go to a restaurant, I need to check out the restaurant geotag on Instagram and see what’s the most appetizing dish.
Where to take LA visitors?
Mini Kabob in Glendale. A MUST if you live in L.A.
Jon & Vinny’s (Spicy Fusili and meatballs 😋). Make sure to get reservations ahead.
Gjelina in Venice. Another place where you must make reservations or either come super early.
Pizza Romana one of the owners is Italian. When I came in one day there were italians ordering pizza. No need for further proof to see how good the pizzas are here.
Boogie Magee’s Bayou Smokehouse BBQ that brisket fillet. My mouth is watering. From what I read online, you can’t go there without trying out the ribs!
Cafe Midi. This place is tucked away inside a store. I love the Parisienne theme.
République I recommend this restaurant for breakfast only. In my opinion the brunch was nothing to rave about.
Speranza Los Feliz.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWX7y3fAv0P/?taken-at=754808
Commissary at the Line Hotel
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Sushi Enya Little Tokyo. Best sushi in LA
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ82f49DLza/?taken-at=226291712
Favorites
Pacific Poke Bar This newly-opened Poke joint has become my latest obsession, this is the best poke in LA hands down. I’m a poke lover and I’m always on the lookout for new places. Not only is the fish here fresh and high-quality, but it’s also one of the very few poke places where the portions are HUGE and won’t charge you extra for asking more. Every time I come here I leave super satisfied. It’s in Torrance, yes quite a drive but is so worth it!
Malibu Cafe Unfortunately the food here is super average and the cafe options are super limited (no lattes) but the place is like a fairy tale. With amazing country music playing in the background, the outdoor setup is gorgeously decorated perfect for Instagram photos. I suggest coming here for drinks and grab a bite afterwards in either Malibu or Topanga.
Farmshop in Brentwood Country Mart
Ritters SKC (different locations). One thing: House pan roast!!!
Dialog Cafe brunch. I’m not a waffle person at all but they DO make the best homemade waffles.
The Butcher, The Baker & The Cappuccino Maker. As the caption says, they truly take latte art to the next level.
Dinosaur Coffee Silverlake
Aroma Coffee and Tea Studio City
https://www.instagram.com/p/BciYOgvl1WD/?taken-at=217180603
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcK0LJtFp2t/?taken-at=217180603
Restaurants I want to try!
Catch LA 😭 😭 😭 😭
Street Of Food Seoul Koreatown
True Food Kitchen (Santa Monica and Pasadena)
Grub restaurant Los Feliz
Alcove restaurant Los Feliz
Tacos tu madre Los Feliz
Cava in Westwood (mediterranean)
Osteria la Buca LA Downtown (italian)
Sea Salt Poke . They recently opened a new location in West Hollywood! (poke)
Snociety Downtown LA (poke)
nushi Westwood (sushi burritos, salads)
Snug Harbor Santa Monica (breakfast pancakes, brunch)
Groundwork Coffee Santa Monica
Okipoki Downtown LA (poke)
Birdies Downton LA (burgers and donuts?!?)
Lao Tao Downtown LA (taiwanese)
Golden Pouch Koreatown (dumplings)
Yama Seafood LA in Glendale (seafood market: great, cheap high-quality sushi. You’re welcome!)
The Paramount coffee project Fairfax (brunches and coffee)
Plan Check Fairfax (american comfort food)
Gasolina Cafe Woodland hills
3rd generation sake bar Downtown
7th street cafe Downtown LA
Il Tramezzino Sherman Oaks and Beverly Hills
Bandera restaurant (upscale)
Pizzana Brentwood
Lovi’s deli Calabasas
Ostrich farm Los Feliz (brunch,dinner and cocktails)
Hama sushi Venice Beach
Pizzeria Il Fico
Sotto Los Angeles (italian)
Milk Tavern (ice cream and cereal bar)
Cento Pasta bar Downtonw (italian)
Pasta sisters italian
Pearl’s BBQ Downtown
Other restaurants I’ve been to you might like…
Marv’s Deli old-school deli in the valley. I’ve been to a lot of delis but no place in LA makes the best pastrami sandwiches like this one. If you go, I’d like to hear your experience! Marv, the owner, is super friendly and takes a lot of proud in his business. (He will say non-stop that the deli has been opened since 1954).
Cafe Beaujolais Eagle Rock (French)
Figaro Cafe Los Feliz
Sweet Butter Kitchen Sherman Oaks
Cafe Fred 62 Los Feliz
Eiswelt Gelato Santa Ana
Jus Poke Redondo Beach so good
Farmshop Brentwood Country Mart
Amara Chocolate and Coffee Pasadena . Venezuelan chocolate at its finest.
Vegans
Ice cream
Let’s help each other by adding more restaurants to the list! Write down your comments of your favorite restaurants in LA!
