Taste Your Way Through LA
Los Angeles isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it’s a full-on flavor festival. With one of the most diverse food scenes in the world, LA brings together street tacos, Michelin-starred innovation, farmers market freshness, and international flavors all in one sprawling, sun-soaked city. Whether you’re craving Korean BBQ at 2am, a vegan burger with beach views, or a secret speakeasy cocktail in an old-school movie theater, our food and drink guide to Los Angeles got you covered.
You’ll find entire neighborhoods defined by their culinary vibes: think Koreatown, Little Ethiopia, Thai Town, and the historic Olvera Street for authentic Mexican eats. If you’re more into trendy fusion spots, rooftop bars, or creative vegan dishes, LA’s got those in spades, too.
This guide breaks down the best spots to eat and drink in LA. For every taste, budget, and vibe, our Food & Drink Guide in Los Angeles will not leave you hungry.
Neighborhood Food Highlights
- Downtown LA (DTLA): Food halls like Smorgasburg and Grand Central Market, upscale rooftop dining, hidden speakeasies.
- Koreatown: Late-night Korean BBQ, soju spots, and top-notch fried chicken joints.
- Silver Lake & Echo Park: Trendy cafés, artisanal bakeries, plant-based eats, craft beer.
- Santa Monica & Venice: Oceanview brunches, fresh seafood, juice bars, laid-back cafés.
- East LA & Boyle Heights: Authentic street tacos, tamales, and local favorites steeped in culture.
Top Cheap Eats
- Legendary taco trucks (Leo’s Tacos, Mariscos Jalisco, $)
- $10 ramen bowls in Little Tokyo ($)
- Pupusas, elotes, and churros at local markets ($)
- Banh mi and pho in the San Gabriel Valley ($)
Must-Try Local Favorites
- French dip sandwiches at Philippe the Original ($)
- Pink’s Hot Dogs ($)
- In-N-Out Burger (because, yes, it’s worth the hype, $)
- Kogi BBQ food truck – the fusion that started it all ($)
Iconic Brunch Spots
- Republique (Mid-Wilshire) — architectural stunner with bakery-style breakfasts ($$$$)
- Sqirl (Silver Lake) — known for ricotta toast and long lines ($$$)
- Gjusta (Venice) — deli-style goodness with a chill courtyard vibe ($$$)
Cocktails & Craft Drinks
- Rooftop bars like Perch (DTLA, $$$) and Élephante (Santa Monica, $$$)
- Speakeasies like No Vacancy ($$)
- Local breweries in Arts District and Highland Park ($$)
- Natural wine bars scattered throughout East LA ($$-$$$)
Dietary-Friendly Picks
- Gluten-free? Head to Botanica Restaurant & Market (Silver Lake, $$$).
- Vegan? Try Crossroads Kitchen ($$$$) or Monty’s Good Burger ($$).
- Keto/paleo? Look for trendy bowls and protein-heavy menus in Venice and West Hollywood. ($$-$$$)
$: $5-15 per person
$$: $25-25 per person
$$$: $25-40 per person
$$$$: $40+ per person
Insider Tips:
- Food Trucks are often better than sit-down spots — track them on Instagram for real-time locations.
- Skip the chain restaurants on Hollywood Blvd — better bites are just a few blocks away.
- Reservations are a must at high-end places, especially weekends. Use Resy or OpenTable.
- Farmers Markets (like in Santa Monica or Hollywood) are great for cheap, fresh eats and people-watching.