17 Essential Food & Drink Experiences in Los Angeles Right Now
Explore multicultural flavors, legendary eateries, and the hottest culinary trends across LA’s diverse food scene.
Los Angeles stands as one of the world’s great culinary cities, combining multicultural flavors, inventive chefs, legendary institutions, and competitive foodies. Whether your cravings lean toward iconic deli sandwiches, vegan delights, artful sushi, or late-night bites, LA delivers unforgettable dining at every turn. Here’s how to navigate LA’s dazzling food scene right now.
Table of Contents
- Morning Staples: Bagels & Breakfast
- Lunch Spots That Invite Lingering
- Sushi Rolls & International Flavors
- Classic LA Delicatessens
- Vegan and Vegetarian Sensations
- Literary & Craft Cocktails
- Midnight Cravings: LA After Dark
- High-End Omakase & Celebrity Haunts
- Ethnic Specialties: Thai, Korean, and More
- FAQs
Start Your LA Day: Bagels & Classic Breakfasts
The sun rises on the city’s busy bakeries and classic breakfast counters. Whether you’re fueling up for adventures or seeking comfort in old-school atmospheres, these morning spots set the tone:
- Belle’s Bagels: This Highland Park gem offers hand-rolled bagels that have become local legends, from classics like sesame to creative toppings loaded with seasonal smoked fish, dill cream cheese, and pickled veggies.
Pro tip: Pair your bagel with a strong coffee and grab an outdoor seat for people-watching. - Canter’s Deli: An LA institution since 1931, Canter’s delivers the city’s best Jewish deli breakfast 24 hours a day. Try the matzo ball soup, a hot pastrami or classic Reuben, and a chocolate babka for the full experience.
Open late, perfect for post-concert or midnight munchies.
Lunch That Invites Lingering
LA’s lunch scene is both inventive and laid-back, often designed for those who want to relax, recharge, and savor their meal. Downtown’s historic hotels and sun-drenched cafes excel in this area.
- Cafe Fig at Hotel Figueroa: Nestled in a restored 1920s Spanish Colonial lobby lined with rotating artwork, the creative menu shines with grilled cheese on sourdough, caramelized onions, and spicy mustard.
Enjoy the art, linger over a latte, and soak up the city’s creative vibe.
Sushi Rolls & International Flavors
Downtown and west LA deliver stunning Japanese-fusion and sushi artistry, while Koreatown and Thai Town host some of the country’s best Asian cuisine.
- Yuko Kitchen: Plant-filled and welcoming, Yuko Kitchen excels in fresh sushi rolls, vegan-friendly curries, and creative boba drinks. Don’t leave without a gluten-free strawberry mochi cookie.
The perfect lunch stop before or after exploring The Last Bookstore. - Nozawa Bar (Beverly Hills): Tucked behind SUGARFISH, this Michelin-starred omakase offers over 20 courses – nigiri, sashimi, monkfish liver, rare toro cuts, and creative hand rolls.
Reservations essential, only ten seats per seating—arrive on time for the full show.
Classic LA Delicatessens: Iconic Hot Pastrami & More
LA’s deli scene is legendary. Celebrities and locals have flocked to these counters for hot sandwiches, classic soups, and more since the mid-20th century.
- Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant: Open since 1947, Langer’s is the destination for a perfect hot pastrami sandwich, often voted the best in America. The #19 combo—hand-cut pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing—is a must.
Try their French dip, a food invented in LA.
LA’s Vegan & Vegetarian Sensations
Los Angeles leads the country in innovative plant-based cuisine, and Café Gratitude is at its heart. Meals here are uplifting both in flavor and philosophy.
- Café Gratitude (Larchmont): Affirmation-themed dishes (“I Am Thriving,” “I Am Grateful”) headline a menu of creative vegan breakfasts, hearty bowls, nut-milk smoothies, and organic juices.
It’s family-friendly, nourishing, and perfect for wellness-seekers.
Elevated Sips: Literary & Craft Cocktails
LA’s cocktail scene weaves together local produce, global spirits, and the city’s signature style for truly unique drinks. These spots pair character with great taste.
- 1894 at Vroman’s Bookstore (Pasadena): Enjoy cocktails inspired by literary classics while browsing one of Southern California’s oldest independent bookstores.
Recommended: “Margarita Atwood” (for tequila lovers), “Pride and Pearjudiced” (sake-infused). - The Wellesbourne (Sawtelle Japantown): Step into a 19th-century library-style lounge filled with bookshelves and fireplaces. Sip on handcrafted cocktails or opt for inventive mocktails, paired with bacon-wrapped dates and light bites. A back patio offers fresh air and a relaxed atmosphere.
Midnight Cravings: Where LA Eats After Dark
Whether you’re leaving a club, concert, or karaoke marathon, LA’s late-night eats are legendary. These hotspots keep kitchens open for hungry night owls long after midnight.
- Sun Nong Dan (Koreatown): Open 24/7, specializing in galbi-jjim—braised short rib in a hot stone bowl, topped with bubbling cheese. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
Expect lines after midnight, especially on weekends. - Hanshin Pocha: Casual Korean street bar ambience, open until 2am. Late-night eats and classic soju cocktails make it a vibrant place to refuel and socialize.
- Dan Sung Sa: Nostalgic dive bar decor, scribbled walls, wooden booths. Order skewers, stews, and cocktails late into the night.
- Joe’s Pizza: Multiple locations, including Downtown and Hollywood. Classic NYC-style thin-crust slices, gooey mozzarella, and quick service—open until the small hours.
- Garage Pizza (Silverlake): Indie vibes and oversized slices bursting with flavor. Open until 2:30am Thursday through Saturday.
High-End, Michelin-Starred & Celebrity Haunts
LA’s top-tier dining encompasses Michelin-star omakase sushi, ultra-luxe hotel dining, and contemporary icons where everyone from locals to stars go to splurge.
- Nozawa Bar (see Sushi Rolls & International Flavors): Michelin-star omakase, surprises like jellyfish and live octopus, rare cuts, and a spectacle of service with mere ten seats per session.
- Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air: Dine in an elegant mid-century garden setting, surrounded by wooded hills and swans. Enjoy European and Mediterranean-inspired California fare: tagliatelle with truffles, lobster cacio e pepe, wiener schnitzel, and signature tortilla soup.
Ideal for long brunches, high tea, or celebrations. Prices match the luxe experience.
Ethnic Specialties: Thai Town, Korean BBQ & More
LA’s multicultural neighborhoods offer unforgettable flavors, regional specialties, and a dazzling array of global comfort foods.
- Jitlada (Thai Town): Legendary for spicy southern Thai fare and a menu with 200+ options. Standout dishes include steamed New Zealand green mussels, mango softshell crab, spicy beef, pad thai, tom kha, and their signature fried rice.
Bib Gourmand distinction (Michelin) - Park’s BBQ (Koreatown): USA’s largest Korean population thrives here, and Park’s is its crown jewel for tableside grilling. Order combo platters of bulgogi, ribeye, short rib, brisket, and the ultimate “flower meat” (Ggot Sal). Robust banchan (side dishes) complete every meal.
Expect to leave happily food-scented and satisfied.
LA’s Famed Pancake and Brunch Scene
- Marelle (Santa Monica): Riffing on classic chicken and waffles, Marelle’s lemon ricotta pancakes with crispy jidori chicken and roasted peppers are must-tries for brunch seekers. Enjoy oceanfront views and top it off with a sparkling La Vie en Rosé cocktail (which even comes with a pair of rose-colored sunglasses).
Weekend brunch reservations recommended.
Quick Bites & Food Market Gems
- French Crepe Company: Grab a sweet or savory crepe for a quick breakfast or snack while exploring city sights.
- Trejo’s Tacos: Hollywood favorite from Danny Trejo, serving up flavor-packed tacos. Vegetarian, vegan, and carnivore options.
- Pampas Grill: Brazilian-style BBQ, offering grilled meats and festive plates at the city’s best food markets.
- Zia Valentina: Unique chocolate cones filled with fresh-brewed coffee, an LA foodie novelty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most iconic LA dish everyone should try?
A: The hot pastrami sandwich at Langer’s Delicatessen and the French dip (invented in LA) are legendary mainstays representing LA’s deli heritage. For a quintessential brunch dish, try lemon ricotta pancakes with crispy chicken at Marelle.
Q: When is the best time to eat out in LA?
A: Weekends for brunch are popular, but reservations are often essential especially at beachside or rooftop spots. For late-night eats, the city’s Koreatown, pizza joints, and iconic delis cater to nocturnal cravings all week long.
Q: Which spot should I choose for a special culinary splurge?
A: Nozawa Bar for a Michelin-star sushi experience, or Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air for classic elegance and a garden setting worthy of a celebration.
Q: Is LA a good destination for vegans and vegetarians?
A: Absolutely. Café Gratitude and many international restaurants offer expansive vegan/vegetarian menus—from creative plant-based bowls to fusion curries and juices.
Q: Where can I eat after midnight in LA?
A: Options abound in Koreatown (Sun Nong Dan, Dan Sung Sa), pizza slices at Joe’s Pizza, and casual eateries like Garage Pizza in Silverlake.
Map: Essential LA Food & Drink Destinations
For orientation, refer to popular LA districts: Downtown LA (Cafe Fig, Yuko Kitchen), Koreatown (Park’s BBQ, Sun Nong Dan), Beverly Hills (Nozawa Bar), Larchmont (Cafe Gratitude), Pasadena (1894), and Santa Monica (Marelle).
Final Tips for Food Lovers in LA
- Reservations: Vital at Michelin-starred, weekend brunch, and high-end spots.
- Parking: Scarce at night in Koreatown and Hollywood; use rideshare or plan ahead.
- Diversity: Venture beyond tourist areas to explore local gems in Silverlake, Sawtelle Japantown, and Thai Town.
- Seasonal Menus: LA chefs love seasonal produce—expect menu changes and daily specials.
- Portion Sizes: Many LA eateries go big; sharing plates is welcomed.
Los Angeles is more than entertainment—it’s a city whose food scene rivals the world’s best. Indulge, explore, and let every meal be your next adventure.
