Los Angeles, the city in California linked to celebrities and the film industry because of neighborhoods like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, also has a variety of incredible food to enjoy, including several types of ethnic cuisine, such as Mexican, Japanese, Salvadoran, Ethiopian, and many more.
However, Los Angeles is still a city on the ocean, and as a result, it has restaurants that serve Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh-caught fish. Then there is always classic American fast food, which can be a good option if you need a quick and cheap snack.
Two other options that are typical of this area are 50s diners and wine bars, which are excellent meeting places to spend an evening having fun with friends. So let’s see some tips on where to eat in Los Angeles in each of the areas and neighborhoods.
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Central LA/Downtown: In the Heart of the City
Downtown Los Angeles is an area (often underestimated by mass tourism) that offers many interesting attractions for those who have the time to explore this part of the city as well.
Moreover, here you can find some of the most characteristic and appreciated restaurants and clubs of Los Angeles. Let’s find out which are the main ones.
- Petite Peso (419 W 7th St): if you like oriental cuisine then you must try this Filipino restaurant that since 2010 is one of the most popular in the city.
- Wood Spoon (107 W 9th St): in this case we are talking about a restaurant specialized in Brazilian cuisine. The main dish is a chicken pie, with heart of palm, potatoes, olives and roasted corn.
- Sonoratown (208 E 8th St): you can not do without a good taco? Here you can eat what many say are the best in the city.
- El Cielito Lindo (E-23 Olvera St): among the many attractions of downtown, between visits to art galleries and the fashion district, find the time to stop for a taco at number 23 of the characteristic Olvera Street, small but historic place where to eat Mexican and South American cuisine, with excellent chile relleno and a delicious avocado sauce.
Hollywood Area: Strolling among the Stars
This is the most famous area of Los Angeles, thanks to the film and music industry, as well as the characteristic Walk of Fame, where you will find the names of the most important international stars set in stars on the sidewalk.
A must for music lovers is a stop at the Hard Rock Cafe at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, considered the best among the most famous restaurant chains, not so much for the quality of the food, but for the furniture and the rock culture that customers can enjoy.
If you feel like eating a burger a little out of the usual schemes, you can try the Big Mec at Petit Trois (718 N Highland Ave), a double cheeseburger with American cheese, caramelized onions and a red wine sauce with foie gras.
For those who instead want to remain faithful to classic flavors, do not miss the opportunity to eat at Electric Owl (1451 N Gardner St), a restaurant whose architecture recalls that of a train station, whose main dish is definitely the House Double hamburger.
Another particular place is the Magic Castle (7025 Franklin Ave) which, however, you can access only if you are staying in the hotel of the same name (or if included in the list by some promoter): it is in fact a beautiful Victorian house renovated as a castle, where it seems obligatory to wear elegant clothes in order not to feel out of place.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach: A Coastal Paradise
On the Pacific Highway, a scenic road that runs along the ocean, you will find Santa Monica and Venice Beach in Los Angeles. In addition to beautiful beaches, these two cities have restaurants that take advantage of their favorable location to serve delicious seafood. My first recommendation is the Water Grill, 1401 Ocean Ave, formerly known as Ocean Avenue Seafood. It has an excellent location and it is spacious and recently renovated; it is worth dining here because of its tasty food and terrific service.
If you want to take a step back in tim, Johnny Rockets in Santa Monica (1322 3rd Street Promenade) is the right place for you. In this diner you will find a great selection of hamburgers that you can eat surrounded by a very well crafted 50’s atmosphere.
Another option is the fruit and vegetable market in Santa Monica, open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, where you can buy good-quality local produce for a picnic during the day.
For more tips, I suggest you read our in-depth article dedicated to where to eat in Santa Monica and where to eat in Venice.
Beverly Hills: Casual and Luxury Restaurants in Los Angeles
Beverly Hills, a fashion and beauty district, is also the home to some celebrities. In the same area where you find fancy boutiques and villas that sit on the hills, there is also the Original Farmers Market at 6333 West 3rd St heading of Central LA. It is a place with a simple setting where you can buy fresh, good, local ingredients.
A great option for dining in Beverly Hills is Spago, located at 176 North Canon Dr, a restaurant with elegant surroundings that serves Italian and Californian cuisine.
For more tips, please read our in-depth article dedicated to where to eat in Beverly Hills.
More Information about Los Angeles…
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