Best Restaurants in Los Angeles: Sweet Tooth
The Ultimate Guide to the 25 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles You Need to Try
Los Angeles is a melting pot of culinary excellence, offering a vibrant tapestry of flavors that cater to every palate. From the sizzling asada tacos of East LA to the aromatic Thai dishes of Hollywood, the city's food scene is as diverse as its population. This article isn't just another list; it's your essential guide to experiencing the heart and soul of Los Angeles's gastronomy. Whether you're in the mood for crispy fried chicken, a juicy pastrami sandwich, or a plate of authentic Oaxacan mole, we've got you covered. With insights from Eater LA and firsthand experiences, we've curated the ultimate list of the 25 best restaurants in Los Angeles that you absolutely need to try from thai to tacos we've got it all. Dive in to discover not only the top dining destinations but also the stories behind the dishes that make LA one of the world's premier food cities. This is a comprehensive list of the best food in Los Angeles from west LA to south LA and the outskirts. Read this guide, make a reservation if needed and get to eating!
Article Outline
Thai Cuisine: Beyond Pad Thai
- Exploring LA's Thai Town
- Standout Thai Restaurants
Deli Delights: A Cut Above
- The Art of the Perfect Pastrami
- Delis You Can't Miss in LA
Pizza Perfection in LA
- Neapolitan or New York-style?
- Top Pizzerias in the City
The Iconic French Dip
- The History Behind the Sandwich
- Where to Find the Best French Dip in LA
Tacos: A Love Affair with LA
- The Evolution of LA's Taco Scene
- Must-Visit Taco Spots
A Taste of Grand Central Market
- A Culinary Crossroads
- Not-to-Miss Stalls
Waffle Wonderland
- Breakfast in LA Redefined
- The Best Waffle Spots
Jalisco Style in Los Angeles
- Authentic Mexican Flavors
- Top Jalisco-Inspired Eateries
Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy Perfection
- LA's Best Fried Chicken Joints
- What Makes the Perfect Fried Chicken?
The Noodle Nirvana
- Exploring LA's Noodle Scene
- Unforgettable Noodle Dishes
West Hollywood's Best Bites
- The Trendiest Spots in WeHo
- What to Eat in West Hollywood
The Ultimate Barbecue Experience
- LA's Barbecue Culture
- Best BBQ Restaurants in Los Angeles
Asada in LA: Grilled to Perfection
- The Best Asada Spots
- The Secret to Perfect Asada
Thai Cuisine: Beyond Pad Thai
Exploring LA's Thai Town
Los Angeles is home to the only officially recognized Thai Town in the United States, a testament to the city's rich Thai culture and cuisine. Here, you'll find a range of dishes from the spicy, tangy flavors of northern Thailand to the aromatic, seafood-rich offerings of the south. Here's a list of the best places to eat
Standout Thai Food Restaurants
Restaurants like Jitlada, with its extensive menu featuring southern Thai specialties, have become institutions in Los Angeles. These spots not only serve up traditional dishes but also introduce Angelenos to new flavors, making Thai cuisine an integral part of LA's food scene.
Deli Delights: A Cut Above of the Best Foods in Los Angeles
The Art of the Perfect Pastrami
LA's deli scene is renowned for its pastrami, with places like Langer’s serving what many claim to be the best pastrami sandwich in the world. The secret lies in the perfect balance of smoke, spice, and succulence.
Delis You Can't Miss in LA
Beyond pastrami, LA's delis offer a variety of amazing food, from bagels and lox to hearty Jewish classics, reflecting the city's diverse culinary heritage and the deli's role as a community gathering spot.
Pizza Perfection in LA
Neapolitan or New York-style?
Los Angeles might not be the first city that comes to mind for pizza, but it's rapidly becoming a pizza destination. From authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in wood-fired ovens to the thin, crispy crusts of New York-style slices, LA has it all. Here are the locations in la.
Top Pizzerias in the City
Pizzerias like Pizzana and Mozza showcase the city's love for high-quality, meticulously crafted pizzas, using the finest ingredients to create pies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
The Iconic French Dip
The History Behind the Sandwich
The French Dip is a quintessential Los Angeles creation, with both Philippe's and Cole's claiming to have invented it. This iconic sandwich, featuring thinly sliced roast beef dipped in jus and served on a French roll, is a must-try for any visitor. This may not be as fancy as French food but its just as good.
Where to Find the Best French Dip in LA
While Philippe's and Cole's remain the go-to spots for many, newer establishments have also started to put their unique twists on this classic sandwich, offering variations that cater to modern palates.
Tacos: A Love Affair with LA
The Evolution of LA's Taco Scene
One of the best food options are Tacos, which are a staple of Los Angeles cuisine, reflecting the city's significant Mexican influence. From traditional street-style tacos to innovative gourmet options, LA's taco scene is both diverse and delicious.
Must-Visit Taco Spots
Whether it's the asada tacos from a food truck in East LA or the gourmet tacos from a high-end Mexican restaurant in Beverly Hills, LA's taco offerings are unrivaled. Spots like Guisados and Mariscos Jalisco have become beloved institutions, celebrated for their authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.
A Taste of Grand Central Market
A Culinary Crossroads
Grand Central Market embodies the diversity of Los Angeles's culinary scene, bringing together food from all corners of the world under one roof. It's a place where foodies can indulge in everything from artisanal cheese to authentic Thai street food. Here you will find the most unforgettable plate of food and side dishes.
Not-to-Miss Stalls
Eggslut, with its innovative breakfast dishes, and Ramen Hood, known for its vegan ramen, are just two examples of the kind of culinary creativity that makes Grand Central Market a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore LA's food scene.
Waffle Wonderland
Breakfast in LA Redefined
Los Angeles takes breakfast seriously, and waffles are a big part of the city's breakfast culture. From classic Belgian waffles to inventive creations topped with everything from fried chicken to fresh fruit, LA's waffle scene is not to be missed.
The Best Waffle Spots
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles combines soul food with classic breakfast in a way that's quintessentially LA, while newer spots like Bru's Wiffle offer a more gourmet take on the waffle, serving up dishes that are both innovative and delicious. These top spots are a must go if you're looking for the best comfort food. Some of these locations can be found in greater Los Angeles.
Jalisco Style in Los Angeles
Authentic Mexican Flavors
Jalisco-style cuisine, known for its rich flavors and traditional cooking methods, has found a home in Los Angeles. This regional Mexican cuisine offers dishes like birria, a spicy stew made with goat or beef, which has captivated the taste buds of Angelenos. Here's the guide to the best ones for your next trip to la.
Top Jalisco-Inspired Eateries
Restaurants and food trucks specializing in Jalisco cuisine, such as Tacos Jalisco and Birrieria Nochistlan, offer authentic tastes of this Mexican state, showcasing the depth and diversity of Mexican food in LA.
Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy Perfection
LA's Best Fried Chicken Joints
Los Angeles offers a wide range of fried chicken, from Korean-style with its crispy, paper-thin skin to Southern-style with its juicy, flavorful meat. Places like Howlin' Ray's have garnered cult followings for their spicy, Nashville-style chicken.
What Makes the Perfect Fried Chicken?
The perfect fried chicken combines a crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat inside. Many of LA's best spots achieve this through meticulous marination, battering, and frying techniques, often serving their chicken alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
The Noodle Nirvana
Exploring LA's Noodle Scene
Los Angeles's noodle scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from ramen and pho to Italian pasta. The city's chefs are constantly innovating, creating noodle dishes that draw on a range of culinary traditions.
Unforgettable Noodle Dishes
Whether it's the rich, savory broth of a bowl of ramen in Little Tokyo or the delicate, handmade pasta at a high-end Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills, LA's noodle dishes are a testament to the city's culinary creativity and diversity.
West Hollywood's Best Bites
The Trendiest Spots in WeHo
West Hollywood is at the forefront of LA's dining scene, home to some of the city's most innovative and trendy restaurants. From chic cafes to upscale dining establishments with standout dishes, WeHo offers a range of dining options that reflect the area's vibrant culture.These spots are perfect for a girls night out!
What to Eat in West Hollywood
Whether you're looking for a plant-based tasting menu or a decadent steak dinner, West Hollywood has something to offer. Restaurants like Gracias Madre and Catch LA are just two examples of the diverse culinary experiences available in this dynamic neighborhood.
The Ultimate Barbecue Experience
LA's Barbecue Culture
Los Angeles may not be the first city that comes to mind for barbecue, but it has a burgeoning BBQ scene that's drawing attention. Influenced by a variety of barbecue traditions, from Texas to Korea, LA's barbecue joints offer a unique take on this classic American cuisine.
Best BBQ Restaurants in Los Angeles
From smoky, tender brisket to flavorful Korean BBQ, Los Angeles offers an impressive array of barbecue options. Bludso’s BBQ and Kang Ho-Dong Baekjeong are standout spots that showcase the best of what LA's barbecue scene has to offer.
Asada in LA: Grilled to Perfection
The Best Asada Spots
Carne asada, a marinated and grilled beef dish, is a staple of Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles. The city's best asada spots, from street vendors to sit-down restaurants, serve up flavorful, tender meat that's become a beloved part of LA's food landscape.
The Secret to Perfect Asada
The key to perfect carne asada lies in the marinade and the grilling technique. Angelenos have perfected this art, creating carne asada that's both flavorful and perfectly charred, often served with fresh tortillas and a variety of salsas.
Sweet Tooth: The Dessert Marketplace for Home-Based Bakers and Small Businesses
Nestled within the vibrant culinary tapestry of Los Angeles is Sweet Tooth, a unique dessert marketplace that has quickly become a must-visit destination for anyone with a penchant for sweets. This innovative platform showcases the talents of home-based bakers and small businesses, offering a wide array of homemade desserts that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
A Haven for Dessert Lovers
Sweet Tooth is more than just a marketplace; it's a community where passionate bakers and dessert artisans share their creations with the world. From decadent chocolate truffles and hand-crafted macarons to traditional pastries and gluten-free options, Sweet Tooth offers an unparalleled variety of treats to satisfy every craving.
Supporting Local Talent
One of the most compelling aspects of Sweet Tooth is its commitment to supporting local bakers and small businesses. By providing a platform for these artisans to showcase their work, Sweet Tooth not only helps them reach a wider audience but also contributes to the local economy. Visitors to Sweet Tooth are not just indulging in delicious desserts; they're also supporting the dreams and livelihoods of local entrepreneurs.
A Culinary Adventure
Venturing into Sweet Tooth is like embarking on a culinary adventure. Each visit presents an opportunity to discover new flavors and meet the talented individuals behind the desserts. The marketplace regularly hosts events and tastings, allowing visitors to engage with bakers, learn about their processes, and even pick up a few baking tips and tricks.
Where to Find Sweet Tooth
Sweet Tooth is located in the heart of Los Angeles, easily accessible and a perfect addition to any foodie's itinerary. Whether you're finishing off a meal from one of LA's top restaurants or looking for a unique gift, Sweet Tooth's selection of homemade desserts offers something special that can't be found anywhere else.
Summary of Key Points
- Unique Dessert Marketplace: A platform for home-based bakers and small businesses to showcase their homemade desserts.
- Diverse Selection: Offers a wide variety of treats, from traditional pastries to innovative, gluten-free options.
- Supports Local Talent: By visiting Sweet Tooth, patrons support local bakers and contribute to the local economy.
- Culinary Adventure: Regular events and tastings provide an interactive experience, connecting visitors with the bakers.
- Location: Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, making it an accessible destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Sweet Tooth seamlessly integrates into Los Angeles's dynamic food scene, offering a sweet finale to the culinary journey outlined in this guide. It exemplifies the city's spirit of innovation and community, making it a must-visit destination for dessert aficionados and anyone looking to support local talent. As we explore the 25 best restaurants in Los Angeles, let's not forget to save room for dessert at Sweet Tooth, where the city's dessert scene comes to life.
Summary of Key Points
- Thai Town: Offers an authentic taste of Thailand’s diverse cuisine, from spicy southern dishes to aromatic northern specialties.
- Deli Scene: Home to some of the best pastrami sandwiches, reflecting LA’s rich cultural tapestry.
- Pizza: LA is emerging as a pizza destination, with a variety of styles from Neapolitan to New York.
- French Dip: A classic LA sandwich, with Philippe's and Cole's at the forefront of the debate over its origin.
- Tacos: An integral part of LA's food scene, with endless varieties from street food to gourmet options.
- Grand Central Market: A culinary melting pot, offering a snapshot of the city’s diverse food scene.
- Waffles: Redefining breakfast in LA, from classic to creative.
- Jalisco Cuisine: Bringing rich, traditional Mexican flavors to the heart of Los Angeles.
- Fried Chicken: LA’s fried chicken joints serve up crispy, juicy perfection.
- Noodles: Showcasing LA’s diversity with dishes from around the world.
- West Hollywood: A hotspot for trendy and innovative dining.
- BBQ: LA’s barbecue scene mixes American and international influences for a unique flavor profile.
- Carne Asada: A testament to LA's mastery of Mexican cuisine, with perfectly marinated and grilled beef.
Los Angeles's culinary landscape is as vast and varied as the city itself. From the traditional flavors of Thai Town and the historic delis serving up juicy pastrami sandwiches, to the innovative pizza kitchens and bustling taco stands, this city offers a taste of the world on a single plate. Whether you're a lifelong Angeleno or just passing through, the 25 best restaurants in Los Angeles provide a delicious exploration of one of the world's most dynamic food cities.