Where to eat in Los Angeles

5,436 independent restaurants, bakeries and food spots in Los Angeles. Chains are left out.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 5,436.

EatDowntown
Grand Central Market
Food hall with stands to eat different types of food or buy seafood, spices, beans and peas, liquors and more. Very charming and lively place. Full of locals and tourists. Parking garage entrance 308 S Hill St ($5.50 min, $25 max).
Open now · closes 9 pmBuilt 1898
EatVegan restaurantHollywood
Doomie's Home Cookin'
It looks like a low-key burger grill, with hamburgers, chicken, and fries — but every dish is vegan!
Open now · closes 3 am tomorrowMains $9.50–14.50 · Outdoor seating · Vegan options
EatDelicatessenNorthwest
Langer's Deli
Metro: Westlake
Known citywide for its pastrami sandwiches and other deli delights.
Open now · closes 4 pmTakeaway · Wheelchair accessible
EatBar & grill restaurantHollywood
Musso and Frank Grill
For a taste of old Hollywood, this is the place. It's been famous for generations.
Open now · closes 11 pmBuilt 1919
EatAmerican restaurantDowntown
The Original Pantry Cafe
The Pantry boasts that it has never closed or been without a customer since it first opened in 1924 (want proof? The front entrance has no lock on it). However that tradition unfortunately ended due to Covid-19. Come here on any morning and you will see a line stretching around the block; the wait is worth it, and the fast service will have hot plate of food in front of you within minutes of sitting down. Best place for breakfast after midnight. It is owned by former mayor Richard Riordan.
Open now · closes 3 pmCash only · Takeaway · Wheelchair accessible
EatJapanese restaurantHollywood
Yamashiro
This Japanese restaurant is perched above Hollywood, and on most nights provides an unbeatable view of the city, from downtown to Palos Verdes. The building and grounds, not the food, are the stars of the show. The gardens and architecture are elegant, and the restaurant has a fascinating history (the story's on the menu). Look for the small sign just west of the Magic Castle; valet parking only.
Closed · opens 5:30 pmBuilt 1914
EatDelicatessenWilshire
Canter's Deli
Awesome Jewish deli on Fairfax, a few blocks north of 3rd. This place has been around since 1931 and you'll know why if you stop by.
Open now · open 24 hours
EatMexican restaurantWilshire
Guelaguetza
For the best mole this side of Oaxaca, go to Guelaguetza in Koreatown. The interior is charming, often with a Mexican band is playing. But the star is the mole -- three types are on offer. Try them all, and from then forward when you are stuck eating an everyday lunch, you will dream of Guelaguetza.
Open now · closes 10 pm
EatPan asian restaurantHollywood
Katsuya
Run by acclaimed chef Katsuya Uechi, designed by Philippe Starck. Mouth-watering Japanese menu of sushi and wagyu steak, but not much for vegetarians. His ten other restaurants around the LA area are rated as some of the best in the city. Parking costs $14, cash only.
Lunch: Mon–Fri 11:30AM–2:30PM; Dinner: Sun–Wed 5–10PM, Thu-Sat 5-11PMEntrees $20–55, omakase (chef's choice) $70–100 per person
EatFrench restaurantWilshire
Republique
This combination bakery, bar, and restaurant, housed in the former La Brea Bakery, is a popular destination for both casual meals and events. The French-inspired menu is the creation of the owners, chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke. Make reservations early!
Closed · opens 5:30 pm$50+
EatComfort food restaurantHollywood
Running Goose
Creative, delightful food, international with a Central American heart. A range of vegetarian and vegan options. Their patio is a quiet oasis in the Hollywood bustle, with easy walking distance to Hollywood Blvd theatres. Reservations recommended before shows.
Open now · closes 11 pmentrées $20-30
EatThai restaurantNorthwest
Same Same Thai
Delicious Thai food, moody atmosphere, really popular and open late on weekends.
Closed · opens 11:30 pmMains $10-15
EatBreakfast & brunch restaurantHollywood
Cheebo
Everyone loves the Cheeb! A play on "cibo" (Italian for food), this place has great and creative food and a fun atmosphere. All-day breakfasts, excellent sandwiches, salads, pizzas by the foot and nice dinners to boot. Eat here for breakfast and you'll be back for lunch.
Open now · closes 11 pm
EatFrench restaurantNorthwest
Figaro
Simple French food in a pretty cafe setting with outdoor dining as well. Great place to have a drink and watch people walk by.
Open now · closes 11 pm
EatItalian restaurantNorthwest
Palermo
Popular "old school" Italian restaurant in Los Feliz Village, next to Fred 62. Best known for its pizza.
Open now · closes 1 am tomorrow
EatRestaurantDowntown
Perch
Great rooftop setting on the 15th floor of a building, a nice place for a sunset meal, snack, drink, and to lounge with good company. French bistro style. 21+ after 9PM.
EatBarbecue restaurantWilshire
Soot Bull Jeep
Classic Korean BBQ where thinly sliced and/or marinated meat is grilled right at the table. Gets fairly smoky, so don't wear anything that needs dry-cleaning.
EatIndian restaurantWilshire
Electric Karma
The "Most Romantic Indian Restaurant in Los Angeles" offers authentic Punjabi cuisine at reasonable prices for lunch and dinner; a beautiful, candle-lit dining room and open-air courtyard; unique cocktails; and warm, professional staff.
Open now · closes 11 pm
EatThai restaurantHollywood
Palms Thai Restaurant
Home of the infamous Thai Elvis, who will serenade you through dinner. The decor is authentically cheesy and Elvis sings the hits. While plain dishes such as fried rice or pad Thai are nothing to write home about, the curries (duck and panang), pad prik king, and anything off the "wild things" menu are excellent choices.
Open now · closes 2 am tomorrow
EatVegetarian restaurantWilshire
Vegan Glory
Offers a variety of soy meat-substitutes & tofu choices in the entrees. Also veggie burgers, salads, soups, and noodles. Recommend the papaya salad, spring rolls, spicy eggplant, and yummy carrot cake. The lunch specials are good bargains (soup, salad, spring roll, brown rice, and choice of entree). Friendly service in a casual, clean setting. Parking available in the lot and on the street.
Open now · closes 10 pm
EatKorean restaurantWilshire
The Corner Place
Good Korean BBQ at a really great price (around $20 is enough to stuff two people). The decor isn't as fancy as more expensive places, but it has charm. The menu is family style, so one order is enough to feed two people. Like most Korean BBQ places, servers bring the meat out for you to cook at your table (but that doesn't mean you shouldn't tip!) With your meal comes a variety of traditional Korean side dishes and a plate of julienned scallions to enjoy with your freshly grilled meat. For finicky eaters or those new to Korean food, the bulgoki (marinated beef) is always a good choice. On warmer days, or whenever you want a lighter meal, try their cold noodle soup (white somen noodles in a cold soup of clear, mild kimchi) with your meal instead of rice.
Open now · closes 10 pm
EatMiddle eastern restaurantNorthwest
Falafel Arax
Hole in the wall with what many consider the best falafel and best shawerma sandwiches in Los Angeles. An institution among Armenians.
Open now · closes 8 pm$8
EatWilshire
M Café
One of the hottest new places in Hollywood. If you've been infected with Organica or Macrobiotica, head here now. It's often impossibly crowded and parking's a nightmare. They've got lots of premade things that are handy if you're short on time, otherwise it's better to order fresh, considering how far you'll be set back.
Open now · closes 10 pmMost mains hover around the $10-15 range
EatMexican restaurantDowntown
Señor Fish
Not really authentic — it's sort of a variation on Baja-style Mexican — Senor Fish downtown does just one thing well, but they do it better than anyone. Luckily, that one thing is an important thing: grilled fish tacos. Grilled, not fried. Their Shrimp Taco is amazing as well.
Open now · closes 9 pm
EatSushi restaurantHollywood
Sushi Ike
A small and moderately-priced authentic Japanese restaurant with a great sushi bar and friendly chefs--one of the best this side of the 101.
Lunch: Mon-Fri noon-2:30PM; dinner: Mon-Sat 5:30PM-10PM
EatKorean restaurantWilshire
Chicken Hut
A popup restaurant service Korean-style barbecue tacos, fried chicken, cocktails made with soju, bento boxes and ssambap entrees.
Open now · closes 11 pmMains $13-22
EatMexican restaurantNorthwest
El Taurino
Utterly delicious and authentic Mexican fast food for those on a budget, and a favorite hangout of the locals. In a lower-income neighborhood on the corner of Olympic & Hoover; a good place to eat if passing near USC. Looks questionable from the outside, but don't let that deceive you; El Taurino is the real deal.
EatThai restaurantNorthwest
Yai
By general learned agreement, the most authentic Thai food in the States can be found at "the Thai restaurant behind the 7-11 on Hollywood Boulevard by the 101." That's how it is known. If you are not from L.A., this can also serve as an introduction to L.A.-style directions. The Pad Thai here is light and perfumed and the curries hot enough to kill. And by authentic, that's exactly what is meant...don't expect any catering to tastes here.
EatLatin american restaurantNorthwest
Mama's Hot Tamales
Metro: Westlake
A good selection of tamales and other Mexican food. Visit their carts along the sidewalks around MacArthur Park on the weekends.
EatFrench restaurantWilshire
Normandie Bakery
French bakery and restaurant that features popular French dishes and pastries.
EatHollywood
Beachwood Cafe
The bright, whimsical colours evoke the laid-back vibe of "Hollywoodland", the 1920s real estate development in this canyon which left behind a famous hillside sign. The food is fresh, interesting California cosmopolitan, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan options. A popular brunch spot. Reservations only for groups of 6 or more.
Open now · closes 9 pmbrunch entrees $10-15 · Built 1925
EatMexican restaurantWilshire
El Coyote Cafe
Known for its margaritas, fun atmosphere, and cute/tacky decor, this Mexican restaurant opened in 1931 at 1st and La Brea, and in 1951 moved to its present location on Beverly Blvd. It is the restaurant where Sharon Tate and her friends ate their last meal before being murdered by the Charles Manson family in 1969.
Open now · closes 11 pmBuilt 1931
EatAsian restaurantNorthwest
Pho Café
Great for cheap cold or hot Vietnamese noodles in a hip atmosphere. Also try the Vietnamese iced coffees. There's no sign, it's in the middle of a strip mall, a few doors to the left of Rambutan Thai restaurant.
Open now · closes midnight tomorrow$7-10 · Vegetarian options
EatRestaurantNorthwest
Carousel Restaurant
Truly fantastic Arabic and Armenian food for cheap. The mezzes (appetizers) alone can make an amazing meal.
11:30AM-8PM, later on Sat, closed Mon$9
EatRestaurantDowntown
Cicada
Situated in the beautiful Arts Deco Oviatt Building, Cicada deftly blends elegance of design and superior Italian fare. A chic bar is upstairs, complete with marble dance floor. A perfect place for special occasions, a fine meal before the theatre or just any excuse to be dazzled, both by the atmosphere and the cooking.
Closed · opens 5:30 pm
EatMexican restaurantWilshire
El Cholo
One of the original LA Mexican restaurants is wildly popular, especially for their green corn tamales, when they're in season.
Open now · closes 11 pm
EatAmerican restaurantNorthwest
Fred 62
This hipster diner features a diverse range of foods from Udon to mac and cheese balls, with Thai cobb salad and chicken pot pie in between. Their Bearded Frenchy (french toast covered with corn flakes and then deep fried) are a late night/early breakfast favorite for stoners or sweet tooths alike. Most menu items end with $.62.
Open now · open 24 hours
EatAmerican restaurantNorthwest
House of Pies
A diner in the extremely hip Los Feliz/Silverlake district where you're likely to see and be snubbed by the stars of your favorite up-and-coming indie bands. Has a huge selection of delicious pies along with a typical diner menu. Sandwiches and breakfast items are great, too. Anything else can be hit or miss.
Open now · closes 2 am tomorrow
EatSteak house restaurantDowntown
The Palm
The Palm is a casual white tablecloth restaurant with a mix of Italian, seafood and great steaks. Check out the collection of caricatures on the walls too.
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30AM-3PM; dinner: Mon-Thu 3PM-10PM, Fri 3PM-11PM, Sat 5PM-11PM, Sun 5PM-9:30PM (open Sun at 4PM on Lakers/Clippers evening game days, Sun at 3PM on Lakers/Clippers afternoon game days)
EatRestaurantDowntown
Wood Spoon
Features Brazilian-inspired dishes that are different from what most American restaurants serve as "Brazilian". Rice, beans and plantains are in use, but entrees such as a Brazilian-inspired pot pie and cinnamon water will be new to most diners. Jacqueline, the very gracious chef, will usually make the rounds once the kitchen closes and can tell some very interesting stories about her life after coming to the States.
Open now · closes 3 pm$10-20 per person

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Los Angeles (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.