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$ | Santa Monica |
Part deli, part market, Bay Cities has been home to incredible Italian subs since 1925. This renowned counter-service spot is always crowded (best to order ahead), but monster subs run the gamut from the mighty meatball to the signature Godmother, made with prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, Genoa salami, and provolone. At the market you can buy rare imported pastas, cheeses, wine, and sliced meats for a sunset beach picnic.
1517 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90401, USA
Known For
- Market with rare imports
- Old-school, deli-style service
- Huge sandwiches
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$ | Downtown |
There’s a fight in Los Angeles over who created the French dip sandwich. The first contender is Cole’s, whose sign on the door says it's the originator of the salty, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meats. The restaurant opened in 1908 and today is still going strong with dark lighting, delicious sandwiches, and a secret speakeasy called the Varnish hidden in the back. The men’s room nods to the famous clientele of the past with plaques over the urinals notifying bathroom goers that Charles Bukowski and Mickey Cohen both "pissed here.”
118 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, California, 90014, USA
Known For
- Historic L.A. dining
- One of the top contenders for best French dip sandwich in the country
- Secret speakeasy in back
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When this music-influenced doughnut shop first opened on York Boulevard in the early days of Highland Park’s renaissance, there wasn’t much there, and its arrival helped shape the now-bustling strip and its vegan inclinations. Donut Friend has evolved into a destination in its own right, touting both a signature and limited menu of purely vegan doughnuts—which also happen to be inspired by the pop punk and emo music scene.
5107 York Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90042, USA
Known For
- Fun flavors like Green Teagan and Sara (with matcha tea glaze)
- All-vegan ingredients
- Ice cream and shakes
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$ | Downtown | Eclectic
In continuous operation since 1917, Grand Central Market has always been a hub for ethnic eats from Jewish delis and Asian fishmongers to Italian butchers and Latino farmers. While the vendors have changed over time, the market continues to feature an ever-evolving array of all-day dining choices, like Wexler’s Deli for the best lox in L.A., or Madcapra for inventive falafel. For those willing to wait in a Disney-esque line, Eggslut is your breakfast go-to. And for lunch on a chilly day, don’t pass up the slurp-worthy vegan hot spot Ramen Hood by Top Chef winner Ilan Hall.
317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California, 90013, USA
Known For
- Breakfast at Eggslut
- Fast casual dining
- Popular lunch destination
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The award-winning Knowrealitypie, hidden in a shop the size of a large walk-in closet, is truly a passion project, with co-owner Tracy Ann DeVore furiously paddling beneath the water's surface to make those homemade pies on her own. That's why it's only open from Thursday through Saturday until it sells out, which it often does. Partaking in a rotating menu of seasonal savories and sweet pies, turnovers, and other pastries is practically a Northeast L.A. initiation, however, so it's an important stop when visiting the neighborhood. Tracy also holds pie-making classes every month--a terrific opportunity for travelers to participate in something local.
5106 Townsend Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90041, USA
Known For
- Triple berry Cabernet pie
- Salted caramel mango rum pie
- Vegan and gluten-free options on request
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Thurs.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Downtown |
First opened in 1908, Philippe's is one of L.A.'s oldest restaurants and claims to be the originator of the French dip sandwich. While the debate continues around the city, one thing is certain: the dips made with beef, pork, ham, lamb, or turkey on a freshly baked roll stand the test of time. Join locals as they chow down at communal tables while debating Dodgers games and politics. Orders are taken at the counter where some of the motherly servers have managed their long lines for decades, doling out huge breakfasts, chili, pickled eggs, and a generous pie selection. The best bargain: a cup of java for 50¢.
1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA
Known For
- 50¢ coffee
- Communal tables
- Post–Dodgers game eats
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Hollywood |
Since 1939, Angelenos and tourists alike have been lining up at this roadside hot dog stand. But Pink’s is more than just an institution, it’s a beloved family-run joint that serves a damn good hot dog. The chili dogs are the main draw, but don’t shy away from themed and celebrity-inspired specials. Day or night, the lines are long, but the dogs are worth the wait.
709 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90038, USA
Known For
- The famous Brando Dog
- Late-night dining
- Chili fries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | |
This local secret is as close to the beach—Zuma Beach, in this case—as you can get for a meal without getting sand in your drink. Stop in at this friendly spot for a cocktail, selections from the raw bar, a meal from the extensive menu, or one of the unique salads. From here you'll get a view of the water, dolphins, surfers, and celebrity locals taking a break on the wind-protected patio. The extensive happy hour on Monday through Thursday offers good deals on appetizers, beers, and cocktails.
6800 Westward Beach Rd., Malibu, California, 90265, USA
Known For
- Close to the beach, off-the-beaten path location
- Beautiful views
- Good happy hour
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$ | Fairfax District |
This granddaddy of L.A. delicatessens (it opened in 1931) cures its own corned beef and pastrami and features delectable desserts from the in-house bakery. It's not the best (or friendliest) deli in town, but it's a classic. The space is huge, so wait times are short. Open round the clock, you can expect some post-bar rowdiness after 2 am. Next door is the Kibitz Room, where you can hear live music or comedy every night of the week.
419 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90036, USA
Known For
- Location adjacent to Kibitz Room bar
- Plenty of seating and short wait times
- Open 24 hours
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Century City | Café
In fast-paced Century City, this quaint restaurant pays homage to comfort food classics. Look for chicken potpie, macaroni and cheese, roast beef sandwiches, and a slew of hearty salads. A great breakfast or lunch detour as you make your way to the beaches, Clementine has a bakery case that's filled to the brim with slices of banana bread with cream-cheese frosting, oatmeal raisin cookies, and freshly made cinnamon rolls (Saturday only).
1751 Ensley Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90024, USA
Known For
- Family-owned neighborhood bakery
- Lunch to bring to the beach
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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By blending geometrical shapes and horizontal lines together in an airy place with big windows, Dinosaur Coffee has utilized its space well, bringing a touch of the new into a section of Silver Lake that feels a little old. Yet it’s more than just the interiors that draw people in—the coffee is excellent, as are the pastries. In a neighborhood where independent coffee shops are a dime a dozen, that’s saying a lot.
4334 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90029, USA
Known For
- Perfect oat milk latte
- Great cold brew
- No Wi-Fi
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Simple, small, and understated, it’s easy to miss the best falafel spot in town. Hearty Middle Eastern falafel and chicken shawarma are piled on homemade flatbread. Other menu items include tabbouleh and lamb, but, honestly, stick with the falafel—it’s second to none. Enjoy it al fresco in Dune's new outdoor dining space along Glendale Boulevard where people-watching is a favorite pastime. There's cold brew as well to perk you up before your weekend adventures.
3143 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90039, USA
Known For
- Organic green-herb falafel sandwich
- Fried chicken shawarma
- Outdoor dining
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Smashburger spots in L.A. are a dime a dozen, but only a handful---like Goldburger---stand out. Tucked in a tiny spot on buzzing York Boulevard, this joint makes some of the juiciest, tastiest smashburgers in town, thanks in large part to the grass-fed beef and house-made sauces. The titular Goldburger is the one to try, of course, but you also can't go wrong with the other burger specials. Pair one with curly fries, and chase it all down with the craft sodas on offer.
5623 York Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90042, USA
Known For
- Counter seating
- Craft sodas
- Smashburger
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$ | West Hollywood |
From a food truck to a brick-and-mortar space, Happy Ice is a rainbow-colored icee shop that keeps the crowds coming. Customers can combine up to three of the nine flavors, including the world-famous Rainbow Rocket, Mango Madness, Sour Apple Lush, and more. The shop is right in the middle of Melrose Avenue's shopping street, making it the perfect stop between vintage shopping and a quick lunch bite.
7324 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90046, USA
Known For
- Colorful, Instagram-worthy atmosphere
- Creative slushies and icees
- Vegan-friendly ingredients
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Founded by Santa Monica natives, Huckleberry brings together the best ingredients from local farmers and growers to craft diner-style comfort food with a chic twist. Nearly everything is made on-site, even the hot sauce and almond milk. The light, bright space is perfect for a quick brunch. Choose from savories like toad-in-the-hole with housemade chimichurri or a chicken shawarma wrap with beet and carrot slaw and Castelvetrano olives. Breakfast is served all day. Baked goods rotate frequently according to the seasonal whims of the pastry chef; favorites include the Meyer lemon hazelnut scones. Bonito Coffee Roasters coffee tempts from the extensive drink menu.
1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California, 90401, USA
Known For
- From-scratch diner-style breakfast options
- Delectable pastries
- House-made cold brew
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$ | Malibu |
Assemble a beach picnic like a Malibu local at this humble, health-conscious spot where sandwiches include the Surfer Princess (turkey and avocado) and the salads include the Quinoa Queen. You can also choose from smoothies and juices, salads, açaí bowls, snacks, drinks, and more. John's has served locals for more than four decades; you'll find yourself mingling with them in the sunny outdoor dining area.
3835 Cross Creek Rd., Los Angeles, California, 90265, USA
Known For
- Popular post-surf or beach-snacks spot
- Killer juices and smoothies
- Ever-changing weekly specials
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$ | |
Bringing Taiwanese food made with California ingredients to a formerly Central American--dominated neighborhood may have been a reach, but Joy makes it work by keeping close ties with the community, preserving its building's history, and naturally, making delicious affordable food. Pine & Crane's sister restaurant is more accessible, spice-wise, but the simple-to-make dishes on its small menu are still comforting, wholesome, and familiar to those who grew up eating some versions of them. Expect modest lines during the weekends, but the food rolls out quickly so wait times aren't too long.
5100 York Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90042, USA
Known For
- Dan dan noodles
- Mince pork and rice
- Fast service
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$ | Brentwood |
The purveyor of the finest Belgian chocolate in all of Los Angeles, Lady Chocolatt is the perfect answer to the age-old question of what to gift on any special occasion. The ornate display case is filled with dark chocolate truffles, hazelnut pralines, Grand Marnier ganaches, and so much more, all handcrafted by a Master Chocolatier in Belgium. Post up for a late-afternoon espresso or heaven-sent hot chocolate, and let your chocolate dreams wander.
12008 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90025, USA
Known For
- Belgian chocolate
- Italian espresso
- Tasty sandwiches
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | |
Almost just your typical sports bar, there are a couple of things that elevate Link N Hops above its competitors, like excellent hot dog sandwiches and 24 craft beers on tap. And about those signature links: there are around 20, some of which are made with more exotic ingredients like rattlesnake, duck, and bacon, not to mention a choice of toppings.
3111 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90039, USA
Known For
- Atwater knackwurst
- Smoked Portuguese Hawaiian sausage
- Happy hour specials
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$ | West Hollywood |
A longtime darling for Angelenos, Milk Bar is a sweets shop that will cure any sugary cravings. The Milk Bar pie and cereal-milk soft serve are favorites, but you can also take classes with owner Christina Tosi to become your own baking master.
7150 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90046, USA
Known For
- Famous Milk Bar pie
- Cereal-milk soft serve
- Long lines
