When visiting Los Angeles, be sure to try the city's unique fusion of cuisines, from traditional Mexican dishes like carne asada tacos to Asian-inspired Korean BBQ, and classic American burgers.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Los Angeles's cuisine is defined by its cultural diversity, with influences from Mexico, Asia, and Europe. The city's proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its mild climate make it an ideal place for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which are often incorporated into dishes. The food scene in Los Angeles is also characterized by its casual, laid-back atmosphere, with many restaurants and food trucks serving up fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From the food trucks on the streets of Downtown LA to the high-end restaurants in Beverly Hills, there's something for every taste and budget in Los Angeles.
The city's culinary scene is also shaped by its regional variations, with different neighborhoods offering their own unique flavors and specialties. For example, Koreatown is known for its spicy Korean BBQ, while Olvera Street is famous for its traditional Mexican cuisine. The San Gabriel Valley is home to a large Chinese population, and as a result, offers some of the best Chinese food in the city.
In addition to its cultural diversity, Los Angeles is also known for its health-conscious cuisine, with many restaurants offering organic and vegan options. The city is also home to a thriving food truck scene, with many trucks serving up everything from gourmet grilled cheese to lobster rolls.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carne Asada Tacos | Mexican | Grilled steak tacos with fresh cilantro and salsa | Guerrilla Tacos in the Grand Central Market |
| Korean BBQ | Korean | Marinated beef short ribs grilled to perfection | Kang Hodong Baekjeong in Koreatown |
| California-Style Pizza | Italian-American | Non-traditional pizza toppings like pineapple and barbecue chicken | Gjusta in Atwater Village |
| In-N-Out Burger | American | Classic double-double burger with secret sauce | In-N-Out Burger locations throughout the city |
| Lobster Roll | Seafood | Fresh lobster meat served on a toasted bun | The Lobster in Santa Monica |
| Chicken Shawarma | Middle Eastern | Juicy chicken wrapped in a pita with tahini sauce | Mama's Falafel in Westwood |
| Acai Bowl | Brazilian | Frozen acai berries blended with fruit and granola | Cafe Gratitude in Venice |
| Banh Mi | Vietnamese | Grilled pork sandwich with pickled vegetables and sriracha mayo | Golden Deli in San Gabriel |
| Churros | Mexican | Fried dough pastry coated in cinnamon sugar | Churro Co. in Downtown LA |
| Sushi Burrito | Japanese-Mexican | Large sushi roll wrapped in seaweed and filled with spicy tuna | Sushi Burrito in Little Tokyo |
Street Food & Snacks
- Tacos: $2-3 each, available at food trucks and street vendors throughout the city
- Fresh Fruit: $1-2 per cup, available at farmers' markets and street vendors
- Churros: $3-5 each, available at food trucks and vendors in Downtown LA and Olvera Street
- Kettle Corn: $5-7 per bag, available at street vendors and farmers' markets
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: $5-7 each, available at ice cream shops and food trucks
- Roasted Chestnuts: $5-7 per bag, available at street vendors in Koreatown and Chinatown
- Elote: $3-5 per ear, available at street vendors and farmers' markets
- Funnel Cakes: $5-7 each, available at street vendors and farmers' markets
Drinks
- Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice: $4-6 per cup, available at juice bars and cafes
- Iced Coffee: $2-4 per cup, available at coffee shops throughout the city
- Craft Beer: $7-10 per pint, available at breweries and bars
- Wine: $8-12 per glass, available at wine bars and restaurants
- Fresh Coconut Water: $4-6 per cup, available at health food stores and juice bars
- Boba Tea: $3-5 per cup, available at tea shops and cafes in Asian neighborhoods
Dining Customs
- Tipping: 15-20% of the total bill is standard in restaurants and bars
- Reservation Culture: reservations are recommended for high-end restaurants, but not always necessary for casual eateries
- Dress Code: dress codes vary by restaurant, but casual attire is generally acceptable
- Eating Etiquette: it's customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your hands visible on the table
- Food Sharing: it's common to share dishes and try a variety of flavors, especially in Asian and Latin American cuisine
- Taking Food to Go: it's acceptable to take leftovers to go, and many restaurants will provide containers for this purpose
Where to Eat
- Food Trucks: can be found in various neighborhoods, including Downtown LA, Venice, and Santa Monica
- Markets: like the Grand Central Market and Original Farmers Market, offer a variety of food vendors and restaurants
- Food Courts: like the one in the Westfield Century City Mall, offer a range of international cuisine
- Restaurants: from casual eateries to high-end establishments, can be found throughout the city
- Cafes: like Intelligentsia Coffee and Cafe Gratitude, offer a cozy atmosphere and healthy food options
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Grand Central Market: a historic market in Downtown LA offering a variety of food vendors and restaurants
- Original Farmers Market: a historic market in Fairfax Village offering fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods
- Smorgasburg LA: a weekly market in Alameda Produce Market offering a variety of food vendors and local goods
- LA Food Fest: an annual food festival in Exposition Park featuring a range of local restaurants and food trucks
- Koreatown Night Market: a monthly market in Koreatown offering Korean street food, drinks, and live music