Los Angeles food guide. Come along for a taste of various cuisines from the City of Angeles, including traditional Californian staples.
From mouth-watering seafood to indulgent ethnic dishes, your trip to Los Angeles will include a ton of delicious things to try.
In this guide, I will start with California cuisine and then will discuss classic American foods.
Finally, I will discuss the diverse global flavors scattered throughout this gorgeous destination.
So, as you plan your trip to Los Angeles, use this guide to help with your meals.
Food in Los Angeles
Los Angeles food is truly a culinary adventure because there are simply diverse food scenes.
Start with Californian cuisine, famous for freshness and fusion. This cuisine features salads, seafood, and yummy Mediterranean-esque dishes.
Meanwhile, classic American fare includes burgers and comfort foods that you will be able to dig into in popular diners.
Of course, there is Mexican cuisine with its delicious foods. Expect iconic items like tacos, burritos, and tamales.
Black culture is alive in Los Angeles, and the city’s soul food has Southern hints. You will find dishes like fried chicken and collard greens.
Also, with traditional and modern options in Chinatown and beyond, you will find a ton of Chinese things to eat in L.A.
Similarly, Korean cuisine, which is centered in Koreatown, has barbecue and flavorful stews.
Finally, expect flavors that span Indian and Persian that contribute to L.A.’s varied food landscape.
Californian Cuisine
Californian cuisine is more than wines. This is a fusion of diverse culinary influences that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Known for its health-conscious approach, the cuisine often presents salads, grilled proteins, and dishes celebrating the state’s abundant produce.
Avocados, citrus fruits, and seafood play prominent roles. This is a town where you can never get tired of avocadoes, for example.
Meanwhile, the farm-to-table movement has greatly influenced Californian dining./ There are a ton of chefs prioritizing sustainability and seasonality.
So, popular dishes include avocado toast, fish tacos, and the California-style pizza.
For lunch, pair your delicious food with California wine, especially whites like Chardonnay.
If you have richer meals for dinner, such as steaks, consider a California red like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Regardless of day or evening, try the famous Californian avocado ice cream.
This unique and creamy treat combines the rich buttery flavor of avocados with the sweetness of ice cream.
Finally, Angelenos love to go out after dinner for cocktails. Hey, this is an entertainment city where parties lead to more after-parties.
If you happen to be out, try the Moscow Mule. Served in a copper mug, it typically includes vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Your Los Angeles food adventure must start with that Californian flavor.
Classic American Cuisine
As the second largest city after New York, Los Angeles is as American as it gets. So, expect the classic American cuisine to be widely available.
This is a melting pot of flavors, drawing inspiration from various cultural traditions.
Staple dishes include burgers, hot dogs, and apple pie, often associated with casual diners and backyard barbecues.
Comfort foods like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and meatloaf are also part of this eclectic cuisine.
Angelenos are diverse people who are proud of their familial backgrounds, and they bring regional specialties to the Californian table.
So, expect diverse things like the Southern barbecue, New England clam chowder, and Tex-Mex cuisine around Los Angeles.
Breakfast favorites like pancakes, bacon, and eggs are quintessential elements of this ever-evolving cuisine.
Therefore, Los Angeles has several popular diners. The Original Pantry Cafe in downtown L.A., for example, is famous for hearty breakfasts.
Likewise, Swingers Diner, in the Beverly Grove area, has a modern twist on diner fare with organic options.
The Apple Pan in West LA is also famous for its classic burgers and old-school ambiance.
Finally, Du-par’s Restaurant and Bakery is famous for its pancakes and pies.
So, don’t forget to try these as part of your Los Angeles food adventure.
Ethnic Flavors
This city is one of the most diverse in the United States, which means your Los Angeles food trip has to be diverse.
Start with Mexican food. From street tacos and burritos to enchiladas and tamales, the cuisine includes bold spices, fresh ingredients, and diverse techniques.
Explore taquerias, food trucks, and family-owned restaurants for authentic Mexican culinary experiences.
Meanwhile, the African-American community in Los Angeles has contributed so much to this city.
L.A.’s soul food scene has hearty and flavorful dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.
Local eateries celebrate the soulful essence of this cuisine with authentic and comforting flavors.
Likewise, Chinese food in Los Angeles has a thriving scene thanks to the city’s substantial Chinese-American community.
Explore historic Chinatown for traditional dim sum, Peking duck, and hand-pulled noodles.
Similarly, Korean food in Los Angeles is a dynamic and popular culinary experience. The city has a colorful Koreatown, offering a wide array of dishes.
From traditional barbecue (such as bulgogi and galbi) to savory stews like kimchi jjigae, your Los Angeles food will be incredible with some Korean in the mix.
Of course, South Asian cuisines are plentiful in the city, too. Visit Little India for authentic dishes like curry, dosas, and biryani.
Bangladeshi is another aromatic and flavorful cuisine here, featuring staples like bharta and kebabs.
Finally, Los Angeles is home to the largest Persian community outside of Iran. If you happen to be in Westwood, try kebabs, rice dishes like tahchin, and flavorful stews such as ghormeh sabzi.
Final Thoughts
Your Los Angeles food adventure means a chance to try diverse cuisines.
From fresh and fusion Californian cuisine to classic American fare in popular diners and incredible ethnic flavors, you’ve got a lot to choose from.
My advice is to take it easy, especially if you’re new to these cuisines. Perhaps try a different cuisine each day and see how you feel.
Regardless, I’m certain you will love your trip.
Enjoy L.A.!
Nina Walker is a food writer for Caravanzers.
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