From renowned restaurants helmed by famous chefs to Michelin-starred destinations to food trucks and hole-in-the-wall treasures serving authentic global cuisines, Los Angeles is home to one of the nation’s most exciting and varied dining scenes.
Celebrity Chef Hotspots
L.A. is a magnet for all things celebrity, and that includes celebrity chefs. Culinary superstars including Rick Bayless (Red O), Nancy Silverton (Osteria Mozza), Curtis Stone (Gwen), and Wolfgang Puck of the storied Spago in Beverly Hills—and, more recently, the celebrated Cut steakhouse and Lebanese standout Ladyhawk, opened by Top Chef winner Charbel Hayek—offer delicious and creative dishes, often in equally splashy settings.
Michelin Star Dining
Michelin-starred restaurants are increasingly turning heads in the City of Angels. As of 2024, L.A. is home to five two-star entries including Japanese standout Hayato in the Downtown district; elegant, French-inspired Mélisse in Santa Monica; and ultra elegant Providence in Hollywood, which also bears a Michelin Green Star for outstanding sustainability efforts. L.A.’s one-star destinations include Encino’s Pasta|Bar, offering elegant hand-stuffed pastas in an industrial space; contemporary French bistro Camphor in the Art’s District, and stylish-casual Citrin in Santa Monica, which celebrates modern Californian cuisine throughout its menu. Another celebrated spot is the French-inspired République, on the Miracle Mile, which earned a James Beard award in 2023.
A Culinary Melting Pot
As California’s largest metropolis, comprised of a rich array of distinctive neighborhoods and ethnicities, Los Angeles is a diverse city with a vibrant international food culture to match. Sample authentic Indonesian comfort food at bright and casual Simpang Asia in the Palms district, or slurp ramen at tiny Tsujita L.A. Artisan Noodle in Little Tokyo. Head to Hawaiian Gardens to savor Shor’s halal dishes inspired by the cuisines of Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan in a bazaar-meets-spice-market atmosphere.
In Glendale, home to a large Armenian population, feast on succulent grilled meats at Mini Kabob. Craving Mexican? Taste the duck carnitas that kicked off L.A.’s gourmet taco revolution at cantina-style CaCao Mexicatessen in the Eagle Rock neighborhood. Options also abound in Koreatown, including dimly lit Dan Sung Sa, where diners hunker down in wooden booths for satisfying street food.
Navigating the Sushi Scene
Los Angeles introduced the U.S. to sushi bars in the 1960s, so it’s no surprise that the city has become one of the nation’s top sushi destinations, featuring everything from casual counter joints to high-end omakase palaces. Michelin-starred stunners include Nozawa Bar in Beverly Hills, tucked in the back of sleek Sugarfish; jewel-like Morihiro in Atwater Village; and laid-back Shin Sushi in Encino. Sushi Park serves exquisite, real-deal sushi in a nothing-fancy strip mall on the Sunset Strip, while casual Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo, a favorite since 1980, draws crowds with its sashimi lunch specials and extensive nigiri selection. One of the newer spots to garner attention is Uchi, the Austin-based company that opened its Hollywood location in 2023.
L.A.’s Famous Food Trucks
Food trucks are everywhere these days, but the movement started in L.A. with Kogi BBQ, launched in 2008 by chef-entrepreneur Roy Choi. The truck is justifiably famous for its Korean-Mexican fusion fare—especially the short rib tacos. Truck specializes in “wachos”—waffle-cut fries topped with goodies like brisket and nacho fixings. Mariscos Jalisco has earned a devoted following for its seafood tostadas and shrimp tacos. Coolhaus attracts crowds with handmade ice cream sandwiches in far-out flavors like avocado sea salt, and balsamic fig and mascarpone.
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Los Angeles boasts an abundance of other worthwhile culinary experiences. Dive into the city's vibrant pizza scene at places like Pizzana and Jon & Vinny's, or satisfy your sweet tooth at local bakeries like Gjusta and Lodge Bread Company. Don't miss the Original Los Angeles Farmers Market for a diverse range of al fresco culinary offerings, or explore the city's vibrant craft beer, coffee, and bar scene.