Beyond the glitz of Hollywood and the sun-drenched beaches, Los Angeles is a global culinary powerhouse. This sprawling metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its vibrant food scene. From iconic street food to innovative fine dining, the question ‘what foods is los angeles famous for?’ opens up a delicious exploration of the city’s soul. Join us as we delve into the must-try dishes that define LA’s unique gastronomic identity. Experiencing the diverse flavors here is truly one of the most rewarding things to do in Los Angeles.
Iconic Sandwiches and Classic American Fare
Los Angeles has a deep connection to classic American comfort food, often with unique local twists or historical significance. These dishes tell a story of the city’s past, from its early delis to its enduring diner culture. Exploring these iconic spots is a step back in time.
One of the most famous Los Angeles foods is the legendary French Dip Sandwich from Philippe The Original. Dating back to 1918, this sandwich offers a choice of roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, or turkey, all thinly sliced and dipped generously in their famous meat juices, or jus.
Philippe’s boasts a classic, no-frills fast-food interior, reflecting its long history and focus on the food itself. It’s a busy, bustling spot that feels authentically old-school.
Philippe’s has mastered the art of the simple, perfect sandwich. The tenderness of the meat combined with the savory dip is what makes this a timeless Los Angeles classic. Their French-dipped pastrami is particularly noteworthy.
Philippe The Original | 1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | $$
For many, the best pastrami in the world can be found at Langer’s Deli. Since 1947, their Pastrami Sandwich has been an absolute must-try for anyone seeking amazing Los Angeles food. It’s more than a meal; it’s a piece of LA history.
Langer’s Deli transports you back to the 1940s with its vintage leather booths and stools. The large serving counter adds to the authentic post-war diner atmosphere, creating a nostalgic dining experience that complements the classic food.
What solidifies the Langer’s Deli sandwich as a popular Los Angeles food is its unchanging recipe and dedication to quality. With eight different variations of the pastrami sandwich on the menu, you have plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
Classic pastrami sandwich from Langer’s Deli, one of the famous what foods is los angeles famous for.
Another legendary sandwich is The Godmother at Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery. While all their sandwiches are highly regarded, the Godmother holds a special place in the hearts of Angelenos and visitors alike, making it the ultimate Los Angeles food experience for many.
Stepping inside Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, you are greeted by the sight and smell of a modern Italian deli. Freshly baked loaves and rolls fill the air with an irresistible aroma, guaranteeing you’ll feel hungry as soon as you walk in.
You truly can’t beat the combination of freshly baked bread piled high with authentic Italian cold meats, various cheeses, and ripe tomatoes. This focus on quality ingredients makes The Godmother a staple Los Angeles food and a true local treasure.
Bay Cities Italian Deli | 1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | $$
Moving to a different kind of LA classic, the Hickory Burger at The Apple Pan is a bite you won’t forget. Built in the 1940s, The Apple Pan is one of the most popular classic diners in Los Angeles and its Hickory Burger is considered a top Los Angeles food option.
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The Apple Pan is a lively, small diner with a tiny counter, fostering a communal feel. There are also outside benches where you can enjoy your burger or pie under the warm Californian sun, soaking in the casual, old-school vibe.
The appeal of the Hickory Burger lies in its signature sauce – a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy. This sauce beautifully complements the fresh, crispy greens and the expertly cooked burger patty, creating a craving-worthy Los Angeles food experience.
The Apple Pan | 10801 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 | $$
Hot dogs hold a special place in LA’s casual food scene, and two spots are particularly famous for their chili cheese dogs.
Cupid’s Hot Dogs has been a beloved Los Angeles hot dog destination since 1946. They keep their menu simple: hot dogs, chips, and drinks, focusing on perfecting their craft. Their chili cheese dogs are renowned as some of the best Los Angeles food you’ll ever encounter in this category.
The original Cupid’s Hot Dogs location is a small takeaway building exuding classic California charm. It offers a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.
The enduring appeal of Cupid’s chili cheese dog comes from its simple perfection: an all-beef hot dog with a satisfying snap, topped with mustard, onions, their famous chili, and of course, cheese. It hits the spot every single time.
Cupid’s Hot Dogs | 20030 Vanowen St., Winnetka, CA 91306 | $
Yes, there are two famous chili dogs on this list, and for good reason. If you love hot dogs and appreciate a vibrant, iconic venue, a visit to Pink’s is essential. With its simple yet delicious chili cheese hot dog recipe and instantly recognizable setting, Pink’s Hot Dogs is a historic Los Angeles food landmark.
The bright pink building is home to a classic hot dog stand setup. You’ll likely recognize the bright red trays from countless photos featuring celebrities who have enjoyed a dog here, adding to its legendary status.
The simplicity of the chili hot dog at Pink’s hasn’t changed since it opened, and that’s its magic. It’s a straightforward, satisfying classic. Adding cheese or other toppings lets you customize your hot dog masterpiece.
The famous bright pink exterior of Pink’s Hot Dogs in Los Angeles.
Pink’s Hot Dogs | 709 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | $$
Modern & Trending LA Eats
Los Angeles is also at the forefront of culinary trends, reflecting its health-conscious culture and innovative spirit.
Avocado toast has become synonymous with California cuisine, and Zinc Café & Market specializes in creating some of the best breakfast and lunch options in Los Angeles, thanks to its full vegetarian menu. Their famous avocado toast is one of their most popular dishes.
The founder of Zinc, a landscape architect, designed the space with an open concept and modern layout. The contemporary and meticulous details create a relaxed environment, perfect for enjoying your meal.
What makes their avocado toast special isn’t just the avocado, but the addition of various herbs that give the crunchy toast an extra burst of flavor. It elevates a simple concept into a memorable dish.
Zinc Café & Market | 580 Mateo St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | $$
Fresh avocado toast from Zinc Cafe, a popular LA food item.
A true LA original is the ice cream sandwich from Diddy Riese Cookies. This spot, famous for its affordable cookies, brownies, and ice cream, is known far and wide for its iconic ice cream sandwiches. Diddy Riese Cookies is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth in Los Angeles.
The interior is small but possesses a classic ice cream parlor charm. Looking at the array of ice cream flavors behind the counter, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store, adding to the fun of creating your perfect dessert.
The magic of Diddy Riese lies in the ability to customize your dream dessert by pairing one of their freshly baked cookies (or brownies) with any of their many different ice cream flavors. It’s a simple concept executed perfectly.
Diddy Riese Cookies | 926 Broxton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024 | $
Yes, you read that right – a waffle sandwich! Bruxie mixes perfect waffles with crispy fried chicken to create one of the most exciting and unique cuisine options in the Los Angeles food scene. It’s a delightful twist on a comfort food classic.
Bruxie offers a casual takeaway restaurant environment. It’s a lively space filled with excited diners eager to bite into their sweet and savory waffle creations.
The combination of sweet waffle and savory fried chicken is simply unbeatable. Especially when paired with a generous drizzle of sticky maple syrup, it becomes a harmonious explosion of flavors and textures.
Bruxie | Multiple Locations | $$
Global Flavors: LA’s Melting Pot on a Plate
Los Angeles’s strength lies in its incredible diversity, and this is nowhere more apparent than in its ethnic food scene. From Mexican street food to Vietnamese classics and Korean BBQ, LA offers authentic tastes from around the world.
A true staple of Los Angeles foods, particularly in East LA, is the Hollenbeck Burrito by the El Tepeyac Café. Opened in 1955, stepping inside the original El Tepeyac Café allows you to feel the history and tradition that permeates the building. It’s a beloved local institution.
From the stone walls outside to the more modern décor indoors, El Tepeyac Café is a charming spot for lunch or dinner. It offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has drawn customers for decades.
This legendary five-pound burrito is generously packed with succulent pork, red chile sauce, rice, beans, and more. It delivers that classic, comforting burrito taste amplified by El Tepeyac Café’s famous, time-tested recipe.
A large Hollenbeck burrito from El Tepeyac Cafe.
El Tepeyac Café | 812 N. Evergreen Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033 | $$
The spicy and savory birria tacos from Birrieria San Marcos represent some of the best authentic Mexican tacos found within the vibrant Los Angeles food scene. Birria, a flavorful stew, has become incredibly popular, especially in taco form.
Birrieria San Marcos is known for its popular food truck setup, blending modern efficiency with authentic Mexican street food culture. While lines can be long, the shared anticipation makes it a great place to chat with fellow food lovers.
The appeal lies in the combination of crunchy tacos filled with tender, flavorful meat that’s often dipped in or served with rich consommé (broth). These birria tacos are a prime example of why LA’s Mexican food is world-class.
Crispy birria tacos with consomme, a popular Los Angeles food truck dish.
Birrieria San Marcos | 5621 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601 | $$
A legendary Southern comfort food dish that has found a massive following in LA is Chicken and Waffles. Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles has been one of the best places in the Los Angeles food scene to get this combo since 1975, keeping the recipe simple and perfect.
Inside Roscoe’s, you’ll feel right at home. The wooden fixtures and wall décor create a classic soul food ambiance with a slightly modern touch, reflecting the warmth and tradition of their cuisine.
The secret to Roscoe’s success is the perfect execution: perfectly crisp yet moist fried chicken paired with sweet and fluffy waffles. This demonstration of balance is why this combination is one of the best food pairings and a celebrated Los Angeles food staple.
Chicken and waffles from Roscoe’s House, a Los Angeles soul food staple.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles | 1514 N. Gower St., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | $$
When thinking about Los Angeles food, its unique contribution to pizza cannot be overlooked: California-style pizza. By blending the thin crust traditions of New York and Italy with local flavors, a new style was born. The Original California Pizza Kitchen is where many first tasted this innovative approach.
The vibrant yellow paint characteristic of California Pizza Kitchen locations creates a lively and upbeat atmosphere. It’s designed as a casual, fun place to enjoy dinner and drinks with friends.
California-style pizza distinguishes itself with house-made, hand-tossed dough and toppings that often reflect California’s produce and diverse culinary influences. It’s a taste you truly won’t find quite like this anywhere else.
California Pizza Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$
Los Angeles has a significant Vietnamese population, contributing rich flavors to the city’s food landscape. Take a journey to Vietnam with the incredibly crispy egg rolls from the Golden Deli. This restaurant is celebrated as one of the best Los Angeles food and dining options for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Golden Deli features a sleek, modern interior that offers diners a calming and sophisticated space to explore the rich, complex flavors of traditional Vietnamese food.
The Golden Deli is particularly famous for its fried egg rolls, known for their perfectly crispy shell. You can choose from delicious fillings like shrimp or grilled pork, both bursting with traditional Vietnamese flavor and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Crispy Vietnamese egg rolls from Golden Deli in San Gabriel.
Golden Deli | 815 W. Las Tuna Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776 | $$
LA’s Koreatown (K-Town) is one of the largest and most vibrant in the world, offering an incredible array of Korean food. You can’t visit Los Angeles without stopping at Mister Bossam for some of the best Korean meals in the city. Their comfort foods, like soups and classic Bossam (pork belly wraps), are highlights of the Los Angeles food scene.
Mister Bossam features a modern and fun interior with sleek black leather seating and exposed red brick, making it an excellent place to spend an evening enjoying delicious Korean BBQ and other dishes with friends.
A popular and comforting choice is their Cheesy Pork Ribs. The spicy Korean flavors of the tender pork ribs are beautifully complemented by a bubbling coating of cheese, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
Mister Bossam | 338 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020 | $$
Finally, LA’s influence on global cuisine includes its role in popularizing sushi in the West and potentially inventing the California Roll itself. When choosing sushi in LA, you can’t beat the classic California roll, especially from places like Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City, one of the city’s most popular sushi restaurants.
Sushi Katsu-ya combines elements of classic wooden Japanese architecture with clean, modern décor and striking ceiling art. It’s a stylish hub for enjoying good Los Angeles food and company.
The California roll’s enduring popularity lies in its simple yet perfect blend of crab (often imitation), avocado, and cucumber, wrapped in seaweed and sticky rice. It’s an accessible and refreshing introduction to sushi and an iconic Los Angeles food invention.
A California sushi roll, a signature Los Angeles food invention.
Sushi Katsu-ya | 11680 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 | $$
Frequently Asked Questions About LA Food
Why is Los Angeles food so diverse?
Los Angeles is a global city with a massive immigrant population from Latin America, Asia, and many other regions. Each community brings its culinary traditions, creating a rich tapestry of flavors. The availability of fresh, local produce year-round also fuels culinary innovation.
Are food tours a good way to experience LA’s food scene?
Yes, food tours are an excellent way to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the history and culture behind them from local experts. They can help you discover hidden gems and understand the context of different food neighborhoods.
How can I find the best food spots in LA?
Beyond famous institutions, exploring different neighborhoods (like Koreatown, Boyle Heights, the San Gabriel Valley) is key. Look for food trucks, check local food blogs, and ask residents for their recommendations. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the most touristy areas.
Conclusion
With such an incredible variety of Los Angeles food, there is truly something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Whether you’re craving a historic sandwich, innovative modern cuisine, or authentic global flavors, LA’s food scene will never cease to amaze. From bustling food trucks to renowned restaurants, exploring the culinary landscape is one of the most delicious ways to connect with the city’s vibrant culture and history. So, what will you try first on your exploration of what foods is los angeles famous for?