Top Culinary Delights in Los Angeles Right Now

Angelenos are fiercely loyal to their food desires, often braving long waits, heavy traffic, and tough competition for reservations at LA's finest dining spots, all for a taste of delicious dishes.

Why such loyalty? Because LA locals have long recognized what many others are just beginning to see: Los Angeles is a culinary powerhouse, rivaling traditional favorites like New York City and Chicago. Exploring the city’s food scene is among the top experiences in LA.

You'll soon realize that the city's food offerings are innovative, diverse, rooted in history, and within reach—if you're willing to stand in line! In LA, transformative culinary experiences can occur just as easily at humble food stalls as at upscale restaurants.

Now, let's dive into those unforgettable culinary experiences! Here are the top eats and drinks to try in LA right now, along with the best spots to find them...

Chicken and lemon pancakes at Marelle (Santa Monica)

Putting a twist on the classic sweet-and-savory pairing of chicken and waffles—an LA staple thanks to iconic spots like Roscoe's—Marelle has introduced delicious lemon ricotta pancakes, topped with crispy Jidori chicken and sweet roasted peppers to its breakfast and brunch menus.

This California cuisine destination is located within the newly opened Sandbourne Santa Monica hotel. Enjoy pool and beach views while sipping on a La Vie en Rosé cocktail, a delightful tequila and bubbles mix served with a pair of rose-tinted sunglasses to enhance your experience.

How to order: For weekend brunch, it’s best to reserve your spot online a few days ahead. Weekday walk-ins are usually welcomed without issue.

Superfood smoothies at Erewhon (various locations)

Erewhon, a health food retailer, has ignited a smoothie trend in LA that continues to thrive. Their fruit-forward blends feature premium ingredients like blue spirulina and collagen powder, leading fans to pay over $20 for a single drink.

For a more budget-friendly option at $11, try the Regenerada Smoothie 2.0, which boasts a protein boost from its key ingredient, Mikuna Chocho—a superfood unique to the Andes. Even if the Regenerada smoothie is retired, you can still add Mikuna Chocho to any other blend.

How to order: To skip the wait at the smoothie counter (which can reach up to 30 minutes, influenced by the latest TikTok trends), pre-order through Erewhon’s website and pick it up in about 20 minutes. Locations can be found in Santa Monica, Venice, and other popular areas of LA.

Kale pizza at Side Pie (Altadena)

What began as a side yard project during the pandemic has transformed into a full-fledged restaurant. The Grateful Dead-loving crew at Side Pie has moved their pizza oven—decorated with the iconic Stealie (the Dead’s skull and lightning bolt symbol)—to their Altadena location. There, they craft a delicious kale pizza known as The Bobby Green, featuring mushrooms, mozzarella, and an abundance of garlic for a zesty kick.

Other popular choices include Honey’s Hammered, adorned with ham and a drizzle of honey, and the Crabby Neighbor, which boasts a garlic-butter cream base and wild-caught crab meat. Browse the shop's impressive collection of Dead-themed tees and hats, then either take your pizza to go or enjoy it on the back patio.

How to enjoy it: The back patio at their East Altadena Drive location operates on a seat-yourself, first-come-first-served basis, so no reservations are necessary. You can also place an order for pizza in advance online or by calling 707-SIDE-PIE.

Historic hot dogs at Tail O’ the Pup (West Hollywood)

You won’t want to miss Tail O’ the Pup. This iconic hot-dog-shaped stand became a landmark when it opened in 1946. After closing its doors for over a decade in 2005, it made a triumphant return in 2022, rekindling the city's passion for hot dogs.

Today, they serve an onion-topped dog that pays homage to their 1946 classic, alongside an onion-free 1976 Pup and a chili-covered variation. While you're there, keep an eye out for the hidden door leading to the speakeasy-style Lucky Tiki bar.

How to enjoy it: Tail O’ the Pup is a casual walk-up stand featuring outdoor seating and additional indoor space in a nearby building. Metered street parking is available, or you can park in the Sprouts parking structure for $2 with validation from Tail O’ the Pup.

Buried Treasure cocktails at The Lucky Tiki (West Hollywood)

Quirky yet undeniably charming, tiki bars are a classic delight for cocktail enthusiasts. Here’s a fun fact: Tiki bars originated in California, with the iconic Don’s Beachcomber Cafe opening near Hollywood in 1933.

The tradition thrives at West Hollywood’s The Lucky Tiki. This speakeasy can be accessed by ringing an intercom concealed behind a door in a pickle barrel beneath Tail O’ the Pup's bar. After calling the concierge, head upstairs and order a Buried Treasure—a bourbon cocktail served with edible sand and a tiny shovel. Start digging and you might uncover a hidden treasure!

How to enjoy it: Reservations become available 30 days in advance and are typically claimed within moments, so plan ahead. Book a bar seat or high-top table for 90 minutes of cocktail bliss.

Muffuletta sandwiches at Bread Head (Santa Monica)

While Los Angeles has a reputation for being health-conscious, don't be fooled into thinking that means you have to skip the carbs. The city's latest craze, Bread Head—a trendy new sandwich spot that opened on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica in spring 2024—says otherwise.

Here, the sandwiches are massive, roughly the size of an adult head, and served on freshly baked bread with Vermont Creamery cultured butter. The meat-packed muffuletta sandwich, priced at $25, is a splurge but easily serves two. Don’t forget to request a side of hot sauce and pair it with an Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade) to complete your meal.

How to enjoy it: Order your sandwich online ahead of time to bypass the lunchtime rush (there will definitely be one).

Falafel tacos at MidEast Tacos (Silver Lake)

If you can't decide between Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisine, look no further than MidEast Tacos—a place that caters to both worlds with its diverse offerings. With outdoor seating against a vibrant graffitied wall, this no-frills spot dishes out tacos, quesadillas, and burritos that fuse Armenian barbecue traditions with salsa and tortillas. Their falafel taco is a standout, but the steak kebab variant is equally delicious.

How to enjoy it: Simply walk up to order, then find a seat outside on either Sunset or Maltman Avenue.

Wagyu laab smash burgers at Ban Ban Burger (Sawtelle)

The love for burgers in LA, championed by iconic spots like In-N-Out, is constantly evolving. The must-try burger today is the smash burger, featuring a thin patty pressed on a hot griddle for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Ban Ban Burger embraces this latest burger trend with their Thai-inspired smash burgers, including a wagyu version topped with spicy laab (a zesty Thai salad) and a garlicky gremolata sauce. Keep an eye out for their pink building featuring a cozy patio.

How to enjoy it: Arrive right at noon to beat the lunch rush and grab a seat. Visit on a Sunday for free street parking. If you can wait for your wagyu, avoid the dinner crowd by coming after 8pm (they close at 10pm).

Steak and eggs served on the rooftop at The Wayfarer DTLA (Downtown)

While restaurants with stunning views are often found on LA’s Westside, The Rooftop at The Wayfarer DTLA hotel offers a completely unique vista. Located twelve stories high, you’ll enjoy alfresco dining surrounded by towering skyscrapers, complete with a fire pit for added evening charm.

Dining here is a culinary journey. The $39 prix fixe brunch features distinctive pairings, including a Thai lemongrass and mango salad to start, achiote-marinated steak with eggs as the main course, and delightful beignets with bubbles on the side.

How to enjoy it:Be sure to make an online reservation for brunch, lunch, or dinner (a week in advance should suffice). While street parking is scarce, a paid parking garage is available nearby on Flower Street.

Kanpachi tacos and uni ceviche at Holbox (Historic South Central)

Innovative dishes aren’t exclusive to new restaurants, as demonstrated by Tail O’ the Pup. Holbox has been delighting patrons with kanpachi (greater amberjack fish) tacos and uni (sea urchin) ceviche since 2017, remaining as popular today as they were at launch.

Similar to the previously mentioned hot dog stand, this Mexican seafood gem – named after a Caribbean island off the coast of Mexico – maintains a laid-back vibe. It’s part of the eight-stall Mercado La Paloma food hall, located within a former garment factory in South Central.

How to enjoy it: Most of the time, Holbox operates as a counter-service eatery, but on Thursday and Friday evenings, they offer an eight-course tasting menu. Reservations are available on the first of each month for the upcoming month; be sure to book online in advance.