Los Angeles, California, has one of the most diverse demographics in the world, so much so that half of its population is foreigners from various countries, such as Mexico, China, and Vietnam. As a result, the city is blessed with a packed cultural diversity, embedded in every aspect, and one of the most notable elements is culinary. Let’s discover the dynamic cruise of cuisine in LA.
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Have you ever wasted so much time asking the question “What should I eat today?”, because the people in Los Angeles have never. For first-time visitors to Los Angeles, there is a lot to see and do. It’s the epicenter of influencer and celebrity culture, and a global center for art, design, creativity, and entertainment.
Photograph by @Aaron Guo | Shutterstock
It’s also one of the best places to eat in the country, with an endless variety of cuisines to choose from, as well as fantastic fresh vegetables and excellent chefs. There is just about everything for you to try. From the exotic sushi or Pho to the freshest of steaks, Los Angeles has it all. Prepare your appetite, and get on the multi-cultured cruise of cuisine through the vibrant streets of LA.
The best Cantonese cuisine in Chinatown
Chinatown has seen more ups and downs than the storyline of an ’80s slasher movie, but it is now a crossroads of new, old, and revitalized enterprises. There are community institutions dating back to the 1930s, and if you are looking for a place to eat Chinese’s finest dishes, or try the sensational Vietnamese Pho, there’s nowhere like Chinatown.
Phở 87
Photograph by @chanissy | Instagram
One of Chinatown’s greatest, Pho 87’s unfussy Chinatown establishment is undoubtedly one of the best. The #20 pho with charbroiled pork is a must-try. All of their pho has a beautiful broth.
Zen Bei Bistro
Photo by @zenmeibistro.com
The restaurant has mouth-watering dining dishes. Whether it’s fried tofu noodles, chow mein, or beef with broccoli, Zen Mei’s famous meals may be taken to go.
Yang Chow restaurant
Photograph by @yangchow2.0 | Instagram
The Yang family has been serving a 100-item menu in the heart of Chinatown since 1976. It can be overwhelming, but Yang Chow’s staff will guide you to the appropriate meals, including the renowned slippery shrimp.
Italian delights in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, known for its iconic pier and pedestrian Third Street Promenade, has a restaurant for everyone, from casual to upscale dining. But its main cuisine feature has to be the pristine Italian seafood.
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Photograph by @baycitiesitaliandeli | Instagram
This Italian Deli serves the Godmother, which is arguably Los Angeles’ most famous sandwich. Prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, Genoa salami, and provolone cheese are all stuffed into a crusty, house-baked roll at Bay Cities.
Crudo e Nudo
Photograph by @crudo_e_nudo | Instagram
In the little sidewalk layout of Crudo e Nudo, newbies are continually striving for simplicity and immaculate seafood. Fresh oysters, Italian-style Crudo, and grilled seafood are all on the menu. The restaurant is only open from midday to 10 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday.
Fia Steak
Photograph by @fiarestaurant | Instagram
Chef Brendan Collins leans towards Italian chops like bistecca alla fiorentina and a great lobster risotto served in a clubby, old school banquette, and a secret tucked-away dining room and the Westside boasts an expensive new steakhouse modeled after Chi Spacca.
Excellent Tacos and Mexican food in Art District
The final stop of our multi-culture cruise of cuisine is the Arts District Downtown has changed dramatically since Church & State first opened over a decade ago. What was formerly mostly an urban industrial zone has transformed into one of the city’s most desirable and dynamic districts. And here is where you can find the best Mexican cuisine in LA.
Cha Cha Chá
Photograph by @chachacha.la | Instagram
The breezy breezes of Mexico City pervade this Arts District rooftop location (with some indoor seating). Chef Alé Guzman uses modern Mexican techniques and seasonal ingredients to create tacos, tostadas, and set dishes. Since its debut earlier this year, it has been a huge hit.
Guerrilla Tacos
Photograph by @guerrillatacos | Instagram
Guerrilla Tacos’ managing partner Brittney Valles continues the legacy of serving thoughtful, inventive tacos at this street-inspired restaurant in the Arts District, even if original chef Wes Avila is no longer behind the stoves. The fish and sweet potato tacos are perennial favorites that go well with the light cuisine.