Los Angeles is a foodie paradise. With its vibrant mix of cultures, LA offers some of the best and most diverse cuisine in the world—from authentic Mexican tacos to Michelin-starred fine dining experiences. Over the years, I’ve embarked on a delicious journey through the city, hunting down the best eats in town. Whether you’re a tourist visiting LA for the first time or a local looking to discover new gems, this guide will take you through 10 must-try restaurants that capture the essence of LA’s diverse food scene.

I’ll share my personal experiences, highlight must-order dishes, and give you tips on how to book a table and get the best deals. So loosen your belt, and let’s dive in!

1. Bestia – Italian Perfection with a Creative Twist

📍 Address: 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021
💰 Price Range: $$$ ($50–$100 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Highly recommended via Resy or OpenTable

Why You Should Eat Here

If you ask any LA foodie about their favorite Italian restaurant, Bestia will almost always make the list. Located in the trendy Arts District, this industrial-chic hotspot offers some of the best handmade pasta and charcuterie in the city.

Must-Try Dishes

• Cavatelli alla Norcina – A dreamy, rich, and creamy pasta with house-made ricotta, pork sausage, and black truffle.
• Bone Marrow – Served with spinach gnocchetti and a flavorful beef ragù, it’s one of the most unique dishes in LA.
• Spicy Lamb Sausage Pizza – A crispy, cheesy, slightly spicy masterpiece.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Book at least a month in advance on Resy, as this place fills up fast.
• If you can’t get a table, try walking in early (before 5:30 PM) for a seat at the bar.

2. Tacos 1986 – The Ultimate Street Taco Experience

📍 Address: Multiple locations (Downtown LA, Westwood, Hollywood)
💰 Price Range: $ ($10–$20 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Walk-in only

Why You Should Eat Here

No trip to LA is complete without tacos, and Tacos 1986 serves some of the best Tijuana-style street tacos in town. Their tortillas are made fresh, and their meats are grilled to perfection right in front of you.

Must-Try Dishes

• Adobada Taco – Their signature, marinated pork taco with pineapple, served on a handmade tortilla. Absolutely mind-blowing.
• Mushroom Mulita – A cheesy, crispy delight for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
• Carne Asada Quesadilla – Smoky, beefy, and perfectly balanced with melted cheese.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• No reservations needed—just show up and grab a spot.
• Order from their Instagram (@tacos1986) for exclusive deals and limited-time specials.

3. République – French Brunch Heaven

📍 Address: 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
💰 Price Range: $$$ ($40–$70 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Strongly recommended via OpenTable

Why You Should Eat Here

République is one of LA’s best brunch spots, housed in a stunning historic building. The French-inspired menu, along with the bakery’s freshly baked pastries, makes this an unforgettable experience.

Must-Try Dishes

• Croque Madame – A decadent sandwich with béchamel, gruyère, and a perfectly runny egg.
• Kimchi Fried Rice with Short Rib – A unique take on Korean flavors, packed with umami.
• Strawberry & Ricotta Toast – Simple but absolutely delicious.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Weekend brunch books up weeks in advance, so plan ahead on OpenTable.
• Go on a weekday morning to skip the wait and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

4. Pizzana – The Best Pizza in LA

📍 Address: 11712 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
💰 Price Range: $$ ($20–$40 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Available on Resy

Why You Should Eat Here

If you love Neapolitan-style pizza, Pizzana is a must-visit. Their slow-fermented dough and imported Italian ingredients make their pizzas some of the best in town.

Must-Try Dishes

• Diavola Pizza – Spicy soppressata, crushed tomatoes, and chili honey. Sweet, spicy, and addictive.
• Cacio e Pepe Pizza – Think of your favorite pasta dish, but in pizza form.
• Zucchini Chips – Light, crispy, and full of flavor.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Book ahead on Resy, or try their takeout option for a casual night in.
• Follow their Instagram (@pizzana) for occasional discount deals.

5. Park’s BBQ – LA’s Best Korean BBQ

📍 Address: 955 S Vermont Ave G, Los Angeles, CA 90006
💰 Price Range: $$$ ($50–$80 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Call ahead or book via OpenTable

Why You Should Eat Here

LA is known for amazing Korean food, and Park’s BBQ is the gold standard. The meat is top-quality, and the service is impeccable.

Must-Try Dishes

• Prime Ribeye – Tender, juicy, and cooked right at your table.
• Galbi (Short Ribs) – Sweet, smoky, and incredibly flavorful.
• Banchan (Side Dishes) – The variety of free appetizers is an experience in itself!

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Reservations fill up quickly, so book at least a week in advance.
• Lunch specials are more affordable than dinner, offering a great deal.

6. Guerrilla Tacos – The Most Creative Tacos in LA

📍 Address: 2000 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
💰 Price Range: $$ ($15–$35 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Walk-in only

Why You Should Eat Here

Guerrilla Tacos started as a humble food truck and has since become one of the most celebrated gourmet taco spots in LA. What sets them apart is their chef-driven approach—think seasonal ingredients, unique flavor combinations, and a menu that changes daily.

Must-Try Dishes

• Sweet Potato Taco – A vegetarian delight with feta, fried corn, and almond chile.
• Hamachi Tostada – A fresh and vibrant dish with avocado and yuzu kosho.
• Short Rib Taco – Tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavors.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Arrive early, as their most popular tacos sell out fast.
• Follow their Instagram (@guerrillatacos) for daily menu updates and pop-up events.

7. Sugarfish – The Best Sushi for the Price

📍 Address: Multiple locations (Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, etc.)
💰 Price Range: $$-$$$ ($30–$60 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Not accepted—walk-in only

Why You Should Eat Here

LA is famous for its top-tier sushi, but it can get ridiculously expensive. That’s where Sugarfish comes in—it offers high-quality sushi at a reasonable price. Their “Trust Me” menus are a perfectly curated experience, featuring the freshest fish.

Must-Try Dishes

• “Trust Me” Menu – A set selection of sushi, sashimi, and hand rolls, curated by the chef.
• Toro Hand Roll – Melt-in-your-mouth buttery tuna in a perfectly crisp seaweed wrap.
• Salmon Nigiri – Simple yet divine, with just the right amount of rice.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Go during off-peak hours (before 6 PM) to avoid long waits.
• If dining solo, grab a seat at the bar for faster service.

8. Guelaguetza – The King of Oaxacan Cuisine

📍 Address: 3014 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
💰 Price Range: $$-$$$ ($20–$50 per person)
🕒 Reservations: Recommended via OpenTable

Why You Should Eat Here

If you haven’t experienced Oaxacan cuisine, you’re missing out on one of the richest culinary traditions in Mexico. Guelaguetza is legendary in LA for its authentic mole, tlayudas, and mezcal cocktails.

Must-Try Dishes

• Mole Negro – A deep, complex sauce made with over 20 ingredients, served over chicken.
• Tlayuda – Often called the Oaxacan pizza, this dish features a crispy tortilla topped with cheese, beans, avocado, and meat.
• Mezcal Flight – A fantastic introduction to the world of smoky Oaxacan spirits.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Weekends can be packed, so book in advance on OpenTable.
• Check out their happy hour deals for discounted drinks and appetizers.

9. Howlin’ Ray’s – The Best Nashville Hot Chicken

📍 Address: 727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012
💰 Price Range: $ ($10–$25 per person)
🕒 Reservations: No reservations—first come, first served

Why You Should Eat Here

Craving spicy, crispy, perfectly fried chicken? Howlin’ Ray’s is THE place to go. What started as a food truck has become a cult-favorite restaurant, with lines that sometimes stretch for hours. The good news? It’s totally worth it.

Must-Try Dishes

• Hot Chicken Sandwich – The perfect balance of spice, crunch, and juicy chicken.
• Sando – Their signature chicken sandwich, topped with slaw, pickles, and comeback sauce.
• Collard Greens – Smoky, rich, and the perfect side dish.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Expect long lines—arrive early (before they open) for the shortest wait.
• Order ahead via Postmates for pick-up if you don’t want to wait in line.

10. Grand Central Market – A Food Hall Wonderland

📍 Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
💰 Price Range: $-$$$ (Depends on what you eat)
🕒 Reservations: No reservations needed—walk-in only

Why You Should Eat Here

Can’t decide what to eat? Grand Central Market is LA’s most iconic food hall, featuring an endless variety of cuisines all in one place. Whether you want a burger, tacos, ramen, or fresh oysters, you’ll find something amazing here.

Must-Try Vendors

• Eggslut – One of the best breakfast sandwiches in LA.
• Sarita’s Pupuseria – Authentic Salvadoran pupusas, packed with cheesy goodness.
• McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – A sweet treat to end your meal.

Pro Tips for Booking & Saving

• Weekends can be extremely busy, so go on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
• Parking is tricky—use SpotHero to find the cheapest parking nearby.

Final Thoughts & Best Travel Booking Platforms

Los Angeles is a food lover’s dream, offering everything from street tacos to Michelin-starred fine dining. No matter what your budget or cravings, there’s always something incredible to try.

For those planning a food-focused trip to LA, here are some of my favorite travel booking platforms:
✅ Resy & OpenTable – Best for restaurant reservations.
✅ Tock – Great for booking exclusive tasting menus.
✅ Kayak & Google Flights – Best for affordable flight deals.
✅ Hotels.com & Airbnb – Best for finding accommodations near food hotspots.
✅ SpotHero & ParkWhiz – Helps you find affordable parking near busy restaurants.

I hope this guide helps you discover the best eats in LA! Which of these restaurants are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below! 🍽️😋