If Los Angeles is on your travel bucket list, you’re sure to be enamored with all that there is to do. From historic landmarks, to the incredible array of performing arts, to museums, galleries, sports events and more, there’s something for everyone in the City of Angels. While you’re there, of course you’ll have to eat, and you won’t be disappointed by the wide variety of restaurants, stands and ethnic stores in which to grab a bite or to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal. The diverse cultures within the boundaries of Los Angeles have produced a tantalizing array of cuisines. You can have huevos rancheros for breakfast, falafel for lunch and sushi for dinner, all within the same neighborhood.
Here are five great places to eat in Los Angeles, no matter what your fancy:
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Wurstküche: This German eatery and biergarten is located 800 E 3rd Street in downtown LA. Here, you’ll be able to dine on exotic sausages, served on rolls with a variety of toppings, like onions, sauerkraut, sweet and spicy peppers, and, of course, a nice selection of gourmet mustards. Accompanying your sausage should be a serving of delectable Belgian fries, dipped in bleu cheese sauce, flavored ketchups, barbecue sauce, peanut sauce or, do like many Germans do and choose a flavored mayonnaise. Choose from bottled or on-tap Belgian, German, North American or British beers, as well.
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Jitlada Restaurant: If you are in the mood for authentic Thai food, Jitlada Restaurant, located at 5233 1/2 West Sunset Blvd, should fit the bill perfectly. While the menu includes popular foods from all over Thailand, such as tom ka soup and pad thai, its true specialty is spicy and flavorful cuisine from Southern Thailand, such as curries with sataw beans, fish rubbed with turmeric, and mango salad with cashews.
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Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery: If you are looking for the best sandwich in LA, you won’t want to pass by Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery. The bread is freshly baked, and you’ll find a good variety of domestic and imported cheese and meat. Far from being just a deli, this restaurant also serves pasta dishes and other Italian specialties. Stop in at 1517 Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica, and feel free to call ahead or order online so that your meal is ready to go when you arrive.
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Baco Mercat: Those who are into culinary fusion will definitely want to make sure to schedule a visit to Baco Mercat. The tastes that you will encounter will range from Italian or French cuisine, to that from China, the southern USA, the middle east and Peru. They were named the Best New Restaurant in 2012, and they’ve kept up their impressive menu since. The eatery is located at 408 S. Main Street in downtown Los Angeles.
- Hatfields: The changing seasonal menus are driven by what’s available in the market, and dishes are designed to maximize the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients. Owned by young couple Karen and Quinn Hatfield (he’s the chef, she’s the pastry chef), this is one of the most exciting restaurants to open in recent years. Don’t think about leaving without dessert. A perennial favorite is a variation on beignets with chocolate, served with a shot of the preserved ginger milkshake.
No matter where you are in LA, if you are having trouble settling on a place to eat, just ask a few of the locals for suggestions. You’ll get a wide variety of answers, which will be a testament to the wide range of ethnicities and cultures in this city.
Have you eaten in Los Angeles lately? What are some restaurants that you will be sure to return to?
