Best local food in Los Angeles: 10 must-try dishes

Did you know Los Angeles cuisine is considered one of the richest in the U.S.? LA's signature dishes stand out for their innovative flavors, gourmet options, and healthy tendencies. However, you can eat almost anything you can think of in LA!

Street tacos, flavored hamburgers, and famous fusion dishes are some examples of iconic food in Los Angeles, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. Are you ready to know more about Los Angeles’s best local food?

Keep reading to discover why LA is every food lover's dream destination, the must-try local dishes, and how to have a Los Angeles experience right from home.

Why is LA a food mecca?

Los Angeles is a major food destination because of its diversity. For years, worldwide flavors have converged in this city, making LA food culture a hot topic for foodies.

LA chefs are well known for their ability to craft menus based on international ingredients and culinary techniques. For example, dishes inspired by Italian, Korean, or Mexican food are common in LA.

In other words, tasting Los Angeles's best local food means embarking on a journey to taste global cuisines!

10 iconic Los Angeles foods and dishes that are worth a try

Let’s dive into the best local food in Los Angeles:

1. Tacos

→ Restaurant suggestions: Mírate, Damian, and Holbox.

We can’t deny that Mexican food has had a big influence on Los Angeles's signature dishes. Tacos are a street food favorite for many, as they are flavorful, fresh, and easy to get! Some of the most popular types are:

• Carne asada: corn tortillas filled with thinly sliced, marinated, and grilled beef topped with onions, cilantro, and a few drops of lime.
• Al pastor: thin slices of marinated pork placed in small tortillas, garnished with onions, chopped coriander, pineapple, chili, and salsa.
• Kogi BBQ: tender and marinated Korean BBQ meats wrapped in tortillas, topped with tangy coleslaw, spicy sauce, and sesame seeds.

2. French dip sandwich

→ Restaurant suggestions: Cole’s and Philippe the Original.

Regarding Los Angeles’s traditional cuisine, the French dip sandwich is a must-try dish. It was created in Downtown LA, but its growing popularity placed it all over the city.

This iconic LA food can be made with different meats and cheeses and served on a French roll. Some of the most popular meat options are roast beef, roast pork, leg of turkey, lamb, or ham. However, each restaurant has its variations.

3. Korean BBQ

→ Restaurant suggestions: ABSteak, Yerim, and Park’s.

Looking for Korean food in LA? Korean BBQ is considered one of the best local foods in Los Angeles for its ingredients' quality and strong flavors, but also because it offers an interactive dining experience.

At Korean BBQ restaurants, diners grill their seasoned meats, usually beef bulgogi and spicy pork, at the table. They also choose between side dishes such as kimchi, rice, and vegetables to pair them.

4. Sushi

→ Restaurant suggestions: Nobu, Brothers Sushi, and Hama Sushi.

Sushi in Los Angeles is huge. You will find adaptations of the original Japanese recipe with ingredients from LA cuisine all over the city. The most popular is the California roll: crab, avocado, and cucumber rolled in seaweed and cooked rice, topped with sesame seeds.

There are also many plant-based alternatives for vegan and vegetarian diners. Vegan sushi replaces seafood with marinated tofu, tempura vegetables, or avocado, and is served commonly with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.

5. Smoked salmon pizza

→ Restaurant suggestion: Spago.

Smoked salmon pizza may be the perfect fusion between Italian and LA food. Created by chef Wolfgang Puck in the ’80s, this iconic Los Angeles dish is made with smoked salmon, dill cream, chili and garlic oil, red onion, and chives. It has a crisp and thin crust.

The chef recommends topping this dish with Sevruga, Beluga, or Osetra caviar for a gourmet twist, which fits perfectly for birthdays, weddings, and company events. If you want a full fine dining experience, we recommend hiring a private chef in Los Angeles

6. Hickory burger

→ Restaurant suggestion: The Apple Pan.

When learning about the best local food in Los Angeles, you can’t miss the traditional hickory burger. A beef patty served with pickles, crunchy lettuce, and a sweet-smoky hickory sauce often compared to a mix of BBQ sauce and tomato puree.

7. Strawberry donut

→ Find it in The Donut Man.

This donut is a must-try LA dish if you enjoy sweet and fruity desserts! It is a big fluffy donut filled with a generous number of fresh strawberries and a sweet glaze. The combination of flavors and textures is what stands out.

8. Chopped salad

→ Restaurant suggestion: La Scala.

The most iconic food in Los Angeles might be the Chopped Salad. Its basic ingredients are chopped vegetables, salami, mozzarella cheese, marinated garbanzo, beans, and a secret sauce; however, you can find variations that include chicken and turkey.

It is said that stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Gwyneth Paltrow have enjoyed this LA dish.

9. Ramen

Ramen is also a famous food in LA. Each ramen shop usually crafts its version of this traditional Japanese dish to make it more appealing and comforting. Generally, this food features noodles, tender slices of meat, vegetables, boiled eggs, and other toppings.

In some restaurants, you can craft a ramen menu with your preferences!

10. Pastrami sandwich

→ Restaurant suggestion: Langer’s deli.

Another traditional Los Angeles cuisine must-try dish is the well-known pastrami sandwich: rye bread filled with a pile of thin slices of smoked and steamed pastrami, Russian dressing, coleslaw, and Swiss cheese. You can also expect mustard and pickles. Its strong flavors and juiciness have turned this local LA food into many people’s favorite.

How can you have a Los Angeles experience without being in LA?

Why travel to try the best local food in Los Angeles if you can have all the iconic dishes you want at home? Here at Take a Chef, we connect you to the most skilled and professional cooks to enjoy a Los Angeles dining experience for your next birthday, anniversary, or casual friends gathering. See our most popular services:

• Italian private chef: seafood dishes, rustic recipes, and flavorful desserts.
• Private sushi chef: tradition and innovation all together.
• Private vegan chef: taste a long list of guilt-free dishes and gourmet options.
• Private pizza chef: from Italian classics to fusion pizza recipes.

The best part of hiring a private chef is crafting a menu that fits your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the best LA food at home with a gourmet and exclusive twist.