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ByPetra Udomprasert Updated on

Where to Eat in LA: 15 Spots for International Foodies

I’ll be honest. It’s impossible to come up with a completely objective list of where to eat in LA. Los Angeles is massive, with an equally big range of cuisines to choose from.

So let’s go the complete subjective route, shall we? Los Angeles is my second home, and I have gained nearly 30 pounds eating to my heart’s content here the past decade. Now, I’ll share some of the best restaurants and cafes in my book with you.

To give you a taste (hah) of what’s coming, Blu Jam makes heavenly Crunchy French Toast if you love sweet things for breakfast. I go to Uovo for fresh handmade pasta and authentic Italian recipes, and when I’m craving sushi, Kazunori.

Forget about Michelin stars because LA is already so expensive without them. But if you go to any places I recommend, I promise good food and a (pretty) reasonable price!

My Favorite Places to Eat in Los Angeles

I get so overwhelmed whenever I’m researching a new city to visit, and there’s a list of “30 places to eat” or “50 cool things to do.” While some people love the options, I freeze with too many.

So assuming you’re here because we’re alike in some ways, I’ll also save you from decision fatigue and keep the list to 15 places in total. This includes brunch places and restaurant across Japanese, Italian, Korean, Mexican, and Thai cuisines.

As a bonus, I’m sharing my favorite ice cream shops at the end as well. Because who the hell doesn’t love some good ice cream?!

⏳ Planing Los Angeles last minute? Here’s everything you’ll need! 💡

Best Hotel: Hotel 850 SVB (⭐️ Rating 9.0)

⏰ Activities I Recommend in LA:

1. Blu Jam Cafe (Sherman Oaks)

Price Range: US$20-30

On days I wake up craving sweet things for breakfast, I always drive straight to this place.

Exterior of Blu Jam Cafe in Sherman Oaks with its "Blu Jam Cafe" sign above the entrance. The cafe is a Los Angeles brunch spot known for its Crunchy French Toast and lavender latte.

I’m not particularly crazy about their savory dishes. They’re delicious, but not extraordinary. Their signature Crunchy French Toast, however, is to die for. It’s aromatic, covered in crunchy bread flakes, with vanilla sauce on top and some fresh fruits.

Blu Jam Cafe’s signature Crunchy French Toast topped with strawberries blueberries and powdered sugar. The crisp slices are served with vanilla sauce alongside a lavender latte and orange juice.

The lavender latte is also amazing here. You actually taste lavender, and not lavender syrup.

The original branch is actually in Hollywood on Melrose. They also have multiple other branches in Santa Monica, Downtown, and Glendale. Pick whichever one’s easiest for you, but don’t skip it!

2. The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (WeHo)

Price Range: US$35-60

Long name, yes. The Angelenos also call it BBCM, if that makes it easier. This brunch cafe on Sunset is so beautifully decorated, the food tastes better because of it. And the food is GOOD!

Skillet baked mushroom omelette at BBCM in West Hollywood topped with crispy kale and served with potatoes toast and fresh fruit. A colorful Colorburst latte sits beside the brunch spread.

I highly recommend their Skillet-baked mushroom omelette. It’s topped with baked potatoes and crispy kale chips. Drip some hot sauce, and pair it with their Mimosa Flight, a set of three flavored mimosas.

BBCM actually became Insta-famous for a bit for their Colorburst latte, which is cool if you want Instagrammable photos.

Colorburst latte at BBCM in West Hollywood with bright blue yellow pink and chocolate foam art. The colorful latte is one of the cafe’s Instagrammable specialties.

But to me, it’s just a latte that costs twelve dollars. Do it once if you must, but it really is just a latte.

3. Aroma Coffee & Tea (Studio City)

Price Range: US$20-35

This place is my go-to for anything Eggs Benedict. It was only a 10-minute drive from where I lived in grad school, so I may have spent just a little too much money here over the years.

Eggs Benedict at Aroma Coffee and Tea in Studio City served over spinach with hollandaise and fresh dill. A small bowl of strawberries blueberries grapes and pineapple sits alongside.

All their Benedict menus are delicious, but I especially love the Crab Cake Benedict!

There’s always a terrifyingly long line in front. Don’t walk away because of that. You order before grabbing a table here, so the people are just waiting their turn at the cashier. The line moves pretty quickly.

4. Basecamp Dinette (Burbank)

Price Range: US$10-20

For a brunch that seems too affordable to be in LA, put Basecamp on your list.

For two and a half years during grad school, this place sat directly across the street from where I lived. Unfortunately, I considered it a little “too close” so I took it for granted and never went in.

Omelette at Basecamp Dinette in Burbank topped with sliced avocado and served with crispy potatoes and toast. This affordable Los Angeles brunch spot is known for simple comforting breakfast dishes.

I only checked it out for the first time this past August, and even the simplest omelette tasted amazingly cozy. The best part? Yeah, a 15-dollar omelette does exist in LA alongside the $20+ ones.

5. Kazunori (Westwood)

Price Range: US$20-30

I’ll always rave about this place before any other thousand sushi places across the LA metro area. The rolls here are not deep fried, not stuffed with a million things, and isn’t dripped in sweet soy sauce.

Fresh hand roll at Kazunori in Westwood with fish and rice wrapped simply in crisp seaweed. The restaurant serves its five hand roll set one roll at a time.

These super simple hand rolls are made fresh right in front of you, with nothing but the fish, rice, and seaweed wrap. I always get the 5-Hand roll set, with toro, yellowtail, scallop, crab, and lobster, which are served one at a time.

One thing to note is they don’t accept tips, which I love. Hard to find a restaurant in the US that pays their staff a living wage so they don’t have to rip off customers.

You can choose between multiple other branches across Studio City, K-Town, Pasadena, Downtown, or Fairfax. I’m just locked in on the Westwood one because it’s near my home.

6. Uovo (Studio City)

Price Range: US$20-40

For some authentic Italian pasta, I don’t trust any other place but this one. They keep their menu short and simple, with signature menus from Rome and Bologna, like Carbonara, Tortellini in Brodo. They also keep some other classics on, like Vongole and a few Ravioli options.

Cacio e Pepe at Uovo in Studio City with handmade pasta coated in cheese and black pepper. Uovo specializes in authentic Italian pasta with recipes from Rome and Bologna.
Tagliatelle ai Carciofi at Uovo in Studio City topped generously with cheese and artichokes. The handmade pasta is shipped overnight from Bologna.

I’ll never understand how this place stays in business. Their handmade pasta is shipped overnight daily from Bologna, but their pasta dishes are like $17-18 each. But hey, that’s great for you and me!

This is another no-tipping establishment.

They have four other branches in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Pasadena, and Mid-Wilshire.

7. Tsujita LA (Japantown)

Price Range: US$25-30

They have ramen, yes. But their signature dish is Tsukemen, where you dip thick, cold noodles into a bowl of hot broth. This place also gives you a slice of lime. Squeeze it onto the noodles after the first few bites, and it changes the flavor profile completely.

You can ask for extra limes if you love sour. I always do. (Three halves in the photo may seem unhinged, but I really do use them all…)

Tsukemen at Tsujita LA in Japantown with thick cold noodles soft boiled eggs seaweed and three lime halves served beside hot dipping broth. Squeezing lime over the noodles adds a bright sour note to the restaurant’s signature dish.

I’ve been eating here since when their signature Tsukemen was $13. Now it’s around $18, but still delicious enough that I keep going back for more.

The streets of Japantown feels a little suffocating, especially if you’re trying to find metered parking. Don’t bother. Go one street over on Corinth Ave and you can park there for free for 2 hours.

8. Jitlada (East Hollywood)

Price Range: US$30-50

While I can name a few legit Thai restaurants in LA, I’ll stick with this Southern Thai specialty restaurant. Because oh my lord, they don’t hold back on the spices at all. They’ve earned my respect.

Kaeng Leuang at Jitlada in East Hollywood served in a metal pot with fish in a vivid yellow orange curry. The intensely spicy Southern Thai yellow curry is one of Jitlada’s specialties.

Kaeng Leuang, or the Southern Thai Yellow Curry, is notoriously spicy even among Thai people. I’ve never seen an overseas Thai restaurant put it on their menu, let alone nail the flavors like they do.

Kao Klook Kapi at Jitlada in East Hollywood with seasoned rice wrapped in a thin omelette and topped with cilantro and chilies. The Southern Thai dish is listed on the restaurant’s menu as Bangkok Fried Rice.

Another dish I love here is called Bangkok fried rice. It sounds like a made-up American dish that doesn’t exist, but it’s just the english name they use. The dish is actually called “Kao Klook Kapi.”

Yes, yes. Thai food is insanely pricey in the US. If you want cheap options, go to Thai Temple of Los Angeles in North Hollywood on a weekends. Don’t forget to dress respectfully since you’ll be on temple grounds.

Will the food be as authentic as Jitlada? Not even close. But will it be cheap? Yes. So go at your own discretion.

9. Tacos El Flaco (Mar Vista)

Price Range: US$10-15

I’ll say this. If you’ve had Mexican food in Mexico before, Mexican restaurants here will disappoint you. But taco stands won’t! This one in Mar Vista is especially close to my heart.

Quesatacos from Tacos El Flaco in Mar Vista served on a paper plate with grilled prickly pear leaves and salsa. The neighborhood taco stand specializes in authentic Mexican street food.

My best friends introduced it to me right after I just got back from Mexico City and thinking I’d never be able to have Mexican food in America again. They’re the real deal here. They even have nopales! (Yummm)

Meat grilling on a large flat top at Tacos El Flaco in Mar Vista. The taco stand is a casual spot for authentic Mexican street food in Los Angeles.

10. BCD Tofu House (Koreatown)

Price Range: US$25-40

There are plenty of great Korean restaurants in Koreatown, but when I’m craving comfort Korean food, I go to BCD Tofu House. Here, you can get Galbi, Soft Tofu stew, Kimchi stew, Bulgogi, and more. And everything tastes legit.

Korean comfort food at BCD Tofu House in Koreatown with bubbling soft tofu stew and a bowl of rice. Small dishes of banchan surround the meal.

There are multiple branches across the LA metro area and Orange County. I go to the one in Koreatown as often as the one in Irvine. But stick to Koreatown if you’re only visiting!

11. Mensho Tokyo (Culver City)

Price Range: US$25-30

This place never existed in Southern California until very recently. It was a non-negotiable stop whenever I drove up to San Francisco. So thank goodness it finally arrived in LA!

Signature Toripaitan ramen at Mensho Tokyo in Culver City with creamy bone broth noodles meat soft boiled eggs and fresh greens. The rich ramen combines wagyu duck and pork in one bowl.

I’ll always recommend their signature Toripaitan Ramen, which is creamy, bone-broth-based, with wagyu, duck, and pork in one bowl. The Matcha Toripaitan is also delicious, even though it sounds a bit suspicious.

  • Weekday Hours: 4:00 – 10:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
  • Saturday Hours: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday Hours: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Location: 9516 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
  • Must-Try: Signature Toripaitan

12. Granville (Pasadena, Burbank)

Price Range: US$20-40

This is truly an American restaurant, where every cuisine is mushed together and recreated into fusion dishes on their menu. If you’re a purist of any cuisine, your head will hurt looking at it. But I promise they do it well.

Pasta alla Vodka at Granville topped with grated cheese and fresh basil. The creamy tomato pasta is one of the recommended dishes at this Pasadena and Burbank restaurant.

Pasta alla Vodka was especially nice. Don’t ask me where in Italy it came from, or what goes in it. But man, it was delicious. It was nice and creamy, but not too heavy. The basil on top added a nice kick.

Seasonal fruit crumble at Granville in Pasadena baked in a small rectangular dish and topped with a scoop of ice cream. The freshly baked dessert is one of the restaurant’s recommended dishes.

For dessert, go for their seasonal fruit crumble. They bake it fresh, so be prepared to wait, but it’s worth it.

I’ve been to ones in Pasadena and Burbank. You’ll also find ones in Studio City and West Hollywood.

13. Saffron & Rose (Westwood)

Price Range: US$6-10

This was where my best friend and I liked to go to for ice cream near our place. Their ice cream is just the right balance of creamy and fresh. The floral flavors were very nice, especially white rose.

l also love Saffron with Pistachio, but ask them for a taste first, since it’s a bit strong.

Apologies in advance for the lack of photos. The last time I was here, I still wasn’t a blogger.

14. Salt & Straw (Studio City)

Price Range: US$7-10

I go here for one thing, and one thing only: the honey lavender ice cream. Not to say that other flavors are not good. The double fold vanilla was amazing, so was snickerdoodle. I’m just too obsessed with honey lavender.

Cup of honey lavender ice cream from Salt and Straw held against a sunny Studio City street lined with palm trees. The floral flavor is a refreshing dessert for a hot day in Los Angeles.

Try it once and you might see what I mean. It’s especially nice on a hot day!

There are SO MANY stores across the LA metro, including in Venice Beach, Central LA, Santa Monica, and Culver City. All their stores have the exact same vibes, too.

15. Wanderlust Creamery (Japantown)

Price Range: US$8-15

This is a native Los Angeles ice cream brand, and you can see it on their price tag. Just kidding. Are you really an Angeleno if you don’t poke fun at its price tags?

You HAVE to try the Ube Malted Crunch, which I believe is their signature flavor. You’ll see it before any other flavor in the fridge because it’s almost the same color as Dino.

Unfortunately I haven’t had in in a while so there’s no photo from me. This one below, though, is Beurre Noisette Cookie Dough, which I also recommend.

Cup of Beurre Noisette Cookie Dough ice cream from Wanderlust Creamery in Japantown. The Los Angeles ice cream shop creates flavors inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Their seasonal menus are always fun. They pull inspirations from different cuisines and they do it quite well. The last time I went, there was a Kaya Toast flavor, too. So always ask to try those!

Things to Do in LA When You’re Not Eating

Los Angeles is an insanely fun city, especially if you have even just one favorite TV show. There are multiple cool museums you can visit, including my favorite Getty Villa, and the newest Academy Museum.

For film and TV fans, I always highly recommend the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. (Tickets are non-refundable if you buy through their official website.)

Central Perk set from Friends on the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Los Angeles. The recreated coffee shop features the familiar orange couch surrounded by tables chairs and colorful cafe decor.

It used to be just a golf cart and a few tours per day when I moved to LA a decade ago. Now they’ve added a bunch of cool stuff including green screen experiences. You get access to so much for the price you’re paying.

Petra, the travel blogger, standing on the hillside behind the Hollywood Sign with a panoramic view of Los Angeles below. Hiking up behind the famous landmark is one of the recommended things to do in LA.

You’re not in LA until you’ve been up to the Hollywood Sign… says someone who spent 11 years here before making the hike. It really is cooler than I gave it credit for!

Last but not least (for now) is the Universal Studios! I used to go inside just to sit and read inside the Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter world when I lived 10 minutes away in Burbank. The whole place really is a vibe. Admittedly not as cool as the Orlando one, but still worth your time!

Petra, the blogger and author, posing in front of Hogwarts castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood. The theme park is one of the recommended things to do in LA between restaurant stops.
Here’s baby me during my first visit to Universal, when it was still exciting enough to take photos.

Just like the Warner Bros. tour, official tickets are non-refundable, so buy through a 3rd party platform if you’d like some flexibility.

Visiting the United States

Many people need a visa to enter the US, and those who don’t will need to apply for an ESTA authorization a few days before their trip. So check the travel documents you need in advance!

Make sure you have travel insurance as well. I always use SafetyWing or Heymondo, depending on which is cheaper for each trip.

Extra Tips to Optimize Your Experience

Los Angeles has no single center and is VERY spread out. It’s impossible to base yourself in “the most convenient” area to easily get everywhere. I recommend renting a car to best maximize your time and energy.

Don’t forget to pack layers. LA is HOT during the day but gets surprisingly chilly at night!

Use My Template to Help You Plan

To make sure you have everything organized and in order, I’ve decided to share the very template I created and personally use to plan my own trips… for FREE. Just download and make a copy!

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Petra Udomprasert is a career immersive travel blogger and the founder of Polyglot Petra. Believing in travel as a force that inspires empathy and respect in our world, she writes travel guides that deeply explore the history and culture of every destination she visits, leveraging her fluency in five different languages to access the local perspective. Through her immersive guides and localized language tips, she has helped tens of thousands of travelers enjoy trips that leave lasting positive impacts on their lives.