The Best L.A. Food Destinations

Ava Adams '17, Staff Writer

Los Angeles is a sprawling, expansive city with diversified and interesting neighborhoods, each of which offers its own unique and special vibe. As Angelenos, many of us find ourselves exploring a new neighborhood and wondering where we can find the best food. Here is a list of a few of the different neighborhoods in Los Angeles and their top restaurants that you should definitely visit.

Location: Santa Monica/ Venice/ Marina Del Ray:

Salt Air in Venice offers an array of seafood options. Photo courtesy of nytimes.com
Salt Air in Venice offers an array of seafood options. Photo courtesy of nytimes.com
  • The first restaurant located on Abbott Kinney is Gjelina. It has a rustic vibe with wooden tables and dim lighting. It’s busy and incredibly popular so be sure to make a reservation in advance. While it offers some amazing conventional cuisine such as its famous mushroom pizza, it also offers some unique foods such as octopus and rabbit. You must order a plethora of vegetables and side dishes because the food is too good to just get one entrée. Because of this, I recommend eating family style or sharing with a bunch of friends. This location is simply a must if you are in Venice.
  • Across the way on Abbott Kiney is Salt Air, which is known for its remarkable fish as well as the pea toast and Monkey Bread. If you are a vegetarian, I recommend going at lunchtime to get the best veggie burger in Los Angeles and ask for a fried egg on top. You will definitely finish your meal here incredibly full.
  • Another restaurant located in Santa Monica is Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi, an authentic Italian restaurant, well known for its celebrity sightings (Rihanna is considered a regular there!). Though it’s a bit pricier, it is definitely worth a splurge if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience. Their best dishes are the sweet corn Agnolotti with truffle sauce, and also the Spigola al Forno.
  • Notable mentions: Musha Izakaya, Ado, Café Gratitude, Mendocino Farms, Wurstküche, Samosa House

Location: Brentwood:

Famous for its sushi, SugarFish always delights. Photo courtesy of sugarfishsushi.com.
Famous for its sushi, Sugarfish always delights. Photo courtesy of sugarfishsushi.com.
  • Located on San Vicente is Sugarfish, an incredible sushi bar that all fish connoisseurs must visit. You should plan on ordering the blue crab roll as well as their amazing sashimi.
  • Also In Brentwood is the Tavern. This restaurant has amazing salads, such as their unique watermelon salad with tomatoes. Their avocado toast is also a must-try.
  • Another incredible location is The Little Door, located on 26th. Go for dinner and ask to sit outside to experience the fun, out-of-this-world French atmosphere. The restaurant serves French cuisine. My advice is to get the Moroccan mint tea, which is incredible. Though, you can’t go wrong and are bound to be satisfied.

Location: Manhattan Beach:

  • In Manhattan Beach, head on over to Pitfire Pizza which offers great pizza, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. They have extremely pleasing and fresh food. Try the kale salad and take advantage of the make-your-own pizza menu. They have many vegan and gluten free options and everyone has something to enjoy.
  • Also, Izakaya by Katsuya is a very popular sushi Bar. They have excellent spicy tuna and crispy rice, as well as astounding sushi quality.
  • The restaurant Tin Roof Bistro has many different types of food to satisfy whatever you are feeling. They excel at every dish and offer great pizzas and burgers. Try the bacon and date pizza, as well as the noteworthy salmon.
  • Notable Mentions: Nick’s, Paradise Bowls, Simmzy’s, Uncle Bill’s, Kettle, Thai Dishes, El Sombrero

Location: Hancock Park:

The cozy environment at Republique leads to a great dining experience. Photo courtesy of eater.com.
The cozy environment at Republique leads to a great dining experience. Photo courtesy of eater.com.
  • Located in adorable Larchmont village is Wine & Cheese, which is an extremely popular gourmet sandwich place. Everything is incredibly fresh. This is not a sit down restaurant, but it’s an easy place to grab lunch on the go.
  • Also, the Larchmont Bungalow offers great coffee and a huge selection of high-quality teas. There is breakfast all day, so it is perfect for breakfast lovers. It’s also full of vegan options, making it a good spot for people with health concerns. They offer great burgers and incredible wraps that can be made with crepes.
  • Lastly, the French restaurant Republique boasts a stylish interior and communal tables that help start a conversation with potential new friends. The restaurant also has an amazing bakery.

Location- Beverly Hills/ Hollywood:

  • Located on Melrose is Osteria Mozza, which is an outstanding Italian restaurant. Though highly respected, it still maintains its casual atmosphere. It serves incredible pastas, and great rosemary olive oil cakes.
  • Nearby, Fig & Olive is a wonderful restaurant with a hip and trendy atmosphere. It has French, Italian and Spanish mixed cuisine. Definitely try the truffle mushroom croquettes as well as the well-known Truffle Risotto.
  • Lastly is Joan’s On Third, which is always a treat for breakfast or brunch. They have great sandwiches and salads, and also many options to choose from.
  • Notable Mentions: Cecconi’s, Spago, Mulberry Street Pizzeria, Il Fornaio