The Cuban bakery that made Glendale a pilgrimage — potato balls, cheese rolls, and strawberry fields cakes at impossible prices
Must-try: Potato balls, Cheese rolls, Strawberry fields cake
📍 315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
Parisian brunch meets California produce in a stunning space
Must-try: Croque Madame, Butter Croissant, Roasted Chicken
📍 624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Pasadena's legendary 1961 drive-in serving the breakfast burrito that has fueled the San Gabriel Valley for over sixty years
Must-try: Breakfast burrito, Western burger, Hash browns
📍 640 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105
Inglewood's soul food institution since 1983 — the turkey chops and grits that built a legacy
Must-try: Turkey chops, Mac & yams, Grilled cornbread, Catfish & grits
📍 1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
Grand Central Market's Jewish deli with house-cured lox and pastrami that proves scratch deli culture belongs in California
Must-try: Everything bagel with house-cured lox, Pastrami on rye, Smoked whitefish salad
📍 317 S Broadway (Grand Central Market), Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Abbot Kinney institution that made LA's dining scene
Must-try: Mushroom Pizza, Kale Caesar, Burrata Toast
📍 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
The most romantic patio in the Valley — fairy lights, fireplaces, and great pasta
Must-try: Mushroom Pappardelle, Miso Glazed Cod, Sticky Toffee Cake
📍 11720 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
West Adams' beloved all-day diner with a Southern California soul
Must-try: Pancakes, Fried chicken sandwich, Breakfast burrito
📍 5410 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Michelin-recognized Rosemead dim sum — the SGV's gold standard for Cantonese dim sum
Must-try: Truffle siu mai, Shrimp har gow, Egg white custard tarts
📍 3939 Rosemead Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770
Michelin-recognized Alhambra dim sum — cart service, fresh Cantonese classics, and huge portions
Must-try: Har gow, XO turnip cake, Soup dumplings
📍 500 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801
LA's only authentic Greek barbecue — Sunday lamb on the patio on Venice Blvd
Must-try: Sunday Greek BBQ lamb, Grilled octopus, Spanakopita
📍 12249 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Black-owned Southern elevated in DTLA — Michelin chef's soul food and oyster bar on Grand Ave
Must-try: Cornmeal Crusted Nashville Hot Catfish, Cast Iron Mac & Cheese, Edisto Island Cornbread
📍 770 S Grand Ave, Ste A, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Los Feliz neighborhood restaurant where the simple menu and warm room make every visit feel like exactly the right choice
Must-try: Fried chicken sandwich, Roasted vegetables, Seasonal fruit crisp
📍 3817 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
West Adams gathering place blending California seasonal cooking with a warm community spirit defining the neighborhood's culinary renaissance
Must-try: Fried chicken and waffles, Heirloom grits, Seasonal vegetable dishes
📍 3767 Santa Rosalia Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90008