LA's Michelin-cited Texas-style BBQ — brisket that smoke pilgrims drive across town for
Must-try: Brisket, St. Louis ribs, House-made sausage
📍 2118 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
The best laid-back spots for an easy, no-fuss meal in Highland Park — curated from over 200 LA restaurants.
9 picksThe best casual restaurants in Highland Park are the ones that don't ask you to dress up or plan ahead — just show up hungry. These 9 picks are neighborhood spots worth knowing: consistently good food, fair prices, and the kind of atmosphere where you can stay for another round without feeling rushed. TikTok previews included so you can find your vibe. Standouts: Moo's Craft Barbecue, Amiga Amore, Hippo.
Highland Park's restaurant scene is defined by independent spots, chef passion projects, and some of the city's best value dining.
LA's Michelin-cited Texas-style BBQ — brisket that smoke pilgrims drive across town for
Must-try: Brisket, St. Louis ribs, House-made sausage
📍 2118 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Highland Park's Italian-Mexican neighborhood gem — pasta, wine, and natural vibes
Must-try: Mole pasta, Tacos al pastor, Natural wine selection
📍 5668 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
James Beard chef Matt Molina's Highland Park Italian — Michelin-recognized with cult-status butter bread
Must-try: Butter and honey bread service, Daily pasta, Roast chicken
📍 5916 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Highland Park's bakery that feeds half the restaurants in LA — naturally leavened sourdough, brisket sandwiches, and bread culture done right
Must-try: Brisket sandwich, Sourdough baguette, Smash burger (weekends)
📍 3507 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Highland Park's Roman-style pizza shop — thick airy dough, exceptional toppings, sold by weight the way it is in Rome
Must-try: Pizza al taglio, Mortadella and pistachio slice, Seasonal vegetable slice
📍 5918 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Highland Park's plant-forward cafe where vegetarian and vegan cooking is so good it needs no apology
Must-try: Breakfast bowl, Vegan waffles, Turmeric latte
📍 5904 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Highland Park's all-day natural wine and coffee hangout — the neighborhood cafe that became a destination without trying to become one
Must-try: Seasonal grain bowl, Natural wine by the glass, Pastry of the day
📍 5247 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Highland Park's vegan-forward smash burger spot serving grass-fed beef and no-seed-oil fries to a loyal neighborhood following
Must-try: Classic smash cheeseburger, Impossible burger (vegan), Breakfast burrito (weekend)
📍 5260 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Eagle Rock's thin-crust legend since 1955 — no reservations, long lines, and worth every minute
Must-try: Classic pepperoni pizza, Antipasto, Garlic bread
📍 1650 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Moo's Craft Barbecue is the neighborhood go-to — the kind of place you'd go on a random Tuesday and leave completely satisfied. No reservations required, no dress code, just good food.
Triple Beam Pizza is one of the better value options on this list — the portions are generous, the quality is solid, and you won't need to budget the way you would for a special occasion spot.
Most casual spots on this list are walk-in friendly, though a few popular ones take reservations for weekends. If you're going with a group, calling ahead is always a smart move.