Bites, Camera, Action: Savoring Los Angeles’s Star-Studded Food Scene
As a lifelong Angeleno, I can confidently say that I don’t have much to rave about when it comes to Los Angeles. The weather, for one, is monotonous—most days hover in the 70s (21-26°C), sunny and with little chance of even a meager cloud in sight. This would appeal to approximately 99.998% of the global population, but not me. Give me a storm any day of the week and I will quite literally thank the skies for such a gracious and cherished gift.
As for the LA freeways, they are a nightmare straight out of a Stephen King novel. Seriously, I’d take Pennywise the Dancing Clown chasing me down over a Ford F-150 trying to run me down surrounded by a sea of speeding cars on a seven-lane freeway. Alas, I avoid the LA freeways (or any of the freeways in Southern California since they are all chaotic and dangerous) and if my own Mother is not willing to take me somewhere that requires the use of a freeway, well, then, I just don’t go.
Thankfully, my Mom and I are on the same wavelength regarding one critical experience – hunting… for food, but not just any food, good food… nay, food that can make even the most depressing of days absolutely gleeful. And ‘gleeful’ food is the only thing that LA does best. Why do you ask? The answer is simple – immigration. And what do immigrants bring with them? Their FOOD! Glorious, fabulous, mouth-watering food! Flavors that are so intense that even an agnostic will think they’ve died and gone to Heaven. LA is a mosaic of ethnic enclaves, each offering an authentic taste of the world, but you have to be willing and able to drive if you wish to seek them out. So buckle up because I am about to take you on an epic journey through much of the world’s culinary delights, aka the best of LA’s exquisite ethnic food scene.
The Torrance Farmers Market–
Yes, I’m from Torrance (one of the many cities in LA County), but I say this with zero bias—our Farmers Market is the best in Los Angeles. My Mom might argue in favor of the Santa Monica Farmers Market, but that one caters more to chefs, whereas the Torrance Farmers Market caters to YOU. I mean this literally because you are guaranteed to find something that you will love here.
Held in Wilson Park’s parking lot on Tuesdays and Saturdays (with the latter being larger and better), this market offers not only phenomenal fresh produce but also an impressive selection of hot, prepared foods from around the world. Craving a gourmet burger, brick-oven pizza, or Hawaiian barbecue? No problem. Want something more unique? How about the Venezuelan Arepas (pricey but fantastic), El Salvadorean Pupusas (cheap and delicious), Mexican elote, French crêpes (made by a Frenchman, of course), Indian samosas, or Chinese steamed dumplings, to name just a few?
And to cap any of these fine choices off, you’ll need something sweet, right? Luckily, there are about a dozen bakery, pastry, pie, cake, or chocolatier vendors to select from, but if you want something truly special, go for the Dutch Poffertjes—mini pancakes coated in butter and powdered sugar. Need a caffeine boost? There are a couple of coffee vendors, including one that serves up some seriously bougie brews. Just remember, there’s no seating within the market, but a nearby baseball field has benches where you can enjoy your feast.
Best French–
République in Los Angeles City. This place is as beautiful as it is delicious. Set in a building originally owned by Charlie Chaplin, République is a bakery, café, and restaurant all in one, which offers different menus depending on the time of day. I’ve only been for lunch, and I always order the Steak Frites with Béarnaise sauce. At $28, it’s pricey but totally worth it—and generous enough to share. If you’re after pastries, go early before they sell out! And if they have Basque Cheesecake, do not hesitate—it’s a rare find outside of France or Spain and unlike any cheesecake you’ve ever had.
The Little French Bakery in Redondo Beach. This precious tiny bakery nestled in the Riviera Village of Redondo Beach is one of my ‘Happy Places’. Not only will you find your sweet pastries, like fresh croissants stuffed with passion fruit or pistachio custard, but also your savory baked goods, like a Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese puff pastry. And if you’re looking for something a little heartier, you could always go for any of the nine different French baguette sandwiches. My favorite is the Parisian served with prosciutto, brie cheese, arugula, and a pesto aioli spread generously on a fresh, crispy baguette. Absolute perfection! https://www.littlefrenchbakeryla.com/
Best Italian–
Eatalian in Gardena. Eatalian serves the best thin-crust pizza outside of Italy (sorry, New York). Once you experience their flavorful, crispy pies, you’ll never settle for bready, mediocre pizza again. Their fresh pastas are also excellent, and don’t leave without trying their homemade gelato. https://order.eataliangroup.com/menu/48243174
Bay Cities Italian Deli and Bakery in Santa Monica. This market is your one-stop shop for everything Italian. Get there before the lunch hour or risk not finding a space in their parking lot. Their vegetarian lasagna is a must-try, but if you’re in the mood for a sandwich, go for the ‘Godmother’—a stacked masterpiece of prosciutto, ham, capicola, mortadella, Genoa salami, and provolone. Add the hot peppers for an extra kick.
Best Thai–
Jitlada in Los Angeles City. Don’t let the unassuming outside of Jitlada fool you; this place is so legit you will often see it featured on the Food Network. Their menu is exhaustingly long, so ask your server for recommendations. My personal favorite is the Garlic Green Beans, a deceptively simple but utterly addictive dish. https://jitladala.com/menu/
Bhan Kanom Thai in Los Angeles City. This charming little Thai market is the place for the typical Thai dessert of Sticky Rice and Mango. Furthermore, this is possibly the only place outside of Thailand where you will find the divine Thai Pancake. Just be sure to ask them to make a fresh batch for you. All I can say is your taste buds will thank you!
Best Mexican–
Mercado La Paloma in Los Angeles City. Finding good Mexican food in LA (or throughout much of Southern California) is not a difficult task to achieve, but finding multiple top-tier Mexican restaurants under one roof? That’s Mercado La Paloma. You can choose Chichen Itza for their Chochinita Pibil or Queso Relleno or Komal for their Tlacoyos with a side of nopales (cactus). Then there’s the big kahuna, Holbox. With their Michelin Star, you know you are in for a treat before even the first bite. Holbox serves seafood, which I do not eat, but my parents on the other hand were only too eager to dine on their delicacies. https://www.mercadolapaloma.com/
Best Japanese–
Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori in Gardena. Boy, is this place fun! Vegetarians will have a tough time here, but carnivores will rejoice. In case you did not know, Yakitori is kind of like Japanese tapas. The portions are small, usually served on a skewer, and exactly as described. You are meant to order many of them! Our favorites are the Chicken Meatball and Shiso Basil with Pork Belly. Be sure to arrive early as it’s first come first serve and, if possible, ask to sit at the bar as it’s the best place to enjoy the lively atmosphere. https://shinsengumigroup.com/restaurants/shin-sen-gumi-yakitori-original-gardena/
Best Peruvian–
El Pollo Inka (multiple locations). Have you ever had Peruvian food? No, well now is your chance! I grew up with El Pollo Inka, particularly their Aguadito soup. Heck with chicken noodle soup, El Pollo Inka’s Aguadito used to be my ‘healing soup’ whenever I was sick. Rich with cilantro, lime, chicken, carrots, rice, and a squirt of their spicy green sauce, Aguadito is guaranteed to make your tummy happy. If you are looking for something more substantial, the Vainita de Pollo, Lomo Saltado, Picante Pollo or Vegetal, and Pollo a la Brasa are all wonderful. Also, don’t miss their frijoles (aka Peruvian Mayocoba beans)!https://www.elpolloinkarhe.com/menu
Best Indian/Pakistani–
Famous Tandoori in Lomita. Everything here is delicious, but their Special Chicken 65 is legendary. If you are seeking vegetarian dishes, their Aaloo Gobi is my favorite. https://www.famoustandoori.com/menu/
Best Hawaiian–
Aunty Maile’s in Torrance. The portions here are massive, so share with a friend or prepare for leftovers. My favorite dish is the half Teriyaki Chicken and half Kalua Pork. All of their entries come with rice and mac salad to complete this excellent feast. https://auntymailes808.com/
Best Middle-Eastern–
Shamshiri Grill in Westwood. Located in the region referred to as ‘Persian Square’ or ‘Tehrangeles’ is the first Iranian restaurant in Los Angeles, Shamshiri Grill. This beautiful restaurant cooks up some of the most delicious traditional Persian food you can find in the Western Hemisphere. You don’t have to take my word for this, though, but I wouldn’t doubt the local customers. Just spend five minutes sitting at a table at Shamshiri Grill, and you may be more likely to hear Farsi instead of English – always a good sign! https://shamshiri.com/
Best American Diner–
Niko’s Pizzeria in San Pedro. Ah, Niko’s, another one of my ‘Happy Places’. Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t just a pizza joint. It’s a classic diner that serves both Mediterranean and American dishes. The Chicken Marsala (order it with garlic mashed potatoes instead of the pasta) and the Lamb Shank are both exceptional. If you’re dining with a group, get the Appetizer Platter; otherwise, go for the sautéed mushrooms. Niko’s does not make their desserts, but they are delivered daily from a nearby bakery. The chocolate cake is pure indulgence! https://www.nikospizzeria.com/menu
Excellent suggestions! Plus the photo of the pastries from the Little French Bakery in Redondo Beach reminds me of paintings done by Old Master artists.