A visit to La La Land, Tinsel Town, or whatever the tourists like to call it, should be more about driving in traffic and taking picture of the Hollywood sign. A city this size is bound to have many fantastic dining options. Once you are done looking for the street where Tom Cruise used to live, you will want to fuel up on something you just can’t get back in your hometown. Lucky enough for you, Los Angeles has it all. They have such diversity in their offerings, and it is often tough to pick a favorite with all that variety. I have done my best to do just that. Read on to learn more about what to eat when you visit Los Angeles.
Anyone who wants to tell me that the best macarons come directly from France may want to prepare for a fight. Bottega Louie has the best macarons on planet Earth. They come in too many flavors to count and are just the perfect amount of fluffy, crispy, and sweet. Though you can’t go wrong with a good old vanilla one, I suggest trying their strawberry, birthday cake, or espresso macaron offerings. They even ship nationwide which means they are perfect to send as a gift. Anyone who receives a gift of these boldly colored bits of sweetness is sure to become your new best friend. For everyone who remembers Bottega Louie for their old location, they are closed for now but there is a new location opened in Los Angeles.
What I recommend: all the macarons and some of their brunch toasts
Location: 8936 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90069
We all have heard of Porto's and how famous their pastries are. But is it a must try? YES. When it comes to countries that are South of our border, we here in the states are wild about our Mexican food. However, I have always felt that Cuban food does not get its due. Whether you visit Porto’s for a guava and cheese strudel or a chicken empanada, you will soon become a huge fan of Cuban food as well. If you have a special occasion coming up, order their amazing mango mousse cheesecake. But if you want some of their classics, get their cheese rolls (savory and sweet perfection), meat pies (stuffed with delicious meats), and potato balls. These are the classics and still my favorites. If you do not have a trip to LA in your future, they even ship nationwide.
What I recommend: Everything I mentioned but don't sleep on their empanadas
Location: 315 N Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203
Enough about pastries, lets move on to one of the best noodle spots around. Noodles can be a great equalizer. Whether you are an adult or a little one, the odds are high that you are fan of noodles. They are the ultimate in comfort food as they are usually bathing in an incredible broth. When I visit Daikokuya Little Tokyo, I order their spicy miso ramen. It is made with their pork broth and topped with an egg. They even have vegan options, so bring your vegetarian friends along for the fun. When you visit, be sure to ask them to recommend the perfect sake to go along with your noodles.
What I recommend: Spicy miso ramen
Location: 327 E 1st St Los Angeles, CA 90012
I hope that your next trip to Los Angeles is more about dining out and less about catching a glimpse of your favorite movie star. Though touring the homes of the stars can be fun, nothing beats sitting down to a fantastic meal with the people you love. The above spots are great places to do just that, and I can promise that you will not be disappointed.