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Generations of immigrants from around the world have come to Los Angeles from overseas and throughout the Americas to pursue their dreams. L.A. is truly a global metropolis because of its rich diversity. Locals and visitors alike can experience a virtual United Nations of cuisines without ever leaving the City of Angels. Leave your passport at home and start your culinary journey around the world in 21 Los Angeles dishes.
The Chinese American community in Los Angeles dates to the 1850s, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the Downtown L.A. neighborhood that once held Little Italy officially became known as Chinatown. Now, eight decades later, Chinatown is experiencing a revival. Restaurants like Eastside Market Italian Deli, Nick’s Café, Philippe the Original, Phoenix Inn and Sam Woo are still going strong. Discover 17 top picks from an increasingly diverse crop.
The burrito, a beloved Mexican food item featuring a flour tortilla and a range of fillings, has origins in northern Mexico, with most people pointing toward the border town of Ciudad Juárez. Now, some of the most famous burritos are rooted in California. For instance, Mission burritos in San Francisco can be massive, and in San Diego the California burrito is known to contain French fries. In Los Angeles, we’re not bound by any particular traditions, so you’ll find a far larger variety, including many Asian fillings. L.A.’s most famous burrito may belong to Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac Café in Boyle Heights, which holds the distinction of serving burritos the size of small schnauzers. However, you’ll probably enjoy these 10 standout burritos even more.
In Japan, yakitori refers to bite-sized chicken meat or offal, strung on bamboo sticks and cooked over charcoal until beautiful crisp grill marks appear. In the states, that term has expanded to describe restaurants that serve grilled Japanese skewers. Also known as izakaya restaurants, meals at these places are fast, casual affairs that are usually paired with a sizeable glass of beer. Charcoal is the preferred cooking method because the ash radiates infrared rays to help seal in the flavor. Typically, the skewer is then dressed with salt or basted with yuzu or a sweet soy sauce. When it comes to yakitori, it’s all about the flavor. Here are 10 great yakitori restaurants in Los Angeles.
The restaurant scene is growing faster than ever here in Los Angeles and although 2015 is just getting under way, it seems like a big opening is happening every week. This year will see many familiar faces, some with their mind on expansion and others just catching a second wind with something new to reflect the ever-changing public taste. We’ll also witness the excitement of veteran chefs, both local and from out of town, that are opening restaurants for the very first time. Let’s start the year off with these delicious new restaurants - some aren’t open yet, but they’re sure to be popular so you’d better call those reservations in now.
Los Angeles has been synonymous with the healthy Southern California lifestyle for generations. L.A. chefs have been at the forefront of the farm-to-table and plant-based culinary movements, featuring menus with locally sourced and organic ingredients. From fast casual vegan to California cuisine in a fine dining setting, here are some of L.A.’s best restaurants for healthy dining.
The croissant, an elegant pastry with Parisian and Viennese roots, classically comes in a crescent shape. However, as the pastry has proliferated throughout the world, the shape, fillings and toppings have diverged from its origins. From classic to avant garde, learn about 11 of the best croissants in Los Angeles.
By Daniel Djang and Stacey Sun
Los Angeles has one of the most exciting and influential dining scenes in the country. Contemporary L.A. chefs are creating globally inspired dishes that are already considered modern classics. For generations, many dishes that were created in L.A. have become culinary icons, featured on menus across the country and around the world. Here are classic L.A. dishes that have stood the test of time.
By Daniel Djang and Stacey Sun
For generations, Los Angeles chefs have created classic dishes like the chopped salad, French Dip and tuna tartare. L.A. chefs continue to be in the vanguard of the national culinary scene. Read on for the next generation of iconic dishes that are ready to take their place in the L.A. food pantheon.
Grand Central Market (GCM) has been a Downtown L.A. staple since 1917. A few years back, the owners started gathering a new generation of food and drink vendors, and it wasn’t long before the market started earning national acclaim, including a collective appearance on Bon Appetit’s 2014 list of America’s Best New Restaurants. Grand Central Market recently celebrated 100 years with their strongest line-up ever. Yes, GCM institutions like China Café, Roast To Go, Sarita’s Pupuseria, and Tacos Tumbras A Tomas are still going strong, but here’s a chance to discover 18 of the best new food and drink options.
