Los Angeles is always a good idea. From the eternal glam of Hollywood to the always sunny in SoCal vibes, there’s a reason why “Go West” has been a credo of fame-and-fortune seekers since the 20th century.
Los Angeles is known for its high costs, but with a bit of creativity, you can enjoy good and affordable food in the city. During my two city trips, I gathered a list of spots ranging from classic diners to trendy food halls. And of course, some sweet treats (or rather, a sweet lunch with enormous portions).
1. Old-School Los Angeles at Norms
Location and Access
Norms is an institution in Los Angeles and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Norm Roybark was one of the first to open a diner that was open 24/7 in 1949. It was a success, and there are still more than twenty locations scattered across Southern California. We visited the Norms on La Cienega, the oldest diner still in operation, built in 1957.
Ambiance
The vibe at Norms is like stepping back in time to the old Los Angeles. You can tell it’s a stable spot for good family meals. Don’t expect a glamorous interior, but it’s functional. Most importantly, the food is delicious and very affordable. Main courses range from $10 to $15, including soup and salad. With such large portions, you can easily have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Breakfast Tip
It’s also reputed to be a great place for a classic American breakfast, such as waffles, pancakes, and bacon and eggs.
2. The Gumbo Pot, Farmers Market
Location and Access
After high-fiving Terry Crews on The Late Late Show with James Corden, we visited the nearby Farmers Market. We browsed around and drooled over all the delicious food offered. Eventually, we ended up at The Gumbo Pot. I have fond memories of gumbo, thanks to Room Eleven’s album Mmm… Gumbo? When the album came out (in 2008, time flies), I didn’t know what gumbo was, but now I know it’s a traditional American stew combining flavors from various cultures.
What We Tried
We opted for the Seafood Gumbo and, on the recommendation of the Gumbo guy, the Gumbo Ya Ya. It comes standard with corn bread (a delicious corn muffin) and a side dish (sweet potato salad and a green salad). We sat on the simple chairs among all the stalls and enjoyed our meal. For $22, we were all set for the evening. Quite reasonable, right?
3. Sari Sari in Grand Central Market
Location and Access
In Downtown Los Angeles, you’ll find a market hall with all kinds of tasty, affordable food: Grand Central Market. It’s a melting pot of the various cultures in LA, combining them in delicious culinary results. The same rule applies here as at the Farmers Market: let your nose and the popularity of the stalls guide you.
What We Tried
We ended up at Sari Sari, a Filipino concept. The food was very tasty and reasonably priced. There are several seating areas in the hall, or you can sit at the restaurant’s bar.
4. Iconic Donuts at Randy’s Donuts
Location and Access
This place is also famous from popular culture: the spot with a gigantic donut on the roof. That makes Randy’s Donuts almost an attraction in itself. It’s not surprising, then, that they actually sell—surprise!—donuts. You can order them either at a counter or through a drive-through. A drive-in for donuts—genius, right?
Are They Worth It?
The answer is short and simple: yes. The donuts are surprisingly cheap and really delicious. Big, creamy, and well-filled. They might seem like a snack, but they can easily serve as a lunch. Want to know more? Check out this article about Randy’s Donuts.
5. The Cheesecake Factory, Santa Monica Place
Location and Access
Do you know The Cheesecake Factory? It’s one of my favorite restaurant chains in the US. Based on the name, I always thought it was my paradise: a factory where only cheesecakes were made. However, it turned out to be a much broader concept: lots of delicious “normal” food and cheesecake for dessert.
Why We Love It
Due to both the amazing cheesecakes and the good food, I keep coming back. This time, quite by chance, we visited the one in Los Angeles. For our visit to Santa Monica, we parked at the Santa Monica Place mall. After a busy LA day, we returned to the car and decided impulsively to eat at The Cheesecake Factory (because it’s always good) and then catch a movie at the nearby Arclight cinema. Extra tip.
6. Funnel Cake on Santa Monica Pier
Location and Access
Funnel cake is a typical American dish (with European origins) that you mostly find at fairs and similar events. You can also get it at the “carnival” on Santa Monica Pier. It’s a great opportunity to try this fried dough treat.
What to Expect
It’s very similar to Dutch oliebol or churros, but in the form of lots of small strands. The flavor isn’t revolutionary or surprising, but it’s fun (and tasty) to try. Tip: make your funnel cake even more interesting with strawberries or a scoop of ice cream.
Another Delicious Food
Baroo
LA foodies will point to minimal and madcap Korean grain bowl restaurant Baroo, which opened in 2015 and closed in 2018, as the place that put the city on the foodie map. Baroo recently reopened to much fanfare in downtown LA’s Arts District. Chef Kwang Uh and his wife and partner, Mina Park, now present a sophisticated, six-course tasting menu for $110. Applying his Noma-honed techniques with Buddhist philosophy, Uh elevates Korean ingredients with virtue and virtuosity: seared Hokkaido scallop with minari and rice puffs; seaweed-battered fried skate ssam—all with a non-alcoholic kombucha pairing helmed by beverage director Jason Lee. Baroo is destination dining at its most creative so book your table reservation before your plane ticket.
Crossroads Kitchen
Leave it to Los Angeles to offer vegan fine dining with chef Tal Ronnen’s Crossroads Kitchen (now with locations in Calabasas and Las Vegas). The Mediterranean menu is entirely plant-based and imaginatively rendered: Their spaghetti carbonara is topped with a yolk-like tomato that looks like the real thing; Sicilian-style pizza oozes with melty coconut cheese. On weekends, the brunch menu features classics like chicken and waffles, breakfast sausage burritos and a bottomless mimosa. This is where you take your carnivore friends who balk at the idea of plant-based. Entice them further with the possibility of spotting an actual Hollywood vegan—Beyoncé, Joaquin Phoenix and Miley Cyrus are Crossroads fans.
Shirube
Even with address in hand, it’s easy to miss the unobtrusive Shirube (it may have to do with the glaring lights from the Chevron station just next door). The first US outpost of the Tokyo-based izakaya chain offers delicious small plates and drinks at reasonable prices for West LA. Can’t-miss items include crispy corn ribs slathered with a sweet-sticky shoyu glaze and Shirube’s signature mackerel, flame-seared at your table. There’s also very fresh sashimi and a wagyu steak for two as well as a convenience-store style (gas station-inspired?) slushie machine serving frozen yuzu mojitos. LA’s cult favorite vegan ice cream, Lavender and Truffles, makes an appearance on the dessert menu.
