June is a key month for Anthony Bourdain fans, as it marks both his birth on the 25th and his passing on the 8th.
While the world will forever mourn his authenticity and insight into the culinary world and the beauty he found in overlooked (not so) hidden gems, we can still uphold his legacy by supporting and enjoying some of his L.A. favorites.
“To understand L.A. culture is to bear witness to these many historical threads and, along the way, enjoy some exceptional food and entertainment,” Bourdain wrote in his Perfect Day segment of his show, Unknown Parts.
While it’s no secret he loved In-N-Out burgers, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants across L.A. that Bourdain loved and frequented.
1. chi SPACCA
In an interview with Thrillist, Bourdain referred to Nancy Silverton’s incredible Italian restaurant as an “amazing” place which he thoroughly enjoyed. As a self-described “Italian steakhouse on steroids,” it’s obvious which plates demand to be ordered here but don’t overlook the heavenly seafood.
đź“Ť Location: 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
2. Randy’s Donuts
“I’m susceptible to crafty and subtle advertising promotional gimmicks,” Anthony ironically said during the 17th episode of A Cook’s Tour… Besides seeing this place countless times in movies, Bourdain had the pleasure to visit it and try its iconic and sweet creations. One glazed, one raspberry-filled, and one with sprinkles, that’s what he ordered and that’s also what we recommend!
đź“Ť Location: 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301 (main)
3. Chili John’s
This retro diner’s history stems back to 1900 when a Lithuanian immigrant John Isaac started serving up high-quality southwestern chili at a bar in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Its overwhelming popularity gave rise to Chili John’s in L.A. 1946, where you can still tuck into beans and rice loaded with high-quality. Pull up at the u-shaped bar and get your chili “as you like it.”
đź“Ť Location: 2018 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506
4. Night + Market
For Thai with a twist Night + Market is an absolute must. You really can’t match an experience at the James Beard Award-winning establishment. A world-famous fried chicken sandwich paired with top-notch wines in a perfectly garish setting. What more could you really want? You have the Venice, WeHo or Silver Lake outpost to choose from. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a good time and good food.
đź“Ť Locations:
- 9043 Sunset Blvd West, West Hollywood, CA 90069
- 3322 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
- 2533 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
5. Park’s BBQ
Anyone who has been to Park’s knows that this is a la carte meat heaven! L.A. has no shortage of fine Korean BBQ spots and this might just be the best. With pages and pages of options, your best bet is to go for the platters with a curated selection of their offerings. You’ll be treated to a procession of delicious dishes and you’ll somehow always find room for all of it.
đź“Ť Location: 955 S Vermont Ave G, Los Angeles, CA 90006
6. Trejo’s Tacos
The restaurant chain by legendary L.A. actor Danny Trejo was featured in Bourdain’s In Parts Unknown. He dined at Trejo’s Cantina in Hollywood and feasted on Grilled Chicken, Charred Branzino and Crispy Pork Tacos. While these might not be the best tacos in town, they manage to create a healthy, locally sourced take on Mexican street food staples without losing flavor. Also, it’s Machete, guys!
đź“Ť Locations:
- 1048 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019
- 316 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- 6333 W 3rd St Stall 322, Los Angeles, CA 90036
- 1556 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
7. Gish Bac
Gish Bac brings the flavors of Tlacolula de Matamoros in Oaxaca, Mexico, to local shores. It’s the holy grail of authentic comida Oaxaqueño in L.A. with its family recipes resulting in life-changing culinary experiences, in a relaxed atmosphere at modest prices. You absolutely have to try the thick mole negro made with 30 ingredients and the Barbacoa de Chivo with meat that literally melts off the bone. Drooling yet?
đź“Ť Location: 4163 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
8. Cielito Lindo
This iconic spot is located in the historic Olvera Street which is also known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles”, where you can find the oldest house in L.A. Today, these old, winding streets make up a vibrant Mexican marketplace with “Old Los Angeles” filled with authentic vendors offering everything from food to handmade souvenirs. Cielito Lindo is one such place and it serves up taquitos drenched in their famous avocado sauce.
đź“Ť Location: 23 Olvera St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
9. Pink’s
The legendary chili cheese dog, the bacon dog, and the fajita dog. That was Anthony’s order when visiting L.A. back in 2002 while shooting his show, A Cook’s Tour. He tried the iconic Pink’s in “the quest for the perfect hot dog”. After trying the delicious “dishes” here, his vision of more eclectic hot dogs, changed for good, in his own words.
đź“Ť Location: 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
10. Philippe’s
In the 2007 episode of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain explores Philippe’s, a century-old establishment famed for inventing the French dip. Demonstrating his culinary expertise, he of course chooses renowned French Dipped Sandwich, but selecting lamb as his choice of meat. Naturally, he completes his meal with a refreshing beer.
đź“Ť Location: Philippe The Original, 1001 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
11. Tail O’ the Pup
Tony’s inaugural trip to Los Angeles set the stage for his future love affair with “street meats,” particularly sausages and hot dogs! At Tail O’ the Pup, a venerable hot dog stand in operation for over 60 years, he savored what he deemed the “ultimate West Coast hot dog experience”: a chili cheese dog adorned with tomatoes. This iconic spot is not only renowned for its culinary delights but also makes for a great outing with your furry companion.
12. In-N-Out
“It’s the only fast-food chain I like”, Bourdein said back in 2015 in a very public video anyone can see online. It was his initial destination on his culinary journey in L.A. and a very popular choice both for visitors and Californians alike.
In-N-Out burgers, known for affordable and tasty post-flight sustenance. There, he indulges in a “double-double animal style” (a double cheeseburger featuring the restaurant’s distinctive sauce) paired with a chocolate shake, the ideal preparation for city exploration.
Edited by Sofia Delpueche and Sophie Len