It’s no secret that Los Angeles, California, is a food capital of the world. The collision of people and cultures across our city marinates into our food, and produces some of the best cuisines around the world. L.A. did just dominate North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list after all.
From Mexican and Thai, cheap eats or Korean classics, and Italian to Soul Food, here’s where the Secret Los Angeles is eating this summer.
Vesti
Vesti, the delicious Los Angeles-based sandwich maker, is bringing its longest pop-up ever to Maydan Market in West Adams. On June 1, 2026, Vesti reopened its booth at the Maydan Market – and has brought back its all-you-can-eat Eating Menu .For $70 per seat, guests can experience a “zero rules” tasting menu at the whim of Chefs Gertler and Lyons. With 8 seats per seating at 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm, from Tuesday through Saturday, guests are encouraged to eat as many on- and off-menu courses as they would like within their seating period. Each seating is an hour and a half, with a 15-minute grace period.
Qué Bárbaro
Qué Bárbaro just launched a tasty new menu in Downtown Los Angeles!
Meat lovers rejoice! Way up on Level 8, on top of the Moxy hotel, is the South American live-fire concept that isn’t afraid of flavor. Chef Ray Garcia, a proud Angeleno who previously launched Broken Spanish and BS Taqueria in 2015, opened Qué Bárbaro in 2023. The format of the new menu, launched in June 2026, is designed to feel familial and abundant, an ode to Argentine social life.
BCD Tofu House
ROSÉ, Grammy-nominated musician and member of the groundbreaking K-pop group BLACKPINK, has revealed her go-to Korean restaurant in Los Angeles.
Located in L.A.’s iconic Koreatown neighborhood, BCD Tofu House is an L.A. institution that’s been around for nearly three decades.
After immigrating to the U.S., Hee Sook Lee opened the first restaurant in 1996 and named it after the Korean district Bukchang Dong, where she first got her start in the food industry.
BCD now has over 11 branches across Los Angeles and is a staple across the city. The two K-town locations consistently boast long lines and delicious food – so it’s certainly worth the wait.
Sandough
If a pizza and a sandwich had a baby, it would be Sandough. The viral sandwich shop on Melrose was once a pastrami place, and still incorporates techniques into its menu. The pastrami and brisket are smoked in-house, and the delicious dough is made fresh every day.
Onigiri Time
Oningiri Time might be the best onigiri in the city. From blue crab to teriyaki chicken, people line up down the block to taste this chef’s fresh onigiri creations and his family’s tasty sauce.
Bad Roman
From NYC to L.A., this beloved Italian spot has touched down in Beverly Hills. The second location opened on May 26, to high demand. Its maximalist design is certainly eye-catching but the food is on a tier of its own – from seafood towers with Maine lobster and oysters to caviar gnocchi and even the delicious garlic bread. And don’t get us started on the top-notch drinks. It’s certainly worth the splurge.
Fixins Soul Kitchen
Juliano Valdi, the young star of the new Michael film, named this soul food kitchen in DTLA as one of his favorite stops around the city. If you’re looking for some Southern-styled mac and cheese, fried okra, or chicken and waffles, add this to your list.
Tail O’ The Pup
L.A.’s most unusual buildings weren’t just built to stand out — they were designed to grab the attention of drivers passing by 🚗
From giant hot dogs to giant donuts, novelty architecture became a huge part of L.A.’s roadside history, and today some of these iconic structures are still standing (and serving customers).
Kang’s Kuisine
From cooking meals in his kitchen to becoming a viral sensation, Kang’s Kuisine is gearing up for a brick-and-mortar with pop-ups around the city. The signature dish is a galbi jjim breakfast burrito – inside the grilled tortilla, Kang layers slow-cooked, shredded Korean braised short rib over thick blocks of folded egg, baked tater tots, and cheese.
Thai Rodeo BBQ
Thai meets Texas barbecue at this weekly night market staple. DS Night Market cofounder Oak runs Thai Rodeo BBQ, a fusion of flavors and cooking styles that makes one of the most unique dishes you can find in Los Angeles – and you’ve got to try the Jaew sauce.
Madeo
Yellowstone actor Ian Bohen named this 40-year-old Italian restaurant the “best place to eat in Los Angeles.” His go-to order is the Penne Madeo with meatballs. “Simple,” he says. “Every time, I don’t even look at the menu. It’s great.” Other highlights include ravioli, soups, filet mignon, spaghetti with lobster or sea bass roe.
Villa’s Tacos
Highlighted during Bad Bunny’s iconic Super Bowl performance earlier this year, L.A.’s own Villa’s Tacos quickly became one of the city’s most iconic taco spots. Owner Victor Villa recommends the same order he’d give to Benito himself, the “Villa’s Trio, which has a little bit of this, a little bit of that: three quesotacos: one asada, one chorizo papa, one ranchera asada. No más dime dónde, cuándo, y ahí llego.”
Udatsu Sushi
From Tokyo and Hong Kong and now to Los Angeles, Udatsu Sushi has brought its Michelin-starred omakase experience to California. Tucked away on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, sit back and relax while the chef selects a delectable sushi experience with menu items like steamed sea bream with cherry blossoms, cherry salmon, and so much more.
Dal Rae’s
Colman Domingo’s favorite Los Angeles area restaurant is a classic one. Dal Rae‘s, he says, is “one of the best steakhouses I think in the country,” just twelve minutes south of downtown L.A. “I used to go there all the time,” said Domingo. “Go get some good food. Great steak.”
Beloved menu items include their famous pepper steak flown in from Chicago, Ahi Sashimi on Toast, Chilean Sea Bass Alla Ben, sautéed Santa Barbara abalone, and their many cuts and flavors of beef.
Pad Thai on Beverly
Despite its lowkey brick-and-mortar location in West Hollywood, this is a must-try for Thai and Vietnamese food lovers in the area at a reasonable price point.
Saltie Girl
Saltie Girl’s twist on seafood is quickly becoming an L.A. favorite. Their fried lobster & waffle with spicy maple is a must-try for any brunch lovers, but the oyster bar, a Deep Dish Corn Pancake, caviar-topped “Eggs & Eggs,” a full mimosa bar, and their signature seafood towers are standouts as well. And this summer, their unique collaboration with Tabasco hot sauce will surely be a favorite for spice lovers.
Gol Tong Chicken
Gol Tong chicken’s signature style is one of a kind! From a film director to a restaurant owner, Kil Chae brings his flair to a delicious plate of fried chicken. You’ve got to try the Director’s Cut.
Pollo A La Brasa
This Los Angeles chicken shop doesn’t need social media to be one of the most popular spots in Koreatown. Their slow-cooked Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is a must-try – you’ll see why the line is always out the door.
Pizza Go
This pizza spot might be Koreatown’s best-kept secret. The simple window produces pizzas with unique flavors, Asian inspired toppings, and crispy chicken wings.
Zzamong
There are few spots around Los Angeles where you can still get a meal for under $7 – and this is one of them. A staple in Koreatown, Zzamong offers an off-menu black bean noodle dish that is a favorite among locals.
