LA's dining scene is as diverse as its population, offering everything from celebrity chef restaurants to authentic ethnic eateries and food trucks. The city's culinary landscape reflects global influences and California's farm-to-table philosophy.
A historic downtown food hall operating since 1917, featuring over 30 vendors offering everything from tacos and Thai food to artisan coffee and gourmet pastries. Mix of traditional and trendy vendors creates a unique atmosphere. Perfect for sampling diverse cuisines in one location. Popular spots include Eggslut, Sarita's Pupuseria, and G&B Coffee. Open daily with varying vendor hours. Communal seating can get crowded during lunch. Great for food tours and Instagram photos. Located in the heart of downtown near Angels Flight Railway.
LA's Koreatown is the largest Korean community outside Korea, offering authentic Korean BBQ, late-night eateries, karaoke, and spas. Many restaurants operate 24 hours. Must-try experience for foodies. Korean BBQ restaurants let you grill meat at your table. Popular spots include Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, Quarters BBQ, and Park's BBQ. Also try Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, and soon tofu. Many establishments in Plaza shopping centers. Parking can be challenging; use parking lots. Great late-night dining destination.
A weekly outdoor food market on Sundays at ROW DTLA featuring 100+ vendors, artisans, and food makers. Sample everything from gourmet donuts to international street food. The market atmosphere is lively with live music and local brands. Family-friendly and dog-friendly. Cash and cards accepted at most vendors but bring cash for easier transactions. Parking in the ROW DTLA structure. Arrive hungry and plan to try multiple items. Open rain or shine with covered areas. Also operates at Paramount Studios lot on Thursdays.
Award-winning farmers markets operating four days a week with over 75 farmers selling fresh California produce, flowers, and artisan goods. The Wednesday downtown market (since 1981) is the largest and most popular. Perfect for experiencing local food culture and meeting farmers. Many top LA chefs shop here. Sample seasonal fruits and vegetables. Prepared food vendors offer breakfast and lunch options. Free cooking demonstrations on Wednesday. The Sunday Main Street market has a more neighborhood feel. Bring reusable bags.
Guided culinary walking tours exploring LA's diverse food scenes in neighborhoods like Downtown, Little Tokyo, Arts District, and more. Tours typically include 5-7 food tastings and cultural insights. Excellent way to discover hidden gems and learn neighborhood history. Tours last 2.5-3.5 hours and cover 1-2 miles of walking. Guides share insider knowledge about LA food culture. Book advance reservations. Popular companies include Melting Pot Food Tours and Six Taste. Vegetarian and dietary restriction options available on request.
Tips for Food & Dining
- Reservations: Book popular restaurants weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners
- Tipping: Standard 18-20% gratuity; some restaurants add automatic service charge for large parties
- Food Trucks: Follow favorite food trucks on social media for location updates
- Happy Hours: Many restaurants offer excellent happy hour deals (typically 3-6 PM)
- Dietary Restrictions: LA restaurants are very accommodating to vegan, vegetarian, and allergy needs