The Ultimate Food Guide to Los Angeles
I have lived in Los Angeles for more than 40 years, arriving as a college student and eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. During those four decades, I have explored the city extensively and have come to know its history, culture, and, most importantly, its extraordinary food scene. I consider myself something of a Los Angeles food expert, having eaten my way through neighborhoods across this vast metropolis.
Los Angeles is enormous, sprawling, and can be disorienting for first-time visitors. The City of Los Angeles itself has a population of about 4 million, but the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area—which includes numerous surrounding cities—has a combined population of more than 18 million people spread across over 33,000 square miles. It is, of course, impossible for a visitor to explore every corner of this vast region, so I have limited my recommendations to the core areas of Los Angeles. Even then, the city covers more than 4,800 square miles.
The metropolitan area is also home to numerous ethnic neighborhoods that offer some of the most authentic and diverse dining experiences in the country. Few cities in the world can match Los Angeles for the sheer variety of cuisines available. Food options span every budget, from humble street vendors and casual eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class fine dining establishments.
To make this guide easier to navigate, I have divided my recommendations into three parts:
Part 1: Cheap Ethnic Eats and Street Food
Part 2: Restaurants and Bars with the Best Views
Part 3: Fine Dining Guide
