Los Angeles food & drink guide: 10 things to try in Los Angeles, California

It seems that in California, almost any problem can be solved with a combination of avocados, yoga, and dogs. After all, food, health, and happiness go hand in hand in the Golden State. Here's your ultimate guide to the best bites LA has to offer.

Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its incredible food scene. From trendy rooftop restaurants to humble taco trucks, LA offers a culinary adventure unlike any other city in the world.

1. The Classic In-N-Out Burger

No trip to LA is complete without experiencing the legendary In-N-Out Burger. Order off the "secret menu" for the full local experience – try the "Animal Style" burger with grilled onions, extra spread, and mustard-cooked patty. The fries are cut fresh from whole potatoes right before your eyes.

2. Tacos Al Pastor from a Street Vendor

LA has the best Mexican food outside of Mexico, period. Head to any neighborhood with a significant Latino population (hint: that's most of them) and look for the trompo – the vertical rotisserie where marinated pork spins alongside a pineapple. Order your tacos with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.

3. Korean BBQ in Koreatown

Koreatown (K-Town) is home to more Koreans than any area outside of Korea itself. The all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spots here are legendary – you'll grill your own meat at the table while enjoying unlimited banchan (side dishes). Pro tip: Go late at night for the most authentic experience.

"Food is the universal language that brings people together, and nowhere is that more true than in Los Angeles."

– Anthony Bourdain

4. Fresh Seafood at the Santa Monica Pier

While the pier itself is touristy, venture a few blocks inland to find incredible seafood spots. The fish tacos at Tacos Punta Cabras are worth the trip alone. For something fancier, book a table at Cassia for their whole grilled fish with Vietnamese flavors.

5. Avocado Toast Done Right

Yes, it's become a cliché, but California literally invented this trend and they still do it best. Sqirl in Silver Lake serves perhaps the most famous version – thick slices of brioche toast topped with creamy avocado, preserved lemon, and a shower of seeds and microgreens.

6. Ramen in Little Tokyo

LA's ramen scene rivals Tokyo's, and Little Tokyo is ground zero. Daikokuya has lines around the block for good reason – their rich tonkotsu broth simmers for days. For something lighter, try Tsujita's tsukemen (dipping noodles).

7. Farm-to-Table Brunch

LA pioneered the farm-to-table movement, and weekend brunch is when it shines brightest. Gjusta in Venice transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Their brisket hash with poached eggs is legendary, and the bakery case will tempt you into ordering way too much.

8. Persian Cuisine in Westwood

Tehrangeles, as locals call it, is home to the largest Persian population outside of Iran. The kebabs at Shamshiri are perfectly charred, served with heaping mounds of saffron rice and grilled tomatoes. Don't skip the tahdig – the crispy rice bottom that's fought over at every Persian table.

9. Dim Sum in the San Gabriel Valley

The SGV is arguably the best place for Chinese food in the entire United States. Din Tai Fung may have started in Taiwan, but their Arcadia location delivers soup dumplings as good as the original. For a more old-school experience, try the cart service at Atlantic Seafood.

10. A Slice of Pizza History

While LA isn't known for pizza like New York, it has its own style worth trying. Prince Street Pizza brought their famous pepperoni squares from NYC, while Pizzana serves Neapolitan-style pies that would make Naples proud. For something uniquely LA, try the potato-topped pizza at Gjelina.