My top 10 favorite places to eat in LA!
So I believe most people who know me know by now that LA is my home. Born and raised in the county with ties to several places within in the city. Long Beach in particular was the last place I lived before finding myself living in Atlanta, GA. During my most recent trip to California, I was inspired to create a list of my most favorite restaurants and eateries throughout the city. If you're a foodie like me and thinking of visiting LA (or it's surrounding areas) check out these awesome places for great food!
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10- Johnny Reb's True South is a home style restaurant with some amazing food. Their down south recipes and dishes have had me hooked since the first time I tried them. My favorite dish on the menu is the catfish shrimp and grits. Served with jalapeno hush puppies, a warm tangy gravy poured over the grits and a nice sized serving of blackened catfish on top. Whenever I visit the city of Long Beach, I definitely have to pay them a visit for breakfast. If you're in the area be sure to check them out!
Price range: $
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9- Greenfield Churrascaria also located in Long Beach is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse. If you enjoy meat as much as I do, this might be the place for you. With a buffet style selection of Brazilian cuisine, there are several options to chose from. But the best part of all and my personal favorite is how they serve their meats. They come to your table with an endless barrage of steaks, sausages, briskets, chicken plus more. They cut you some pretty generous pieces on your table and it doesn't stop until you flip your block over to red. I suggest going there for special occasions as the price is somewhat steep- but it is absolutely worth it! The drinks and desserts are also amazing. My favorite drink is called the Caipirinha (pronounced Cai-pur-in-ha.) If you enjoy Mojitos, you'll likely enjoy a freshly made Caipirinha.
Price range: $$$
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8- Noodle St. is a Chinese style restaurant located in Fullerton. It's a quaint little eatery that makes hand pulled noodles right in front of you before serving you a delicious helping of noodle soup. The best part of the noodle soups is the broth in which the noodles come served in. So warm and tasty that you can drink the broth from the bowl and have no shame about it. They have a few locations to choose from including one in Pasadena. If you're into Asian style foods and Chinese noodles, this place is a must try!
Price range: $
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7- Kim Su Seafood Restaurant is another staple of mine in Orange County. Located in West Minster, this Chinese restaurant is served Dim Sum style. The food is served in a series of small dishes prepared for breakfast or lunch. My favorite dishes are the shumai, pork dumplings and fried calamari. Whenever I go to dim sum I just can't get enough of the food. With so many options to choose from, you can't go wrong with sampling different things to find out what your favorite is!
Price range: $$$
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6- Milton's in Del Mar is one of those places I don't mind taking a drive to for a sandwich. Yes, I will drive to San Diego for a sandwich, that's how good this place is. It's a deli that serves hearty sandwiches, pies and other tasty sweets. My top sandwich is the Super Reuben, piled high with pastrami and corned beef, melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut- this sandwich is more than enough to hold you over for a few hours. Served warm and cut in half with a fresh kosher pickle and cole slaw, this place will have you coming back for years to come.
Price range: $$
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5- Louisiana Charlie's is a cajun style restaurant right on the water in Long Beach. Famous for their gumbo, jambalaya, po boy sandwiches and other Louisiana staples, this place stays on my "must visit" list whenever I go to LA. There are so many great dishes to choose from that I don't have a favorite. In fact, each time I've gone I tried something different. Everything is prepared right and tastes great. If you want a nice evening out or perhaps a romantic lunch date, this place offers unobstructed views of the light house and ocean in downtown Long Beach. Be sure to ask for a seat on the back patio- that's where you'll get the best views!
Price range: $$
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4- Risu in downtown Long Beach is a new find for me. It was introduced to me by a friend and I ended up going 2 nights in a row. It's the literal definition of a hidden gem and if you aren't paying attention, you won't find it. It's obscure location is between the Convention Center and Ocean Blvd on the top level of the bridge connected to some new condos. Yea, literally it is the most difficult place to find if you don't know what you're looking for. But that's what I loved most about it! It was hidden to allow maximum privacy, the location was beautifully arranged with what looks like a botanical garden. And at night time, the privacy wall of lights along the bridge light up in an array of different colors to really allow that ambient, peaceful setting. Heads up though, parking is a drag! I suggest parking in the Pike Place parking structure and walking over. It's about a 4-5 minute walk, but it's definitely worth it.
Fun find: be sure to try the peanut butter and jelly shot. Trust me when I say that it was the most unique drink I've ever had. The taste was spot on and it even came with a piece of grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a garnish. DELICIOUS!!
Price range: $$
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3- Captain Jack's is another great seafood restaurant in Orange County right on Sunset Beach. If you're looking for colossal sized King crab, monster lobster tails or just an amazing seafood scampi, this place is it hands down. I've honestly never seen bigger crab legs in my life! This place is a bit on the pricey side, so be sure that you're prepared to eat what you order. It's dimly lit and a very romantic scenery for someone special. Be sure to bring your appetite as the food is sure to fill you up.
Price range: $$$
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2- Porto's bakery & cafe is a Cuban style eatery with a few different locations throughout LA & Orange County. If Cuban food is your thing, look no further. Get your fill of authentic meat pies, potato balls and savory tamales. They also have empanadas, plantain chips and so much more to choose from. My favorite dish is the Ropa Vieja Plato. It's stewed beef served with black beans, rice and delicious plantains. The also make their famous Cuban sandwiches, desserts and lemonades. Porto's is a must try when you go to LA or OC.
Price range: $$
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1- La Paella in Los Angeles is an authentic Spanish restaurant known famously for the Paella. A dish with a base of rice and saffron, then topped with your choice of meats- chicken, seafood, chorizo or pork. Paella is one of my all time favorite dishes! It's a pretty expensive meal to prepare so I save it for special occasions and celebrations. This restaurant is upscale in attire and dining and they also serve tapas, fish, soups, salads and desserts, just take your pick.
Price range: $$$
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(Cover Image is from Long Beach Taco Co.)
If this post didn't spark your appetite or prompt you to try some new dishes, I don't know what will. I encourage you to get out and try some authentic cuisines from other cultures. Food is one of the many staples of life that we a can all relate to. Good food is a definite happy place for me.
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XOXO- Ashawna Lane