Los Angeles's Best Lunch Spots

Gjusta is an all-day bakery and deli in Venice known for its relaxed setting and fresh, high-quality offerings. The bustling patio and laid-back atmosphere make it a welcoming spot for breakfast or lunch. Locals appreciate the straightforward focus on good ingredients and a comfortable place to gather.

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Daniel Modlin

Food & Wine Editor

Still hits. Its been open for a while but the menu hasnt really changed. Great coffee, bagels, samdwiches, fish, etc. A surfer spot + a jewish deli, it doesnt get more LA than this.

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République is housed in a historic 1929 building once owned by Charlie Chaplin, giving the space unique character. It offers a casual bakery and café in front, plus a more formal dining area in the back, known for its housemade breads and pastries. In 2023, Chef Margarita Manzke earned a James Beard Award for her pastry work here, highlighting the restaurant’s dedication to quality.

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Phil Rosenthal

Host, Somebody Feed Phil

Maybe the best all-around restaurant in LA. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all unique and fantastic. This is where I take everyone. Maybe the best all-around restaurant in LA. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all unique and fantastic. And, all the incredible breads and pastries are made in-house.

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Sonoratown is a laid-back spot in Los Angeles where you’ll find bold Sonoran flavors. Fresh flour tortillas and charcoal-grilled meats take center stage, delivering deeply savory and satisfying meals. The casual setting and straightforward approach make it easy to enjoy a taste of regional cooking.

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Brian McGinn

Director and Producer

Amazing Sonoran specialties. Chivichangas, fresh flour tortillas.. Such amazing Sonoran specialties. Especially the chivichangas, the fresh flour tortillas made with imported Sonoran flour, and the burrito 2.0.

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Gjelina Take Away sits on Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard, sometimes called one of America’s coolest streets, and has a relaxed vibe with stylish decor. It’s a convenient spot for both breakfast and dinner, offering a range of creative menu options in a casual setting. The same team behind Gjusta runs it, keeping the atmosphere laid-back and inviting.

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David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

Even though it says Gjelina Take Away (or GTA), we will refer mainly to Gjelina. Gjelina is one of our favorite breakfast spots in Venice, probably only beaten by Gjusta (and they are the same owners anyway). We love the vibe of this place, the decoration, and the location in the middle of America's coolest street, Abbot Kinney Boulevard! Whenever we come for breakfast we always order their yogurt with granola and some fancy unique fruit (as mentioned with Gjusta, these guys manage to make of this almost boring dish something really exciting) and the soft scramble with smoked trout and mushrooms! The place is also great for dinner, offering wood-oven pizzas and many other creative dishes.

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Mariscos Jalisco is a well-loved taco truck in Los Angeles that people praise for its fresh seafood and memorable flavors. Diners often comment on how much taste comes out of such a casual setup. Its welcoming vibe and attention to quality keep both locals and visitors coming back.

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Omar Mamoon

Food Writer

Never not ordering off-menu at Mariscos Jalisco in East LA, like the pulpo topper on the shrimp tacos at one of my favourite LA taco destinations.

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Botanica Restaurant & Market is a relaxed spot in Los Angeles’s Silver Lake neighborhood, known for its fresh, California-style cooking. Their focus on local ingredients and simple preparation means the flavors really shine. There’s also a small market area, so you can bring some of their seasonal finds home.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Great Californian food reminds me of Italian and Greek food in that it lacks the complexity of French food but instead focuses on bringing out the simple features of a few ingredients. This simplicity is anything but easy, as a great Cacio e Pepe can show, and certainly requires access to fresh ingredients, something both Greece, Italy and California are blessed with. There are a couple of neighborhoods in LA that stand for this type of food. Santa Monica and Venice on the coast with places like Gjusta and Rustic Canyon and then more inland there is the Los Feliz and Silver Lake area with places like Kismet. Botanica, just south of the Silver Lake reservoir is one of the best examples of this type of LA Californian food. Simple but surprising and no matter which month of the year the ingredients taste like they just came fresh from the farm. Like the White Beets and Persimmon (salad or plate) was so simple but full of subtle flavors. The Seared Pointed Cabbage with the touch of Gouda. And then for the main the Striped Bass in probably the lightest coconut broth I have ever had and an edge from the charred radicchio and squash. While all these dishes were outstanding and made me think about when I could squeeze in another visit, the highlight of the dinner was the date desert. This was just perfection. Dates on a bed of fluffy tahini and olive oil and rosemary drizzled all over. It could have been a starter or a desert, but no matter which, it was amazing.

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Sqirl in Los Angeles is known for its consistently delicious food and wide variety of offerings, making it a reliable choice for a relaxed lunch. Visitors mention there’s something for everyone, and the welcoming setting adds to its appeal. It’s a spot that invites you to drop by and find your favorite option on any given day.

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Rosio Sanchez

Chef/Director

So delicious everytime, huge menu, something for everyone for a great lunch ✨

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Courage Bagels is a small spot in Los Angeles that has caught people’s attention for serving bagels some say could rival New York’s best. There can be a line, but fans insist it’s worth the wait for fresh, handmade quality. Recognized by the New York Times, this straightforward place keeps things simple and focused on what they do best.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

When the New York Times includes you in a story about the best bagels in the US, the bar is set high. Debating who has the best bagels with New Yorkers is like debating the best pizza with Napoletanos — meaning there are as many opinions as bagel places. Now add to this debate that a place outside of New York might have a decent bagel, and you enter the octagon for a death match. For the New York Times to come out and say that a bunch of bagel places out in Los Angeles (where the weather is always nice) could have bagels rivaling, if not topping, some of the best New York bagels, now that is outright blasphemy. But maybe, just maybe, the New York Times is correct. Courage Bagels on Virgil Ave (a street in-between East Hollywood and Silver Lake — or just a bit south of the Silver Lake Erewhon) is part of a set of newish Los Angeles bagel places which are not just hip but which are backing up the hype with bagels that make your mouth water. So, like with many things in LA, if it is good, there is a line … and there will be a line. From my experience, try to get there about 30 to 40 minutes after they open (they open at 7 am); that way, the first rush is gone. But there will still be a line. If it is a sunny and warm day, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen because there is little to no shade. What makes Courage Bagels so mind-altering is that they combine the best of bagels (and yes, the plain bagel can easily keep up with the best of New York — though think of them a bit more like Montreal bagels) with the best of West Coast ingredients (think freshest tomatoes). My recommendation is to pick simple — the cream cheese and tomato (when tomatoes are in season, there couldn’t be anything better), the hand-sliced smoked salmon (which has a bit of olive oil drizzled over it and makes all the difference), and then the divine Run it Through the Garden with cucumbers. Each of these celebrates both the bagel as well as the freshest and most delicious ingredients. My last recommendation: Courage offers halves, so ordering two different halves to make it one full makes for an amazing breakfast — one half smoked salmon and one half run it through the garden, and you will be in heaven.

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Hangari Kalguksu is a welcoming, family-owned Korean spot in Los Angeles. They cut their noodles fresh each day and let their broths simmer for hours, giving every meal a comforting homemade feel. It’s a relaxed place where you can enjoy authentic flavors in a cozy, laid-back setting.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice

One delicious eat in Koreatown is Hangari Kalguksu. They specialize in Kal-guk-su (hand cut noodle soup). Kalguksu is the most perfect comfortfood - hearty, steaming bowls filled with a rich noodle soup that are flavored with garlic and onions and thickened with potatoes and must include Manila clams. Each order comes of course with traditional sides of radish and cabbage kimchi. Really tasty and damn, those hand cut noodles!!

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Howlin’ Ray’s Hot Chicken in Chinatown is known for its Nashville-style heat and a laid-back atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome. Many fans consider it among the best fried chicken in Los Angeles, with a focus on bringing people together over good food. It’s a friendly spot that draws locals and visitors alike for a satisfying meal without the fuss.

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Phil Rosenthal

Host, Somebody Feed Phil

Howlin’ Ray's in LA's Chinatown - may be the best fried chicken of any kind ever. Howlin’ Ray's in Chinatown in Los Angeles started the current glut of Nashville style “Hot” chicken sandwiches, and Howlin’ is the best. May be the best fried chicken of any kind ever.

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Holbox is a welcoming, family-run spot tucked inside Mercado la Paloma in Los Angeles. They focus on fish-forward Mexican cooking and create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s a comfortable place to enjoy a satisfying meal without any fuss.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Casual but among the best restaurants in LA with ceviche at the highest level. The beauty of LA is that the ugliness and roughness of the vastness of this megalopolis creates ample opportunities for little gems to blossom. Holbox is such a place that is tucked away inside a market / food hall (more specifically the Mercado La Paloma), which itself is nearly under the always busy 110 highway on one side and a middle school and some smaller factories on the other. At the same time Holbox is also the story of a family from Mexico making the US their home and sharing their love for Mexican food. These days the Mercado seems to have been built around Holbox but the opposite is the truth and you can sample dishes from Holbox’s fish focused menu and add items from other stalls. Or, on Thursdays and Fridays you can have the eight course chef’s menu at the bar seats. And the experience is exceptional. Before I talk about the food let me just say that chef Gilberto Cetina and his whole crew is amazing. If there wasn’t the hustle and bustle from the market behind you, the atmosphere is like you are sitting in his kitchen and being part of his family. Ok so the food, and maybe I should say THE FOOD. It is incredible. In a way ceviche has been the mezcal of the 2020s. Just like in the 2010s every place added a mezcal bar, the last couple of years seem to have seen an increase in places that focus on Mexican ceviche. And I love this trend. While the ceviche dishes at Holbox are among the very best I have had (like the Ceviche de Erizo con Corvina) Holbox is more than ceviche and more than raw fish (even though I would make sure to order the Tostada de Atun and the Aguachile de Camaron. Like with the ceviche the presentation is just gorgeous . If you are looking for a warm dish, the Langosta la Mojo de Ajo is amazing. Each dish makes the fish shine and it feels like the fish just came out of the water, it’s fresh and full of flavor. All the praise Holbox received in the last 12 months (including being named best restaurant for 2023 by the LA Times) are more than deserved. I can’t wait to come back. If there was one criticism it is that the eight course menu is a lot of food. I think six courses would have been all I needed and the price of the eight course dinner would still be extremely generous for a six course menu.

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Petit Trois is a cozy French spot in Los Angeles that’s often recognized as one of the city’s standout places to eat. It has a relaxed, welcoming vibe where people can enjoy a taste of refined yet approachable French cooking in a casual setting.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Come here for the French onion soup and their legendary burger. On some lists it is rated number 1 in Los Angeles. It’s a French restaurant so don’t expect an American style burger. See photos. It’s incredible!

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L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a relaxed spot in Hollywood that blends old-school Neapolitan roots with a modern Californian vibe. It has an airy layout, cozy fireplaces, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels ideal for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. The open, inviting space makes it easy to enjoy a taste of Italy right in Los Angeles.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Might just be LA’s best pizza. On the one side knowing a great pizza place in a city is important (pizza can fill all kinds of needs — from quick snack, to comfort food, to a fun time with friends, even to a romantic dinner). At the same time, I think there is little as contentious as a pizza place — I think it’s rare for even two foodies to agree on the best pizza joint in a city. So let me start by saying that for me a great pizza is an Italian style pizza, not the cheese and gluten monstrosities they serve in Chicago (if this last sentence offended you, no need to read further 🙂). Thin crust, crispiness on the edges of the crust, a little burn, nice acidity in the sauce, and overall simplicity, that is what I am looking for in a great pizza. LA might not be a traditional pizza country, with the more famous slices being those strange creations at places like Spago that add salmon and caviar. Nice but way too over the top for me (at least when it comes to pizza.) L’Antica is a special place, on the other hand, a place where I have driven from Santa Monica because I wanted some pizza. It is traditional, old school Neapolitan style pizza, served in a side street of touristy Hollywood, in a place that is modern Californian (with lots of open space) yet cozy and romantic with its several fireplaces. I usually have a Marinara and a salad or pasta on the side. The tomato sauce on the marinara is divine, mouthwatering. I won’t go into the whole connection between this LA restaurant and its Neapolitanian namesake (think more franchise than the second restaurant), but the pizza will transport you to Italy.

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Sun Nong Dan is a cozy Korean spot in Los Angeles’ Koreatown that’s known for its comforting, spicy flavors. The restaurant has been praised by well-known chefs and visitors alike for its hearty dishes. With a straightforward menu and welcoming vibe, it’s an inviting place for anyone craving a warm meal in the neighborhood.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice

When you are looking for spicy comfort food in Koreatown - head directly to Sun Nong Dan for their Galbi-Jjim! We love Korean cuisine, and when we realised that Dave Chang’s favourite restaurant in LA, Sun Nong Dan, was just two blocks away from our hotel (The Line), we had to go there. Another simple Korean eatery, with many delicious dishes on their menu. We went Galbi-Jjim, a sweet spicy beef stew served in a heavy stone pot nearly the size of one third of the table. A steamy mountain of meat and vegetables rising out of a red lagoon of broth.. and it surely didn’t disappoint!

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Han Bat Sul Lung Tang in Los Angeles is a laid-back spot known for its authentic Korean soup and friendly service. Its consistently satisfying flavors and quick attention have made it a go-to place for locals and visitors alike. With an inclusive staff and relaxed atmosphere, it’s an inviting place to enjoy a comforting meal.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice

Lunch or dinner, this casual local joint serves a delicious authentic Korean oxtail soup in K-town LA! You go here for mainly one dish, their traditional Korean oxtail soup with various add-ins. The extremely deep broth cames as it is, unseasoned with just the pure flavours of the meaty bones. On the table, you have salt, chilli paste and scallions along with some Korean traditional side dishes - Kimchi. Really great local spot for those who are looking for an authentic eat!

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Located right across from the famous Venice Beach sign, Great White has become a local favorite thanks to its fresh and flavorful menu. There are plenty of options to suit different tastes, but it never feels like a tourist trap. Its relaxed vibe makes it a welcoming spot any time of day.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Just across the street from the famous Venice Beach sign that leads you to the beach and skatepark this place could have easily become a tourist trap. But this is quite clearly big with locals and that is because of the food. The menu can feel a bit like Cheesecake Factory considering how many items there are but what I had was outstanding. Fresh and flavorful. The ceviche was definitely my favorite. And the fried chicken sandwich was extremely good, not greasy at all with the kale slaw balancing the fried chicken perfectly.

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Hail Mary Pizza in Los Angeles is a laid-back spot that draws people in with its focus on local, organic ingredients and friendly vibe. The staff is warm and welcoming, making it a favorite gathering place in the neighborhood. Even if the menu changes, their commitment to quality stays the same.

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Brian McGinn

Director and Producer

Great pizzas with organic local ingredients, amazing brunch and bread (maybe best in LA). My local. I eat here more than almost anywhere. Great pizzas with organic local ingredients, amazing brunch and bread (maybe best in LA), the best people, and a good vibe. Salads are all awesome, pancakes too. Love this place and these folks. UPDATE: sold to new ownership.

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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is a Japanese ramen chain located in a supermarket food court in Los Angeles. Diners line up to pay and then wait for their number to be called, making it a straightforward, casual experience that many find worth the wait.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice

The white tonkotsu (pork bone) soup served with a small, pickled plum in a round bowl at @ramensantoukausmawa is worth traveling for. This is a Japanese ramen chain located in the food court of a Japanese supermarket in Los Angeles. The process is simple, you line up with your cash ready (cash only), then choose from shio (salt), soy, miso or spicy miso ramen. Move on to place your order and then just wait for them to call your number over the loudspeaker. We tried the Hokkaido-style shio (salt) ramen which is a bit lighter than other bowls of tonkotsu that we have tried over the years - and damn this was a comforting bowl!! 🤤👏🏻

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Birrieria Nochistlan is often considered one of the original birrierias in America. Located in Los Angeles, it has long drawn locals and visitors for its authentic feel. Anyone looking to enjoy a piece of culinary tradition can appreciate its inviting atmosphere.

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Randy Moon

Restaurant Owner

One of the original birrerias in America (I believe), the menu is goat either with bones or without bones, served with tortillas, salsa, and chopped cilantro and onion. The ultimate LA breakfast!

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Bacetti is a relaxed Italian spot in Echo Park with a cool interior and friendly service. They specialize in natural Italian wines, creating an easygoing atmosphere for enjoying a meal. Prices feel reasonable for the quality, making it a welcoming place to spend an evening in Los Angeles.

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David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

Italian restaurant with natural wines in Echo Park. This was our favorite Italian restaurant of this last trip to Los Angeles. First of all, the whole vibe and the interior is super cool here, and service as in most places in LA, is very very good. The wines are pretty much only Italian and all of them natural or low intervention. Now, focusing on the food, we had the following: * Strozzapreti cacio e pepe. * Blistered sunchoke, labneh, dates & sunflower seeds. * Focaccia Ebraica & honey butter. * Campanelle with portobello, shimeji, oyster mushrooms, thyme & ricotta salata. * Caramelized nut tart with rosemary, salt & pecorino. Also, a part from this, but not pictured (as we came back on a different occasion without a camera) we tried the pizzas. All of the dishes were very nice, but the favorite was definitely the focaccia. The pasta also had a great texture and nice flavor. Overall one of the better restaurants we’ve been to this last trip and also fairly priced for what it is in our opinion.

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