The Best Street Food Spots in Los Angeles

With a menu that hasn't changed much over time, Gjusta offers a variety of food items, including great coffee, bagels, sandwiches, and fish. It's a popular spot for breakfast, known for its sunny patio and high-quality produce. Some of the standout dishes include the Salmon Bagel, Pastrami Reuben sandwich, and the Smoked Brisket Banh Mi, all of which are highly recommended by visitors.

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Daniel Modlin

Food & Wine Editor – Austin, TX

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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This place, known as American Beauty, is a neighborhood steakhouse that specializes in wood-grilled steaks, seafood, and inventive vegetable dishes. They take a craftsman's approach to cocktails and have a wine list with over 200 selections from around the globe. The double cheese smash burger, grilled over almond wood, stands out for its extra-caramelized crust, drawing comparisons to a favorite burger from Stockholm.

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Nicole Jacobsen

Co-Founder TheFoodOffice – Stockholm, Sweden

The Window at American Beauty on Rose Ave serves a mind-blowing double cheese smash burger for a bargain! Let’s not lie, we tried a “few” burgers during our time in LA and this is probably one of the best burgers we had. It reminded us of our favourite​ burger in Stockholm (Funky Chicken Food Truck), that also has the extra-caramelized crust on the meat that makes these beauties stand out!

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Specializing in Mexican seafood dishes, Mariscos Jalisco is a long-standing establishment that prides itself on its fried shrimp tacos. The menu includes a variety of offerings, from breakfast burritos to seafood soups and appetizers like asada fries. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is open daily, making it a convenient spot for any meal.

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Omar Mamoon

Food Writer – San Francisco, USA

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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Known for its exceptional Mexican cuisine, Playita Mariscos specializes in various fish dishes, including Aguachile and Ceviche. The menu, though small, is focused and offers a fresh selection of Ceviches, Campechanas, Tostadas, and Tacos. The restaurant, located on Sunset Blvd, provides a cozy atmosphere with a couple of outside benches, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy flavorful food in a casual setting.

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Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer – Washington/Los Angeles, USA

Mexican food at its best … outstanding mariscos There is a plethora of Mexican restaurants in LA, and even an abundance of really good Mexican food, but there are a handful of standout places (from the high end to the food truck). And when it comes to mariscos -- various fish dishes -- Playita Mariscos in Silver Lake is one of those in the top tier. At the southern tip of Silver Lake, on Sunset Blvd, this is a small place, with a couple of outside benches, but the food is outstanding. The Aguachile is really good with big meaty shrimp, though it is also certainly not skimping on the chili -- might be a bit spicy for some. If that is the case I would have the ceviche (ideally the mixed one) and probably both of the tacos (shrimp and fish). You will get amazing food, full of flavors

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Known for its authentic Thai street food, Radna Silom is a must-visit for noodle lovers. Their rad na thin noodles come highly recommended, especially if you're lucky enough to visit when the mom is on the wok. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they have successfully adapted by opening a streetside stand with seating, ensuring a unique dining experience.

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Randy Moon

Restaurant Owner – Los Angeles, USA

Thai street food, try the rad na noodles During the pandemic, they opened a streetside stand with seating. If I go it's usually right around closing time (midnight) for the rad na thin noodles. If the mom is on the wok then I might get a couple extra dishes too!

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Sonoratown is known for its Sonoran specialties, particularly the chivichangas and fresh flour tortillas made with imported Sonoran flour. The burrito 2.0 is another standout dish that is often recommended. The restaurant provides a taste of San Luis Rio Colorado in a welcoming environment.

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Brian McGinn

Director and Producer – Los Angeles, USA

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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