what are the MUST EAT AT places in the LA area? (Los Angeles: home, nightlife)

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by DeanDavis

I can't believe Tito's Taco's isn't on the list.

Might be because you're the first one to post who likes the place. I'm not impressed with Tito's. I'd rather go to the little place on the corner, in between Johnnie's and Tito's.

Johnnie's = pretty good, but The Hat is better IMHO.

[disgruntled la native]

Oki Dog has the best deal. Go at your own risk. Particularly Fairfax.


I don't have too many suggestions to offer on my own despite having a huge amount of dining experience in LA. I agree the Comme Ca burger is good but I don't get why everyone keeps mentioning it. Several other restaurants have just a good $20 burger, for example, The Hungry Cat or any steakhouse worth its salt

Speaking of steakhouses, it seems Mastro's in Beverly Hills is the most popular in LA overall. It's a little pricy even by steakhouse standards but everyone loves it.

For cheaper burgers I think Astro Burger (Gower more than Santa Monica Blvd) is up there. People swear by Umami Burger but I don't get it, too overpriced and mediocre.

Cactus Tacos on Vine seems to be the most beloved taqueria by non Mexicans...

Carlito Gardel's has the best Argentinian food....

For upscale Italian any restaurant owned by a Drago brother or with the Drago name in it

If you're not interested in trudging through Macarthur park to get great pastrami, Fromins deli in santa monica has it nearly as good - and maybe the best chicken soup

If your buddget is unlimited, the best contemporary California cuisine is found at Josie's, Michael's and Melisse in Santa Monica..

[smokingGun]

small plates Japanese fusion is really hitting its stride right now. If you can afford $200+/person, snag a reservation at N-naka or Shunji, both in West LA/Palms. And i don't know where you're from but if you want to try authentic Chinese head on over to the SVG and order dim sum at Elite in Monterey Park or Shanghai dishes at Shanghai #1 Seafood. Lastly, if by some Xmas miracle you're able to get a reservation at LudoBites 1-week Pop-up (David Lefebvre's last) don't pass it up!

[Spikett]

Baracoa Cuban Cafe in Atwater Village is very good - better than Versailles, IMO. It's small, has a few outdoor tables. The Polla Al Horno is fantastic.

Baracoa Cuban Cafe

[Joe Van Fossen]

You can also do much more affordable Japanese Izakaya (tapas) all around LA. Furaibo in West LA and Honda Ya in Little Tokyo are good options.

I'll also second the Porto's mention from earlier. For good Chinese dumplings, try Din Tai Fung in Arcadia.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by Joe Van Fossen

You can also do much more affordable Japanese Izakaya (tapas) all around LA. Furaibo in West LA and Honda Ya in Little Tokyo are good options.

I'll also second the Porto's mention from earlier. For good Chinese dumplings, try Din Tai Fung in Arcadia.

Din Tai Fung is a bit tourisy and overpriced, but overall it's still good. You literally see people busting out DSLRs to take pictures of Din Tai Fung's dumplings--come on.

There's a cheaper and more modest place called Luscious Dumplings just 2 miles east in Monrovia.


Din Tai Fung - Arcadia, CA


Luscious Dumplings - Monrovia, CA


There's also a Luscious Dumplings in San Gabriel--much closer to Los Angeles.

Luscious Dumplings - San Gabriel, CA

[wall st kid]

Originally Posted by munchitup

Can't believe no one has suggested Langer's yet. Best pastrami sandwich in the world. Never had Canter's sandwiches but their bakery is excellent and pretty low-priced - I always get a marble rye. Also like the Kibitz Room for drinks and music - it's a dirty bar but its fun.

according to mason and ireland!

[Joe Van Fossen]

Originally Posted by genjy

Din Tai Fung is a bit tourisy and overpriced, but overall it's still good. You literally see people busting out DSLRs to take pictures of Din Tai Fung's dumplings--come on.

I see where you're coming from on this. I kind of feel this way about 85 degrees. Then again, I don't really think there's anything wrong with visiting touristy places when you're a tourist.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by Joe Van Fossen

I see where you're coming from on this. I kind of feel this way about 85 degrees. Then again, I don't really think there's anything wrong with visiting touristy places when you're a tourist.

Agreed. You can't go wrong with Din Tai Fung.

[HairMagician]

I truly enjoyed Roscoes Chicken and Waffles 9 years ago when I first visited but IChat it again last year and it seems they've been "all hype". Food was mediocre but you've got to do it once

Wokano downtown LA was amazing!

Enjoy your trip.