LA foodies have it good. When it comes to delicious and unique dining options, Los Angeles really does have everything, which can make it hard for travelers coming to LA and not sure where to start their foodie journey. On the other hand, maybe you already live in Los Angeles and just came back from an awesome vacation and find yourself craving something you had while abroad. And with that said, this article is for you!
Right before the new year, I got Covid so during my quarantine, I ended up watching every episode of Chef’s Table on Netflix which really inspired me to start writing and posting more about food. Food brings people together, memories are created over a shared dish, it makes you yearn for a place you’ve been to or just simply makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. So much of my travels and socializing revolves around food so I feel that I owe it to my readers (and my future self) to share some of the best places I’ve had the pleasure of eating at and what better way to start than with the amazing food that’s right in my backyard of Los Angeles.
Sticky Rice in Grand Central Market
While you might come to Sticky Rice thinking that you’re going to have a bowl of mango sticky rice, the last couple of times I visited, they didn’t have any! On the contrary, you should try the khao Soi, a bowl of perfect chicken curry soup with flat noodles. O M G. This recommendation doesn’t come lightly as Ary and I have been in search of the perfect khao soi in LA because driving to Santa Barbara for a bowl just wasn’t cutting it (shout out to the Empty Bowl.) Of all the khao Soi’s we’ve ordered in various Thai restaurants, in Los Angeles, this is it. The perfect hint of spiciness, green curry, tender chicken, delicious noodles and perfect crispy nested noodles. My lord. It is bomb, but please do not take my word for it.
There are three Sticky Rice locations and I have to be honest, I previously have had it at one of their other locations without realizing I had been there before and didn’t love it so I insist on trying the Khao Soi at their Grand Central Market location. Yes, consistency is key and I’ve ordered it from the Grand Central Market location on multiple occasions and each time was more perfect than the time before that.
Location: Sticky Rice is located in the Grand Central Market: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Ka’Teen in Hollywood
Ka’Teen is a fairly new restaurant and I was excited to try this place out with my friends a week after their opening and a few weeks after Ary and I had our wedding in the Yucatan! The food and drinks here are inspired by the Yucatan Peninsula with Chef Wes Avila at the helm. From the decor, music and to the food, this place transports you to Tulum the moment you walk in. If you love Mexican food and seafood, it’s the perfect gastronomical experience. A work of art.
What we ate and what I recommend: tuna aguachile, kanpachi crudo, potato taquitos, cochinita pibil (a must have), and taco fritos.
To drink: Gypsy Fever which is stirred up with Illegal mezcal, passion fruit, guava, lime, agave, bitters, fire water.
Location: Ka’Teen is located in the heart of Hollywood, but don’t let that deter you from having an amazing foodie experience. 6516 Selma Ave. Los Angeles, Ca 90028
Amboy in Chinatown
What’s more synonymous with LA summers than a bomb ass burger and for that, I recommend checking out Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers or just simply Amboy by Chef Alvin Cailan (Owner of Eggslut). Amboy is located in an unassuming plaza in Chinatown but don’t let that fool you. The burgers found in this hidden gem are highly coveted – the simplicity of their grilled to perfection and no-fuss burgers bring out the high-quality of the meats. Burger toppings are traditional with an ever-so-subtle hint of elevation, but for anyone looking for a burger with some extra flavor, the menu has options for you too. Most of the burger patties are smashed, juicy and crispy around the edges so you get two but there are also thicker patties available.
What I ordered and what I recommend: The Classic Double – 2 AMBOY blended burger patties, caramelized onions, American cheese, burger pickles and burger sasa~uce in between a toasted sesame seed bun from Bread Bar LA.
What Ary ordered and what he recommends: The Royale – Thick (200g) AMBOY burger patty, red onions, American cheese, red relish, mustard Mayo, shredded lettuce in toasted squishy bun.
— and of course, a side of fries.
Location: Amboy is located in the Far East Plaza in Chinatown with plenty of street parking. Also keep in mind that there is some seating outside but it’s not an indoor restaurant. 727 N Broadway Ste 117 Los Angeles, CA 90042
Cha Cha Cha in the Arts District
Cha Cha Cha is the PERFECT rooftop restaurant on a PERFECTLY sunny day or a warm Southern California night when you’re in the mood for Mexican food and cocktails. And yes, I do have an obsession with Mexican food so you can’t blame me for having two Mexican restaurants as serious recommendations. The food here ranges from coastal recipes to hearty dishes and they are all so amazing.
Every bite tastes extremely fresh, filled with flavors you wouldn’t be expecting. The cocktail menu has a full range of tequila and mezcal drinks, but if that’s not your style, then they can definitely whip something up for you. Ary actually went to Cha Cha Cha in Mexico City location last month and they had fried crickets on the menu (which he ordered and tried!!!), to my knowledge you can’t find that delicacy at the Los Angeles location.
What we ordered and what I recommend: Aguachile, tostada terraza, tacos asada and the pollo, guacamole (it’s amazing), and ceviche de Betabel to start. For mezcal drinks, I had and recommend both the Oaxacan Zombie and the Flor de Jamaica.
Location: Cha Cha Cha started in Mexico City and as soon as the new location opened up in the Art’s District in Downtown LA, I made sure to get us a reservation the week they opened. It was awesome to see the progression of the restaurant up to the point they opened while following them on Instagram. Being there, you feel like you’re in a hip spot in Mexico, no lie. 812 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Reservations are a must: (213) 548-8487
Rockin’ Cajun in Carson
Rockin’ Cajun isn’t necessarily a foodie spot, however, it’s also bomb and quite frankly if you love crab and shrimp feasts, you should try this spot. Similar to Joe’s Crab Shack or the Boiling Crab where you get a bucket of crab legs, shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes and corn, and honestly, not that much of a difference, but I consider Rockin’ Cajun as my favorite because of their creole seasoning with the perfect level of spiciness and garlic.
What I ordered and what I recommend: Depending on whether you want more crab or more shrimp or more mussels, you have different options to choose from on the menu, but I recommend ordering the 4lb seafood bucket which comes with: 4 LBS of Seafood – snow or king crab, shrimp, crawfish, clams, mussels to share.
Location: Rockin’ Cajun is located near CSU Dominguez Hills in a small plaza. It’s super casual and there is plenty of parking. Take a stroll through Ikea after to digest a bit! 940 East Dominguez St. Suite C Carson, CA 90746
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