16 Must-Try Dishes in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has the most eclectic options for breakfast in the country. Or instead of narrowing the category to only breakfast, why not consider it a breakfast-all-day type deal? You can eat anything from buckwheat pancakes (vegan) to Japanese rice balls, from fresh market berries to cronuts (yes, all day gray cronuts!) Venice and Santa Monica is where you’ll see the biggest rewards for ditching the continental hotel breakfast and eating how the locals do. Your first stop is Cafe Gratitude. Located across the street from Moon Juice at 507 Rose Ave, Unit A Venice. The restaurant is a locally owned chain with 3 branches in LA and is fully organic and vegan certified. It gets very famous (or perhaps just Infamous) health conscious patrons such as Jason Mraz, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. Most of the dishes are quite healthy with buckwheat flaxseed pancakes that are wholesome and nutritious. And the matcha latte gives a nice green touch to the breakfast. There are lots of options to eat at Moon Juice including lots of nut milks, cold-pressed juices, and a range of snacks that really fit the California wellness. The green juice is a great mix and isn't too sweet, just how you would expect from sun-drenched fresh vegetables. 507 Rose Avenue is home to Flake, and they have created a casual breakfast counter that can be considered a local gem. Their menu consists of a variety of options such as acai bowls, cookies, sandwiches, and breakfast burrito. The breakfast burrito, however, is the star of the show. The combination of eggs, bacon, and avocado is simple yet satisfying. The local’s line to enter proves that the breakfast burrito is worth the wait. For a breakfast option that is more on the indulgent side, try Cerveteca at 523 Rose Avenue. Although chicken and waffles have roots in Southern soul food and are considered to be an American classic, the combination of the two should not be overlooked. The combination of crisp fried chicken and a large waffle is an unapologetically rich meal. The same address also serves some great fish tacos. The handmade corn tortillas and rich sauce are topped with an abundance of fish alongside shredded vegetables and pickled carrots. This taco is definitely worth ordering more than one. Gjusta, at 320 Sunset Avenue in Venice is an all-day bakery and deli that is located near a famous gym, Gold’s Gym. The bakery is known for its hand-made pastries and artisan breads, scones, croissants, and even bread pudding plus so much more. The spinach and gruyere scone is popular, so best to get that one early. To truly experience the quality of the bakery, order the plain butter croissant along with a latte. When it comes to exposing a mediocre bakery, nothing does a better job than an uncomplicated order. The Santa Monica Farmers Market is a great place to shop seasonally, especially because shopping for ingredients instead of a prepared meal is a great way to get to know the market. It runs all year round on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Arizona Avenue between Second and Fourth Streets. The market is more than a quick stop for produce, it has everything from fresh veggies and fruits to pasture-raised meat and poultry, cheese, nuts, honey, olive oil, and flowers. They also have milk, dried fruit, baked goods, and more!

Southern California's agricultural abundance is impossible to ignore at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Real Food Daily is located at 514 Santa Monica Boulevard. One example of a plant-based brunch is the acai bowl available only on the weekends. Acai bowls are quite popular among fitness-minded diners and for good reason. This bowl has a smooth, ice-cream-like texture and crunchy nuts, fresh fruits and dried goji berries that are carefully prepared. Healthy food does not need to be joyless, and this bowl understands that. Huckleberry Cafe is a Santa Monica breakfast favorite located at 1014 Wilshire Boulevard. It is a product of baking discipline. Restaurateurs Josh and Zoe operate five unique restaurants in Santa Monica, and Huckleberry is representative of Zoe’s precise standards regarding pastry and ingredients. For example, the blueberry cornmeal cake is known to sell out in the first two hours, and the warm, soft bread pudding is almost cloudlike. For something savory, there’s the green eggs and ham, which features a deliciously crispy English muffin made with California olive oil and pesto. Then it’s topped with a soft egg, prosciutto, and arugula. This dish is named after the Dr. Seuss book, which is a fun touch, but it’s also a dish that doesn’t take flavor lightly. Some meals, however, shoudn't pretend to be light. To leave calorie counting behind, you may consider h Father’s Office, 1018 Montana Avenue, in Santa Monica. The Office Burger is regarded as one of the finest in Los Angeles, and the recipe is simple enough: a juicy medium-rare burger, topped with pickles, lettuce, and deeply cooked caramelized onions. The whole thing is slathered in barbecue sauce and a thick, melted cheese layer. Pair it with one of over 55 craft beers and settle into their dark wood bar for an American comfort food experience. The Victory Golden Monkey beer goes especially well with the burger. Huckleberry's sister company is Sweet Rose Creamery at 826 Pico Boulevard. Like Huckleberry, Sweet Rose Creamery is also a handmade ice cream store with three Santa Monica locations. Sweet Rose Creamery's ice cream is best served in a waffle cone because it is soft and slightly chewy. It is popular for its soft and chewy ice cream but some other popular flavor options are Salted Caramel and Chocolate Mint. For those who want to enjoy coffee with no need to order a cup of coffee, Cafe Luxxe Coffee Ice Cream is the perfect option. Urth Caffe is located at 2327 Main St in Santa Monica. An oversized dessert or a relaxed lunch can be enjoyed at Urth Caffe, but the highlight is definitely the matcha latte. Baristas decorate the top of the matcha latte with animal latte art like pigs, cats, and swans. The cafe also has a long history with Hollywood celebs, and while it may be fun to spot some stars, the real draw is the high-quality drinks. Another option a few blocks away is Sunny Blue at 2728 Main Street. This is Southern California's first Japanese rice ball shop and has the cozy ambience of a cafe in Kyoto. It often has very long lines for this reason. Nutritious rice balls are filled with either mushroom or beef along with Nori, and sushi rice which is also covered in sesame seeds. These rice balls are perfect for eating lunch on the beach with a cup of Japanese green tea and are one of the most satisfying meals. If you're a coffee lover, don't skip over Intelligentsia located at 1331 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. This cafe expanded from Chicago, and has become a staple in one of the most fashion-forward areas of Los Angeles. Freshly roasted beans, careful brewing, and a vintage German roasting machine give the operation substance to the setting. A queue out the door is more than likely. Trust us, a properly prepared coffee is worth the wait. If you’re looking for pizza in Venice, one of the best spots is Abbot’s Pizza at 1407 Abbot Kinney Boulevard. They serve the opposite to Chicago’s deep-dish ideal: thin-crust, chewy, with nice crisp and browned edges. And for those who are gluten-free, they offer a gluten-free option as well. With a slice topped with a drizzle of olive oil, some fresh, ripe tomatoes, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a layer of mozzarella, you do not need anything else. It’s a welcomed change in a city that often overcomplicates food. And finally, DK's Donuts at 1614 Santa Monica Boulevard is an answer to every disciplined decision you've made during the day. This 24-hour shop has spent 34 years dedicated to donuts. They are known for their croissant-donut hybrids and waffle-donuts. Donuts will come in flavors such as original glazed, red velvet, and maple bacon (where bits of bacon are glazed over the donut). They also sell hot dogs, sandwiches, and coffee. DK's Donuts stands out as an all-hours refuge when almost all of Santa Monica has quieted down. A healthy food culture in Los Angeles embraces all contradictions. Eat green juice but also grab a chicken and waffle. Get something from the farmer's market but also get ice cream or a maple food cronuts. A good food day in LA is not about restriction, it's about variety, quality, and knowing when to go with the locals.