Dining in Los Angeles

With its huge multi-ethnic community, Los Angeles is a veritable melting pot of culinary culture. Whatever food from whatever part of the world you are in the mood for, this town has it. Although the well known restaurants tend to attract all the attention, it is worth exploring the small neighborhood eateries which sometimes provide the most rewarding dining experiences. The list below names a few restaurants which are popular, interesting and survive on good reputations. Booking is necessary for popular restaurants, especially on the weekend. Most kitchens close around 10pm, apart from a few, so get out there early and get munching!

The Hump
Best sushi on the Westside! The Hump is located strangely above the runway at Santa Monica airport and serves traditional Japanese cuisine with ultra-fresh raw fish and amazing sake. Great place to watch the sunset. The price reflects the quality.
Address: 3221 Donald Douglas Loop Airport Avenue
Phone: +1 (0)310 313-0977

The Little Door
Difficult to find and even more difficult to get a table, this gorgeously romantic hideaway serves delicate dishes to classy clientele. Reservations are definitely recommended.
Address: 8164 W.Third Street
Phone: +1 (0)323 9511210

Bombay Café
The best Indian food on the Westside, Bombay Café is an earthy spot with a modern take on Indian cuisine for the Californian appetite. Friendly staff guides the inexperienced diner through a seductive menu. Full bar, serving a great gin gimlet. Good value.
Address: 12021 W Pico Boulevard
Phone: +1 (0)310 4733388

Hal's
Famous for its french fries, Hal's serves all-American fare in a chilled out atmosphere. Full bar with superb wine selection and inventive cocktails. Live jazz on Sunday nights and rotating art exhibitions.
Address: 1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Phone: +1 (0)310 3963105

Sushi Roku
The fabulously seductive interior designed by Dodd Mitchell, combined with first rate sushi and a large selection of sake, make this hip venue worth a visit.
Address: 33 Miller Alley, 91103 Colorado Blvd
Phone: +1 (0)626 683-3000

Soul Folks Cafe
Off the beaten track, this spacious artsy haven serves the best soul food outside New Orleans to thumping dance music amid vibrant art work. Keeps things moving till well into the night and attracts quite a crowd at weekends. Don't be put off by the slightly seedy location.
Address: 613 Imperial Street, 7th Street
Phone: +1 (0)213 6878535

Original Pantry Café
The Original Pantry Café hasn't closed its doors since it opened 75 years ago! Every type of character can be found at the formica counter digging into its no nonsense fare. Great spot for some post-dancing breakfast. Open 24 hours.
Address: 877 S Figueroa St
Phone: +1 (0)213 972 9279

Gumbo Pot
First rate Cajun/Creole food at very small prices is to be found in the midst of the Farmer's Market. Hip, family friendly and just yummy.
Address: 333 W. Third Street
Phone: +1 (0)323 9330358

Restaurant at the Standard Hotel
This swanky hotel diner serves modern American fare to beautiful people, Hollywood style. Open 24 hours, it is a good spot for some pre-dancing fuel or post-dancing refreshment.
Address: 8300 Sunset Blvd
Phone: +1 (0)323 6509090

Musso and Frank Grill
This famed spot is Hollywood's oldest restaurant. Proper old fashioned food is served in dimly lit private booths, and the cocktails are first rate. The menu is a la carte with a great selection of side dishes.
Address: 6667 Hollywood Blvd
Phone: +1 (0)323 4677788

Electric Lotus
The Electric Lotus serves authentic North Indian dishes in atmospheric saffron-colored surroundings to trendy Los Feliz folk. What gives this spot its edge are the weekend DJs playing Indian inspired ambient sounds and the relatively late hours.
Address: 4656 Franklin Ave
Phone: +1 (0)323 9530040