LA: From Tacos to Tartlets: The Ultimate LA Foodie Bucket List

Los Angeles is a city where food dreams come to life — from iconic street food to Michelin-starred masterpieces, there’s a flavor for every craving. Whether you're a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, LA's culinary scene offers a never-ending feast of diverse, delicious dishes that are as exciting as the city itself. Ready to eat your way through the City of Angels? Here’s a roundup of the best dishes you absolutely need to try.

Tacos De Camaron — Mariscos Jalisco

If you’ve never had Tacos de Camaron at Mariscos Jalisco, you’re missing out on a crispy, golden masterpiece. These shrimp tacos are fried to perfection, with juicy shrimp tucked into a crunchy shell, topped with tangy salsa and a squeeze of lime. Plus, they’re served from a legendary taco truck in LA — what could be more authentic than that?

Pastrami on Rye — Langer’s Deli

For a true taste of LA history, sink your teeth into the iconic pastrami on rye at Langer’s Deli. The perfectly smoked pastrami is piled high on soft, chewy rye bread, and the mustard adds just the right zing. This sandwich has been a beloved institution since 1947 — and after one bite, you’ll understand why.

​​Avocado Toast — The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker 

No list of LA icons is complete without avocado toast. At The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker, they take this simple dish to the next level with creative toppings like truffle oil and poached eggs. It’s the perfect dish to start your day — or simply feel like a true Angeleno.

Beef French Dip — Philippe The Original

At Philippe The Original, the Beef French Dip sandwich is a juicy legend. Tender slices of roast beef are nestled in a freshly baked French roll that's been lovingly dipped in savory beef jus. Add a swipe of their signature spicy mustard, and you've got a taste of LA history in every bite.

Refugiado (Guava & Cheese Strudel) — Porto's Bakery

At Porto's Bakery, the Refugiado—a flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese and sweet guava jam—is a testament to the bakery's Cuban heritage. This delightful treat, affectionately named "Refugiado" ("refugee"), has become a beloved staple among patrons. Whether enjoyed fresh from the bakery or baked at home, it's a sweet journey worth taking.

The Sando — Howlin' Ray's

​At Howlin' Ray's, The Sando is a spicy masterpiece that has earned its legendary status in LA's culinary scene. A juicy, cayenne-crusted chicken breast sits comfortably between a buttery brioche bun, complemented by tangy pickles, peppery slaw, and their signature comeback sauce. With spice levels ranging from 'Country' (no heat) to 'Howlin'' (tear-inducing), there's a perfect heat for every palate. Pro tip: medium heat offers an ideal balance of flavor and spice.

Fish Tacos — Leo’s Tacos Truck 

LA’s streets are home to some of the best fish tacos in the game. Leo’s Tacos Truck serves up crispy, battered fish tacos with tangy salsa and a generous squeeze of lime. Simple, fresh, and utterly addictive — these tacos are a must-try!

Scoe’s #1 — Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles

At Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles, Scoe’s #1 is the ultimate sweet-and-savory power move. You get a golden waffle, a tender fried chicken breast, and a soft, buttery drumstick—all on one glorious plate. Drown that waffle in syrup, pair it with the crispy chicken, and suddenly your brunch just turned into a soul food celebration. It’s iconic, it’s indulgent, and it’s pure LA comfort.

Korean BBQ — Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong 

Ready to grill your own feast? Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is the ultimate spot for Korean BBQ, where you’re the chef and the taste tester. Sizzling marinated meats, crispy-edged, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, and a whole array of banchan sides make this a must-try LA experience. 

Beef Roll — 101 Noodle Express

At 101 Noodle Express, the Beef Roll is a legendary creation that has captivated LA food enthusiasts. This savory delight features tender slices of braised beef wrapped in a crispy, pan-fried scallion pancake, complemented by fresh cilantro and a sweet, hoisin-like bean sauce. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a must-try dish that embodies the essence of comfort food.

LA-Style Hot Dog — Pink’s Hot Dogs 

If you’ve never had a true LA-style hot dog, you’re missing out. Pink’s Hot Dogs serves up the ultimate dogs, piled high with chili, cheese, and all sorts of toppings. It’s the kind of indulgent snack that makes you feel like you’ve truly lived the LA experience.

Shaved Ice — Blockheads Shavery 

Cool down in style with a heaping bowl of shaved ice from Blockheads Shavery. This isn’t your average snow cone — their creations are fluffy, flavorful, and topped with everything from condensed milk to fruity toppings. It’s the perfect summer treat in sunny LA!

Whether you're a lifelong Angeleno or just visiting for the sunshine and stars, LA’s food scene is a feast for every craving. From fiery hot chicken sandwiches to sweet guava pastries, these iconic dishes don’t just taste amazing—they tell the story of a city bursting with flavor, culture, and culinary creativity. Head over to hellozeal.ai and book any of these restaurants in seconds! So grab your fork (or your hands), and start eating your way through LA—one unforgettable bite at a time.