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17 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Los Angeles

17 LA Restaurants Perfect for Discerning Parents Dining Out With Picky Kids

17 Essential Late-Night Restaurants in Los Angeles

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A wide angle of a classic Googie diner Pann’s in Los Angeles.
Inside Pann’s diner in Los Angeles.
Wonho Frank Lee

20 Classic Los Angeles Greasy Spoons Every Angeleno Should Try

Breakfast classics, patty melts, pork chops, and more

by Eater Staff Updated
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Inside Pann’s diner in Los Angeles.
| Wonho Frank Lee
by Eater Staff Updated

Diners are a beloved and familiar figure in American life. Every city is filled with restaurants that help start the day by serving short stacks of pancakes or hearty egg combination platters that include hash browns. And while lunchtime dishes include patty melts, Cobb salads, or salty pastrami, these dishes hit just right during late night hours, too. Los Angeles diners go beyond the traditional with Cantonese breakfasts, chilaquiles, or noodles from a longtime favorite in Thai Town. Below is a handful of options spread throughout the Southland, sorted from north to south.

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Lancers Family Restaurant

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This pastel-toned Burbank diner staple continues to turn out some of the Valley’s best breakfasts for generations of families. Opt for a cozy booth, or squeeze into a counter seat for even faster service.

697 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 843-3433
(818) 843-3433

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Nat's Early Bite Coffee Shop

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This Valley staple comes with a hearty side of Mexican breakfast classics, from chorizo and eggs to more inventive scrambles, and lunchtime fare like burgers and meatloaf sandwiches.

14115 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
(818) 781-3040
(818) 781-3040

Mel's Drive-In

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With multiple locations in LA, from Sherman Oaks to Hollywood and West Hollywood to Santa Monica, this enduring ‘50s-style diner serves dishes from morning to late night for hungry students and night owls in need of a hefty meal at an affordable price. Perhaps the vintage look of the restaurants is more appealing than the actual food, but that’s totally acceptable.

14846 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 990-6357
(818) 990-6357
Neon-lit Mel’s Drive-In in Sherman Oaks at night.
Mels Drive-In, Sherman Oaks.
avilon_music

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Russell's

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Pasadena coffee shop staple Russell’s is closing in on 100 years of serving pancakes, eggs, and bacon to waiting customers north of Colorado. Expect long weekend lines for this one.

30 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 578-1404
(626) 578-1404
A tilted photo of diner breakfast with eggs and hashbrowns.
A classic breakfast at Russell’s
Russell’s

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Cindy's

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When approaching Eagle Rock’s Cindy’s, it’s not uncommon to see a production crew shooting a film or TV show. But more often than not, Cindy’s is open throughout the morning and daytime hours to serve traditional pancakes, omelets, and a mean brisket hash.

1500 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 257-7375
(323) 257-7375
Various plates of lunch and breakfast food at Cindy’s in Eagle Rock, California.
Cindy’s.
Farley Elliott

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Clark Street Diner

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From the ashes of the 101 Coffee Shop comes Clark Street Diner, where retro cool is still very much in fashion. Expect the same basic layout and look, but with a retooled menu and more responsibly-sourced ingredients. Try the breakfast sandwich, served on crusty sliced bread instead of a bun.

6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 450-9149
(323) 450-9149

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Tam's Noodle House

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This bustling strip mall gem is a dimly lit Hong Kong-style diner with affordable kaya toast, pineapple buns with butter, Hong Kong milk tea, curry with fried fish balls, and morning congee specials starting at 8 a.m. Tam’s Noodle House also has the entire pantheon of great Cantonese dishes later in the day, making this the perfect expression of a modern LA diner.

120 N San Gabriel Blvd #J, San Gabriel, CA 91775
(626) 782-7666
(626) 782-7666

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Sapp Coffee Shop

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Sapp Coffee Shop might not be a traditional American greasy spoon, but the vibe inside and the comforting food absolutely work. That’s because Sapp opens at 8 a.m., serving fried egg-topped fried rice or soulful noodle soups, like the famous boat noodle soup that Anthony Bourdain popularized in the late aughts.

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-1035
(323) 665-1035
Sapp Coffee Shop’s noodles in a white bowl.
Dry jade noodles with crab, duck, and pork from Sapp Coffee Shop.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Norm's Restaurant

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The Googie architecture at the Norm’s on La Cienega was deemed a city treasure and saved from demolition a few years ago. For a good time, just grab a stool at the counter and dig into an affordable platter of steak and eggs.

470 N LA Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
(323) 655-0167
(323) 655-0167
The Googie architecture of a Norm’s diner sign.
Norm’s on La Cienega.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

Du-Pars

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Whether dining in the mornings or well into the night, almost every table orders the pancakes that remain fluffy despite being drenched in clarified butter. It’s hard to go wrong with the chicken pot pie and classic meatloaf. And don’t forget to take a whole pie home.

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-8446
(323) 933-8446

Also featured in:

Nick's Cafe

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Placed on the side of the road like a dusty highway diner, Nick’s Cafe continues to serve reliable breakfast fare and one of the city’s best ham steaks and eggs plates. Like any proper diner, the menu is much bigger than one could possibly decide from within a few minutes, but with handy parking and easy access from across the Eastside, Nick’s Cafe remains one of LA’s most beloved greasy spoons.

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 222-1450
(323) 222-1450
Nick’s Cafe building in Los Angeles.
Nick’s Cafe.
Photo: current events/Eater LA Flickr Pool

Also featured in:

Olympic Cafe

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A Koreatown classic known for its fantastic pancakes, Olympic Cafe is part neighborhood staple and part hipster hole-in-the-wall. Diners can congregate en masse without spending a fortune.

3728 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 731-5405
(323) 731-5405

The Original Pantry

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While it’s no longer true that the Pantry never closes, this corner restaurant does still attract a decent daytime clientele comprised of office workers, tourists, and longtime local fans. These days hours are relegated to mornings and lunchtime only, Wednesday to Sunday.

877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 972-9279
(213) 972-9279
The Original Pantry restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles.
The Original Pantry.
Matthew Kang

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Rae's Restaurant

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Santa Monica’s enduring roadside diner could be the most picturesque place in the city to dig into a plate of fried bacon, eggs, and fried country potatoes. The beautiful turquoise paint, formica countertops, and friendly service just complete the diner feel. Just remember it’s cash only, like it’s still the 1950s.

2901 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 828-7937
(310) 828-7937

Also featured in:

Delicious Food Corner

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The fare at Delicious Food Corner might not follow the classic American diner mold. That’s because it feels plucked right out of a busy Hong Kong side street. Think congee, rice rolls covered in soy sauce, and warm pineapple buns stuffed with soft butter. This is diner fare, Cantonese-style, with numerous locations across the San Gabriel Valley. Just ask for Hong Kong coffee (with milk and tea) and a plate of eggs with pork chops to complete the experience.

20955 Golden Springs Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91789
(909) 788-1238
(909) 788-1238
Delicious Food Corner dishes overhead.
Delicious Food Corner.
Cathy Chaplin

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Ronnie's Diner

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Del Ray stalwart Ronnie’s Diner is the type of place whose static energy is part of its charm. It serves incredible renditions of diner classics: think pillowy cinnamon roll pancakes (regular and gluten-free available) topped with a swirl of vanilla icing; sweet maple turkey sausage with still-yolky over-medium eggs and crispy-craggy home fries; and a chorizo breakfast bowl with sliced avocado, potatoes, eggs, and salsa.

12740 Culver Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 578-9399
(310) 578-9399
A full plate at Ronnie’s Diner on a wooden table.
Ronnie’s Diner eggs, sausage, and home fries.
Nicole Adlman

Pann's Restaurant & Coffee Shop

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A must-stop on the way to LAX, Pann’s is a study in Googie diner architecture. Though it’s no longer open in the evenings, sitting down to a thick mug of black coffee and a plate of eggs is still a highlight.

6710 LA Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(323) 776-3770
(323) 776-3770
The entrance to Pann’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop in Los Angeles.
Pann’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

The Serving Spoon

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This timeless strip mall diner tucked away in Inglewood is a true local icon, a place where regulars can come for eggs, waffles, French toast, and fried chicken. Owners Angela and J.C. Johnson took over from Angela’s father back in 2004, but the Serving Spoon, which has been operating since 1983, continues to weather the changes in the neighborhood by leaning on old-fashioned customer service and charm.

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 412-3927
(310) 412-3927
A platter of fried fish from Serving Spoon in Inglewood, California on a wooden table.
Fried catfish at the Serving Spoon.
Cathy Chaplin

Also featured in:

The Kettle

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Manhattan Beach’s enduring 24/7 diner the Kettle has managed to draw South Bay night owls and early birds with a homey country-style interior and reliable, heaping plates of comfort food. Think fried chicken, mac & cheese, fresh-from-the-oven muffins, and juicy braised pot roast dip sandwiches.

1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-8511
(310) 545-8511
Inside the Kettle cafe in Manhattan Beach, California.
The Kettle.
Matthew Kang/Eater LA

Also featured in:

Pacific Diner

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From omelets and enchiladas to patty melts, salads, and club sandwiches, this rustic diner just blocks from the water is perfect for a weekend getaway.

3821 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 831-5334
(310) 831-5334
A vertical image of a burnished omelette with guacamole on top.
The Acapulco omelette.
Pacific Diner

Also featured in:

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Lancers Family Restaurant

697 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502

This pastel-toned Burbank diner staple continues to turn out some of the Valley’s best breakfasts for generations of families. Opt for a cozy booth, or squeeze into a counter seat for even faster service.

697 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 843-3433
(818) 843-3433

Nat's Early Bite Coffee Shop

14115 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

This Valley staple comes with a hearty side of Mexican breakfast classics, from chorizo and eggs to more inventive scrambles, and lunchtime fare like burgers and meatloaf sandwiches.

14115 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
(818) 781-3040
(818) 781-3040

Mel's Drive-In

14846 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

With multiple locations in LA, from Sherman Oaks to Hollywood and West Hollywood to Santa Monica, this enduring ‘50s-style diner serves dishes from morning to late night for hungry students and night owls in need of a hefty meal at an affordable price. Perhaps the vintage look of the restaurants is more appealing than the actual food, but that’s totally acceptable.

14846 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 990-6357
(818) 990-6357
Neon-lit Mel’s Drive-In in Sherman Oaks at night.
Mels Drive-In, Sherman Oaks.
avilon_music

Russell's

30 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

Pasadena coffee shop staple Russell’s is closing in on 100 years of serving pancakes, eggs, and bacon to waiting customers north of Colorado. Expect long weekend lines for this one.

30 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 578-1404
(626) 578-1404
A tilted photo of diner breakfast with eggs and hashbrowns.
A classic breakfast at Russell’s
Russell’s

Cindy's

1500 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

When approaching Eagle Rock’s Cindy’s, it’s not uncommon to see a production crew shooting a film or TV show. But more often than not, Cindy’s is open throughout the morning and daytime hours to serve traditional pancakes, omelets, and a mean brisket hash.

1500 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 257-7375
(323) 257-7375
Various plates of lunch and breakfast food at Cindy’s in Eagle Rock, California.
Cindy’s.
Farley Elliott

Clark Street Diner

6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

From the ashes of the 101 Coffee Shop comes Clark Street Diner, where retro cool is still very much in fashion. Expect the same basic layout and look, but with a retooled menu and more responsibly-sourced ingredients. Try the breakfast sandwich, served on crusty sliced bread instead of a bun.

6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 450-9149
(323) 450-9149

Tam's Noodle House

120 N San Gabriel Blvd #J, San Gabriel, CA 91775

This bustling strip mall gem is a dimly lit Hong Kong-style diner with affordable kaya toast, pineapple buns with butter, Hong Kong milk tea, curry with fried fish balls, and morning congee specials starting at 8 a.m. Tam’s Noodle House also has the entire pantheon of great Cantonese dishes later in the day, making this the perfect expression of a modern LA diner.

120 N San Gabriel Blvd #J, San Gabriel, CA 91775
(626) 782-7666
(626) 782-7666

Sapp Coffee Shop

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Sapp Coffee Shop might not be a traditional American greasy spoon, but the vibe inside and the comforting food absolutely work. That’s because Sapp opens at 8 a.m., serving fried egg-topped fried rice or soulful noodle soups, like the famous boat noodle soup that Anthony Bourdain popularized in the late aughts.

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-1035
(323) 665-1035
Sapp Coffee Shop’s noodles in a white bowl.
Dry jade noodles with crab, duck, and pork from Sapp Coffee Shop.
Matthew Kang

Norm's Restaurant

470 N LA Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

The Googie architecture at the Norm’s on La Cienega was deemed a city treasure and saved from demolition a few years ago. For a good time, just grab a stool at the counter and dig into an affordable platter of steak and eggs.

470 N LA Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
(323) 655-0167
(323) 655-0167
The Googie architecture of a Norm’s diner sign.
Norm’s on La Cienega.
Wonho Frank Lee

Du-Pars

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Whether dining in the mornings or well into the night, almost every table orders the pancakes that remain fluffy despite being drenched in clarified butter. It’s hard to go wrong with the chicken pot pie and classic meatloaf. And don’t forget to take a whole pie home.

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-8446
(323) 933-8446

Nick's Cafe

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Placed on the side of the road like a dusty highway diner, Nick’s Cafe continues to serve reliable breakfast fare and one of the city’s best ham steaks and eggs plates. Like any proper diner, the menu is much bigger than one could possibly decide from within a few minutes, but with handy parking and easy access from across the Eastside, Nick’s Cafe remains one of LA’s most beloved greasy spoons.

1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 222-1450
(323) 222-1450
Nick’s Cafe building in Los Angeles.
Nick’s Cafe.
Photo: current events/Eater LA Flickr Pool

Olympic Cafe

3728 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

A Koreatown classic known for its fantastic pancakes, Olympic Cafe is part neighborhood staple and part hipster hole-in-the-wall. Diners can congregate en masse without spending a fortune.

3728 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 731-5405
(323) 731-5405

The Original Pantry

877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

While it’s no longer true that the Pantry never closes, this corner restaurant does still attract a decent daytime clientele comprised of office workers, tourists, and longtime local fans. These days hours are relegated to mornings and lunchtime only, Wednesday to Sunday.

877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 972-9279
(213) 972-9279
The Original Pantry restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles.
The Original Pantry.
Matthew Kang

Rae's Restaurant

2901 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Santa Monica’s enduring roadside diner could be the most picturesque place in the city to dig into a plate of fried bacon, eggs, and fried country potatoes. The beautiful turquoise paint, formica countertops, and friendly service just complete the diner feel. Just remember it’s cash only, like it’s still the 1950s.

2901 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 828-7937
(310) 828-7937

Delicious Food Corner

20955 Golden Springs Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91789

The fare at Delicious Food Corner might not follow the classic American diner mold. That’s because it feels plucked right out of a busy Hong Kong side street. Think congee, rice rolls covered in soy sauce, and warm pineapple buns stuffed with soft butter. This is diner fare, Cantonese-style, with numerous locations across the San Gabriel Valley. Just ask for Hong Kong coffee (with milk and tea) and a plate of eggs with pork chops to complete the experience.

20955 Golden Springs Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91789
(909) 788-1238
(909) 788-1238
Delicious Food Corner dishes overhead.
Delicious Food Corner.
Cathy Chaplin

Related Maps

Ronnie's Diner

12740 Culver Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Del Ray stalwart Ronnie’s Diner is the type of place whose static energy is part of its charm. It serves incredible renditions of diner classics: think pillowy cinnamon roll pancakes (regular and gluten-free available) topped with a swirl of vanilla icing; sweet maple turkey sausage with still-yolky over-medium eggs and crispy-craggy home fries; and a chorizo breakfast bowl with sliced avocado, potatoes, eggs, and salsa.

12740 Culver Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 578-9399
(310) 578-9399
A full plate at Ronnie’s Diner on a wooden table.
Ronnie’s Diner eggs, sausage, and home fries.
Nicole Adlman

Pann's Restaurant & Coffee Shop

6710 LA Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

A must-stop on the way to LAX, Pann’s is a study in Googie diner architecture. Though it’s no longer open in the evenings, sitting down to a thick mug of black coffee and a plate of eggs is still a highlight.

6710 LA Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(323) 776-3770
(323) 776-3770
The entrance to Pann’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop in Los Angeles.
Pann’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop.
Wonho Frank Lee

The Serving Spoon

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

This timeless strip mall diner tucked away in Inglewood is a true local icon, a place where regulars can come for eggs, waffles, French toast, and fried chicken. Owners Angela and J.C. Johnson took over from Angela’s father back in 2004, but the Serving Spoon, which has been operating since 1983, continues to weather the changes in the neighborhood by leaning on old-fashioned customer service and charm.

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 412-3927
(310) 412-3927
A platter of fried fish from Serving Spoon in Inglewood, California on a wooden table.
Fried catfish at the Serving Spoon.
Cathy Chaplin

The Kettle

1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Manhattan Beach’s enduring 24/7 diner the Kettle has managed to draw South Bay night owls and early birds with a homey country-style interior and reliable, heaping plates of comfort food. Think fried chicken, mac & cheese, fresh-from-the-oven muffins, and juicy braised pot roast dip sandwiches.

1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-8511
(310) 545-8511
Inside the Kettle cafe in Manhattan Beach, California.
The Kettle.
Matthew Kang/Eater LA

Pacific Diner

3821 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731

From omelets and enchiladas to patty melts, salads, and club sandwiches, this rustic diner just blocks from the water is perfect for a weekend getaway.

3821 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 831-5334
(310) 831-5334
A vertical image of a burnished omelette with guacamole on top.
The Acapulco omelette.
Pacific Diner

Related Maps