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A bowl of matzoh ball soup at Fromin’s in Los Angeles.
A bowl of matzoh ball soup at Fromin’s in Los Angeles.
Matthew Kang

17 Satisfying Soups to Keep You Cozy in Los Angeles

There’s a delicious hot bowl in your corner of LA, whether Mexican albondigas, Korean hangover soup, or Caribbean curry soup

by Eater Staff Updated
7 comments / new
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A bowl of matzoh ball soup at Fromin’s in Los Angeles.
| Matthew Kang
by Eater Staff Updated
7 comments / new

Feel that chill in the air? Or is the morning marine layer? Both indicate the start of Southern California’s soup season. It is also that time of year to dust off that favorite hoodie, knitted hat, and scarf while downing a satisfying bowl of soup. Even if (and when) fall/winter gets an unusual day in the 90-degree temperature range, a Mexican caldo costa brava or lentil soup can help lower body temperature more efficiently than cold foods. Here now are 17 of LA's finest to keep cozy this season, presented from north to south.

Check here for Eater LA’s ramen selections, or an editor’s opinion on the region’s best pho.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Seafood caldo at Mariscos Corona

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It takes time to consume the massive seafood caldo at Mariscos Corona. It starts with a flavorful broth and is filled with fish, shrimp, and octopus served with tortillas, lime, chile, cilantro, and onion.

14901 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 988-0225
(818) 988-0225

Aguadito El Dorado Pollos A La Brasa

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Over in Pasadena, local favorite El Dorado Pollos A La Brasa makes a mean aguadito. It’s Peru’s herby chicken soup along with plenty of cilantro, peas, carrots, rice, and a broth that’s bursting at the seams with flavor.

140 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 486-2062
(626) 486-2062

Lentil soup at Carnival Restaurant

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Open since 1984, this San Fernando Valley staple has staying power because it does classic Lebanese dishes incredibly well. And while a simple dish, the lentil soup here packs a hearty and flavorful bite. If there on the right day, one might be able to order molokhia, the hearty Middle Eastern stew.

4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 784-3469
(818) 784-3469

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Caldo verde at Natas Pastries

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Portuguese food doesn’t have much of a foothold in Los Angeles, but fans of the cuisine can find a slew of signature dishes at Natas Pastries in Sherman Oaks. One specialty is caldo verde, the classic green Portuguese soup stuffed with potatoes, kale, and chorizo that’s perfect for when the temperature drops.

13317 Ventura Blvd # D, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-8050
(818) 788-8050

Spicy beef noodle soup at Dai Ho Restaurant

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Dai Ho’s spicy beef noodle soup is a thing of beauty. The Taiwanese staple dish is imbued with a deep red hue and lots of rich, stewed beef. The noodles give chew and the braised greens are earthy enough to stand up to the heat. This is one of LA’s best soups, period. Bring cash.

9148 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780
(626) 291-2295
(626) 291-2295
A bowl of beef noodle soup from Dai Ho Restaurant.
Beef noodle soup from Dai Ho Restaurant.
Cathy Chaplin

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Wonton noodle soup at Tam's Noodle House

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There is no place that beats Tam’s wonton noodle soup with its pristine broth and plump wontons. Served piping hot and within minutes of ordering, this Hong Kong cafe continues to draw a bustling lunch crowd eager for this bowl and other Cantonese favorites.

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

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Boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop

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Though plentiful throughout Los Angeles, boat noodles are especially prevalent in Thai Town. Sapp has three boat noodle dishes on the menu, including one with sliced pork, and beef, or one that throws everything in from tendon to meatballs and sliced beef liver in a beautiful broth.

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-1035
(323) 665-1035
Boat noodles in a bowl at Sapp Coffee Shop.
Boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop.
Lucas Peterson

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Albondigas soup at Eastside Italian Deli Downtown L.A.

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A longtime employee makes albondigas once a week at Eastside Italian Deli. This traditional Mexican meatball soup is incredible, hearty, and worth the weekly trek.

1013 Alpine St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 250-2464
(213) 250-2464

French onion soup at Oriel Chinatown

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All dignity flies out the window when eating French onion soup. It helps that Oriel has a welcoming dining room, but you’ll be in good company while pulling an Emmental cheesy bite from the bowl.

1135 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 253-9419
(213) 253-9419

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Abgoosht at Attari Sandwich Shop

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Abgoosht is a rustic stew that translates in Persian to “meat broth.” It’s a combination of tender meat, potatoes, vegetables, spices, and legumes. It’s a specialty dish at Attari Sandwich Shop, but call to confirm this dish is on the menu.

1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 441-5488
(310) 441-5488

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Mushroom soup at Massy Soups

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Massy Soups is in the process of opening a brick-and-mortar space, but temporarily operating out of Sky’s Gourmet Tacos. Everything on the menu, especially the mushroom soup, tastes homemade and comforting in the best way.

5303 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
(310) 754-9576
(310) 754-9576

Cow foot soup at Natraliart Jamaican Restaurant

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Enter through the small and tidy market and make your way to the front counter where owner Charles Forrester is at your service. There are over half a dozen soups available on the menu, but hone in on the cow foot soup for a rich and spicy bowlful of goodness.

3426 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 732-8865
(323) 732-8865

Matzoh ball soup at Fromin's

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While the sandwiches at Fromin’s aren’t going to blow anyone away, the hefty matzoh ball soup is sure to draw attention to the table. Size like a softball and hover over a medium-sized ceramic bowl, the rest of the broth contains diced carrots and soft noodles for texture. For this part of town, so far west, Jewish deli fans will definitely appreciate Fromins’ matzoh ball soup.

1832 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 829-5443
(310) 829-5443
A bowl of matzoh ball soup at Fromin’s in Los Angeles.
Matzoh ball soup at Fromin’s.
Matthew Kang

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Curry vegetable soup at Ackee Bamboo

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Ackee Bamboo’s curry vegetable soup helps combat any situation. It doesn’t matter whether one is in need of warmth, or in need of a delicious, flavorful bowl of soup on a cool fall day.

4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 295-7275
(323) 295-7275

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Mr. Menudo

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This Bellflower strip mall newcomer is no slouch to Greater LA’s uber-competitive menudo scene. Stop in early (beware the Sunday crowds) for steaming to-go orders of rich menudo made with love. There’s even a second location opening this fall in Downey.

16203 Clark Ave #E, Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 278-2391
(562) 278-2391

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Haejangguk at Myung Ga Haejangguk

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Haejangguk, or literally hangover soup, is part of the name of this trio of Korean restaurants located in Gardena, La Cañada-Flintridge, and Arcadia. Myung Ga’s sparse, brightly lit interiors also help combat hangovers or slow mornings, but inside the stone bowl, an umami-riddled beef broth holds in chopped cabbage, brisket, and cubes of pig’s blood, making this soup one of the most aggressively flavored in the Korean cuisine canon. Don’t fear the blood though, they’re actually mild and taste almost like earthy, irony tofu whose minerals and nutrition will give anyone a burst of energy.

1425 Artesia Blvd Ste 5, Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 630-0188
(310) 630-0188
Haejangguk noodle and vegetable soup at Myung Ga Haejangguk in Los Angeles.
Haejangguk at Myung Ga Haejangguk.
Matthew Kang

House special at Phnom Penh Noodle Shack

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Open since 1985, the family-owned Phnom Penh Noodle Shack boasts plenty of options that include noodles and soup. This spot stays busy thanks to the house special with sliced and ground pork, stomach, liver, shrimp, and noodles into a massive steaming bowl.

1644 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 433-0032
(562) 433-0032
Storefront of Phnom Penh Noodle Shack with blue signage and bike racks on the sidewalk.
Phnom Penh Noodle Shack.
Wonho Frank Lee

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Seafood caldo at Mariscos Corona

14901 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405

It takes time to consume the massive seafood caldo at Mariscos Corona. It starts with a flavorful broth and is filled with fish, shrimp, and octopus served with tortillas, lime, chile, cilantro, and onion.

14901 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 988-0225
(818) 988-0225

Aguadito El Dorado Pollos A La Brasa

140 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103

Over in Pasadena, local favorite El Dorado Pollos A La Brasa makes a mean aguadito. It’s Peru’s herby chicken soup along with plenty of cilantro, peas, carrots, rice, and a broth that’s bursting at the seams with flavor.

140 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 486-2062
(626) 486-2062

Lentil soup at Carnival Restaurant

4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Open since 1984, this San Fernando Valley staple has staying power because it does classic Lebanese dishes incredibly well. And while a simple dish, the lentil soup here packs a hearty and flavorful bite. If there on the right day, one might be able to order molokhia, the hearty Middle Eastern stew.

4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 784-3469
(818) 784-3469

Caldo verde at Natas Pastries

13317 Ventura Blvd # D, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Portuguese food doesn’t have much of a foothold in Los Angeles, but fans of the cuisine can find a slew of signature dishes at Natas Pastries in Sherman Oaks. One specialty is caldo verde, the classic green Portuguese soup stuffed with potatoes, kale, and chorizo that’s perfect for when the temperature drops.

13317 Ventura Blvd # D, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-8050
(818) 788-8050

Spicy beef noodle soup at Dai Ho Restaurant

9148 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780

Dai Ho’s spicy beef noodle soup is a thing of beauty. The Taiwanese staple dish is imbued with a deep red hue and lots of rich, stewed beef. The noodles give chew and the braised greens are earthy enough to stand up to the heat. This is one of LA’s best soups, period. Bring cash.

9148 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780
(626) 291-2295
(626) 291-2295
A bowl of beef noodle soup from Dai Ho Restaurant.
Beef noodle soup from Dai Ho Restaurant.
Cathy Chaplin

Wonton noodle soup at Tam's Noodle House

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

There is no place that beats Tam’s wonton noodle soup with its pristine broth and plump wontons. Served piping hot and within minutes of ordering, this Hong Kong cafe continues to draw a bustling lunch crowd eager for this bowl and other Cantonese favorites.

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

Boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Though plentiful throughout Los Angeles, boat noodles are especially prevalent in Thai Town. Sapp has three boat noodle dishes on the menu, including one with sliced pork, and beef, or one that throws everything in from tendon to meatballs and sliced beef liver in a beautiful broth.

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-1035
(323) 665-1035
Boat noodles in a bowl at Sapp Coffee Shop.
Boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop.
Lucas Peterson

Albondigas soup at Eastside Italian Deli Downtown L.A.

1013 Alpine St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A longtime employee makes albondigas once a week at Eastside Italian Deli. This traditional Mexican meatball soup is incredible, hearty, and worth the weekly trek.

1013 Alpine St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 250-2464
(213) 250-2464

French onion soup at Oriel Chinatown

1135 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

All dignity flies out the window when eating French onion soup. It helps that Oriel has a welcoming dining room, but you’ll be in good company while pulling an Emmental cheesy bite from the bowl.

1135 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 253-9419
(213) 253-9419

Abgoosht at Attari Sandwich Shop

1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Abgoosht is a rustic stew that translates in Persian to “meat broth.” It’s a combination of tender meat, potatoes, vegetables, spices, and legumes. It’s a specialty dish at Attari Sandwich Shop, but call to confirm this dish is on the menu.

1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 441-5488
(310) 441-5488

Mushroom soup at Massy Soups

5303 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Massy Soups is in the process of opening a brick-and-mortar space, but temporarily operating out of Sky’s Gourmet Tacos. Everything on the menu, especially the mushroom soup, tastes homemade and comforting in the best way.

5303 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
(310) 754-9576
(310) 754-9576

Cow foot soup at Natraliart Jamaican Restaurant

3426 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

Enter through the small and tidy market and make your way to the front counter where owner Charles Forrester is at your service. There are over half a dozen soups available on the menu, but hone in on the cow foot soup for a rich and spicy bowlful of goodness.

3426 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 732-8865
(323) 732-8865

Matzoh ball soup at Fromin's

1832 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

While the sandwiches at Fromin’s aren’t going to blow anyone away, the hefty matzoh ball soup is sure to draw attention to the table. Size like a softball and hover over a medium-sized ceramic bowl, the rest of the broth contains diced carrots and soft noodles for texture. For this part of town, so far west, Jewish deli fans will definitely appreciate Fromins’ matzoh ball soup.

1832 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 829-5443
(310) 829-5443
A bowl of matzoh ball soup at Fromin’s in Los Angeles.
Matzoh ball soup at Fromin’s.
Matthew Kang

Curry vegetable soup at Ackee Bamboo

4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Ackee Bamboo’s curry vegetable soup helps combat any situation. It doesn’t matter whether one is in need of warmth, or in need of a delicious, flavorful bowl of soup on a cool fall day.

4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 295-7275
(323) 295-7275

Mr. Menudo

16203 Clark Ave #E, Bellflower, CA 90706

This Bellflower strip mall newcomer is no slouch to Greater LA’s uber-competitive menudo scene. Stop in early (beware the Sunday crowds) for steaming to-go orders of rich menudo made with love. There’s even a second location opening this fall in Downey.

16203 Clark Ave #E, Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 278-2391
(562) 278-2391

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Haejangguk at Myung Ga Haejangguk

1425 Artesia Blvd Ste 5, Gardena, CA 90248

Haejangguk, or literally hangover soup, is part of the name of this trio of Korean restaurants located in Gardena, La Cañada-Flintridge, and Arcadia. Myung Ga’s sparse, brightly lit interiors also help combat hangovers or slow mornings, but inside the stone bowl, an umami-riddled beef broth holds in chopped cabbage, brisket, and cubes of pig’s blood, making this soup one of the most aggressively flavored in the Korean cuisine canon. Don’t fear the blood though, they’re actually mild and taste almost like earthy, irony tofu whose minerals and nutrition will give anyone a burst of energy.

1425 Artesia Blvd Ste 5, Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 630-0188
(310) 630-0188
Haejangguk noodle and vegetable soup at Myung Ga Haejangguk in Los Angeles.
Haejangguk at Myung Ga Haejangguk.
Matthew Kang

House special at Phnom Penh Noodle Shack

1644 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813

Open since 1985, the family-owned Phnom Penh Noodle Shack boasts plenty of options that include noodles and soup. This spot stays busy thanks to the house special with sliced and ground pork, stomach, liver, shrimp, and noodles into a massive steaming bowl.

1644 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 433-0032
(562) 433-0032
Storefront of Phnom Penh Noodle Shack with blue signage and bike racks on the sidewalk.
Phnom Penh Noodle Shack.
Wonho Frank Lee

Related Maps