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Matzo ball soup from New York Deli.
Matzo ball soup from New York Deli in Torrance.
Matthew Kang

19 Satisfying Soups to Keep You Cozy in Los Angeles

From Korean-style matzo ball soup to spicy beef soup noodles, the best spots for comforting, brothy bowls in LA

by Eater Staff Updated
7 comments / new
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Matzo ball soup from New York Deli in Torrance.
| Matthew Kang
by Eater Staff Updated
7 comments / new

Feel that chill in the air? Or maybe a sprinkle of rain? Welcome to winter in Southern California. The colder weather means there is only one food solution when reaching for a hoodie, knitted hat, and scarf, and that’s to warm up with a satisfying bowl of soup. From spicy beef noodle soup to chicken paprikash, here now are 19 of Los Angeles's finest to keep cozy this season, presented from north to south.

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Lentil soup at Carnival Restaurant

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Open since 1984, this SFV 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; it’s also deeply filling for its size.

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

Bone broth at Bone Kettle

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At Pasadena’s Bone Kettle, beef bones are boiled with onions, ginger, garlic, and spices for 36 hours. Diners can add on brisket, sirloin, or even oxtails to the broth, but the soup is satisfying in and of itself.

67 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 795-5702
(626) 795-5702

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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 particular speciality is caldo verde, the classic green Portuguese soup stuffed with potatoes, kale, and chorizo that’s perfect for a chilly Southern California evening.

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

Lemon Poppy Kitchen

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Glassell Park’s Lemon Poppy Kitchen works a varied menu of Eastern European options (think parsnip, feta, and beyond) with LA musts like vegan pozole, tacos, and salads. The not-so-sleeper hit has to be the chicken paprikash, a spicy soup with lots of tomato, onion, and pepper that’s layered through with braised chicken thighs and served with toasted focaccia.

3324 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 739-0012
(323) 739-0012

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. Cash only.

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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With a pristine broth and plump wontons, this basic noodle soup doesn’t taste so simple upon first sip. 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
Wonton noodle soup from Tam’s Noodle House in San Gabriel.
Wonton noodle soup from Tam’s Noodle House in San Gabriel.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop

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Boat noodles are plentiful throughout Los Angeles, especially in Thai Town. Head to Sapp and order one of three boat noodle dishes, including one with sliced pork, 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

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Wonton noodle soup at Pine and Crane Silverlake

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The simple side order of wonton soup shows the whole Taiwanese ethos of owner Vivian Ku’s enduring Silver Lake restaurant, with a second location sprouted conveniently in Downtown Los Angeles. Topped with fresh bok choy and sporting a clear pork broth, the juicy shrimp wontons and chewy noodles fill out the affordable bowls. In Downtown, it can be ordered without noodles.

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 668-1128
(323) 668-1128
Wonton soup from Pine & Crane in Downtown.
Wonton soup from Pine & Crane in Downtown.
Matthew Kang

Sul lung tang at Han Bat Sul Lung Tang

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Long before bone broth was all the rage, Koreans were eating sul lung tang. Made of boiled ox bones, the cloudy white broth is livened with salt and plenty of green onions.

4163 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 383-9499
(213) 383-9499

Pho at Pho Filet

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Linh Phuong Nguyen makes the best bowl of southern style pho at this worn-in restaurant straddling the border between Rosemead and South El Monte. While the filet mignon that comes standard with every bowl is a cut above the rest, it’s Ms. Nguyen’s unparalleled broth that distinguishes her product from the dozens of hawkers in town.

9463 Garvey Ave ste a, South El Monte, CA 91733
(626) 453-8911
(626) 453-8911

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Tta-roh gukbap at Sun Nong Dan Western Ave.

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Most people come here for the huge stone platters of braised galbi jjim but those in the know order the soups, especially the tta-roh gukbap, which uses seasoned cabbage and tender chunks of brisket in a flavor-packed beef bone broth. Great with a side of warm rice and some simple kimchi, this is an underrated variety of Korean soup.

710 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 264-3303
(213) 264-3303
Tta-roh gukbap from Sun Nong Dan.
Tta-roh gukbap from Sun Nong Dan.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

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 Yangban Society

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Yangban Society’s chefs put their own spin on matzoh ball soup by taking their multi-cultural backgrounds using a Korean sujebi-inspired dumpling, schmaltz, and roasted chicken, with the flavors coming together to create the ultimate LA comfort soup.

712 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Yangban Society’s matzoh ball soup in Los Angeles, California.
Yangban Society’s matzoh ball soup.
Mona Holmes

Also featured in:

Siete mares at Gloria's Cafe

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Gloria’s Cafe is famous for its seafood soup with fish, shrimp, squid, scallops, octopus, and crab legs. Every portion of the rich stew is generous enough to share.

10227 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 838-0963
(310) 838-0963

Laksa at Cassia

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The laksa hits most tables at Santa Monica’s Cassia, and for good reason. The bright orange shareable soup is hefty with seafood bits and rice noodles, and it does not skimp on the spice or the coconut base. This is a thicker, richer soup that’s perfect for when the temperatures really take a nosedive out by the beach.

1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-6699
(310) 393-6699

Also featured in:

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Curry vegetable soup at Ackee Bamboo

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Before zeroing in on one item at Ackee Bamboo, ask for the specials. They might include a fish tea soup on it, but one constant is the incredibly delicious and simple curry vegetable soup. The kitchen switches up the vegetables according to the seasons, but the flavors are always on point.

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

Also featured in:

Mr. Menudo

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This Bellflower strip mall newcomer is no slouch when it comes to the very-competitive menudo game in greater Los Angeles. Stop in early (beware the Sunday crowds) for steaming to-go orders of rich menudo made with love.

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

Matzo ball soup at New York Deli

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Sporting a huge single matzo ball around a nicely seasoned chicken broth, this $10 soup from a longtime South Bay Jewish deli is substantial enough to share for two or big enough to satisfy one for lunch. The soup also has some pieces of carrot, noodles, and chicken to help round it out.

2424 Sepulveda Blvd #4335, Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 891-1229
(310) 891-1229
Matzo ball soup from New York Deli.
Matzo ball soup from New York Deli.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

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. But the house special places sliced and ground pork, stomach, liver, shrimp, and noodles into a massive steaming bowl that’s sure to satisfy.

1644 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 433-0032
(562) 433-0032

Also featured in:

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Lentil soup at Carnival Restaurant

4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Open since 1984, this SFV 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; it’s also deeply filling for its size.

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

Bone broth at Bone Kettle

67 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

At Pasadena’s Bone Kettle, beef bones are boiled with onions, ginger, garlic, and spices for 36 hours. Diners can add on brisket, sirloin, or even oxtails to the broth, but the soup is satisfying in and of itself.

67 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 795-5702
(626) 795-5702

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 particular speciality is caldo verde, the classic green Portuguese soup stuffed with potatoes, kale, and chorizo that’s perfect for a chilly Southern California evening.

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

Lemon Poppy Kitchen

3324 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Glassell Park’s Lemon Poppy Kitchen works a varied menu of Eastern European options (think parsnip, feta, and beyond) with LA musts like vegan pozole, tacos, and salads. The not-so-sleeper hit has to be the chicken paprikash, a spicy soup with lots of tomato, onion, and pepper that’s layered through with braised chicken thighs and served with toasted focaccia.

3324 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 739-0012
(323) 739-0012

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. Cash only.

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

With a pristine broth and plump wontons, this basic noodle soup doesn’t taste so simple upon first sip. 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
Wonton noodle soup from Tam’s Noodle House in San Gabriel.
Wonton noodle soup from Tam’s Noodle House in San Gabriel.
Matthew Kang

Boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop

5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Boat noodles are plentiful throughout Los Angeles, especially in Thai Town. Head to Sapp and order one of three boat noodle dishes, including one with sliced pork, 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

Wonton noodle soup at Pine and Crane Silverlake

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

The simple side order of wonton soup shows the whole Taiwanese ethos of owner Vivian Ku’s enduring Silver Lake restaurant, with a second location sprouted conveniently in Downtown Los Angeles. Topped with fresh bok choy and sporting a clear pork broth, the juicy shrimp wontons and chewy noodles fill out the affordable bowls. In Downtown, it can be ordered without noodles.

1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 668-1128
(323) 668-1128
Wonton soup from Pine & Crane in Downtown.
Wonton soup from Pine & Crane in Downtown.
Matthew Kang

Sul lung tang at Han Bat Sul Lung Tang

4163 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Long before bone broth was all the rage, Koreans were eating sul lung tang. Made of boiled ox bones, the cloudy white broth is livened with salt and plenty of green onions.

4163 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 383-9499
(213) 383-9499

Pho at Pho Filet

9463 Garvey Ave ste a, South El Monte, CA 91733

Linh Phuong Nguyen makes the best bowl of southern style pho at this worn-in restaurant straddling the border between Rosemead and South El Monte. While the filet mignon that comes standard with every bowl is a cut above the rest, it’s Ms. Nguyen’s unparalleled broth that distinguishes her product from the dozens of hawkers in town.

9463 Garvey Ave ste a, South El Monte, CA 91733
(626) 453-8911
(626) 453-8911

Tta-roh gukbap at Sun Nong Dan Western Ave.

710 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Most people come here for the huge stone platters of braised galbi jjim but those in the know order the soups, especially the tta-roh gukbap, which uses seasoned cabbage and tender chunks of brisket in a flavor-packed beef bone broth. Great with a side of warm rice and some simple kimchi, this is an underrated variety of Korean soup.

710 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 264-3303
(213) 264-3303
Tta-roh gukbap from Sun Nong Dan.
Tta-roh gukbap from Sun Nong Dan.
Matthew Kang

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 Yangban Society

712 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Yangban Society’s chefs put their own spin on matzoh ball soup by taking their multi-cultural backgrounds using a Korean sujebi-inspired dumpling, schmaltz, and roasted chicken, with the flavors coming together to create the ultimate LA comfort soup.

712 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Yangban Society’s matzoh ball soup in Los Angeles, California.
Yangban Society’s matzoh ball soup.
Mona Holmes

Siete mares at Gloria's Cafe

10227 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Gloria’s Cafe is famous for its seafood soup with fish, shrimp, squid, scallops, octopus, and crab legs. Every portion of the rich stew is generous enough to share.

10227 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 838-0963
(310) 838-0963

Laksa at Cassia

1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The laksa hits most tables at Santa Monica’s Cassia, and for good reason. The bright orange shareable soup is hefty with seafood bits and rice noodles, and it does not skimp on the spice or the coconut base. This is a thicker, richer soup that’s perfect for when the temperatures really take a nosedive out by the beach.

1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-6699
(310) 393-6699

Related Maps

Curry vegetable soup at Ackee Bamboo

4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Before zeroing in on one item at Ackee Bamboo, ask for the specials. They might include a fish tea soup on it, but one constant is the incredibly delicious and simple curry vegetable soup. The kitchen switches up the vegetables according to the seasons, but the flavors are always on point.

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 when it comes to the very-competitive menudo game in greater Los Angeles. Stop in early (beware the Sunday crowds) for steaming to-go orders of rich menudo made with love.

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

Matzo ball soup at New York Deli

2424 Sepulveda Blvd #4335, Torrance, CA 90501

Sporting a huge single matzo ball around a nicely seasoned chicken broth, this $10 soup from a longtime South Bay Jewish deli is substantial enough to share for two or big enough to satisfy one for lunch. The soup also has some pieces of carrot, noodles, and chicken to help round it out.

2424 Sepulveda Blvd #4335, Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 891-1229
(310) 891-1229
Matzo ball soup from New York Deli.
Matzo ball soup from New York Deli.
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. But the house special places sliced and ground pork, stomach, liver, shrimp, and noodles into a massive steaming bowl that’s sure to satisfy.

1644 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 433-0032
(562) 433-0032

Related Maps