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Three carnitas tacos topped with red onions and cilantro, and served with limes, at Carnitas El Artista.
Carnitas El Artista.
Erwin Recinos

22 Incredible Restaurants to Try in South LA

A carnitas specialist, Jamaican-Belizean food, massive breakfasts, and more

by Farley Elliott and Mona Holmes Updated
3 comments / new
View as Map
Carnitas El Artista.
| Erwin Recinos
by Farley Elliott and Mona Holmes Updated
3 comments / new

South LA covers a wide swath of Southern California. The massive area — which is larger than Manhattan — is filled with a collection of 24 cities and five unincorporated county neighborhoods that represent a cultural cross-section of Los Angeles. From old-school spots in Inglewood, Compton, and Lynwood to newer restaurants in View Park/Windsor Hills and everything in between, it’s possible to dine well on dozens of different cuisines within these communities. Below are 22 great places to drink and dine in greater South LA.

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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.

Harold & Belle's

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Harold & Belle’s still rocks a menu of Louisiana favorites to a large and loyal local clientele. Since 1969, the staff prepare gumbo, po’boys, and a hearty jambalaya.

2920 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 735-9023
(323) 735-9023

Also featured in:

Highly Likely Café

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As far as cafes go, Highly Likely is a solid spot to spend a morning or afternoon. It’s bright and cheery with great music to accompany the breakfast burritos, cochinita pibil bowl, and turkey sandwiches.

4310 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
(310) 622-4550
(310) 622-4550

Also featured in:

Holbox

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Chef Gilberto Cetina has seen plenty of success just south of Downtown — first with Chichen Itza and then with Holbox. The seafood-centric Holbox recently reopened in a larger space to accommodate more crowds for the ceviches, tostadas, and blood clams.

3655 South Grand Avenue #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 986-9972
(213) 986-9972
Colorful uni-topped ceviche tostada on a white plate with colorful tablecloth at Holbox.
Holbox.
Farley Elliott

Also featured in:

Earle's On Crenshaw

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Earle’s Grill is a South LA institution with outdoor seating and a rapid ordering process that include vegan dogs, excessively decadent chili dogs, and so much more.

3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 299-2867
(323) 299-2867
Earle’s on Crenshaw storefront
Earle’s On Crenshaw.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Swift Cafe

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Stationed in Leimert Park, chef Kyndra McCrary’s daytime restaurant serves jerk chicken, sea bass, vegetarian chili, and gumbo using less fat. Her menu changes regularly, so check her Instagram for the latest offerings.

4279 1/2 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 815-4418
(323) 815-4418
The interior of Swift Cafe in Leimert Park, Los Angeles.
Swift Cafe.
Sheldon Botler

Also featured in:

Pepper's Jamaican Belizean Cuisine

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When at Pepper’s, one can sample the curry, brown stewed chicken, or ackee salt fish. But never, ever leave the premises without an order of the oxtails, which are some of the best in Los Angeles.

2166 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 389-8053
(323) 389-8053

Woody's Bar-B-Q

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Look for the lines and the smoke stack emanating from one of three locations for Woody’s Bar-B-Que. The family uses brick ovens with oak wood for the hot links, ribs, sliced beef, and chicken. The classic sides are always necessary with mac and cheese, beans, greens, cornbread, and arguably some of the city’s best potato salad.

3446 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 294-9443
(323) 294-9443
A paper boat filled with saucy ribs and white bread at Woody’s Bar-B-Q
Woody’s Bar-B-Q
Farley Elliott

Also featured in:

Jerusalem Chicken

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If a delightful punch in the taste buds is necessary, get to Jerusalem Chicken and order the lemon garlic chicken. Be warned, this dish is flavorful — savory, pungent, and so incredibly juicy. The bed of rice absorbs plenty of the sauce as well.

4448 W Slauson Ave, Windsor Hills, CA 90043
(323) 903-6280
(323) 903-6280
Roasted chicken stuffed with rice, mushrooms, and beef at Jerusalem Chicken in View Park/Windsor Hills in Southern California.
Jerusalem Chicken.
Jerusalem Chicken

Also featured in:

Guajillo Restaurant

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Huntington Park’s hidden gem is Guajillo Restaurant. This family-owned business takes pride in its chilaquiles, where options include carne asada, milanesa, and chorizo. Have a seat and eat them while still piping hot.

6480 Santa Fe Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 835-6424
(323) 835-6424

Court Cafe

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Court Cafe is the delicious collective restaurant from Taco Mell’s Jermelle Henderson, Bleu Kitchen’s Calvin Johnson, and Keith Garett of All Flavor No Grease. Together, they combine their unique South LA food style like the taco omelet, the crowd-pleasing lobster and waffles, and the colorful mimosa flight.

5496 W Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 431-4969
(310) 431-4969

Also featured in:

Sunday Gravy

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This unfussy brother-and-sister-owned restaurant offers straightforward Italian-American fare. Look for red checkered tablecloths and the genre’s greatest hits like cheesy garlic bread, New York-style cheesecake, and fettuccini alfredo. Call or check Instagram to see which special lasagna is on deck throughout the weekend.

1122 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
(424) 227-6500
(424) 227-6500
Dishes from Sunday Gravy in Ingelwood, California
Sunday Gravy.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

The Serving Spoon

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Those who know are acutely aware of the Serving Spoon’s 42-year history and food. Always required are the cheese grits with catfish and eggs, collard greens, candied yams, or chicken and waffles either at the counter or one of the coveted booths.

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 412-3927
(310) 412-3927
French toast, butter and fried chicken at the Serving Spoon.
Serving Spoon.
Wonho Frank Lee

Also featured in:

World Seafood Fish Market

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Order a red snapper platter or just about anything from World Seafood Fish Market on Florence near Western. Everything is fresh and full of flavor including the filet of sole and the hushpuppies.

1554 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 753-5897
(323) 753-5897

Flavor Table

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Diners leave with full bellies thanks to the large portions at Flavor Table. The daytime fare features breakfast combos with Louisiana hot links, salmon croquettes, or a smoked ham steak. But the short ribs and grits are worth the visit.

2812 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 615-0170
(323) 615-0170
Fried shrimp, eggs, and potatoes at the Flavor Table in Los Angeles.
Flavor Table.
Flavor Table

Gwen's Specialty Cakes

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Gwen Vance opened her specialty bake shop over 20 years ago. Arrive early to purchase one of her mini-bite pecan, sweet potato, or apple pies. It’s good to get on Vance’s email list to stay on top of her Southern-style dinners prepared weekly for pick-up in the heart of Inglewood.

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 677-9979
(310) 677-9979

Also featured in:

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Country Style Jamaican Restaurant

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The wait is worth it at the frequently busy Country Style Jamaican. This business is successful because of the sheer volume of customers who return regularly for the escovitch fish, jerk chicken, peas and rice, and more.

630 N La Brea Ave Suite 111, Inglewood, CA 90302
(424) 227-6915
(424) 227-6915
Snapper escovitch from Country Style Jamaican Cuisine in a styrofoam tray.
Country Style Jamaican’s snapper escovitch.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Carnitas El Artista

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Carnitas El Artista started as a backyard operation in 2013, but owner Gustavo Chavez opened his brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2021. His family’s been making carnitas for three generations, so everything on the menu is a specialty.

510 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
(323) 800-8559
(323) 800-8559
Carnitas-topped tacos, chilaquiles, nachos, and more from Carnitas El Artista.
Carnitas El Artista.
Erwin Recinos

Also featured in:

The Wood Urban Kitchen

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The Wood is one of Inglewood’s most popular hangouts where one can find a TV to watch favorite sports teams, strong cocktails, barbecue, and the occasional live music.

129 N Market St, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 466-9741
(310) 466-9741
Brisket from Wood Urban Kitchen and Sports Lounge
The Wood Urban Kitchen.
The Wood Urbankitchen

Also featured in:

Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen

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Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen was recently nominated for a James Beard Award and continues to turn out massive portions of fried or smothered chicken, fish, and pork chops, along with stewed oxtails and incredible sides to adoring crowds.

202 E Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 671-3345
(310) 671-3345
Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen in Inglewood, California.
Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen.
Mona Holmes

Also featured in:

Banadir Somali Restaurant

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It’s rare to find Somali food in Los Angeles, but one of the few prepares some of Inglewood’s most flavorful menus. Banadir Somali Restaurant serves halal meats that are marinated and then slow-roasted for three hours and served with a side of rice, a simple salad, and a side of bas bas (a traditional bright green sauce is made with basil, jalapeno, and cilantro).

137 Arbor Vitae St, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 419-9900
(310) 419-9900
A plate of Somalian food with rice, meat, and a side salad at Banadir Somali Restaurant.
Banadir Somali Restaurant
Mona Holmes

Also featured in:

Jim Dandy Fried Chicken

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For decades South LA institution Jim Dandy serves the golden-fried standard of fried chicken in the city. Also, don’t skip the corn fritters, deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar, to all but ensure you’re a nap after lunch. 

11328 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044
(323) 779-5567
(323) 779-5567
A sign for Jim Dandy Fried Chicken in South Los Angeles.
Jim Dandy.
Mona Holmes

Also featured in:

Hawkins House of Burgers

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Endless fans flock to Hawkins in Watts, beguiled by the towering burgers that come fresh off the grill. The space across from Nickerson Gardens carries few frills, but that’s hardly the reason to avoid this 83-year restaurant.

11603 Slater St, Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 563-1129
(323) 563-1129
Hawkins House of Burgers cheeseburger loaded up.
Hawkins House of Burgers.
[Official Photo]

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Harold & Belle's

2920 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

Harold & Belle’s still rocks a menu of Louisiana favorites to a large and loyal local clientele. Since 1969, the staff prepare gumbo, po’boys, and a hearty jambalaya.

2920 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
(323) 735-9023
(323) 735-9023

Highly Likely Café

4310 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

As far as cafes go, Highly Likely is a solid spot to spend a morning or afternoon. It’s bright and cheery with great music to accompany the breakfast burritos, cochinita pibil bowl, and turkey sandwiches.

4310 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
(310) 622-4550
(310) 622-4550

Holbox

3655 South Grand Avenue #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Chef Gilberto Cetina has seen plenty of success just south of Downtown — first with Chichen Itza and then with Holbox. The seafood-centric Holbox recently reopened in a larger space to accommodate more crowds for the ceviches, tostadas, and blood clams.

3655 South Grand Avenue #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 986-9972
(213) 986-9972
Colorful uni-topped ceviche tostada on a white plate with colorful tablecloth at Holbox.
Holbox.
Farley Elliott

Earle's On Crenshaw

3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Earle’s Grill is a South LA institution with outdoor seating and a rapid ordering process that include vegan dogs, excessively decadent chili dogs, and so much more.

3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 299-2867
(323) 299-2867
Earle’s on Crenshaw storefront
Earle’s On Crenshaw.
Matthew Kang

Swift Cafe

4279 1/2 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Stationed in Leimert Park, chef Kyndra McCrary’s daytime restaurant serves jerk chicken, sea bass, vegetarian chili, and gumbo using less fat. Her menu changes regularly, so check her Instagram for the latest offerings.

4279 1/2 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 815-4418
(323) 815-4418
The interior of Swift Cafe in Leimert Park, Los Angeles.
Swift Cafe.
Sheldon Botler

Pepper's Jamaican Belizean Cuisine

2166 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

When at Pepper’s, one can sample the curry, brown stewed chicken, or ackee salt fish. But never, ever leave the premises without an order of the oxtails, which are some of the best in Los Angeles.

2166 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 389-8053
(323) 389-8053

Woody's Bar-B-Q

3446 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043

Look for the lines and the smoke stack emanating from one of three locations for Woody’s Bar-B-Que. The family uses brick ovens with oak wood for the hot links, ribs, sliced beef, and chicken. The classic sides are always necessary with mac and cheese, beans, greens, cornbread, and arguably some of the city’s best potato salad.

3446 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 294-9443
(323) 294-9443
A paper boat filled with saucy ribs and white bread at Woody’s Bar-B-Q
Woody’s Bar-B-Q
Farley Elliott

Jerusalem Chicken

4448 W Slauson Ave, Windsor Hills, CA 90043

If a delightful punch in the taste buds is necessary, get to Jerusalem Chicken and order the lemon garlic chicken. Be warned, this dish is flavorful — savory, pungent, and so incredibly juicy. The bed of rice absorbs plenty of the sauce as well.

4448 W Slauson Ave, Windsor Hills, CA 90043
(323) 903-6280
(323) 903-6280
Roasted chicken stuffed with rice, mushrooms, and beef at Jerusalem Chicken in View Park/Windsor Hills in Southern California.
Jerusalem Chicken.
Jerusalem Chicken

Guajillo Restaurant

6480 Santa Fe Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255

Huntington Park’s hidden gem is Guajillo Restaurant. This family-owned business takes pride in its chilaquiles, where options include carne asada, milanesa, and chorizo. Have a seat and eat them while still piping hot.

6480 Santa Fe Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 835-6424
(323) 835-6424

Court Cafe

5496 W Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Court Cafe is the delicious collective restaurant from Taco Mell’s Jermelle Henderson, Bleu Kitchen’s Calvin Johnson, and Keith Garett of All Flavor No Grease. Together, they combine their unique South LA food style like the taco omelet, the crowd-pleasing lobster and waffles, and the colorful mimosa flight.

5496 W Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 431-4969
(310) 431-4969

Sunday Gravy

1122 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

This unfussy brother-and-sister-owned restaurant offers straightforward Italian-American fare. Look for red checkered tablecloths and the genre’s greatest hits like cheesy garlic bread, New York-style cheesecake, and fettuccini alfredo. Call or check Instagram to see which special lasagna is on deck throughout the weekend.

1122 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
(424) 227-6500
(424) 227-6500
Dishes from Sunday Gravy in Ingelwood, California
Sunday Gravy.
Wonho Frank Lee

The Serving Spoon

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

Those who know are acutely aware of the Serving Spoon’s 42-year history and food. Always required are the cheese grits with catfish and eggs, collard greens, candied yams, or chicken and waffles either at the counter or one of the coveted booths.

1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 412-3927
(310) 412-3927
French toast, butter and fried chicken at the Serving Spoon.
Serving Spoon.
Wonho Frank Lee

World Seafood Fish Market

1554 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Order a red snapper platter or just about anything from World Seafood Fish Market on Florence near Western. Everything is fresh and full of flavor including the filet of sole and the hushpuppies.

1554 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 753-5897
(323) 753-5897

Flavor Table

2812 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043

Diners leave with full bellies thanks to the large portions at Flavor Table. The daytime fare features breakfast combos with Louisiana hot links, salmon croquettes, or a smoked ham steak. But the short ribs and grits are worth the visit.

2812 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 615-0170
(323) 615-0170
Fried shrimp, eggs, and potatoes at the Flavor Table in Los Angeles.
Flavor Table.
Flavor Table

Gwen's Specialty Cakes

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302

Gwen Vance opened her specialty bake shop over 20 years ago. Arrive early to purchase one of her mini-bite pecan, sweet potato, or apple pies. It’s good to get on Vance’s email list to stay on top of her Southern-style dinners prepared weekly for pick-up in the heart of Inglewood.

820 N La Brea Ave # D, Inglewood, CA 90302
(310) 677-9979
(310) 677-9979

Related Maps

Country Style Jamaican Restaurant

630 N La Brea Ave Suite 111, Inglewood, CA 90302

The wait is worth it at the frequently busy Country Style Jamaican. This business is successful because of the sheer volume of customers who return regularly for the escovitch fish, jerk chicken, peas and rice, and more.

630 N La Brea Ave Suite 111, Inglewood, CA 90302
(424) 227-6915
(424) 227-6915
Snapper escovitch from Country Style Jamaican Cuisine in a styrofoam tray.
Country Style Jamaican’s snapper escovitch.
Matthew Kang

Carnitas El Artista

510 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301

Carnitas El Artista started as a backyard operation in 2013, but owner Gustavo Chavez opened his brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2021. His family’s been making carnitas for three generations, so everything on the menu is a specialty.

510 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
(323) 800-8559
(323) 800-8559
Carnitas-topped tacos, chilaquiles, nachos, and more from Carnitas El Artista.
Carnitas El Artista.
Erwin Recinos

The Wood Urban Kitchen

129 N Market St, Inglewood, CA 90301

The Wood is one of Inglewood’s most popular hangouts where one can find a TV to watch favorite sports teams, strong cocktails, barbecue, and the occasional live music.

129 N Market St, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 466-9741
(310) 466-9741
Brisket from Wood Urban Kitchen and Sports Lounge
The Wood Urban Kitchen.
The Wood Urbankitchen

Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen

202 E Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301

Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen was recently nominated for a James Beard Award and continues to turn out massive portions of fried or smothered chicken, fish, and pork chops, along with stewed oxtails and incredible sides to adoring crowds.

202 E Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 671-3345
(310) 671-3345
Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen in Inglewood, California.
Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen.
Mona Holmes

Banadir Somali Restaurant

137 Arbor Vitae St, Inglewood, CA 90301

It’s rare to find Somali food in Los Angeles, but one of the few prepares some of Inglewood’s most flavorful menus. Banadir Somali Restaurant serves halal meats that are marinated and then slow-roasted for three hours and served with a side of rice, a simple salad, and a side of bas bas (a traditional bright green sauce is made with basil, jalapeno, and cilantro).

137 Arbor Vitae St, Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 419-9900
(310) 419-9900
A plate of Somalian food with rice, meat, and a side salad at Banadir Somali Restaurant.
Banadir Somali Restaurant
Mona Holmes

Jim Dandy Fried Chicken

11328 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044

For decades South LA institution Jim Dandy serves the golden-fried standard of fried chicken in the city. Also, don’t skip the corn fritters, deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar, to all but ensure you’re a nap after lunch. 

11328 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044
(323) 779-5567
(323) 779-5567
A sign for Jim Dandy Fried Chicken in South Los Angeles.
Jim Dandy.
Mona Holmes

Hawkins House of Burgers

11603 Slater St, Los Angeles, CA 90059

Endless fans flock to Hawkins in Watts, beguiled by the towering burgers that come fresh off the grill. The space across from Nickerson Gardens carries few frills, but that’s hardly the reason to avoid this 83-year restaurant.

11603 Slater St, Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 563-1129
(323) 563-1129
Hawkins House of Burgers cheeseburger loaded up.
Hawkins House of Burgers.
[Official Photo]

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