Open since 2012, Belizean Paradise Cuisine boasts an easy menu with stewed beef, curried chicken, or fried plantains accompanied by traditional peas and rice. Every portion is generous, while reasonable prices might garner a pleasing double-take.

Chef Keith Corbin is the captain of the Alta ship, which has the adjacent and comfy daytime Adams Coffee Shop. Every dish is still tasty to-go with black-eyed pea fritters, and the delightfully tender and flavorful oxtails and rice. Make sure to pick up a bottle of wine with selections by certified sommelier Ruben Morancy.

Harold & Belle’s still rocks a menu of Louisiana favorites to a large and loyal local clientele. And for the record, gumbo and jambalaya taste even better as leftovers.

Chef Gilberto Cetina has had plenty of success just south of Downtown, first with Chichen Itza, and with Holbox. The seafood-centric spot covers the bases with ceviches, tostadas, and even simpler preparations of Yucatanean and Baja-based specialties, like blood clams. When sit-down dining returns, it’ll be a welcome sight to watch these mariscos being made before your very eyes.

Earle’s Grill is a South LA institution found along Crenshaw Boulevard. And though sit-down dining is still prohibited, they’ve streamlined the to-go process that include vegan dogs, excessively decadent chili dogs, and so much more.

The much-hyped Tire Shop Taqueria continues to fire on all cylinders during the pandemic, and serves until midnight. After all, who doesn’t love hand-pressed tortillas and the sweet smell of wood-burning meat?

Chef Kyndra McCrary’s daytime spot sits right in Leimert Park, where she keeps churning out a healthier spin on grilled jerk chicken, sea bass with roasted cauliflower, and the occasional vegetarian chili or gumbo. Her menu changes regularly, so check her Instagram for the latest offerings.

Named after Jamaica’s national fruit, Ackee Bamboo keeps an all-day menu that’s been running since 2001. The food is traditional Jamaican, and dives deep on items like ackee sautéed with salted cod, jerk chicken, oxtail, goat, and plenty of seafood, including a fried whole red snapper with Jamaican spiced vinegar sauce.

Tacos Los Guichos is one of the most versatile taco stops around, with a killer late night al pastor spit and room for lots of delicious carnitas on weekends. Both are equally fantastic, making this a must-stop for anyone with a serious taco craving.

For some of Inglewood’s best smoked meats, Woody’s Bar-B-Que is the place to be. While there are other locations for this LA institution, the Slauson location first opened 45 years ago. Nab a lunch or dinner plate with hot links, ribs, sliced beef, and chicken packed with mac and cheese, beans, greens, cornbread, and arguably some of the city’s best potato salad.

Jade Siam’s colorful interior is an oasis from the strip mall parking lot. The restaurant has been churning out quality pad se ew, pineapple fried rice, or panang curry for years, operating as one of the few Thai restaurants in the neighborhood that borders Vernon in Huntington Park.

The fried fish scene is as strong as ever in South LA, with stalwarts like CW & Chris leading the charge. This is the place for fried white fish, but don’t sleep on the chicken wings either.

Court Cafe is the 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 omelette, waffles with brown sugar butter, and the crowd-pleasing lobster and waffles.

All COVID-19 protocols are in place at this Southern spot just off Western and Florence. Order the fantastic fried chicken, mac and cheese, and greens, and the 7-Up cake before it sells out.

Banadir Somali Restaurant is among the only Somali restaurants in Los Angeles. It’s a friendly spot, with humble owner Hussein Mohamed will always provide recommendations. He’ll always suggest the goat or lamb platters, but all of the halal meats are marinated, then slow oven-roasted for three hours and served with a side of rice, a simple and delicious salad, with a side of bas bas. This traditional, bright green-colored green sauce is made with basil, jalapeño, and cilantro. It packs a delicious punch.

Birria is worth all the current hype, but one must choose wisely. Head to Compton for Tacos Avalos Birria de res estilo T.J., where not only birria tacos are available, but birria ramen.

One of LA’s best Mexican seafood restaurants rests comfortably in Inglewood, as Coni’ Seafood continues to wow weary LAX travelers and locals alike. The marlin tacos alone are worth the trip, but it’s the big platter of pescado zarandeado that really turns heads.

Endless fans still 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 keep anyone from going.