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Fried chicken, gravy, and biscuits at the Kettle.

20 LA Tourist-Friendly Restaurants That Are Actually Good

Destination dining doesn’t always have to disappoint

by Eater Staff Updated Nov 4, 2022, 2:30pm PDT

26 comments / new

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Fried chicken, gravy, and biscuits at the Kettle.

| Charles Kang/Eater LA

by Eater Staff Updated Nov 4, 2022, 2:30pm PDT

26 comments / new

It goes without saying that Los Angeles is a hot tourist destination, with its beaches, temperate weather, and robust restaurant scene. Even its tourist-friendly restaurants have something more to offer than the average chain, like a spot that offers seafood towers and an ocean view, to an old-school Mexican restaurant that even celebrities frequent. Here are 20 restaurants that draw in travelers, but are actually really good for locals too.

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Malibu Seafood

Be patient when at Malibu Seafood, as the line is as legendary as the food. This small, but mighty shack on Pacific Coast Highway serves golden-fried fish and chips, creamy clam chowder, and other tantalizing seafood classics. It’s also a market, so consider buying fresh seafood to cook at home. Pick a table outdoors, or grab it to go and enjoy while at the beach.

Open in Google Maps

25653 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Visit Website

Ocean breezes and fresh seafood on a sign for Malibu Seafood on Pacific Coast Highway. — Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Water Grill

Nothing beats dining on a breezy patio with a seafood tower and view of the ocean. Water Grill hits that sweet spot between upscale and casual, with a long beer and wine list, and plenty of fan favorites like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and a bevy of raw oyster options.

Open in Google Maps

1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Water Grill (@watergrill)

Also featured in:

Hot Dog on a Stick

The first Hot Dog on a Stick has been a mainstay along the boardwalk in Santa Monica for good reason: The corn dogs are really good. There are wiener options — from turkey to vegetarian and beef — that have a little something for everyone, and are battered and fried to order. Pair that with a lemonade and some funnel fries for a full experience. More reason to visit? The iconic food stand that has been around for 76 years unveiled a new building in October.

1633 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

A red and white building for the Hot Dog on a Stick restaurant in Santa Monica, California. — The new Hot Dog on a Stick building in Santa Monica beach.

Also featured in:

Cha Cha Chicken

Don’t dismiss this beachside restaurant. Cha Cha Chicken menu features plantains, rice and black beans, jerk chicken wings, coconut fried chicken, and a patio that’s amenable to those carrying a bottle of wine.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cha Cha Chicken (@chachachickensm)

Also featured in:

The Window Venice Boardwalk

If venturing to the Venice Boardwalk, the Window is open seven days a week to try its popular smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and grain bowls. A pro move is to order a classic chocolate s’mores milkshake, mint-cookies, or cream-dipped cones.

Open in Google Maps

1827 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The WinDow Burgers (@thewindow.la)

Casa Vega

Casa Vega has long been a draw for celebrity clientele, from the likes of the Kardashians to Selena Gomez, as well as locals and tourists. The old-school Mexican restaurant, which has been a major part of the Sherman Oaks community for over 60 years, always has warm and welcoming service, refreshing margaritas, and massive plates topped with enchiladas, chicken mole, and rice and beans.

13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Visit Website

Inside Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks. — Casa Vega’s dining room.

Also featured in:

Tito’s Tacos

This beloved restaurant has been in Culver City for over 60 years, feeding generations of families its particular style of hardshell tacos stuffed with shredded beef, iceberg lettuce, and cheddar cheese. One of the stars of the show is its mild, tomato-based salsa that perfectly complements the tacos and chips.

Open in Google Maps

11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230

Visit Website

A brown box with cheese and guacamole over chips, red salsa, and a burrito. — Tacos, burritos, and chips at Tito’s Tacos.

Also featured in:

The Kettle

The Kettle, a South Bay institution, has been home to brunch lovers and late night revelers for nearly 50 years. A spot that’s open 24 hours on the weekends at until midnight on other days, it’s a great gathering place for patty melts, pot roasts, and buttermilk honey fried chicken.

1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Visit Website

A counter with people sitting around it. — The counter at the Kettle.

Also featured in:

Lawry's the Prime Rib

Los Angeles’s Restaurant Row isn’t quite what it used to be, but that hasn’t stopped Lawry’s from continuing to anchor the La Cienega stretch, offering some of the city’s best service and prime rib. Despite the well-known name and national appeal, this first-ever location feels just as personal and important to Los Angeles as it always has.

100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Visit Website

Prime rib with sides at Lawry’s the Prime Rib. — Lawry’s the Prime Rib

Also featured in:

Randy's Donuts

If driving around Inglewood, always hit the Inglewood original Randy’s Donuts. Not only is the giant rooftop an iconic LA landmark, the doughnuts rival any other maker in the city. It’s also fashioned with a drive-thru, but there’s always a scene at the walk-up window.

805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301

Visit Website

Outside Randy’s Donuts, Inglewood.

Also featured in:

Pampas Grill Churrascaria

A classic tourist destination, the Original Farmer’s Market has something for everyone, including a Brazilian barbecue restaurant that might be the best of the bunch. Load up a plate with grilled vegetables and salad before selecting freshly sliced Brazilian grilled meats, like picanha, leg of lamb, and garlicky chicken pieces.

Open in Google Maps

6333 W 3rd St #618, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by mason & danielle (@manddfoodventures)

Also featured in:

Pink's Hot Dogs

With Pink’s Hot Dogs having been around for over 80 years, it’s a testament to how the team is doing something right. The Hollywood stalwart boasts an incredibly long hot dog menu that pays homage to famous people and LA institutions. (Pro tip: Always get the nacho chili cheese fries.) It’s a slice of LA history seeing the signed celebrity autographs on the walls that are both cheesy and fun. And while there may occasionally be a line, it moves rather quickly.

709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Visit Website

Pinks hot dogs cornered together with lots of chili and onions and cheese. — Chili dogs at Pink’s Hot Dogs.

Also featured in:

Musso & Frank Grill

Hollywood icon Musso & Frank’s is still one of the best places in the city for sidling up to the bar and confidently ordering a stirred martini. It helps that cocktail is one of the best in the region, the appetizers are solid, and the people-watching is even better.

6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Outside Musso & Frank, Hollywood, California — Outside Musso & Frank, Hollywood.

Also featured in:

El Cholo

This family-operated restaurant is one of Los Angeles’s oldest, churning out classic traditional enchiladas, burritos, tacos, as well as shaken margaritas from very busy bartenders. Order a dozen house-made flour tortillas for later.

Open in Google Maps

1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Visit Website

A red and green neon sign for El Cholo restaurant. — El Cholo on Western

Also featured in:

Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant

Not only is Langer’s a home for celebrities trying to low-key nosh, it’s also home to what is likely the single best deli pastrami in America. Add some to an order of chili cheese fries for a gut-busting lunch.

Open in Google Maps

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Visit Website

Langer’s

Din Tai Fung

Los Angeles is a city known for outstanding Chinese food, but there are three locations for those unable to trek over to the San Gabriel Valley. The company added Din Tai Fung in Glendale, The Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, and the Westfield mall in Century City to find those juicy pork soup dumplings, pan-fried rice cakes, and other Chinese classics.

177 Caruso Ave, Glendale, CA 91210

Visit Website

Din Tai Fung xiao long bao soup dumplings. — Din Tai Fung

Also featured in:

Howlin' Ray's

Howlin’ Rays’ Nashville-inspired hot chicken brought the craze to LA with perennially long lines to boot. Now that its spicy chicken tenders and sandwiches are available for walk ups, and online orders for pickup and delivery on Postmates (there’s currently no indoor dining available), it’s a lot easier for folks to get a mouth-tingling taste of the revered restaurant’s dishes.

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HOWLIN’ RAY’S (@howlinrays)

Also featured in:

Yang Chow Restaurant

This iconic Chinatown restaurant has been home to large groups and celebrities for 45 years, with its slippery shrimp and Szechuan chicken in orange peel sauce as its main draws. The service is always personable and the dishes on point. Over the past few years, the family-run restaurant has expanded into Pasadena and Long Beach.

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Los Angeles Chinatown (@lachinatown)

Also featured in:

Cielito Lindo

Open since 1934, Cielito Lindo is one of the best stands in Los Angeles. Stationed in the historic Olvera Street, Cielito’s deep-fried taquitos drowned in avocado salsa is worth a trek. Afterward, walk through LA’s first official street for more bites and knick-knacks.

E, 23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Rolled taquitos in a cast iron skillet over a fire. — Cielito Lindo taquitos

Also featured in:

Philippe The Original

Now that the Cole’s versus Philippe’s debate as to the true progenitor of the French dip sandwich has been put to rest, there’s no better time to visit the 1908 institution that invented the jus-soaked specialty. If it’s too crowded on the bottom floor, head upstairs for a quieter meal.

1001 North Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Philippe The Original — Philippe the Original

Also featured in:

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Malibu Seafood

25653 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Be patient when at Malibu Seafood, as the line is as legendary as the food. This small, but mighty shack on Pacific Coast Highway serves golden-fried fish and chips, creamy clam chowder, and other tantalizing seafood classics. It’s also a market, so consider buying fresh seafood to cook at home. Pick a table outdoors, or grab it to go and enjoy while at the beach.

Open in Google Maps

25653 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Visit Website

Ocean breezes and fresh seafood on a sign for Malibu Seafood on Pacific Coast Highway. — Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe

Water Grill

1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Nothing beats dining on a breezy patio with a seafood tower and view of the ocean. Water Grill hits that sweet spot between upscale and casual, with a long beer and wine list, and plenty of fan favorites like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and a bevy of raw oyster options.

Open in Google Maps

1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Water Grill (@watergrill)

Hot Dog on a Stick

1633 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The first Hot Dog on a Stick has been a mainstay along the boardwalk in Santa Monica for good reason: The corn dogs are really good. There are wiener options — from turkey to vegetarian and beef — that have a little something for everyone, and are battered and fried to order. Pair that with a lemonade and some funnel fries for a full experience. More reason to visit? The iconic food stand that has been around for 76 years unveiled a new building in October.

1633 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

A red and white building for the Hot Dog on a Stick restaurant in Santa Monica, California. — The new Hot Dog on a Stick building in Santa Monica beach.

Cha Cha Chicken

1906 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Don’t dismiss this beachside restaurant. Cha Cha Chicken menu features plantains, rice and black beans, jerk chicken wings, coconut fried chicken, and a patio that’s amenable to those carrying a bottle of wine.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cha Cha Chicken (@chachachickensm)

The Window Venice Boardwalk

1827 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

If venturing to the Venice Boardwalk, the Window is open seven days a week to try its popular smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and grain bowls. A pro move is to order a classic chocolate s’mores milkshake, mint-cookies, or cream-dipped cones.

Open in Google Maps

1827 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The WinDow Burgers (@thewindow.la)

Casa Vega

13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Casa Vega has long been a draw for celebrity clientele, from the likes of the Kardashians to Selena Gomez, as well as locals and tourists. The old-school Mexican restaurant, which has been a major part of the Sherman Oaks community for over 60 years, always has warm and welcoming service, refreshing margaritas, and massive plates topped with enchiladas, chicken mole, and rice and beans.

13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Visit Website

Inside Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks. — Casa Vega’s dining room.

Tito’s Tacos

11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230

This beloved restaurant has been in Culver City for over 60 years, feeding generations of families its particular style of hardshell tacos stuffed with shredded beef, iceberg lettuce, and cheddar cheese. One of the stars of the show is its mild, tomato-based salsa that perfectly complements the tacos and chips.

Open in Google Maps

11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230

Visit Website

A brown box with cheese and guacamole over chips, red salsa, and a burrito. — Tacos, burritos, and chips at Tito’s Tacos.

The Kettle

1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The Kettle, a South Bay institution, has been home to brunch lovers and late night revelers for nearly 50 years. A spot that’s open 24 hours on the weekends at until midnight on other days, it’s a great gathering place for patty melts, pot roasts, and buttermilk honey fried chicken.

1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Visit Website

A counter with people sitting around it. — The counter at the Kettle.

Lawry's the Prime Rib

100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Los Angeles’s Restaurant Row isn’t quite what it used to be, but that hasn’t stopped Lawry’s from continuing to anchor the La Cienega stretch, offering some of the city’s best service and prime rib. Despite the well-known name and national appeal, this first-ever location feels just as personal and important to Los Angeles as it always has.

100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Visit Website

Prime rib with sides at Lawry’s the Prime Rib. — Lawry’s the Prime Rib

Randy's Donuts

805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301

If driving around Inglewood, always hit the Inglewood original Randy’s Donuts. Not only is the giant rooftop an iconic LA landmark, the doughnuts rival any other maker in the city. It’s also fashioned with a drive-thru, but there’s always a scene at the walk-up window.

805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301

Visit Website

Outside Randy’s Donuts, Inglewood.

Pampas Grill Churrascaria

6333 W 3rd St #618, Los Angeles, CA 90036

A classic tourist destination, the Original Farmer’s Market has something for everyone, including a Brazilian barbecue restaurant that might be the best of the bunch. Load up a plate with grilled vegetables and salad before selecting freshly sliced Brazilian grilled meats, like picanha, leg of lamb, and garlicky chicken pieces.

Open in Google Maps

6333 W 3rd St #618, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by mason & danielle (@manddfoodventures)

Pink's Hot Dogs

709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

With Pink’s Hot Dogs having been around for over 80 years, it’s a testament to how the team is doing something right. The Hollywood stalwart boasts an incredibly long hot dog menu that pays homage to famous people and LA institutions. (Pro tip: Always get the nacho chili cheese fries.) It’s a slice of LA history seeing the signed celebrity autographs on the walls that are both cheesy and fun. And while there may occasionally be a line, it moves rather quickly.

709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Visit Website

Pinks hot dogs cornered together with lots of chili and onions and cheese. — Chili dogs at Pink’s Hot Dogs.

Musso & Frank Grill

6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Hollywood icon Musso & Frank’s is still one of the best places in the city for sidling up to the bar and confidently ordering a stirred martini. It helps that cocktail is one of the best in the region, the appetizers are solid, and the people-watching is even better.

6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

Outside Musso & Frank, Hollywood, California — Outside Musso & Frank, Hollywood.

El Cholo

1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

This family-operated restaurant is one of Los Angeles’s oldest, churning out classic traditional enchiladas, burritos, tacos, as well as shaken margaritas from very busy bartenders. Order a dozen house-made flour tortillas for later.

Open in Google Maps

1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Visit Website

A red and green neon sign for El Cholo restaurant. — El Cholo on Western

Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Not only is Langer’s a home for celebrities trying to low-key nosh, it’s also home to what is likely the single best deli pastrami in America. Add some to an order of chili cheese fries for a gut-busting lunch.

Open in Google Maps

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Visit Website

Langer’s

Related Maps

Din Tai Fung

177 Caruso Ave, Glendale, CA 91210

Los Angeles is a city known for outstanding Chinese food, but there are three locations for those unable to trek over to the San Gabriel Valley. The company added Din Tai Fung in Glendale, The Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, and the Westfield mall in Century City to find those juicy pork soup dumplings, pan-fried rice cakes, and other Chinese classics.

177 Caruso Ave, Glendale, CA 91210

Visit Website

Din Tai Fung xiao long bao soup dumplings. — Din Tai Fung

Howlin' Ray's

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Howlin’ Rays’ Nashville-inspired hot chicken brought the craze to LA with perennially long lines to boot. Now that its spicy chicken tenders and sandwiches are available for walk ups, and online orders for pickup and delivery on Postmates (there’s currently no indoor dining available), it’s a lot easier for folks to get a mouth-tingling taste of the revered restaurant’s dishes.

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HOWLIN’ RAY’S (@howlinrays)

Yang Chow Restaurant

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This iconic Chinatown restaurant has been home to large groups and celebrities for 45 years, with its slippery shrimp and Szechuan chicken in orange peel sauce as its main draws. The service is always personable and the dishes on point. Over the past few years, the family-run restaurant has expanded into Pasadena and Long Beach.

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Los Angeles Chinatown (@lachinatown)

Cielito Lindo

E, 23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Open since 1934, Cielito Lindo is one of the best stands in Los Angeles. Stationed in the historic Olvera Street, Cielito’s deep-fried taquitos drowned in avocado salsa is worth a trek. Afterward, walk through LA’s first official street for more bites and knick-knacks.

E, 23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Rolled taquitos in a cast iron skillet over a fire. — Cielito Lindo taquitos

Philippe The Original

1001 North Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Now that the Cole’s versus Philippe’s debate as to the true progenitor of the French dip sandwich has been put to rest, there’s no better time to visit the 1908 institution that invented the jus-soaked specialty. If it’s too crowded on the bottom floor, head upstairs for a quieter meal.

1001 North Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Philippe The Original — Philippe the Original

Related Maps