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Dimly lit dining room of El Cholo restaurant with patrons sitting at tables, and various vintage photos on the wall. — Inside El Cholo in Koreatown.

20 LA Tourist-Friendly Restaurants That Are Actually Good

Destination dining doesn’t always have to disappoint

by Eater Staff Updated May 16, 2023, 11:09am PDT

26 comments / new

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Inside El Cholo in Koreatown.

| Wonho Frank Lee

by Eater Staff Updated May 16, 2023, 11:09am 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 freshly fried or grilled seafood with an ocean view, or an old-school Mexican restaurant that celebrities often 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

Hot Dog on a Stick

The first Hot Dog on a Stick has been a mainstay along the boardwalk in Santa Monica for a good reason: The corn dogs are excellent. 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 lemonade and some funnel fries for a whole experience. More reason to visit? The iconic food stand that has been around for 76 years unveiled a new building in October 2022.

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.

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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:

Belles Beach House

A visit to LA will likely land tourists in Venice Beach. While the crowded Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney have plenty of places to eat, Belles Beach House manages to accommodate medium-to-large from throughout the day with its tropical vibes, stiff tiki cocktails, and Japanese-Hawaiian-influenced dishes like mochiko-fried chicken bites, sushi platters, or saucy teriyaki burgers.

24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Visit Website

Belles Beach House main dining area with tropical trees and matching sofa decor. — Belles Beach House in Venice.

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, including the likes of the Kardashians and 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.

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Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant and Market

Made even more popular by HBO’s Insecure, Merkato on Fairfax Avenue is a Little Ethiopia favorite. As the name suggests, there’s both a restaurant and a market with robust offerings, including Ethiopian wine, beer, coffee, and pantry items. The menu features plenty of meat and fish alongside vegetarian and vegan offerings, making it a great place to share a few dishes with a group, like the highly spiced raw beef gored gored served with injera.

Open in Google Maps

1036 1/2 S Fairfax Avenue, 1036 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Ethiopian gored gored from Merkato in Los Angeles. — Ethiopian gored gored from Merkato.

Also featured in:

11 Essential Restaurants Around Los Angeles’s Little Ethiopia

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:

25 Degrees

Anyone landing in Hollywood’s Walk of Fame area will likely need something to eat. 25 Degrees has remained an unexpected classic over the past 19 years serving upscaled burgers in a bordello-inspired dining room. The most popular burger combines runny crescenza and gorgonzola cheeses, crispy bacon, and thousand island over a juicy patty encased by brioche buns. Be sure to pick a boozy milk shake to pair with the burger.

Open in Google Maps

7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

25 degrees — 25 Degrees in Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel.

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. The dining room, with zero music and all ambient sounds, remains one of the best places to get dinner in Hollywood, with well done classics like French onion soup, pasta, or grilled chops.

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.

Otium

Over the years, Timothy Hollingsworth’s landmark restaurant in Downtown LA has gained fame through the chef’s winning streak on Netflix’s The Final Table and more recently with his social media sensation Chain, a collaboration with actor B.J. Novak that serves upscaled takes on fast food. But Otium remains one of the most impressive and reliable modern LA restaurants in a highly trafficked tourist area, serving a versatile and well-executed menu of California fare, including pasta and grilled meats spread across an arresting, high energy space.

222 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Inside Otium, Timothy Hollingworth’s Crown Jewel on Bunker Hill — Otium in Downtown’s Bunker Hill.

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, it’s a lot easier for folks to get a mouth-tingling taste of the revered restaurant’s dishes. There’s another location with on-site seating and even craft beers in Pasadena.

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:

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:

Al & Bea's Mexican Food

Founded by Al and Beatrice Carreon in Boyle Heights in the mid-1960s, this popular burrito stand still makes some of the best LA-style bean and cheese burritos anywhere. While the basic bean and oozy cheddar cheese is a good starting point, combination burritos with stewed meat and the chile relleno variants are next level. Be prepared to wait as things aren’t made at fast-food speed.

2025 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Bean and cheese from Al & Bea’s in Boyle Heights.

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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

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 a good reason: The corn dogs are excellent. 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 lemonade and some funnel fries for a whole experience. More reason to visit? The iconic food stand that has been around for 76 years unveiled a new building in October 2022.

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)

Belles Beach House

24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

A visit to LA will likely land tourists in Venice Beach. While the crowded Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney have plenty of places to eat, Belles Beach House manages to accommodate medium-to-large from throughout the day with its tropical vibes, stiff tiki cocktails, and Japanese-Hawaiian-influenced dishes like mochiko-fried chicken bites, sushi platters, or saucy teriyaki burgers.

24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Visit Website

Belles Beach House main dining area with tropical trees and matching sofa decor. — Belles Beach House in Venice.

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, including the likes of the Kardashians and 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.

Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant and Market

1036 1/2 S Fairfax Avenue, 1036 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Made even more popular by HBO’s Insecure, Merkato on Fairfax Avenue is a Little Ethiopia favorite. As the name suggests, there’s both a restaurant and a market with robust offerings, including Ethiopian wine, beer, coffee, and pantry items. The menu features plenty of meat and fish alongside vegetarian and vegan offerings, making it a great place to share a few dishes with a group, like the highly spiced raw beef gored gored served with injera.

Open in Google Maps

1036 1/2 S Fairfax Avenue, 1036 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Ethiopian gored gored from Merkato in Los Angeles. — Ethiopian gored gored from Merkato.

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.

25 Degrees

7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Anyone landing in Hollywood’s Walk of Fame area will likely need something to eat. 25 Degrees has remained an unexpected classic over the past 19 years serving upscaled burgers in a bordello-inspired dining room. The most popular burger combines runny crescenza and gorgonzola cheeses, crispy bacon, and thousand island over a juicy patty encased by brioche buns. Be sure to pick a boozy milk shake to pair with the burger.

Open in Google Maps

7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Visit Website

25 degrees — 25 Degrees in Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel.

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. The dining room, with zero music and all ambient sounds, remains one of the best places to get dinner in Hollywood, with well done classics like French onion soup, pasta, or grilled chops.

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

Related Maps

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.

Otium

222 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Over the years, Timothy Hollingsworth’s landmark restaurant in Downtown LA has gained fame through the chef’s winning streak on Netflix’s The Final Table and more recently with his social media sensation Chain, a collaboration with actor B.J. Novak that serves upscaled takes on fast food. But Otium remains one of the most impressive and reliable modern LA restaurants in a highly trafficked tourist area, serving a versatile and well-executed menu of California fare, including pasta and grilled meats spread across an arresting, high energy space.

222 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

Inside Otium, Timothy Hollingworth’s Crown Jewel on Bunker Hill — Otium in Downtown’s Bunker Hill.

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, it’s a lot easier for folks to get a mouth-tingling taste of the revered restaurant’s dishes. There’s another location with on-site seating and even craft beers in Pasadena.

727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

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

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