I've spent most of my life in the San Fernando Valley so I know the dining scene pretty well. There's still so much for me to discover. I tend to eat at the more hole-in-the-wall places in Los Angeles rather than the hottest restaurants on any list. If you're an adventurous eater and fine with leaving your comfort zone, you'll probably appreciate this list.
Hope you enjoy my list of the best places to eat in the Valley!
Hope you enjoy my list of the best places to eat in the Valley!
ARGENTINE
Mercado Buenos Aires - Steak and eggs, empanadas, Argentine-style pizza, any recommended beef dishes
BAKERY
Lodge Bread - Artisan bread
BARBECUE
Boneyard Bistro - Barbecue, craft beer on draft and bottle list
This place is so underrated. They have excellent barbecue and some the best craft beer selection in Los Angeles.
Handy Market - Baby back ribs and beef ribs on Saturday mornings
BREAKFAST
The Hungry Fox - Chicken and waffles
The best chicken and waffles in Los Angeles.
Carrillo's Tortilleria - Mexican breakfast
Get the tamales with mole and the pozole.
Granville Cafe - Dutch pancakes
Ever since the closure of Du-Par's there's been a void of really good pancakes. I recently discovered the proscuitto pancakes at Granville after my sister introduced them to me. They are perfectly crisp and fluffy, but not too thick. This is the best dish I've had at Granville so far. Better texture than Cici's pancakes.
AJ's Tex-Mex & Barbecue - Brisket breakfast tacos
The best breakfast tacos I've tasted outside Texas.
Athenian Grill - Breakfast burrito
One of the best breakfast burritos in Los Angeles. You won't be disappointed.
BRITISH
Robin Hood Pub - Fish and chips and bangers
Probably the best British fish and chips in LA. Head next door and get the frozen bangers to cook at home.
CHILEAN
Chilenazo - Chilean tamal
CHINESE
Szechuan Place - Regional Chinese food catering to Chinese students at CSUN.
Sam Woo - Cantonese-style barbecue
This chain serves dependable Chinese to a Chinese audience. You'll find items you find at Chinese-American restaurants. I get the barbecue plate or the crispy deep-fried squid.
Mandarin Deli - Juicy steamed dumplings, scallion pancakes, beef noodles soup (handmade)
Dishes that you might find in the San Gabriel Valley without the drive. They also have a location in the SGV.
Bamboo Cuisine - Best shrimp fried rice
CARIBBEAN
Johnny Pacific - Empanadas
The best empanadas you will taste in your life from a fine dining chef inspired by the food stands during his time working in the Caribbean.
Cha Cha Chicken - Coconut chicken
COLOMBIAN
Sazón Colombia - breakfast, cheese bread
CUBAN
La Taverna Cubana - Cubano sandwich
The best cubano I've tasted in Los Angeles
Versailles - Not the best, but dependable Cuban in the Valley
My family usually sticks to the shredded pork plate, oxtail, tongue, and arroz con pollo.
DINER
Horseless Carriage - Prime rib dinners including pie, lobster omelet, clam chowder
I've had many satisfying meals here. They're known for their prime rib deal for under $20 which includes pie. Probably the best value in Los Angeles. The best clam chowder I've tasted in Los Angeles.
FILIPINO
Bamboo Bistro - Boodle Fight dinners or better known as kamayan-style.
Lilian's Bread & Sweets - Ukoy, hard-to-find regional Filipino dishes, empanadas
This is probably my favorite Filipino restaurant in the Valley tucked inside a car wash.
Goto at Silog - Goto (porridge)
Jollibee - Fried chicken with white rice and gravy, peach mango pie
Some of the best fried chicken you will ever taste and peach mango pie (which is my dad's recipe -- not kidding)
Barrio Fiesta - Crispy pata and kare-kare
They are known for these two dishes. Don't sleep on ordering these.
Manila Sunset - Bibingka, puto bumbong, grilled squid
Oi Asian Fusion - Adobo and pork belly bowls
Hopia Like It - Hopia mongo and halo-halo. Best cebuchon in LA.
FRENCH
Petit Trois Le Valley - Croque madame or monsieur
Go for the buzzy scene and cocktails rather than out of the ordinary food. This is French bistro fare, so if you've been to France, this place will take you back. Chef Ludo is known for his omelet which you can try to make at home. Not a fan of their pastry or bread.
GREEK
Firehouse Restaurant - Chicken gyros
This is their most popular dish.
The Great Greek - Amazing pita bread and saganaki (flaming cheese dish)
Festive and loud Greek restaurant. If you want a lively atmosphere at dinner, this is it. Opa!
GUATAMALAN
Restaurante Amalias - Garnachas, plato Amalias
HOT DOGS
Fab Hot Dogs - You can't go wrong with the ripper or any of their hot dogs and their tater tots
Dog Haus - Hot dogs in Hawaiian bread
Vicious Dogs - Sweet and spicy dog
ICE CREAM
McConnell's - Farm-to-table ice cream
Salt & Straw - Unusual, gourmet flavors from this spot from Portland. Look for the local chef series.
La Michoacana in San Fernando - Mexican-style ice cream, mangeonadas, and paletas
Fatamorgana Gelato - Gelateria from Rome opened in Studio City. Chef Ludo Lefebvre is a fan.
INDIAN
India's Sweets & Spices in Canoga Park - Ask for recommendations
The prices are low and always crowded with Indians. Always a good sign if you see where Indians eating Indian food. I'll eat anything. I love their dosas. My Indian friend said the cooking here is the best in Los Angeles other than what she can get at home.
Chennai Tiffins - Dosas
More "gourmet" dosas than what you'll find at India's Sweets & Spices. They also have a location in Artesia (Little India).
Indian by Nature - Highly recommended by an employee at India's Sweets & Spices
The lunch special is a good value.
ISRAELI
Hummus Bar & Grill - Hummus, fresh flat bread, falafel, shakshuka, "opening the table"
Go with a large group and ask them to "open the table"
Tel Aviv Grill (Valley Village, Encino, Tarzana) - Chicken schawarma, sabich, falafel, schnitzel
My favorite spot for Israeli cuisine. They currently have 3 locations and is very popular.
ITALIAN
Monte Carlo Italian Deli - Groceries (sardines), lasagna, meatballs, pasta with meat sauce, inexpensive house wine w/ dinnner like in Italy
Best grocery shopping for Italian goods then head to the restaurant for lasagna, meatballs or pasta with meat sauce.
Grandi Italiani - Spaghetti bolognese, NY-style cheesecake
Famous pasta spot with a line in LA opened in the Valley
Lido's / Chi Chi's Pizza - Housemade pasta
I enjoy their spaghetti and meatballs. Come for lunch and enjoy all you can eat pasta.
Domingo's - Housemade pasta
I hear the new owners now make their own pasta.
ITALIAN SANDWICHES
Cavaretta's Italian Deli - Corned beef and meatball sandwiches, lasagna, cannoli
Cricca's Italian Deli - Ask for any sandwich on their crunch bread
The owner started at Cavaretta's and parted ways and opened Cricca's.
Domingo's Italian Deli - Really good sandwiches with great bread
JEWISH DELI
Brent's Deli - Black pastrami reuben
Some say this is the best Jewish deli west of the Mississippi. I come here if I am too lazy to head to Langer's.
JAPANESE
Sushi Spot - Traditional no fuss sushi
This is my favorite spot for traditional sushi. Try the chef's choice menu then the omakase from $40 to $75.
Sushi Iki - High-end omakase
If you're feeling spendy, order the omakase which starts at $100. Expect foie gras and caviar.
Go's Mart - exotic fish for sushi
Ramen Nippon - Tokyo-style ramen (lighter broth)
KOREAN
BCD Tofu House - tofu clay pot soups
Myungin Dumplings - Korean dumplings from this Koreantown spot now open in Northridge. Bourdain was a fan.
SHIK DO RAK - Galbi
MUSSE - Bone broth soup
AYCE Gogi - Not Koreatown, but when you're lazy to drive. All you can eat Korean barbecue and craft beer, with a pinball arcade in the back
MEXICAN
Mi Ranchito Food Truck - carne asada tacos
The best carne asada tacos I've tasted in California and Mexico.
Catch 818 Mariscos - Cevicheria with refreshingly great service.
Try the clamatado or the ceviche de camaron en salsa negra con mango
Mariscos Mazaltecos - Ceviche from a food truck in the Toys R Us lot
Leo's Taco Truck - Al pastor tacos, champurrado (hot chocolate)
One of best purveyors of al pastor in Los Angeles has a truck in the Valley.
Birrieria Apatzingan - Birria, chavindeca, huchepos
Regional Mexican food from Apatzingan.
Carnitas Loya Fast Food - Carnitas
La Asunción Family Restaurant - Pollo con mole
Regional Mexican food from Oaxaca.
Centro Botanero Mazatlan - Shrimp tacos on tortilla de nopal
Cemitas Poblanas Don Adrian - Cemitas
I'm a regular and usually get the traditional vegetarian or milanesa with papalo.
Rosie's Tamales - tamales (go early they sell out), champurrado (hot chocolate)
Mi Ranchito Veracruz - Veracruz-style tamales, Veracruz-style fish and shrimp tacos, churros
The banana leaf tamales is what they are known for. This is my go-to dish. Their fish tacos are different than Ensenada style, but they are equally delicious and worth trying. I haven't had a dish I didn't like.
Mariscos Camarena Estilo Nayarit Food Truck - Shrimp empanadas, aguachile, campechana, tostadas
My favorite is their shrimp empanadas and the best I've tasted so far in LA.
PERSIAN
Sadaf - Ground chicken kabob
Their specialty is the ground chicken kabob. A Persian said that this was the best Persian resto in the Valley.
PIZZA
Pizza Wagon of Brooklyn - Best NYC slice in LA!
LBK Pizzeria - New-York style pizza by the slice
786 Pizzeria - Creative Neopolitan-style pizzas
PORTUGUESE
Natas Pastries - Natas (Portuguese egg tart) and hard to find Portuguese dishes
SPANISH
Gasolina Cafe - Ask for recommendations. Great for breakfast and lunch.
SYRIAN
Esso Mediterranean Bistro - Donut-shaped falafel
Kobee Factory - Kobee barbecue
THAI
Chai Thung - everything is good!
This is where Thai families eat Thai food in the Valley. My favorite Thai restaurant in Los Angeles.
Sri Siam - crispy rice with Thai sausage
Chefs in the know from all over city make the trek to the Valley to eat Thai food.
Wat Thai - Weekend food festival. Try everything. This is Thai food for Thai people.
This is where all Thai families come to eat Thai food on the weekends.
Bua Siam - Inexpensive lunch menu (bang for your buck)
The lunch menu is unbelievably inexpensive. Other than the lunch menu, I love their fried catfish with apple or papaya salad and sticky rice and dynamite wings. I'm a regular.
Mercado Buenos Aires - Steak and eggs, empanadas, Argentine-style pizza, any recommended beef dishes
BAKERY
Lodge Bread - Artisan bread
BARBECUE
Boneyard Bistro - Barbecue, craft beer on draft and bottle list
This place is so underrated. They have excellent barbecue and some the best craft beer selection in Los Angeles.
Handy Market - Baby back ribs and beef ribs on Saturday mornings
BREAKFAST
The Hungry Fox - Chicken and waffles
The best chicken and waffles in Los Angeles.
Carrillo's Tortilleria - Mexican breakfast
Get the tamales with mole and the pozole.
Granville Cafe - Dutch pancakes
Ever since the closure of Du-Par's there's been a void of really good pancakes. I recently discovered the proscuitto pancakes at Granville after my sister introduced them to me. They are perfectly crisp and fluffy, but not too thick. This is the best dish I've had at Granville so far. Better texture than Cici's pancakes.
AJ's Tex-Mex & Barbecue - Brisket breakfast tacos
The best breakfast tacos I've tasted outside Texas.
Athenian Grill - Breakfast burrito
One of the best breakfast burritos in Los Angeles. You won't be disappointed.
BRITISH
Robin Hood Pub - Fish and chips and bangers
Probably the best British fish and chips in LA. Head next door and get the frozen bangers to cook at home.
CHILEAN
Chilenazo - Chilean tamal
CHINESE
Szechuan Place - Regional Chinese food catering to Chinese students at CSUN.
Sam Woo - Cantonese-style barbecue
This chain serves dependable Chinese to a Chinese audience. You'll find items you find at Chinese-American restaurants. I get the barbecue plate or the crispy deep-fried squid.
Mandarin Deli - Juicy steamed dumplings, scallion pancakes, beef noodles soup (handmade)
Dishes that you might find in the San Gabriel Valley without the drive. They also have a location in the SGV.
Bamboo Cuisine - Best shrimp fried rice
CARIBBEAN
Johnny Pacific - Empanadas
The best empanadas you will taste in your life from a fine dining chef inspired by the food stands during his time working in the Caribbean.
Cha Cha Chicken - Coconut chicken
COLOMBIAN
Sazón Colombia - breakfast, cheese bread
CUBAN
La Taverna Cubana - Cubano sandwich
The best cubano I've tasted in Los Angeles
Versailles - Not the best, but dependable Cuban in the Valley
My family usually sticks to the shredded pork plate, oxtail, tongue, and arroz con pollo.
DINER
Horseless Carriage - Prime rib dinners including pie, lobster omelet, clam chowder
I've had many satisfying meals here. They're known for their prime rib deal for under $20 which includes pie. Probably the best value in Los Angeles. The best clam chowder I've tasted in Los Angeles.
FILIPINO
Bamboo Bistro - Boodle Fight dinners or better known as kamayan-style.
Lilian's Bread & Sweets - Ukoy, hard-to-find regional Filipino dishes, empanadas
This is probably my favorite Filipino restaurant in the Valley tucked inside a car wash.
Goto at Silog - Goto (porridge)
Jollibee - Fried chicken with white rice and gravy, peach mango pie
Some of the best fried chicken you will ever taste and peach mango pie (which is my dad's recipe -- not kidding)
Barrio Fiesta - Crispy pata and kare-kare
They are known for these two dishes. Don't sleep on ordering these.
Manila Sunset - Bibingka, puto bumbong, grilled squid
Oi Asian Fusion - Adobo and pork belly bowls
Hopia Like It - Hopia mongo and halo-halo. Best cebuchon in LA.
FRENCH
Petit Trois Le Valley - Croque madame or monsieur
Go for the buzzy scene and cocktails rather than out of the ordinary food. This is French bistro fare, so if you've been to France, this place will take you back. Chef Ludo is known for his omelet which you can try to make at home. Not a fan of their pastry or bread.
GREEK
Firehouse Restaurant - Chicken gyros
This is their most popular dish.
The Great Greek - Amazing pita bread and saganaki (flaming cheese dish)
Festive and loud Greek restaurant. If you want a lively atmosphere at dinner, this is it. Opa!
GUATAMALAN
Restaurante Amalias - Garnachas, plato Amalias
HOT DOGS
Fab Hot Dogs - You can't go wrong with the ripper or any of their hot dogs and their tater tots
Dog Haus - Hot dogs in Hawaiian bread
Vicious Dogs - Sweet and spicy dog
ICE CREAM
McConnell's - Farm-to-table ice cream
Salt & Straw - Unusual, gourmet flavors from this spot from Portland. Look for the local chef series.
La Michoacana in San Fernando - Mexican-style ice cream, mangeonadas, and paletas
Fatamorgana Gelato - Gelateria from Rome opened in Studio City. Chef Ludo Lefebvre is a fan.
INDIAN
India's Sweets & Spices in Canoga Park - Ask for recommendations
The prices are low and always crowded with Indians. Always a good sign if you see where Indians eating Indian food. I'll eat anything. I love their dosas. My Indian friend said the cooking here is the best in Los Angeles other than what she can get at home.
Chennai Tiffins - Dosas
More "gourmet" dosas than what you'll find at India's Sweets & Spices. They also have a location in Artesia (Little India).
Indian by Nature - Highly recommended by an employee at India's Sweets & Spices
The lunch special is a good value.
ISRAELI
Hummus Bar & Grill - Hummus, fresh flat bread, falafel, shakshuka, "opening the table"
Go with a large group and ask them to "open the table"
Tel Aviv Grill (Valley Village, Encino, Tarzana) - Chicken schawarma, sabich, falafel, schnitzel
My favorite spot for Israeli cuisine. They currently have 3 locations and is very popular.
ITALIAN
Monte Carlo Italian Deli - Groceries (sardines), lasagna, meatballs, pasta with meat sauce, inexpensive house wine w/ dinnner like in Italy
Best grocery shopping for Italian goods then head to the restaurant for lasagna, meatballs or pasta with meat sauce.
Grandi Italiani - Spaghetti bolognese, NY-style cheesecake
Famous pasta spot with a line in LA opened in the Valley
Lido's / Chi Chi's Pizza - Housemade pasta
I enjoy their spaghetti and meatballs. Come for lunch and enjoy all you can eat pasta.
Domingo's - Housemade pasta
I hear the new owners now make their own pasta.
ITALIAN SANDWICHES
Cavaretta's Italian Deli - Corned beef and meatball sandwiches, lasagna, cannoli
Cricca's Italian Deli - Ask for any sandwich on their crunch bread
The owner started at Cavaretta's and parted ways and opened Cricca's.
Domingo's Italian Deli - Really good sandwiches with great bread
JEWISH DELI
Brent's Deli - Black pastrami reuben
Some say this is the best Jewish deli west of the Mississippi. I come here if I am too lazy to head to Langer's.
JAPANESE
Sushi Spot - Traditional no fuss sushi
This is my favorite spot for traditional sushi. Try the chef's choice menu then the omakase from $40 to $75.
Sushi Iki - High-end omakase
If you're feeling spendy, order the omakase which starts at $100. Expect foie gras and caviar.
Go's Mart - exotic fish for sushi
Ramen Nippon - Tokyo-style ramen (lighter broth)
KOREAN
BCD Tofu House - tofu clay pot soups
Myungin Dumplings - Korean dumplings from this Koreantown spot now open in Northridge. Bourdain was a fan.
SHIK DO RAK - Galbi
MUSSE - Bone broth soup
AYCE Gogi - Not Koreatown, but when you're lazy to drive. All you can eat Korean barbecue and craft beer, with a pinball arcade in the back
MEXICAN
Mi Ranchito Food Truck - carne asada tacos
The best carne asada tacos I've tasted in California and Mexico.
Catch 818 Mariscos - Cevicheria with refreshingly great service.
Try the clamatado or the ceviche de camaron en salsa negra con mango
Mariscos Mazaltecos - Ceviche from a food truck in the Toys R Us lot
Leo's Taco Truck - Al pastor tacos, champurrado (hot chocolate)
One of best purveyors of al pastor in Los Angeles has a truck in the Valley.
Birrieria Apatzingan - Birria, chavindeca, huchepos
Regional Mexican food from Apatzingan.
Carnitas Loya Fast Food - Carnitas
La Asunción Family Restaurant - Pollo con mole
Regional Mexican food from Oaxaca.
Centro Botanero Mazatlan - Shrimp tacos on tortilla de nopal
Cemitas Poblanas Don Adrian - Cemitas
I'm a regular and usually get the traditional vegetarian or milanesa with papalo.
Rosie's Tamales - tamales (go early they sell out), champurrado (hot chocolate)
Mi Ranchito Veracruz - Veracruz-style tamales, Veracruz-style fish and shrimp tacos, churros
The banana leaf tamales is what they are known for. This is my go-to dish. Their fish tacos are different than Ensenada style, but they are equally delicious and worth trying. I haven't had a dish I didn't like.
Mariscos Camarena Estilo Nayarit Food Truck - Shrimp empanadas, aguachile, campechana, tostadas
My favorite is their shrimp empanadas and the best I've tasted so far in LA.
PERSIAN
Sadaf - Ground chicken kabob
Their specialty is the ground chicken kabob. A Persian said that this was the best Persian resto in the Valley.
PIZZA
Pizza Wagon of Brooklyn - Best NYC slice in LA!
LBK Pizzeria - New-York style pizza by the slice
786 Pizzeria - Creative Neopolitan-style pizzas
PORTUGUESE
Natas Pastries - Natas (Portuguese egg tart) and hard to find Portuguese dishes
SPANISH
Gasolina Cafe - Ask for recommendations. Great for breakfast and lunch.
SYRIAN
Esso Mediterranean Bistro - Donut-shaped falafel
Kobee Factory - Kobee barbecue
THAI
Chai Thung - everything is good!
This is where Thai families eat Thai food in the Valley. My favorite Thai restaurant in Los Angeles.
Sri Siam - crispy rice with Thai sausage
Chefs in the know from all over city make the trek to the Valley to eat Thai food.
Wat Thai - Weekend food festival. Try everything. This is Thai food for Thai people.
This is where all Thai families come to eat Thai food on the weekends.
Bua Siam - Inexpensive lunch menu (bang for your buck)
The lunch menu is unbelievably inexpensive. Other than the lunch menu, I love their fried catfish with apple or papaya salad and sticky rice and dynamite wings. I'm a regular.
