These Los Angeles Restaurants Are The City’s Best Kept Secrets
Los Angeles is famous for its food scene, but some of the best spots aren’t the ones you see on every Instagram feed. Hidden gems tucked away in quiet neighborhoods serve incredible meals that locals guard like treasures.
I’m excited to share these secret restaurants with you so you can experience authentic flavors and cozy atmospheres without the usual crowds.
1. Anajak Thai
When you step into this Sherman Oaks gem, you’re entering a family legacy that spans generations. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi transformed his parents’ classic Thai restaurant into something extraordinary while keeping the soul intact. His tasting menu changes with the seasons and showcases flavors you won’t find at typical Thai spots.
I love how the intimate space makes every dinner feel like you’re eating at someone’s home. The spicy larb and khao soi are must-tries, but honestly, everything on the menu deserves attention.
Reservations fill up fast because word has spread among serious food lovers. It’s the kind of place where you taste the care in every bite.
2. Osteria La Buca
Hidden on a quiet Hollywood side street, this Italian treasure feels like you’ve been transported to a countryside trattoria. The stone walls and dim lighting create an atmosphere that’s romantic without being stuffy. Chef Matteo Ferdinandi brings authentic Roman recipes that his grandmother would approve of.
How does handmade pasta change your entire dining experience? At La Buca, you’ll discover the answer with every forkful of their cacio e pepe or carbonara.
The portions are generous, and the wine list features bottles you won’t find at chain restaurants. I recommend going on weeknights when the crowd is smaller and the staff has more time to share stories about each dish.
3. Jitlada
Are you brave enough to handle real Southern Thai heat? Jitlada doesn’t hold back on spice levels, and that’s exactly what makes it special. Located in Thai Town, this unassuming spot serves dishes you won’t find at Americanized Thai restaurants.
The menu is massive, with over 200 options ranging from familiar pad thai to exotic items like stink beans and morning glory. Jazz, the owner, personally ensures every dish meets her high standards. I suggest asking the staff for recommendations based on your spice tolerance.
This place has a cult following among chefs and food critics, but it remains refreshingly unpretentious. The dining room is simple, letting the bold flavors do all the talking.
4. Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
If you’ve never eaten with your hands using spongy injera bread as your utensil, Lalibela will introduce you to this wonderful tradition. Located in Little Ethiopia, this cozy spot serves authentic dishes that represent the country’s rich culinary heritage. The communal style of eating brings people together in a way that feels special.
Their combination platters let you sample multiple stews and vegetables, all perfectly spiced with berbere. I appreciate how the staff takes time to explain each dish and the proper way to enjoy them.
The vegetarian options are so flavorful that even meat lovers won’t miss anything. It’s affordable, filling, and offers flavors that will expand your food horizons completely.
5. Shibumi
Though this downtown gem has gained recognition, it still feels like a secret because of its understated presence. Chef David Schlosser focuses on kappo-style Japanese cooking, which emphasizes seasonal ingredients and simple preparations. The minimalist space features a beautiful hinoki wood counter where you can watch the magic happen.
Everything here is intentional, from the handmade ceramics to the perfectly aged fish. I’m always amazed by how much flavor comes from such minimal intervention. The menu changes constantly based on what’s fresh and available.
Reservations are essential, and the omakase experience is worth every penny. You’ll leave understanding why less is truly more when ingredients are this high quality.
6. Holbox
When Mexican seafood is done right, it transports you straight to the coast. Holbox brings the flavors of Baja California and beyond to LA with ceviches, aguachiles, and tostadas that taste like ocean breezes. Chef Gilberto Cetina’s creations are colorful, fresh, and bursting with citrus and chile.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed meal with friends who appreciate adventurous eating. I recommend trying multiple small plates so you can experience the range of preparations.
Their cocktails feature mezcal and tequila that complement the seafood beautifully. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to take photos of everything, but you’ll be too busy eating to bother. Make sure to arrive hungry.
7. Sonoratown
Are flour tortillas better than corn? At Sonoratown, you’ll become a believer in the Sonoran style. This tiny spot near downtown makes everything from scratch, including their pillowy tortillas that are rolled and griddled to order. The simplicity of their menu proves that focusing on quality beats offering endless options.
Their carne asada is perfectly charred and seasoned, but the real star is how it all comes together with fresh toppings. I always get extra tortillas because they’re that good on their own.
The space only fits a handful of people, so expect to wait during peak hours. It’s proof that the best food often comes from the smallest kitchens with the biggest hearts.
8. Meals by Genet
How does a restaurant become a community gathering place? Genet Agonafer created exactly that with her welcoming Ethiopian restaurant in Little Ethiopia. Her cooking reflects recipes passed down through generations, prepared with love and attention to tradition. The family-style dining encourages sharing and conversation.
I’m particularly fond of their doro wat, a spicy chicken stew that simmers for hours until the flavors meld perfectly. The injera here is tangy and fresh, providing the perfect base for scooping up every last bite.
Vegetarians will find plenty of options that showcase lentils, collards, and other vegetables. The coffee ceremony is a beautiful ritual you can experience after your meal if you have time to linger and enjoy.
9. Mariscos Jalisco
Sometimes the best restaurants don’t have walls. This legendary taco truck has been serving their famous shrimp tacos dorados for decades, creating lines that stretch down the block. What started as one family’s recipe has become a LA institution that even celebrity chefs rave about.
The crispy fried tortillas filled with shrimp and topped with avocado, salsa, and cabbage create textural perfection. I’ve tried to recreate them at home and failed miserably because there’s something magical about how they’re made.
The truck operates in Boyle Heights, and cash is king here. It’s affordable, delicious, and represents everything great about LA’s street food culture. Don’t skip the ceviche either.
10. Night + Market
Chef Kris Yenbamroong turned his family’s restaurant into a Thai street food sensation that doesn’t compromise on authenticity. The vibe is casual and fun, with loud music and an energetic atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a party. His approach respects traditional flavors while presenting them in creative ways.
Their larb gai is addictively spicy, and the crispy rice salad provides crunch and heat in equal measure. I appreciate how the menu explains spice levels honestly so you know what you’re getting into. The drink menu features Thai-inspired cocktails that cool down your palate between bites.
With multiple locations now, it’s easier to experience, but the original West Hollywood spot still feels special and intimate.
11. Sanamluang Cafe
Where can you get authentic Thai food at three in the morning? Sanamluang operates around the clock, serving night owls and early risers with equal enthusiasm. The extensive menu features dishes from different regions of Thailand, many of which you won’t find elsewhere in the city.
Their boat noodles are rich, complex, and served in small bowls that encourage ordering multiple types. I love that this place doesn’t try to be trendy or Instagram-worthy it just focuses on serving good food to anyone who walks through the door.
The prices are incredibly reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes. It’s become a late-night destination for chefs finishing their shifts and anyone craving real Thai flavors at unconventional hours.
12. Tere’s Mexican Grill
When a restaurant has been family-owned for generations, you taste the history in every bite. Tere’s serves Mexico City-style comfort food that reminds people of their grandmother’s cooking. The handmade tortillas and slow-cooked meats show the kind of care that can’t be rushed.
I’m particularly impressed by their mole poblano, which balances chocolate, chile, and spices in a sauce that took years to perfect. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with family photos on the walls and regulars who’ve been coming for decades.
Their breakfast options are hearty and perfect for weekend mornings. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you wish you lived closer so you could become a regular yourself.
13. Pine & Crane
Taiwanese cuisine deserves more attention, and Pine & Crane is leading that charge with their fresh, flavorful approach. The bright, airy space feels modern while the food stays true to traditional recipes. Their commitment to sourcing quality ingredients shows in the vibrant colors and clean flavors.
Did you know their dan dan noodles use organic, locally-sourced vegetables? The result is a dish that’s both authentic and adapted to California’s bounty. I always order the three cup jiu choy, which features tender chicken with basil and a savory-sweet sauce.
The menu includes plenty of vegetarian options that never feel like afterthoughts. It’s casual enough for lunch but special enough to bring out-of-town visitors who want to try something different.
14. Attari Sandwich Shop
How does a simple sandwich shop become legendary? Attari achieves this by stuffing fresh bread with perfectly seasoned meats, pickles, and sauces that create flavor explosions. Located in Westwood’s Persian community, this no-frills spot has been satisfying hungry customers since the 1980s.
Their combination sandwiches layer different proteins together in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do. I recommend the soltani sandwich, which combines beef and chicken with tangy accompaniments. The portions are massive, easily feeding two people if you’re not extremely hungry.
It’s affordable, quick, and consistently delicious—everything a great sandwich shop should be. Cash only, so come prepared and ready to eat.
15. Seafood Village
If you want to experience authentic Cantonese seafood, this Temple City restaurant delivers without the fancy atmosphere. The live tanks let you choose your fish, crab, or lobster, which they prepare in classic styles like steamed with ginger and scallions. It’s the kind of place where locals bring their families for special occasions.
I’m always amazed by the freshness and how simple preparations let the seafood shine. The salt and pepper shrimp is crispy and addictive, while the steamed fish is delicate and perfectly cooked. Go with a group so you can order multiple dishes family-style and share everything.
The service is efficient, and the prices are reasonable considering you’re getting restaurant-quality seafood at its freshest possible state.
16. Wandering Que
When a chef leaves fine dining to smoke meat, you know it’s going to be special. Myles Burge brings Texas-style barbecue to LA through pop-ups and a food truck, creating meat that’s tender, smoky, and worth tracking down. His brisket has the perfect bark and melts in your mouth.
Though the location changes, following them on social media ensures you won’t miss out. I love that he uses traditional techniques but isn’t afraid to add creative sides and sauces. The portions are generous, and everything sells out quickly because word spreads fast.
It’s barbecue done right by someone who respects the craft and puts in the hours required to achieve perfection. Arrive early or prepare to be disappointed.
