The Food in Los Angeles Is As Diverse as the The City. Here’s Drives & Detours Pick of the Restaurants You Need To Try

Sunset in Los Angeles. The skyscrapers of the city are seen through tall palm trees as the golden sun goes down behind them — Los Angeles has a vibrant and eclectic food scene — Cedric Letsch / Unsplash

Los Angeles is more than Hollywood glam and palm-lined streets—it’s a city with a vibrant, eclectic food scene that spans cultures, flavors, and experiences.

Whether you’re hunting for innovative cuisine, classic comfort food, or a dining spot that doubles as an immersive adventure, LA has something that will make your taste buds dance.

Here are Drives & Detours' four standout restaurants that locals and visitors alike rave about.

1. Level 8—Where Dining, Cocktails & Spectacle Collide

An aerial shot of Downtown Los Angeles at night. The skyscrapers and roads are lit up brightly in reds, blues and yellows — Level 8 is found in Downtown LA and is an experience for all the senses, not just your tastebuds — Venti Views / Unsplash

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Located on the 8th floor of the Moxy & AC Hotels, Level 8 is an immersive playground that combines restaurants, bars, and nightlife into one dramatic space.

Designed by the Houston Brothers, the venue features eight distinct concepts, including Japanese shabu-shabu at Lucky Mizu, French-Japanese teppanyaki at Maison Kasai, and South American live-fire cooking at Qué Bárbaro.

Level 8 leans into a spectacle that goes well beyond the food—think secret corridors, rooftop terraces, live entertainment, and even a carousel bar spinning above the pool deck.

It’s less about a single meal and more about the experience: start with cocktails, stay for dinner, and end the night with DJs and lounge vibes.

Level 8 is a must if you’re looking for a quintessentially LA night out that’s as much performance as it is dining.

2. Mírate—Contemporary Mexican With a Twist

The Hollywood sign in Los Angeles at sunset. The large white letters of the sign sit on top of a hill above the city, with a deep red and orange sky — Not far from the Hollywood sign is Mírate, which blends modern creativity with traditional flavors — Venti Views / Unsplash

Over in East Hollywood, Mírate brings vibrant, contemporary Mexican cuisine to life.

The colorful, bohemian decor sets a lively scene, while the menu blends traditional flavors with modern creativity.

Every dish bursts with flavor and flair, from Tostadas Especiales with crab esquites to Cochinita Pibil pork sandwiches.

It’s the kind of place where the ambiance is just as much of the experience as the food itself.

Mírate consistently gets high marks from locals and food writers alike and is perfect for adventurous eaters who want a fresh take on classic Mexican dishes.

Foodies who love bold flavors, Instagram-worthy presentations, and a playful, colorful atmosphere will love Mírate.

3. Burgers Never Say Die—Smash Burger Heaven

The Griffith Observatory stands over Los Angeles. It has three domes for telescopes and there's a park in the foreground. The city of Los Angeles stands behind it — Burgers Never Say Die is close to the Griffith Observatory and has a devoted following — Venti Views / Unsplash

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If you’re in Silver Lake and craving the ultimate burger, Burgers Never Say Die is a must-eat.

The restaurant may look unassuming from the outside, but inside you’ll find food that has built a devoted following of burger enthusiasts.

Their secret? Ultra-thin, crispy-edged smash burgers made with high-quality ingredients and precise technique.

Fans say every bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful meat.

Burgers Never Say Die is not a fancy night out, but it’s an authentic LA experience—a local spot where the food does all the talking.

Burger lovers, casual lunches, and anyone seeking a no-frills but unforgettable meal will discover exactly what they’re looking for here.

4. The Original Pantry Café—A Taste of History

A closer shot of the skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles. The buildings in the foreground are smaller—seven or eight stories—and they're dwarfed by those further away. — Back in Downtown, you’ll find the classic food of the Original Pantry Café — Venti Views / Unsplash

Dating back to 1924, The Original Pantry Café in Downtown LA is more than a diner—it’s an institution.

The café is known for hearty portions, classic American fare, and old-school charm, and has been feeding Angelenos for nearly a century.

It recently reopened after a brief closure, proving that its nostalgic appeal endures.

The Original Pantry Café is a reminder of LA’s culinary roots and the comfort food that’s kept locals coming back for generations, whether you’re there for pancakes, a traditional breakfast, or just to soak up the diner’s historic vibe.

Anyone searching for a classic LA dining experience, breakfast lovers, and history buffs will enjoy their hearty pancakes.

Los Angeles’ Restaurants Reflect Its Creativity, Diversity, and Culture

Restaurants and palm trees line a road that runs down to a Los Angeles beach. People mill around the sidewalk and on the sand — Many restarants and bars in the City of Angels offer a very memorable experience — Roberto Nickson / Unsplash

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Los Angeles is packed with restaurants that are more than just a place to eat—they’re a reflection of the city’s creativity, diversity, and culture.

From immersive experiences at Level 8 to the historic charm of The Original Pantry Café, these four restaurants showcase the range of what LA has to offer.

These spots promise not just a meal, but a memorable experience. So grab your appetite, bring a sense of curiosity, and dive into Los Angeles’ deliciously diverse food scene.

Experience Los Angeles With Drives & Detours’ Self-Guided Tours

The Hollwood sign can be seen in the distant hills at sunset. It is framed by a boulevard of palm trees, with red and blue skies above — Explore Los Angeles at your own pace with Drives & Detours self-guided tours — Jake Blucker / Unsplash

Drives and Detours’ self-guided tours of Los Angeles allow you to explore the city at your own pace. We provide a flexible, informative, and offline-friendly way to discover the City of Angels’ remarkable sights and stories.

Book your tour online and take it anytime you want, or download the app and purchase your trip when you’re ready. Your adventure in one of the United States' most incredible cities begins whenever you want to press play.

Drives & Detours self-guided tours tell the full stories and cultural history that have shaped Los Angeles.

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Where to Eat in Los Angeles: 4 Must-Try Spots Beyond the Obvious