Los Angeles is the Mecca of all food places. Creativity thrives in LA, and some of that creativity gets channeled into food every now and then. In the city that has it all, it’s only right to share some of the best places that I’ve been to. I apologize in advance for the number of sandwich places; I have an addiction.
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Location(s): Woodland Hills
Rating: 4.5
Description: A hidden gem near Calabasas, Dan’s was my go-to high school lunch spot. The owners are kind, and they make some of the most delicious, filling sandwiches in the Valley. They always include just about every vegetable you can think of, and there are a few different sauces that the owner created himself that boost any sandwich’s taste. On top of all that, they have an eating challenge (two jumbo sandwiches in under an hour) for those with strong hearts and large stomachs.
My Personal Favorite(s): Jumbo L.A. Street Pastrami or Flying Dutchman (ask for baja sauce)
Location(s): Studio City, Santa Monica, Burbank and more
Rating: 5
Description: As far as ramen goes, this is the best place I’ve been. Jinya offers a variety of different tasting ramen soups, as well as different noodle types. Combined with some interesting appetizers or side dishes, it always turns out to be a good meal, especially when it’s cold outside.
My Personal Favorite(s): Jinya #2 (Tonkotsu black broth with pork chashu)
Location(s): Westwood, Hollywood
Rating: 3.5 Sober/4.5 Drunk
Description: Fat Sal's servces some of the most insane sandwiches imaginable. Just about anything you can think of, they have within one sandwich, and there will probably be fries in there too. UCLA’s staple drunchies spot never disappoints, but be warned, it is a heavy meal. These guys have an eating challenge too, but it is much, much bigger than you think. I actually don’t think anyone can finish it, but if you do conquer the animal that is the Big Fat Fatty, you’re allowed to create and name your own sandwich.
My Personal Favorite(s): Fat Texas Barbeque Sandwich or a Fat Bahn Mi Ki
4. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
Location(s): Inglewood, Pasadena, Hollywood and more
Rating: 4
Description: Three words. Chicken and waffles. What more do I need to say? This combination might seem weird, but trust me, halfway through your meal you will start dipping your chicken in syrup and enjoy it as you look around for validation, only to see everyone else at the table doing the same thing.
My Personal Favorite(s): Herb’s Special
Location(s): Everywhere
Rating: 6
Description: Why a 6 you might ask? Simple. In-N-Out is the best burger place. Period. They’re open until midnight on weekdays, even later on weekends, and they serve the same, quality, amazing tasting burger no matter which location you go to. All of these things factored together I had to give In-N-Out the highest rating here.
My Personal Favorite(s): Double Double with grilled onions and regular fries
6. Mario’s Italian Deli & Market
Location(s): Glendale
Rating: 4.6
Description: While Dan’s was the go-to sandwich spot in Woodland Hills, Mario’s is the King of Glendale. Their sandwiches feel more gourmet, especially because it's an Italian deli. Mario’s provides a more authentic taste, but still delivers an amazing sandwich. Along with their fully functional deli, Mario’s also sells the essentials such as pizza, pasta and lasagna.
My Personal Favorite(s): The SOB or the Bad Boy Pastrami
Location(s): Northridge
Rating: 3.5 for the food/4.5 for the sushi
Description: King’s is a very diverse restaurant. Outside of Italian food, King’s has just about anything you want to eat. Their menu ranges from quesadillas to Asian fusion pork bowls. On top of the regular food and tasty burgers, King’s has a fully functional sushi bar with chefs on hand. To be honest, the sushi here is really good.
My Personal Favorite(s): Beef Teriyaki Bowl and an Albacore Lover’s Roll
8. Pita Pockets
Location(s): Northridge
Rating: 4.5
Description: Located down the street from King’s, Pita Pockets is a small Middle Eastern restaurant specializing in shawarma and falafel. Their food is always delicious and comforting, but the small, personal feel of the place is what sets it apart from the rest. The employees are always excited to see new customers and are truly some of the kindest people who only want to serve you some amazing food.
My Personal Favorite(s): Lemon Chicken Laffa and a side of Falafel Balls
9. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant
Location(s): Westlake
Rating: 5
Description: I know a lot of pastrami sandwiches have been mentioned on this list, but Langer’s wins the pastrami game by a mile. Easily, without a doubt, the best pastrami sandwich I have ever had. I’ve only been once, but I cannot wait to go back.
My Personal Favorite(s): The Classic #19
10. Moodaepo II
Location(s): Koreatown
Rating: 3.5
Description: Moodaepo II is one of the better Korean BBQ places downtown. There are a lot of high-end Korean BBQ places scattered around Koreatown, but whenever my friends and I go, it’s to eat. A lot. That’s why I believe Moodaepo II is one of the best all-you-can-eat KBBQ places around. For its price, the food quality is great, and with the amount that my friends and I eat when we’re there, the $25-30 we spend pays for itself by the third plate of meat.
My Personal Favorite(s): All you can eat
Location(s): Playa Del Rey
Rating: 4
Description: Senor G’s is a unique food experience. Not only is it a really good Mexican restaurant, but they have a fully operational smoothie stand within the restaurant that makes some exceptionally great stuff. Being located less than 10 minutes from the LMU campus makes Senor G’s a regular spot for me when I’m at school.
My Personal Favorite(s): Martin’s Kicken Chicken Burrito and a Mellow Yellow Smoothie
12. Kogi BBQ Truck
Location(s): Variable (check website)
Rating: 4.5
Description: While not an actual restaurant, the Kogi food truck is a great place to munch if it is in your area. They provide a savory Korean and Mexican fusion type of food that is honestly amazing. Check their website to see when a truck will be in your area and go! You won’t regret it.
My Personal Favorite(s): One order of spicy pork sliders, one chicken taco and one short rib taco
