Guest Blog: Top Diverse Dining Destinations in Los Angeles

Top Diverse Dining Destinations in Los Angeles

By Dina Hanna, Trulia

Whether reality TV stars, traffic jams, or juice bars come to mind when you think of Los Angeles, CA, it’s now confirmed that LA’s food scene is now one of the best. According to a recent Trulia article, Los Angeles, CA was ranked third in the country of top Foodie Meccas, after San Francisco, CA and Irvine, CA.

These destinations were determined by a number of different factors: balanced diversity within the same neighborhood, dollars spent by neighbors on restaurants versus groceries to filter on how often or how likely people would go out to eat, and, geography to see if going from one dining location to another would require a full day or a short walk.

With an estimated population of ten million according to the United States Census Bureau, traveling across the LA neighborhoods can be quite slow, and so variety in close spaces is imperative. The top Los Angeles neighborhoods for great gastronomical experience are Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Silverlake.

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles, or as locals call it, DTLA, is teeming with variety for the hungry and creative. With notorious bumper to bumper traffic in this part of Southern California, many choose to walk or bike from place to place as some of the best foodie locations are so close to one another. One can easily stay within a two-mile radius to try something new for each meal of the day.

Start by having breakfast at Bottega Louie on the corner of S. Grand and 7th Street for Salmon Benedict and Chocolate Soufflé and walk it off to lunch at The Black Fig, hidden in the architectural school campus for a gigantic tasty burger and complimentary salad. Take a break and enjoy the architectural sciences building, or a short drive to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, a local landmark built in the early 1900s. Hop into the car again for a 10-minute ride to Bestia for an Italian style dinner inside what looks like a timeworn factory along the Los Angeles River, ensuring a variety of cuisine and architectural styles in DTLA.

Hollywood

Hollywood is yet another neighborhood within LA that skews the data in California’s direction with an assortment of food for all ages and budgets. Eat This Café is recommended for breakfast or brunch, and especially on weekends for their bottomless mimosas. Then head down the street for cheese, wines, and a whole slew of sandwiches to delight in. Walk down Hollywood Blvd. for a myriad of dinner options from Thai at Palm’s Thai Restaurant to Lebanese fare at Carousel, while gazing at the Hollywood sign or taking the walk of fame.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is an up and comer in the gastronomy scene, creeping in on Koreatown, as the ease of traveling during rush hour appeals to many. The ever-popular Sunset Blvd. runs through Silver Lake, bringing 3.5-5 star restaurants to residents and tourists alike, including Dinosaur Coffee, Sustain (which offers gluten-free options), and Silver Lake Ramen.

Silver Lake is also home to the infamous Chandelier Tree, which, as its name implies, is a century-old sycamore with 30 chandeliers hanging from its branches. Food trucks and followers often travel to this location to enjoy the unique art in a very relaxed atmosphere.