Los Angeles is a city of culinary extremes. It’s home to Michelin-starred fine-dining establishments with astronomical prices and formal service. However, the true heart of LA’s food scene often beats loudest in its unassuming neighborhood joints. These local spots, run by passionate chefs, serve food with so much flavor, authenticity, and skill that it often surpasses the experience at more pretentious “5-star” restaurants. They prove that “gourmet” is about the quality of the food, not the price of the wine list. Here are nine local LA joints where the food is arguably better than at many formal fine-dining spots.
