After experiencing some serious food withdrawals upon returning from trips to South America and Europe, we were determined to find some of our soon-to-be favorite restaurants that brought us back to the aromas, spices and flavors of the countries we visited. Between LA and Portland there is no shortage of authentic eateries, but the goal was to find our new favorite spots closer to home.
The convenience that Los Angeles offers in bringing international delicacies can go a little unappreciated by locals who are used to having them around, but really, being in LA you have access to authentic regional food from all over the world within a 20 minute drive in any direction. With Well Traveled Mile being split between Portland and Los Angeles, we decided that on one of Rand’s trips down to LA, we would explore the international grub LA has to offer. Here’s what we loved within a 48 hour eating spree:
Spitz
Turkish style Doner wraps in lavash or a French roll drenched slathered with a homemade garlic spread. The doner’s have bits of lavash chips in it for a nice crunch.
2506 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 257-5600
Papa Cristos
Authentic Greek Mediterranean dishes from seafood to stuffed grape leaves that includes live entertainment with music and belly dancers on some nights. My personal favorite was the fried fish.
2771 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(323) 737-2970
Adiss
Home style Ethiopian restaurant with large portions and lots of injera in the heart of the Fairfax district. Portions are perfect to share with a group a friends, so order one of everything!
1025 S. Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 965-1025
Gauchos Village
Brazilian top sirloin or tri-tip served by gauchos off of skewers. Enjoy watching the show of Carnival samba dancers. They also serve our favorite Malbec, Trapiche. Enjoy a glass!
411 N Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 550-1430
Portos
Cuban bakery and cafe with tortas, famous cakes, empanadas, potato balls and frappes. At any time of the day, the line could be out the door so be patient, order a red velvet frappe and a savory dessert.
8233 Firestone Blvd
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 862-8888
Mashti Malones
Persian ice cream with rich and flavorful ice cream from pistachio, rosewater to saffron on the corner of Hollywood and La Brea. .
1525 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 874-6168
Cha Cha Cha
Caribbean dishes covered in sweet sauces from Jamaican jerk chicken to jumbo shrimp in an intimate and low lit setting. You will feel like you are in a locals only spot in Jamaica.
656 N. Virgil
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 664-7723
Alpine Village
German deli, bakery and eatery in a year round Oktoberfest. The deli has anything from Hungarian Sausage, headcheese, liverwurst and a list of salamis. There’s also chocolates and candy that you can’t leave without like dark chocolate brandy liquors.
833 W Torrance Blvd #104,
Torrance, CA 90502
(323) 321-5660
Myung In Dumplings
Specialty dumplings and dim sum that even Anthony Bourdain praises. We loved the veggie dim sum. One order is enough for two people, but make sure you get there early because they actually do run out.
3109 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 381-3568
What restaurant is your remedy for any travel food withdrawals?
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1 thought on “48 Hours in Los Angeles: Eat like You’re Abroad while Visiting”
I love the eating options in LA! I lived there for a year, and I was always amazed that I could get ANY kind of food, day or night, not too far from where I was…so cool!