LA food
fromEater LA
1 day agoThe Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week: April 13
Eater Los Angeles editors highlight standout dishes from their recent dining experiences, showcasing a variety of flavorful options across the city.
Fresha, born Frescia Belmar, is nominally a jazz bassist, but her artistry transcends the form, moving effortlessly between jazz, rock, fusion, and R&B.
"What we didn't expect was the response - customers were coming by, messaging us, and sharing stories about what the restaurant meant to them. It made us realize this wasn't just a place to eat - it had become part of people's routines and memories."
Fusion food has historically had a bit of a bad rap, with overly gimmicky dishes and unnecessary combinations turning diners off. However, when you drill down into what fusion actually is - blending together flavours, ingredients and techniques from different cuisines - it's something that a lot of chefs are doing all the time.
The first type of American: people who joyride the day's updrafts like marvelous, glossy crows. They easily recall the locations of treats encountered over their lifetime. They answer this question Glock-shot fast, as if they have been waiting to be asked it. They are happy.
In 1924, Lionel Sternberger, at just 16 years old, first put cheese on a hamburger and served it to a customer at the Rite Spot in Pasadena. This simple act changed the course of American food history, leading to the creation of the cheeseburger, a dish that billions of people have enjoyed since.
The shop, which sells bottled, canned and dried food and drink products as well as merchandise such as tote bags, hats and T-shirts, opened in the Sunset Row shopping plaza following weeks of protests spurred by a New York Times article that spotlighted allegations of physical and verbal abuse under Noma co-founder and figurehead chef René Redzepi.
Modern Bread and Bagel is a gluten-free shop that started in New York City and has expanded to Los Angeles with three locations. It was created by Orly Gottesman, who wanted her husband, with celiac disease, to enjoy high-quality gluten-free baked goods. The pastries are exceptional, with a large selection available daily, including unique items like crumb cake and chocolate zucchini bread.
These days, if you're splurging to dine out, you want the whole package. Not just incredible food, but the atmosphere - a place that's worth meeting up with friends to catch up over a bite, or the ideal detour on a day trip. From seafood platters to elevated pizzas and breakfast bites, January did not disappoint. Here's a look at nearby eateries to try around Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, according to our reporters.
Churros are always a good idea, especially when they're from Mexico City's legendary churrería, El Moro, which just opened its second Southern California location in Echo Park. There will likely be a line forming down Laveta Terrace or Sunset Boulevard when you arrive, but it moves quickly. After ordering, you can observe the preparation process, easily visible from the outside. The patio makes a delightful place to eat long churros dipped in sugar and cinnamon or bite-sized moritos with El Moro's classic hot chocolate.
Though technically not a springtime opening, the return of Duke's Malibu, one of the Pacific Coast's longest-running restaurants, is a significant one. The beachside restaurant, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, was originally scheduled to reopen one month after the 2025 Palisades Fire, until a February rainstorm brought a massive flood with mudslides that later damaged furniture, ovens, refrigerators, and plumbing.
For a city best known for tangy sourdough and loaded Mission-style burritos, San Francisco is surprisingly home to quite a few pizza joints. From crispy Detroit-style to classic New York-style slices, you can find just about every type of pie in the Bay Area, and there are some pretty fun stories behind them. A perfect example is Del Popolo, a family-owned operation that grew from a makeshift food truck to earn a spot on Tasting Table's list of the best pizza places in every state.
A sandwich doesn't have to have meat to be hearty and delicious. Although there are some disappointing meat-free options out there - mediocre bread topped with bland, ultra-processed "meat" or limp cheese - Los Angeles is filled with many vegetarian and vegan sandwiches that showcase just how great the category can be. These sandwiches really highlight the joy of great produce, something the city has incredible year-round access to.