Where locals eat in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a lot to offer at the moment. Beyond the glamour of Hollywood, a deeply creative design scene, and the sun-drenched beaches on Venice and Santa Monica, lies a buzzing food scene — one that takes a bit of seeking in this sprawling Southern California city. With an incredibly diverse ethnic scene, and a space that spans Downtown LA to the shimmering Pacific coastline, there's no doubt eating your way through the city could take months on end.

Thankfully, the great team over at Airbnb have curated a few of their favourite spots via Guidebooks, which are user-generated and recommended by hosts in each respective city. These Guidebooks are an alternative to aggregated top tourist lists that funnel everyone to the same places. Looking for a place to eat in buzzing Los Angeles? If this is where locals go, it must be the all kinds of amazing.

Ostrich Farm

This intimate, 50-seater restaurant in Echo Park is an unassuming gem opened by husband and wife team, Jaime Turrey and Brooke Fruchtman. The menu is classic American heritage fare cooked over a wood-fired grill, and is packed with flavour. Brunch includes delightful ricotta pancakes and grain bowls, while dinner is a fancier affair — order up the likes of herb roasted chicken and butternut squash risotto. This is one you'll want to share with your best mates.

1525 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Perch

There's nowhere posher than Perch, for French small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and an unbeatable view of LA. This trendy rooftop restaurant, ideal for out-of-towners and first dates, serve up a mean platter of truffle cheese fries, ahi tuna tartare, and steak frites. Reservations are a must here.  

448 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Cerveteca

Located in Venice, a few blocks off the hip Abbot Kinney Boulevard, lies Cerveteca, a vibrant hotspot showcasing Mexican fusion fare. Try their fresh seafood ceviches and tacos, and wash it down with a cold craft beer. Seating is a tad tight, but the vibes inside the taqueria and on the outdoor patio are worth the squeeze.

523 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291

Winsome

Winsome opened just under two years ago between Echo Park and Chinatown, in a building designed by architect William Pereira. This casual neighbourhood restaurant brings all of LA's diverse flavours under one roof, as evidenced by its menu — offerings include a beautiful shaved cauliflower salad, to crispy tofu, to a grilled corned beef sandwich. Enjoy a quick meal at one of the counter seats or slide into a Pullman booths along the windows.  

1115 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Zinqué

This slick European cafè is best described as a French-influenced coffeehouse meets bistro and wine bar. Open from the wee hours of the morning to midnight, it's the perfect place for a morning pastry and coffee, or late night bottle of wine and dessert. Call for the ratatouille, served with toasted bread, or chicken bowl with cauliflower rice.

600 Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291

For more information, visit Airbnb Guidebooks.