As the weekend approaches, food lovers in Los Angeles are in for a treat with a curated list of must-visit eateries that showcase the vibrant culinary landscape of the city.
For sushi enthusiasts, a new gem has arrived in Koreatown: Sushi Zanmai. This Tokyo-based sushi restaurant made its U.S. debut last week at the historic Chapman Market, quickly becoming a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
The grand opening saw owner Kiyoshi Kimura ceremoniously cutting into a massive 500-pound tuna, serving up some of the freshest fish in the area. With a menu that includes sushi, sashimi, karaage, and more, Sushi Zanmai has the casual vibe that makes it a perfect choice for a laid-back dinner, especially with late-night hours until midnight.
Located at 3465 W. Sixth Street, Suite 150, Los Angeles, CA 90020, diners can expect a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy beautifully crafted dishes, accompanied by the chance to say hello to Kimura’s statue upon entering the restaurant.
For those seeking comfort food, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack in Long Beach offers a unique Cambodian twist. As home to the largest Cambodian population outside of Southeast Asia, Long Beach boasts numerous delicious options.
Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, which opens as early as 7 a.m., serves delectable kuy teav, a traditional noodle breakfast made with hours of preparation involving pork, beef, and freshly made noodles. The rich fragrances of simmering broths and herbs immediately envelop new arrivals, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Each dish can be customized with various spices, soy, or fish sauce, ensuring a meal that is both delicious and reasonably priced. Located at 1644 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, CA, it’s an ideal stop during a day spent enjoying the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path or rolling around on skates.
For a culinary exploration of pre-Hispanic Indigenous cuisine, look no further than Komal at Mercado La Paloma, which opened its doors in summer 2024. The restaurant, led by Fátima Juárez and Conrado Rivera—veterans of Michelin-starred Holbox—delivers a menu that honors heirloom corn sourced from Indigenous Mexican farmers.
Guests can enjoy dishes like tlacoyos and quesadillas de flor de calabaza, but a meal at Komal wouldn’t be complete without the molotes de plátano—fried plantain orbs filled with quesillo and served in rich black mole. Fatty meat aficionados will delight in the juicy suadero tacos, paired perfectly with refreshing drinks like cactus-cucumber agua fresca or guava soda.
Located at 3655 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Komal provides a chance to indulge in authentic flavors while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the market that surrounds it.
Finally, for those craving a taste of Buenos Aires without leaving LA, Carlitos Gardel offers what many locals consider the best steak in the city. Hidden away along Melrose Avenue, this Argentinian steakhouse has won hearts and appetites alike.
Co-owned by Max and Gerard Bozoghlian, who foster the legacy their parents began in 1996, Carlitos Gardel serves up exquisite cuts of beef alongside traditional appetizers like flaky, cheesy empanadas and refreshing chimichurri.
Each visit is complemented by the warm hospitality of the Bozoghlians, making the dining experience feel both personal and intimate. With expertly grilled options including entraña (skirt steak) and rib-eye cap, each meal ends on a sweet note with a selection of decadent desserts, such as peach dulce de leche meringue cake and homemade ice cream.
Whether you are indulging in the fresh catch at Sushi Zanmai, slurping noodles at Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, savoring the rich heritage of Komal, or feasting on prime steak at Carlitos Gardel, this weekend in LA promises to be a culinary adventure, urging everyone to explore the diverse tastes and cultural stories embedded within the city’s dining scene.
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