During these challenging times, a lot of restaurant owners are trying to make ends meet. Most Los Angeles restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery. In a city normally full of life and endless food options, small businesses in LA are hit with unpredictable circumstances. We’ve been cooking a lot more but also try to order takeout at least once a week. If you have the means to, please consider ordering from some of these amazing restaurants and support small businesses. I love the melting pot that is Los Angeles – it’s what makes this city beautiful. As a community, let’s come together and support where we can!
Here is a list of my favorite Los Angeles restaurants that are offering takeout and delivery:
Lala’s – Argentinian
One of my favorite Los Angeles restaurants is Lala’s. The quality of food and service here is consistent and there’s something for everyone on the menu. I am not a person who craves salads, but Lala’s hands-down has my favorite salad ever: the Ventura Salad. You also have to order their champignon mashed potatoes.
For dinner for two, order the tabla de carnes. It’s a full plate of three cuts of steak. And weirdly enough, their side of broccoli sautéed with garlic and white wine is FIRE.
Sonoratown – Mexican
Southern California is obviously known for its many Mexican food options, but Sonoratown is one-of-a-kind. This Downtown LA spot has an exclusive takeout menu during COVID-19 and will leave you with plenty of leftovers. The Chivi Party has 6 chivichangas, which are mini Sonoratown burritos. They also have takeaway sets so that you can create your own tacos at home.
BBQ + Rice – Korean
Move over, Chipotle. I always crave a rice bowl from BBQ + Rice. This Korean restaurant has 5-6 variety of bowls – my favorite being the Black Pepper Chicken bowl. I don’t eat much pork, but I had a bite of Brian’s Short Rib bowl at one point and it was SO GOOD. Highly recommend ordering a side of kimchi to go with your bowl!
Luv2Eat Thai Bistro – Thai
Luv2Eat is our go-to spot in LA when we’re craving Thai food because we can always count on amazing food at this spot. My only beef with them is their spice level has been inconsistent. When they first opened, they measured their spiciness based on true Thai spice levels. If you ordered medium spicy, you knew your mouth would be on fire. This past year, they’ve tamed their spice levels and I’m not really sure why. But this doesn’t change how good their food is.
What to order: the obvious would be Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and crab fried rice. But they also have bomb Chef’s Specials like their fried chicken and zeed noodles. Their Phuket Style Crab Curry Kanomjean is also great if you’re an adventurous eater.
Otus Thai Kitchen & Coffee – Thai
Brian and I tend to forget about this place until we drive by and remember, “Oh, Otus!” We’ve mostly come here for breakfast and I love the options on their menu. They have french toast and the usual Thai selections, but their breakfast options are hard to find anywhere else.
What to order: Come here for brunch and order their Thai Breakfast, Khao Kai Jew, or Kai Kata. These are essentially breakfast rice bowls and they’re so filling and delicious. I would skip on their coffee.
Pace Joint – Italian
During COVID-19, Pace Joint has a $5 menu with a selection of personal sized pizzas and pasta dishes. I would definitely order their Spaghetti Bolognese. I’m still dreaming about it.
Shunji – Japanese
This was such a treat! After many failed attempts to snag a bento box from the coveted n/naka, I found Shunji on Tock and discovered they had sushi boxes! This Los Angeles restaurant holds one Michelin star and we were curious to try them out. There’s the standard sushi box with 10-piece sushi omakase and 1 cut roll. There’s also the deluxe sushi box that comes with the sushi box and assorted Japanese appetizers. Everything was delicious.
If you’re having dinner with a friend or significant other, order one regular and one premium sushi box. The appetizers are easily shareable. If you just ordering for yourself, go for the premium.
Crazy Rock’N Sushi – Japanese
If you’re looking for sushi on the more inexpensive side in Los Angeles, then order from Crazy Rock’N Sushi. I wouldn’t order nigiri rolls here, but their specialty and tempura rolls are delicious. This is the type of sushi joint you come with low expectations and an appetite for cut rolls. Most of their rolls are 8 pieces and huge! My favorites are the Hot Night Roll, Dragon Roll, and West Hollywood Roll.
Chibiscus Asian Cafe – Ramen
Sushi and ramen are quintessential among the hundreds of Los Angeles restaurants. I love Chibiscus – their broth is so good. I also love that they have vegan miso and other vegan options that actually taste good. Don’t sleep on their sides like corn brulee and spam musubi. Their kimchi fried rice is also delicious.
Nong La Cafe – Vietnamese
I can eat pho anytime, any season. I also love hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese joints. It’s truly where you can find the best pho. I don’t understand the hype of Mama Hong’s in Burbank and I share the same sentiments with other trendier Vietnamese restaurants. Nong La is different. In fact, Nong La is quite good. They’re not as good as the Vietnamese food you can find in the Valley or SGV, but it’s the best option in the Hollywood area.
What to order: I always order their spring rolls (goi cuon) and I normally order the Dac Beit pho. They also have bun bo hue that is more of a healthier version of the usual recipe.
Natalie Peruvian
Order their ceviche and lomo saltado. That’s all I have to say. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
All About the Bread – Sandwiches
Brian and I have an ongoing debate about places to get bomb ass sandwiches. I mentioned Jersey Mike’s once and he looked at me in utter disbelief. Whatever, I still think Jersey Mike’s makes good sandwiches. But if you’re boujee like Brian, you’ll love All About the Bread. I love All About the Bread because their bread truly lives up to their name. The portion size is huge. You can easily share a regular sandwich amongst two people or save it for later.
What to order: the Godfather and the Signature sandwich.
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