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Best Food Destinations In Los Angeles Locals Love

blu jam header
(credit: Blu Jam Cafe)

Ask anyone who lives here and they will tell you nobody walks in Los Angeles, which is probably why the traffic is so bad. No matter where you go, you have to navigate through congested city streets to reach your destination. Going out to eat is no different. Getting to the gastropub five blocks away can be a hassle and dining across town is considered a road trip, so you want to be absolutely certain you’ve made a wise choice when you choose a place to eat. Play it safe by visiting these five local restaurant destinations and you'll be happy you made the trip.

Gjelina
(credit: Cindy Hu/YELP)

Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-1429 
www.gjelina.com
Gjelina is one of those uber trendy, over-hyped restaurants that actually delivers. Located on Venice's top boulevards, reservations at Gjelina are recommended well in advance and even then you should expect to wait. But once you try the grilled pears, burrata with prosciutto, the ricotta gnocchi, the pappardelle with duck ragu or the butterscotch pot de crème, you will keep coming back time and time again to this local favorite.

Related: Best Places To Eat Before A Show In LA

italian deli featured little doms
(credit: Little Dom's Deli)

The Deli at Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-0055
www.littledoms.com

The Deli at Little Dom’s is where East Coast meets West Coast. From soups and salads to sandwiches and entrees, everything on the menu is a true Italian delight. Locals recommend the breakfast pizza, the mushroom and mozzarella panino for lunch and the linguini with wood oven roasted tomato for dinner. And if you’re from the East Coast, Little Dom’s will be your home away from home.

Hatfields restaurant
credit: Diana I.

Hatfield's
6703 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 935-2977 
www.hatfieldsrestaurant.com

Hatfield’s is a favorite amongst locals, but price wise, it’s not the kind of place you dine at on a regular basis. The open kitchen and generous dining space is quite appealing in a city where most restaurants are small. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, the restaurant is sophisticated but not stuffy and makes the perfect setting for a special occasion. The croque madame (yellowtail and a quail egg on top of brioche) comes highly recommended and be sure not to miss the date and mint crusted lamb which comes with roasted heirloom root vegetables and potato chive puree.

Blue Jam Cafe Breakfast
(credit: Blu Jam Cafe)

Blu Jam Cafe
7371 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 951-9191
www.blujamcafe.com

Voted one of the best spots for breakfast by pretty much everyone, Blu Jam Cafe is a definite must try for brunch and lunch dishes. Celebrated by Los Angeles Magazine as well as City SearchBest of CitySearch and anyone who has ever eaten there, Blu Jam offers up breakfast any time of the day including their signature crunch french toast which is at the top of the list for many patrons. Those who frequent also recommend the migas (egg scramble dish with fresh corn tortillas) and the breakfast quesadillas as well. If you're in the mood for lunch, Blu Jam Cafe has you covered. Complete with sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers and more, the menu surely does not disappoint. As for the seating, just like breakfast, early is always better.

Related: Unique Pancake Creations In Los Angeles

Sushi-Gen (Shelby Barone)
(credit: Shelby Barone)

Sushi Gen
422 E. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-0552
www.sushigen.org

If there's one thing the people of Los Angeles love (aside from their cars), it's sushi. And, Los Angeles has some of the best sushi restaurants found anywhere in the world. Locals and those in the know go to Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. While there, locals recommend the $15 weekday sashimi lunch special which is one of the items locals order time and time again. What sets aside this sushi restaurant from the countless others located just a stones throw away? Patrons of the restaurant point to the freshness of the fish, large portions and fair prices. While lunch time is extremely busy and may be tough to find a table, everyone who visits agrees that its worth the wait. For dinner, make sure to order the deluxe chirashi and Japanese snapper. Dinner reservation are highly recommended as it can get very crowded.

Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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