Beyond the glitz of Hollywood and the bustle of DTLA lies a different side of Los Angeles - where locals flock to hidden haunts like Met Her at a Bar’s cozy brunch spot and the mind-bending immersive art at Wisdome LA.
From the authentic Thai boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop to the experimental playground of Two Bit Circus, these under-the-radar spots showcase the eclectic soul of LA’s neighborhoods, far from the typical tourist track.
Discover LA’s best-kept secrets in our guide below!
Featured Hidden Gems in Los Angeles
- Lemon Grove
- Two Bit Circus
- Wanderlust Creamery
- Golden Deli (San Gabriel)
- Pastina Trattoria
- Empanada's Place
- Wisdome LA
- Met Her at a Bar
- Sapp Coffee Shop
- Good Clean Fun
Los Angeles Local Restaurants
Empanada's Place
What to Expect
Authentic Argentine empanadas
Description
Empanada's Place offers a variety of traditional Argentine empanadas, including criolla, beef, chicken, and vegetarian options. The cozy eatery features a small dining area with ethnic tablecloths and a selection of South American-inspired sandwiches. It is a local gem for those seeking authentic Latin American cuisine.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Empanada's Place
Golden Deli (San Gabriel)
What to Expect
Authentic Vietnamese Pho and Cha Gio
Description
Golden Deli is a renowned Vietnamese restaurant in San Gabriel, offering authentic dishes like Pho Dac Biet and Cha Gio. It stands out for its traditional Vietnamese flavors and homestyle cooking, making it a staple in the Los Angeles food scene. Golden Deli features a wide variety of Vietnamese cuisine, including soups, noodle dishes, and fried spring rolls.
Where: San Gabriel | More Info: Golden Deli
Good Clean Fun
What to Expect
Natural Wine Selection
Description
Good Clean Fun is a natural wine bar located in Downtown LA, offering a curated selection of wines, ciders, beers, and mead from small producers. It shares a space with Cognoscenti Coffee and features a Cal-Italian menu with local and sustainable ingredients. The venue also offers catering and event hosting services.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Good Clean Fun
Lemon Grove
What to Expect
Rooftop garden with seasonal cuisine
Description
Lemon Grove is a rooftop restaurant, bar, and lounge located atop The Aster in Hollywood. It offers seasonal California cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients from its rooftop garden. The venue features a casually classy atmosphere, creative cocktails, and stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. It is ideal for lively weekend brunches and elevated dinner dates.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Lemon Grove
Met Her at a Bar
What to Expect
Authentic Belgian waffles
Description
Met Her at a Bar is a vibrant New American cafe offering a diverse menu with vegan and vegetarian options. It features homemade Belgian waffles, La Colombe coffees, and a welcoming atmosphere with outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. The cafe is known for its eclectic menu and sustainable practices, making it a standout local dining gem.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Met Her at a Bar
Pastina Trattoria
What to Expect
Authentic Italian cuisine
Description
Pastina Trattoria offers authentic Italian cuisine in a casual, no-frills setting. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, and traditional Italian favorites like veal scaloppini and osso buco. Known for its warm atmosphere and attentive service, it is a popular neighborhood spot for both intimate dinners and special occasions. Features include a full bar, extensive wine list, and private dining options.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Pastina Trattoria
Sapp Coffee Shop
What to Expect
Authentic Thai boat noodles
Description
Sapp Coffee Shop is a humble Thai restaurant in Hollywood, known for its authentic dishes like Thai boat noodles and beef noodle soup. It offers a casual, no-frills dining experience with friendly service. This spot is particularly good for those seeking local hidden gems due to its rich history and cultural significance in the community.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Sapp Coffee Shop
Wanderlust Creamery
What to Expect
Travel-inspired ice cream flavors
Description
Wanderlust Creamery offers unique ice cream flavors inspired by global travels and Filipino American heritage. Their menu features creative flavors like Ube Malted Crunch and Passionfruit Cacao, with options for non-dairy ice cream. The creamery allows customers to sample flavors, making it an ideal spot for adventurous eaters. It stands out as a local hidden gem with its diverse and travel-inspired flavors.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Wanderlust Creamery
Attractions in Los Angeles
Two Bit Circus
What to Expect
High-tech circus with VR and interactive games
Description
Two Bit Circus is a modern, high-tech circus offering a unique blend of entertainment. It features interactive areas such as Story Rooms, the Midway with reimagined carnival games, an Arcade with classic and new games, a VR Arena for multi-player experiences, Club01 for tech-enhanced game shows, and private Cabanas for gaming. The venue also includes a robotic bartender and a cafe serving modern twists on classic carnival fare. It offers a one-of-a-kind experience for social gatherings and entertainment.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Two Bit Circus
Wisdome LA
What to Expect
Immersive art domes
Description
Wisdome LA is an immersive art and entertainment venue featuring five geodesic domes. It offers interactive art installations, immersive theater, and music performances, providing a unique sensory experience. The venue combines technology, storytelling, and art to create an engaging environment.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Wisdome LA
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