5 HIDDEN GEM Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

🎥 Koreatown LA Food ► • Ultimate Koreatown Foo...
🌮 San Diego Hidden Gems ► • 5 Hidden FOOD Gems in ...
🔔 Please Subscribe ► bit.ly/GarethEatsSubscribe
Los Angeles, California - On a mission to discover the best places to eat in LA, today I'm off to find five of the best hidden gem restaurants around the city.
Sapp Coffee Shop - First stop, in the heart of Thai Town, the only officially recognized Thai Town in the United States, its Sapp Coffee Shop. I originally wanted to visit this thai restaurant in lA because Anthony Bourdain came here many years ago. For authentic Thai food in Los Angeles, I highly recommend the Bangkok-style boat noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop. Definitely the best Thai Food in LA!
Sahags Basturma Sandwich Shop - This hidden gem location serves up delicious Armenian sandwiches. If you're looking for a unique place to eat in LA, try this one and tell Rebecca I said hi!
Empanada's Place - Sawtelle Ave in Los Angeles is a foodie haven with a ton of great places to eat. Today, I'm here to try the fresh Argentine empanada's at Empanada's Place. For authentic Argentine sandwiches, empanadas, and other delights - add this to your list of places to eat in LA!
Golden Deli - Up in San Gabriel, there's an amazing Vietnamese Restaurant called Golden Deli. Recommended by my friend Jane at the Sapp Coffee Shop, the Golden Deli serves authentic Vietnamese food in Los Angeles.
Zam Zam Foods - Pakistani Food is something I don't know a ton about, but at Zam Zam Foods (Market) in Los Angeles, they have a wide variety of traditional Pakistani dishes to choose from. Some call it the best Biryani in LA!
What other Los Angeles food should I try?
--- FOLLOW ---
Main KZbin Channel ► / @garethleonard
Second Travel Channel ► / @traveldeeper
Food KZbin Channel ► / @garetheats
INSTAGRAM:
/ traveldeeper
/ garetheats
TIKTOK:
@Travel.Deeper
@GarethEats
WEBSITES:
Merch - traveldeeper.shop
Personal - www.garethleonard.com
Travel Deeper Blog - tourist2townie.com
My Camera Gear & Resources - tourist2townie.com/travel-acc...
--- WATCH ANOTHER TRAVEL SERIES ---
Croatia ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Croatia-...
Egypt ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Egypt-Se...
Russia ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Russia-S...
Philippines ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Philippi...
Japan ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Japan-Se...
Brazil ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Brazil-S...
Australia ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Australi...
USA ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-USA-Series
Mexico ► bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Mexico-S...
--- WHO IS GARETH LEONARD? ---
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel KZbinr with a passion for slow, meaningful Travel. I have spent the past 13+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help educate and inspire people to “Travel Deeper.”
If you enjoy my work, please subscribe to this channel and turn on the notifications bell to stay up-to-date with my travel deeper adventures.
Daily updates can also be found on my Instagram Stories (@GarethEats), so if you’ve read this far, send me a DM with the “🦊” emoji so I know you’re a real one!
Thanks for following along! 🙏
#garetheats #food #losangeles #california #thaifood #travel #foodie #garethleonard #traveldeeper #hollywood #foodlover #foodblogger #pakistanifood #vietnamesefood

[@TravelDeeper]

Which US City should I go eat next? Las Vegas? New Orleans? Chicago? 🤷🏻‍♂

[@jkdmasta]

Do Vegas since that's my next trip :)

[@karenrn5607]

I’ve never seen anyone do Chicago. I’ve seen plenty of Las Vegas and NOLA though!! IJS! I do want to know what you did with those extra sandwiches you got at the Armenian (I think) restaurant!! 😮

[@GarethEats]

Great suggestions!!

[@bolognaman701]

Try out Denver

[@choon_sae]

@@bolognaman701denver does not have good food. Only beer gartens that has good beers.

[@ClassyJohn]

one of my favorite parts about living in L.A. is the melting pot of cultures and foods. You don't have to drive very far to find different kinds of foods.

[@danielblack5196]

Lol you might not have to drive very far, but you have to drive very long. In San Diego I can go to the best Ethiopian place in SoCal and then drive 10 minutes and 7 miles to the best Italian restaurant for the money in SoCal. I could write 20 of these scenarios. Unless you have a helicopter or a teleportation device + unlimited money- SD is so much of a better food city than LA. I mean because of how difficult it is to get around LA is worse than a lot of other cities for food than just SD. SF, Seattle, NYC, Miami, Austin, and maybe even Phoenix or Las Vegas. All better because you can actually get around.

[@mrxman581]

​​@@danielblack5196That might be true but less often than you think. Most people are not going to eat during rush hour in LA. And many times I only tend to eat out on the weekends when traffic is a lot less. LA beats SD hands down on variety, quantity, and quality of food. Just in Mexican food you have restaurants with great food from different regions in Mexico and you have multiple for each region. Same with Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, etc. We are truly spoiled and sometimes we don't even realize what we have. That's why KZbin channels like this are fantastic even for native Angeleno foodies like me. Love to continue to discover my city of angels through someone else's eyes and palette. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Though, I got to make my way down to SD too. It's been a minute.

[@danielblack5196]

@@mrxman581 send my a PM, I’ll send you a list of places to go to in San Diego, and go to them, and then try to tell me the LA is even in the same league for food. I’m from OC, my whole extended family is from LA, and finding SD was the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s definitely a super recent thing (like before 2015 or so SD wasn’t even comparable to LA for food) but it’s blown up. The price to quality ratio is absurd here.

[@marysorsoli6453]

My husband was Italian born and raised in Argentina. We went to the empanada shop in Santa Monica. Best I've ever had.

[@GarethEats]

That is about as good of a review you could hope for. Amazing Mary! Thanks for the comment! 🙏

[@ChadwickRider]

It's really easy to get jaded living here in Los Angeles. You're reminding me of just how much I love living here. Those pickled turnips reminded me of this great place I used to go to weekly when I lived in Toluca Lake, named Zankou Chicken.

[@kennycarranza2822]

My Zankou is a couple blocks away from the Thai and Armenian spots he first goes to. I lived in East Hollywood for years and was a regular at all three spots. I still go to Sapp for their boat and Jade noodles.

[@ShellyS2060]

This was great to watch. I love it when smaller places get the recognition they deserve.

[@GarethEats]

Thank you Shelly! That is my goal with this new food channel - to showcase lesser-known places as often as possible 🙌

[@gk891]

This is what I love about major metropolitan centres like LA and New York. You can find virtually anything in terms of food.

[@GarethEats]

So true! I could eat somewhere new every day of the year… it’s overwhelming 😅

[@stargazer5073]

Peacock East Indian Food in Diamond bar, all you can eat buffet Friday and Saturday. Same parking lot Mandarin Taste, Chinese food both family owned and have been there forever! LOVE them both!!!!

[@GarethEats]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Davidsbeenhere]

All the food looks 🔥 love the new content! 🙏

[@rommelembisan8824]

Awesome video! I'm inspired to visit all the places you visited.

[@the_clueless_traveller]

Proper hidden gems - adding to my list for my next visit, thanks Gareth!

[@GarethEats]

Cheers Andrew! We have a few more good ones in next week’s episode as well! 👊

[@sophiasoto1405]

Love hole in the wall places. Thanks for showing these locations. Since I live in San Diego and I think you do too Gareth so more San Diego places. I mentioned this before Las Vegas is a great city to eat on and off the strip and love watching folks review the hotels too.

[@GarethEats]

Yes, lots of San Diego food videos coming soon too!! 😄

[@johndee759]

Thank you so much. You are hitting ALL the spots.

[@cesar280z]

Thanks Gareth!! showing the world ... good food!!

[@mr.sushimikeexperiment520]

Thank you for the good stuff. I’m gonna try some of your spots and I appreciate you.

[@renatonoriega7127]

Nice to see you have a new channel specifically made for food reviews. My wife and have just returned home in Manila after a month's vacation in San Diego. The first spot we visited upon arrival were the pandesal and egg pie in Valerio's bakery in National City. Cheers!!!

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much Renato, and I love to hear that!! Lots more San Diego food content to come! 🕺🏻

[@PeterBragiel]

Here we go again! Great episode, Gareth.

[@GarethEats]

Needed just a little less chili for this one.

[@brandonmoore2237]

Another awesome Gareth Eats video, man! The sujuk and basturma looked incredible. And I've heard so many great things about biryani, so I definitely need to try that as well!

[@GarethEats]

Thanks Brandon! 👊

[@johndee759]

Thank you. You are doing the LA food scene total justice.

[@squalewally7297]

I knew you had great taste when you started with SAPP. I can’t wait to try the others too.

[@juliorivas7428]

wonderful LA food exposition

[@robertwagner3416]

First time commenting ever on a KZbin vid. Bro, this is a great list. I've been to Empanadas Place and it is bomb. And Zam Zam is simply incredible. The biryani and nehari are unbelievable. Well done.

[@gjohnmac]

I love you ❤️ this is the best video I've seen all morning. Granted it's still early, but it's still great!

[@GarethEats]

Haha, I'll take it Jona! 😄 Good Morning!!

[@blakewiruth9391]

Been enjoying the new videos. we like the simple edits, keep it up man!

[@GarethEats]

Thanks Blake, I appreciate it!! 👊

[@davidbanks6896]

Gareth...crushing it!!!

[@GarethEats]

Thanks David! 👊

[@alexwallace6120]

Thanks for showing these hidden gems in LA. I'm on the East Coast ,so when I visit ,I may try a few out .Many year ago ,I lived in San Diego. near Washington street in Mission Hills. I was walking one evening on Washington looking for a place to eat, I found a no-name little Mexican place. The had wonderful Caldo de pollo and tacos de Pollo. It was so affordable, yet this was 1991.

[@GarethEats]

Haha, that’s a long time ago - I was about to ask the name! 😂 thanks for tuning in Alex!

[@KS-ur6on]

Dude I just ate at zam zam foods and OMG it is delicious!!! Thanks bro

[@keppela1]

Nice job man! I love dropping down to LA from the central coast to eat. I'm all about exploring hidden gems.

[@wlt317]

that was me at Saap with the recommends that day hahah. Great to come across this!! Lemme know when you hit STL

[@kulolo808]

Just stumbled upon your page! Love your content man…you definitely know the good spots. Can’t wait for you to go to Hawaii & Las Vegas! And try some Filipino food…it’s the best👊🏼😅

[@evalee8097]

Love your videos . I’m a newly subscriber.

[@stargazer5073]

Yum, great job 😋 👍 😀

[@GarethEats]

Thank you 😋

[@kathleenrimbey5894]

You have an awesome job!!

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much, Kathleen! 😸

[@tpngo27]

Wow looks yummy…now I have try it out. Good to see your chopstick skills has improved..looking back on your short clip with Mark.

[@miguelnavarro2571]

As always, another great video Gareth! You missed King Taco bro!!!!!! Next time, next time....always welcomed up in L.A, much love

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much Miguel! I'm adding King Taco to my list! I appreciate it 👊

[@kennycarranza2822]

@@GarethEats Los Cincos Puntos is in the same neighborhood and way better imo.

[@permaculturemom9848]

You should have way more subscribers! Great picks - and I'm from LA!

[@GarethEats]

Please subscribe to this brand new channel (if you enjoyed the video)! 😅 Also, if you've ever dreamed of traveling solo around the world, my entire Travel Course is now FREE and you can watch it all on this KZbin Playlist 👉bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Course-Playlist

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

aw damn, I have to subscribe.... these are awesome picks! Golden Deli was a long time favorite for Jonathan Gold (RIP!), can't go wrong!

[@babetravelling]

Got me hungry. Love LA food and all the choices u picked. Oh and when u said umami flavour 👌🏼

[@GarethEats]

Haha, thank you!! Where should I go next?? 😅

[@babetravelling]

@@GarethEats Santa Barbara & special request on their uni 🤤

[@ansuajo]

Really impressive sleuthing in the great food scene available here in Los Angeles. Super 😮

[@tprincess1175]

I love that empanada place alot of different fillings

[@davidobrien283]

Hey Gareth good to see you start a new series check out Philippe's french dip sandwiches one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles

[@GarethEats]

We actually featured Philippe's in our Iconic episode, check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXayfJiPrrqbfZo

[@bballerforever]

Sapp looks great. Little Tokyo in L.A. is officially designated as a historic district.

[@jkbc]

I had lunch and still salivating watching this LOL

[@tlee2179]

U just got 1 more subscriber. ty!

[@Tavosmother]

Golden deli is amazing! I picked this place for my bday.

[@stargazer5073]

Nice to hear you communicate in another language.

[@GarethEats]

I need to practice more often... looks like it's time to go back to South America! 😄

[@alyssadiceflipper5201]

I LOVE Empanada's Place. Wish I lived closer... I was going there when they were $2.00 each. Delicious!!!

[@bonniewylie3287]

There was another location in Orange County, but it closed and my heart broke! Spectacular food!

[@WinnieKhooMBA]

If you come by Sawtelle: Killer Noodle, Spoon & Pork, Sushi Tsujita, Artelice, Millet Crepe, Yi Fang Fruit Tea. New fan of the channel - keep showcasing hidden gems

[@raucus1]

I love Sapp and Number 1 soup!!! I’m in. Manila now!

[@ChuckyFon]

You're born for this man, certain you'll hit a 100k soon

[@mrxman581]

Some great recommendations. The only one I've been to is the Empanada Place. Would go pickup some empanadas for lunch when I worked on the Westside. I got to try the other places. Thanks

[@danielliu5386]

Dam this is a great list!!

[@armandovera2304]

Hello. I recommend the Pantry in Downtown LA on Figueroa. They are known for their breakfast. This restaurant has been opened for more than 100 years.

[@OllieMalca]

Pantry is just another LA greasy spoon. Historic Landmark Restaurant with career wait staff making over 6 figures a year. But truly "Nothing Wow" about The Pantry. Same as with Philippes, both "Tourist Traps".

[@anhtaa1]

Great video! I will try some of your suggestions. Thank you. Btw, You should make an episode on Vietnamese food in Orange County, California, home of many Vietnamese outside Vietnam. You won’t be disappointed by the food there.

[@akashkapil9948]

I believe OC Little Saigon is the largest Vietnamese community in the US, population wise

[@michaelpecson7942]

Otomisan - Boyle heights Azuma - Gardena Sushi Gen - Los Angeles/Little Tokyo Langer’s Deli - Los Angeles/MacArthur Park

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much for these recommendations, Michael! I’m adding all of these places to my list… and Langer’s Deli will be featured next week! 😊

[@michaelpecson7942]

Nice I hope to see them on the channel…and if they don’t make the cut, I hope you at least try them out for yourself and enjoy. Here’s a few more suggestions in the LA area: Shen Sen Gumi Hakata Ramen - Gardena Shen Sen Gumi Yakitori - Gardena Burrito La Palma - Los Angeles Tacos y Birria La Unica - Los Angeles Angel’s Tijuana Tacos - Multiple Locations Johnnie’s Pastrami - Culver City Philippe the Original - Los Angeles Cole’s French Dip - Los Angeles

[@breezy270]

Mort’s Deli and Bea’s bakery in Encino are good spots. Cupids hot dogs in Northridge

[@kennycarranza2822]

Otomisan is an actual hole in the wall and Sushi Gen is my new go-to place after my fav spot on 2nd St closed after 50 years.

[@MsLuchoGonzalez]

Thailand, Argentina, India, LA is amazing.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

So Cal offers so many hole in the walls. One of my favorite Thai place retired many years ago. It was in a small space in a town you'd never guess you could get authentic Thai foods. My personal favorite is Big E's Teriyaki and Burger, Rosemead, CA. A construction worker recommended this place. As it turns out, it is a favorite of the LA County Sheriffs too. It is a true hole in the wall in a small strip mall.

[@Nitaa__]

Born and raised in LA but you have me over here taking notes 🤓🤤✍️

[@GarethEats]

I love to hear that Anita!! Any other favorite spots I must-try in LA?? 😅

[@Nitaa__]

@@GarethEats I know you were just recently in Koreatown for a previous video haha, but Guelaguetza is my go-to for Oaxacan food. In the Exposition Park area, there’s a food hall called Mercado la Paloma. Chichén Itzá has great tortas. Their sister restaurant inside the same hall, Holbox, is seafood focused with super fresh raw options as well cooked.

[@mojojim6458]

After all the restaurants you visited over two days in a row, you've got to get yourself to a basketball court to work the calories off. The food looks delicious. You're a connoisseur of unexplored food gems.

[@GarethEats]

Haha, you’re absolutely right! I need a full day of basketball to break even! 😂

[@HP-iq6kt]

LA is dope like that 💯

[@jonphanspromotions]

The foods at Golden Deli looks delicious.

[@mikekenney1947]

Right research, right demeanor, right brio

[@raulaquino468]

Hello Gareth, great content. I would recommend Flamintaco on Alvarado and Sunset, Echo Park.They are well known for their Alpastor. Rincon Argentino in Glendale, CA known for their empanadas and choripan. Prime pizza in Burbank California and Masa (pizza restaurant) in Echo Park. Kosuke Ramen in Alhambra, CA. Those places come to my mind now but if I think of others, I'll let you know.

[@brk1705]

Yessssss Golden Deli!!!!! The Bomb!!!!!!!

[@GarethEats]

So good!

[@rovelsoto1700]

Dude, man o man can you pack it away.. love your channel

[@lions208436]

Tony Mexican restaurant in Sherman oaks, it's a must go to. The corn salad with the seasoned shrimp, asada burrito are just a couple staples that are so delicious there. The Chinese restaurant next to it is another gem in the valley

[@biggooseadventures]

Nice video, But I like Pad Ord Boat Noodles better much better!

[@Mr.REEP0]

Pie'n Burger ....hole in the wall spot in Pasadena .. sweet lil spot.. go try it sometime

[@uhohitsross12]

Saap is legit. Came here when I was 15 years old and after 25 years their boat noodle tastes exactly the same. Best Thai ice tea too.

[@kennycarranza2822]

their Jade Noodles are the best on a warm day.

[@adrianalovesyama]

These places are making me salvate lol you got to try Thai curry pizza in lbc nothing like it. 👍

[@Dliammc]

How does this channel only have 11k subs?!?!?

[@Judysunyoo]

Sapp coffee shop - Thai food, boat noodles Sahags basturma - Armenian sandwich Emapanadas place Golden deli - Vietnamese pho, vermicelli wraps Zam zam market - Pakistani, Briyani, kabob

[@almasandhu9895]

I definately recommend King Taco in Boyle Heights on Avenida Ceasar Chavez & 1st street. The food is the best at this King Taco. The carne asada with a taste of lime & their salsa are amazing. Even their tamales are great

[@Cschoenwald]

Akkad Mediterranean & Iraqui Grill in Glendale is great. They have some wonderful Iraqui specialties but my favorite menu items are their beet salad, hummus, and Iraqui bread.

[@GarethEats]

I’m adding this to my list Christine, thank you so much! ❤

[@ansuajo]

Great tip for vegetarians thanks so much 😊

[@annncoffman638]

Check out Boston Lobster in Rosemead and have the lobster with garlic noodles

[@breezy270]

Yang Chow in Chinatown for the slippery shrimp and spicy wanton soup is a must Lidos in the valley for great cheese pizza and meatball sub DiFrancos subs So many great places that have stood the test of time in LA

[@codyonarres]

You forgot the weigh in before launching this new channel, Gareth. 😁 Let's see how it goes after one season. Let's go! 💪 P.S. The Armenian food looks interesting.

[@GarethEats]

Haha, that would have been a very bad idea! 😂 I need to start a fitness channel just to balance it out, huh? LOL

[@codyonarres]

@@GarethEats A fitness channel, why not? That would be great too. 💪

[@kenyoung4881]

You must run a lot to keep slim from eating at of those great places. Keep going!

[@marcusvillamar8277]

La Naranja in Lincoln Heights near dtla. Amazing Tijuana style taqueria🔥

[@jellemartini5464]

I live in San Diego. There’s some really good places down here too.

[@zaidmoges374]

He went from Thailand to Armenia then to Argentina, Vietnam and ends in Pakistan all in one city... Love LA. Cheers!!

[@MusicalMercenary]

If you're back in LA check out the Valley. Little Tony's Italian is a staple. Porto's bakery is a Cubans wet dream. Tonies mexican grill on magnolia is a hole in the wall and has been amazing for decades. Finally Casablanca out in santa monica is probably one of the greatest old restaurants that not enough people know about. They add chiles to some of their tequila every week for some of the best spicy margaritas you'll ever taste.

[@junelagomez8410]

Im hungry😋😋🥰🥰🇵🇭

[@GarethEats]

Grab a snack and keep watching! 😂

[@almasandhu9895]

King Taco is on Avenida Ceasar Chavez & Soto st. in Boyle Heights

[@lions208436]

You want amazing empanadas, Johnny Pacific in Winnetka, CA. Kailua pig, Beef Tinga and chicken El pastor are so good.

[@kristianspadaro3095]

Hidden gems in San Fernando Valley would be nice...

[@jamminj8822]

Wow, once you go inside those places, you literally feel like you are elsewhere!!!!

[@JyV79]

Try naan hut or flame or Attari in Westwood for Iranian food

[@TheVileOne]

You should do Austin, Texas

[@ymy72579ify]

You looks like the serial killer from netflix “you” lol Subscribed 👍

[@karenmuramoto8869]

I live in Hawaii, but I’m originally from L.A.; South Bay Gardena to be exact. Love the hidden gems video, but I was wondering if you could maybe break it down by area. For example the South Bay, San Fernando Valley, etc. please! TIA

[@larrynguyen3324]

You Must To The World Famous pastrami Sandwich. And The Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries.

[@chadcunningham9861]

Did you do a pizza episode

[@FedUpSista]

What happened to the soul food restaurants in the San Fernando Valley?

[@JinxR22]

I want to see more Mexican food in LA

[@GarethEats]

Coming up! 😅

[@darkroastlefty2803]

yo on the same side of the street where El Pollo Loco is located, you'll find one of the best Taiwanese food @ Golden Leaf. Give it a shot next time.

[@Jojo-nz1uw]

THAI TOWN WELCOME TO LOS ANGELES LEONARD GARETH ENJOY NOODLES BREAKFAST.

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much Jojo 🙏

[@taoh780]

I see a level up in the chopstick handling

[@joshuaredford2002]

12:44 Hawthorne is hardly a forgotten place. The Beach Boys are literally from here.

[@koolburn5218]

Boat noodles is underrated and should be on everyones radar when at a Thai restaurant. Save Pad Thai or Pad See ew for the next visit and try Boat noodles if they have them on a cold day!