5 Must-Try ICONIC FOODS in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles, California - We continue on our ‪@GarethEats‬ Los Angeles Food Tour today with a culinary adventure to five iconic restaurants in LA. From Pastrami and French Dip to donuts and fried chicken, this LA food tour was a classic!
I met with my friend Sami of www.wholesam.com - a private chef who lives here in LA. Together, we visited four of the best historic restaurants in Los Angeles. Here is the list of spots we hit on our food tour.
Randy's Donuts (Inglewood) - I started the day at a place I've been wanting to visit since I was a young kid growing up on the east coast. Randy's Donuts is such an iconic landmark in Los Angeles, I had to come get a few donuts first.
Langer's Deli (Westlake) - Hands down, the best Pastrami I've ever had in my entire life. This historic LA restaurant has been serving up American deli favorites since 1947. Norm Langer, continues on the tradition today and I highly recommend this place when searching for the best restaurants in Los Angeles, period.
Philippe The Original - Since 1908, Philippe has been stacking French dip sandwiches to loyal customers on the edge of Chinatown in downtown LA. The restaurant and menu is a blast from the past, as is the desserts, sides, and setup.
Cielito Lindo - You come to Cielito Lindo for the taquitos, tamales, and burritos, and you stay for the atmosphere on Calle Olvera - the oldest street in Los Angeles. Authentic Mexican food at a humble restaurant stall, has been serving LA residents since 1934.
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles - This famous LA institution is best known for their namesake - the fried chicken and waffles. A delicious and glutinous combination of savory and sweet, it's obvious why this place has stood the test of time here in Los Angeles.
What other Los Angeles restaurants should I try?
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--- 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.”
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Thanks for following along! 🙏
#garetheats #food #losangeles #california #foodie #langersdeli #randysdonuts #lafoodie #garethleonard #traveldeeper #travelvlog #lavlog #foodvlog

[@GarethEats]

I hope you enjoyed the video! 😄I just wanted to let you know that my entire SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE is now live on my other KZbin Channel (@TravelDeeper). ✈❤If you've ever dreamed of traveling the world on your own, watch this playlist 👉bit.ly/Travel-Deeper-Course-Playlist

[@Amy-ph3if]

Yes, I think I definitely like it. My dog started subscribing to this show. Of course it can also give me some inspiration lol. Do you like food? ’

[@RareAirTwo4]

As a former 340 lb morbidly obese guy that now eats strictly clean and tracks calories, those Roscoes waffles give me flashbacks, and wouldnt mind gaining 5-10 pounds on a weekend binge.

[@Ilcchms31]

Lil cinnamon in there

[@windermere2330]

Roscoe’s waffles aren’t even that good. I make better ones at home.

[@toniadams945]

Don’t fall off the wagon, it’s difficult getting back on.

[@RareAirTwo4]

@@toniadams945 oh I've fallen off gaining 100 lbs 3 times and losing it again. I'm 180lbs right now but everything has to be dialed in to remain that weight. Calories in check, cardio/weight lifting 5-6x a week, or it all goes south real quick with me.

[@sometimes8089]

Don't go back lol

[@user-vy8fy3cz1s]

Growing up in Buffalo NY and moving here in LA almost 20 years now the one thing that's way better in Buffalo is the food.They got cool chains, and bomb Mexican (My wife is Mexican American and makes me get carnitas twice a week) but you can only eat so many burritos.They need wings, philly steaks,good pizza,real Italian food (no not spaghetti) NY strip steak sandwich with dandelions,garlic provolone, friend bell peppers and onions,pesto,veal n eggplant parm, marsala, tortellini,I could go on forever but you get the point.

[@Carl_Johnson_from_grove_street]

as a LA native, I approve this list as all MUST GOs!

[@mrxman581]

Agreed. And add Pink's for good measure.

[@mrxman581]

Agreed. And add Pink's for good measure.

[@skyeblue5669]

●▪︎● I personally didn't care for PINKS..

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

For Phillipe"s you have to go on the day of the week that they are serving the French Onion Soup! To die for, I'm not kidding!

[@emilywynstra]

The boy with red hair at Philippe’s… Underrated star of the whole video😂

[@rbell7666]

Randy's Donuts are the best! I went there expecting generic but got a great surprise. Coffee is outstanding, too

[@geogent6655]

Philippe's also makes it's own mustard. Been coming for 60yr, I come from Claremont/Pomona at least 3 times a month by Metro Link 1st stop Cietolindo then Philippe's and a stop at HomeBoys Bakery to support getting Gang members a new start...

[@GarethEats]

I need to go check out HomeBoys Bakery!! 👊

[@mrxman581]

Yeah, Father Greg Boyle has done tremendous work with ex-gang members. I've been to the Home Girl Cafe and the bakery many times. They are at the same location.

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Langers is the best la sandwich hands down, doesn’t matter the type, love the gritty location

[@GarethEats]

Agreed! 🙌

[@geogent6655]

Langer's #1 Canter's #2

[@killabeast818]

U gotta try daughters deli

[@lions208436]

Langer's definitely has the best pastrami, but if I want corned beef and/or turkey Brent's is my favorite spot. In Northridge on Nordoff. If you don't know, now you know

[@BrandensOutdoorChannel]

Yeah but is it worth $20?

[@ForeverChanged7]

Outrageous Gareth! Los Angeles. I love our City for all the amazing, food and sooo much more. I love your content! Thanks for taking me a long. 🌊🌊🌊🌴🌴🏖️😊

[@susiem955]

As many times as I’ve been to LA (probably around 20-30 times in the last decade) and have not yet tried these places, they’re definitely on my list for my next visit. I mean it took me nearly a decade to finally get to Hollywood’s Griddle Cafe for their red velvet pancakes and my past visit in October finally getting to try PINKS hot dogs and Trejo’s donuts. This gives me another excuse to take a drive down to LA again 😂

[@jc3drums916]

Ah, you missed it, the sandwich to order at Philippe's is the double-dipped lamb.

[@LatinaKamilla]

It’s so cute you’re making an effort to seriously eat it AT. THE. SAME. TIME. Loll 😂❤

[@Ilcchms31]

That horseradish mustard at philleps is legendary

[@MrTopcat3333]

It's not horseradish! It's just a hot variety of mustard and vinegar. Read the label on the jar (yes, I order it on=line and have it shipped to San Diego.

[@russoloco1662]

The lamb dip is my favorite from Phillipe's.

[@simcha62]

You Have to go to Versailles for a true Los Angeles Icon. No finer garlic chicken in the city!

[@GarethEats]

Adding this to my list, thank you!! 👊

[@tyleretiz9951]

Eat that 3 times a week, can’t get a more rounded meal for $20 in LA…so fire famous chicken combo!!!

[@Rick_Hoppe]

As a 50 year Los Angelino I must have driven by The giant doughnut a hundred times, but never tried their wares. Glad to hear they’re delicious. The Langer’s Deli is in MacArthur Park. Their hot pastrami has all the essential ingredients: pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, Russian dressing, on rye bread... awesome! At Phillipe’s be sure to get plenty of au jus for dipping! I was in Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles one morning. A waiter was walking around with a pot of coffee. I asked him if they had cappuccino and he just laughed! I should have known better. LOL!

[@Nitaa__]

Let’s goooooooo! Watching this in the morning is so dangerous. Now I’m craving all of the above 😮‍💨 🦊

[@GarethEats]

Haha, I should put a warning disclaimer at the beginning 😂

[@deborahgodley6980]

I live in LA and love all of these places- plus so many more iconic restaurants.

[@GarethEats]

Any other favorite spots that you would recommend I visit, Deborah? 😅

[@windermere2330]

Pink’s Hot Dogs, Johnnie’s Pastrami.

[@windermere2330]

Bludso’s BBQ

[@mrxman581]

​@@GarethEatsHow about a video on iconic old school restaurants like Musso & Frank Grill and the Pacific Dining Car. Thanks

[@mrxman581]

​​​@@GarethEatsBay Cities Italian deli in Santa Monica. The Original Tommy's Burger on Beverly Blvd. The Oki Dog. The Tail O' the Pup.

[@Matthew-oh5ms]

Gareth is back! Loved this video! Keep ‘em coming!

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much Matthew, feels good to be back into the swing of making videos again! 🙌

[@elizabethann9152]

Seventeen minutes and 14 seconds of straight up drooling.

[@Rayzwayyy]

Great video!!! Please try the brisket Pastrami sandwich and Spicy Italiano at Corner Market in Glendale. It’s a 15hr smoked brisket pastrami and the Italiano is just incredible. Ask for Rayz way. Must try

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

My wife and the nursing staff at USC Keck Hospital favorite LA place is the Thai Deli. Shopworn and poker face service but fantastic food.

[@JT725U14.VEGASNV]

Hi Gareth🎉😅thanks so much for your awesome food videos. I really love your Videos so much. You are so sincere and informative and engage us viewing ur videos and you make me happy and I feel like I'm right there with you!!! Keep the videos coming please I look forward to all of them and always be safe and happy and healthy! 😊🎉😅

[@solegonz762]

I grew up next to Randy's. For decades they had an awesome coconut donut. They no longer have the original coconut- miss it soooo much! But there new donuts are pretty awesome.

[@bonwatcher]

I love Langer's, but I get pastrami dip sandwiches at The Hat in Monterey Park or Johnnie's Pastrami in Culver City. Need to do a battle of the best pastrami sandwiches in LA! 😉🤤

[@windermere2330]

The Hat and Johnnie’s are a different kind of pastrami versus Langers. Thin sliced versus thicker.

[@mrxman581]

Best pastrami in LA is a great idea. It would be a good way to introduce people to the various types of pastrami sandwiches in LA Metro area. The pastrami at The Hat is different but very delicious too. I always order their wet fries with the gravy on the side so I can dunk the fries into the gravy. I'm getting hungry now.😊

[@usesumlogicmanlogicman4334]

Langers all the way.

[@dianepuroguanajuatovlogs]

Yessss Randy’s is my favorite while in Los Angeles!!!

[@GarethEats]

When they are hot and fresh, it's unbelievable!!

[@manuelandrescaminopajares9751]

Te felicito, Gareth, lograste abrirme el apetito. Estuvo muy bien.

[@brandonmoore2237]

🦊Awesome food tour, as always! Sam seems like a lot of fun, and she was the perfect co-host for this video. Everything you tried looks amazing, from the donuts to the chicken and waffles at Roscoe's, and everywhere in-between!

[@GarethEats]

Thanks bro, so many great spots in LA - I could make 100 of these episodes 😅

[@geogent6655]

Cole's French Dip, Musso and Frank Hollywood Blvd, Pinocchio Italian restaurant Burbank, Little Dom's Italian Hillhurst, Far East Cafe Little Tokyo, Kouraku Little Tokyo, Mandarin Noodle House Monterey Park... And if course Grand Central Market and Porto's Bakery Burbank/Glendale...

[@GarethEats]

Adding all of these to my list for part 2, thanks George! 🙌

[@usesumlogicmanlogicman4334]

Coles cannot hold a candle to Philippe's!

[@joeg.851]

Great as always! Try, Papi's Grill in Pismo Beach. Start off with their fish tacos and ceviche! Yummy 😋

[@andydurazo5337]

Langer’s is great! Love the pastrami but as great as it is, I absolutely adore the corned beef!

[@chesleyrenater6158]

Were gonna hit all of these thanks 🙂 Had to add Phillippe and Langer's Deli !

[@nealxl6256]

These are definitely the iconic spots in L.A.

[@Whollychee]

Love it guys!

[@mzsantana87]

I’m not sure how I ended up on this page, but thank you Gareth 😍. Ok ok I’m a foodie so it was probably suggested because of it 😂. I’m from SoCal and have only been to Roscoes out of this list. Never even heard of the others, besides Randy’s, but definitely gotta try them.

[@DugEphresh]

Don't ever miss the sleeper, Shakey's and their Mojo potato's. People that know, know!

[@joshsanchezxD]

Such REAL LA spots

[@alexwallace6120]

Hey Handsome, I don't eat donuts much do like glazed, and old -fashioned/cake donuts, used to love powdered sugar and powdered cinnamon. I do like Pastrami and or Corned beef sandwiches, but don't get to eat them often. I love good fried chicken but waffles not so much. It's strange how there are so many people doing food videos. I remember when Mark Weines was one of the early ones. I do like your high level of excitement and enthusiasm! Keep it up !

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much Alex, I agree!

[@OriginalJoe]

Thumbs up for including Olvera Street. Easily overlooked, but a must after a Dodgers game

[@michaelad48]

OMG, YES PLEASE. LOOKS SO DELICIOUS

[@craigestory6230]

Love you too together. Hope you do more.

[@lady4real75]

Blueberry is my FAVORITE!!

[@maxsdad538]

For decades, L.A. school kids would take field trips to Calle Olvera (Olvera Street). Like Farmers Market, they were both a trip back in time to an earlier Los Angeles.

[@TrentEvent23]

Looks so good 🙀

[@GarethEats]

Ready for a Legoland food crawl?

[@robynlea6950]

I wish I could eat, that many donuts in a row, like you did 👏😋.

[@GarethEats]

Haha, it's a job best left to the professionals! 😂

[@robynlea6950]

@@GarethEats Never said better 😋!

[@bessycorrales6405]

I’m fortunate to have dined at all of these establishments. 😋

[@gd-mn2yw]

Wow great video! Next time at Roscoe's - the brown onion gravy for the chicken...

[@jenniferrodriguez314]

🦊 love your videos!

[@GarethEats]

Thank you so much for following along! 😊🙏

[@edwardgordon4309]

8:00 yes, make sure you touch the spicy mustard bottle to the sandwich you just bit so every follow up customer can taste your saliva just as you tasted the previous customers' 🤣

[@usesumlogicmanlogicman4334]

LMAO!

[@sharonavraham290]

Thank you

[@crowlifellc.8385]

Great personality dude !

[@wicky201]

We now have Randy's in Las Vegas, but Randy's is no longer the same company as it was sold to investors for expansion. There's one near me but I haven't been to it yet.

[@chop3625]

It’s okay. Kinda large.

[@billieboniface5273]

I agree, Langer's is really good! Roscoe's . . . not so much. As for Randy's Donuts, service was horrible last time I was there. Good thing you got good service. But yes, their doughnuts are fantastic.

[@ncabanil]

If you ever go back to Roscoe's you MUST get the cheesy scambled eggs with onions. they put enough butter and cream in it to give you a minor heart attack.

[@Traveler55188]

😂😂

[@dadude2319]

Blue berrie donuts slaps 🔥🔥🔥

[@chasitycochran2308]

Diners in culver city and the hat in azusa, gotta go to places ❤❤❤

[@nickydeguia7024]

You should add “The Oinskster” best Pastrami and BBQ Pulled Pork. Guy from triple DDD also commented about this restaurant “ one of the best pastrami in town”.

[@boxball9157]

be a positive young man, use your experience and platform to inspire/educate young ones that look up to you. peace and love

[@rdkeiffner]

You should add Daikokuya Little Tokyo when you are doing iconic LA eats. Place is legit…lines down the street daily

[@Athena1688]

I don't know much about the food shops here. I think I can ask you. Do you have any food recommendations worth visiting?

[@davidosterberg9306]

In my 20 years in LA I’ve never been to Randy’s but after this I’m gonging tomorrow morning 🍩

[@GarethEats]

Did you go?

[@davidosterberg9306]

@@GarethEats I did n got the glazed👍🏻

[@paulaadams1765]

There’s a Randy’s in Pasadena, CA.

[@gatewaysrehab3686]

You should add on your lost Jongewaards bake and broil in Long Beach, one of the best chicken pot pie and the rest are really good too, dont forget the pies!

[@GarethEats]

Adding this to my list, thank you!! 👊

[@virtualtour4u85]

i agree with her that langers deli is thest best among!

[@theorochiriot]

You didn't go to in n out! Great video, though! I love that you went to Langer's!!! No, it's not that close to downtown LA . It's in the MacArthur Park area. It's also the across the street from where the infamous MS13 gang first began.

[@richardrowe1538]

Do Brent's Deli in the San Fernando Valley - try the sweet and sour cabbage soup and the pastrami sandwich.

[@armandovera2304]

Best pastrami sandwich - Santoro's deli in Burbank CA

[@luisvanegas1039]

As a local foodie I can agree on almost all the recommendations in this video, minus Roscoe’s.

[@keppela1]

Those donuts looked awesome. I think you mistakenly called the first one "buttercream" though. Didn't look like there was cream inside and the donut pusher dude said it was just a glazed with some butter cookie crumbled on top (can you tell I take my sweets seriously, lol).

[@tloco1529]

Hands down the best pastrami sandwich in the whole USA 🇺🇸 💯

[@spitflamez]

Langer’s is 🔥🔥🔥and at Roscoes I get the chicken smothered in gravy.

[@donw3861]

My iconic Los Angeles meal is breakfast at the Midnight Mission or Hippie's Kitchen.

[@westcoastkidd17]

Langer's is the best!!! I'm pretty sure it compete with East Coast pastrami sandwiches too.

[@knots1975]

you ate at all those places wearing the same shirt! Legend status.

[@user-nd9mt3oe2h]

紹介された料理は、どれも美味しそうでした🤤 特に、アイアンマンが撮影されたドーナツ屋さん、ぜひ訪れたいです☺

[@bobbowie9350]

my favorite doughnut shop in LA is SK Donuts

[@SpencerWayman]

Langers is great! But DTLA? That's a bit of a stretch. I don't think Norm was all that excited though.

[@songsinschool]

I thought the same thing about the owner too. There is no such thing as too much advertising and he was getting it for free. Maybe he is so ready for retirement.

[@Mrbossman3456]

Philippe The Original awesome food there

[@dkcchock4451]

theres a Randys Donuts now in San Diego

[@skyeblue5669]

❤~❤ RANDY'S DONUTS are coming to FRESNO

[@ciaoluan5697]

This blue shirt is perfect for you, so simple and so charming

[@GarethEats]

Thank you! 😊

[@juliopaez4516]

I love these places but the long lines is a big no for me. I don’t have the patience to wait

[@GarethEats]

I would normally agree with you Julio, but Langer's is worth the wait - however, it's not usually this crowded. We actually went on a holiday. 👍

[@ian_forbes]

Damn … my newfound diabetes is unhappy about so much food here … but my stomach and my brain want it (had been to Roscoe’s and can attest it’s yummy)! Keep up the great videos on your new channel, Gareth. And Sami was awesome!

[@mojojim6458]

Best of luck with your diabetes condition.

[@GarethEats]

Stay tuned for more diabetes-friendly locations 😅

[@ian_forbes]

@@GarethEats Haha, no worries. I’m happy to visually enjoy what I should no longer consume. 😃

[@TheKiltGuy]

if you eat ah philippe's then you need to try Coles been around the same time but i think they have better meat and bread for the dip you should try them.

[@Mani_59]

just subscribed to support

[@GarethEats]

I appreciate it! I hope you enjoy the food content 🙏

[@christopherduran5121]

Need a glass of water just looking at that dry pastrami.

[@devindiaz360]

Ngl, when you were at Randy’s there was one donut in particular that looked so good it made me cinnamon crumb my pants.

[@jeannine1991]

Phillippe’s ❤😋❤😋❤

[@JhonBlades]

🦊 GARETH FOR PRESIDENT !

[@GarethEats]

Haha, no thank you! I'll stick to the food 😂

[@johndee759]

Thank you so much for this video. Who has the better pastrami sandwich? Langer’s or Katz’s?

[@bobbowie9350]

personally, I liked Langers. Katz was very salty. Brents beats them both though

[@johndee759]

@@bobbowie9350 wow, thank you for letting me know. Now I need to know what Brent’s is.

[@jc3drums916]

Back before Chowhound went to hell, there were even NYers on there who reluctantly had to admit Langer's was better than Katz's and Carnegie.

[@johndee759]

@@jc3drums916 thank you for sharing. I always wondered how Katz’s compared to New York Pastrami.

[@jeffreycooley2032]

Langer's is super special for me. Roscoe's is a bit overrated, but it was a pretty good capsulation of L.A. historic dining spots.

[@mojojim6458]

Question: I saw how coated with icing your fingers were while having the donuts. How did you get them clean? Handi-wipes? Or putting them in your mouth to lick up with goodness? At Langer's I notice that you bite into the sandwich in the middle, while the lady bites at the edge.

[@GarethEats]

Haha, great question Jim! I needed a beach towel to wipe down in between each take 😂

[@jkdmasta]

Dam might try that holy s**t pastrami sandwich.

[@GarethEats]

I highly recommend it! 🙌

[@reynaldomacahilas3072]

Those taquitos would perfect at a Dodgers game

[@Captfuntastic]

Hey Gerard where are you from in Rochester? I'm in Henrietta. The food scene here is meh but there are a few gems.

[@meltem247]

Donuts 🤤

[@GarethEats]

YESSS 🙌

[@juanitajones6900]

If you ever do this again, you should try King Taco, The Hat and Egg Tuck.

[@marlomills6800]

M&T has great donuts

[@meghanteress]

i like the taquito eating stance 😂

[@BH-oq7pz]

Haha...I used to live or work a skip and a stone throw away from all of these places, and I never went!!...so, naturally, that I'm back in S.D., i will have to go back to L.A. and try them!!!...(I think I have a few doctor's visits, in L.A., coming up...I'm sure I'll HAVE to eat something....so...I'll just have to try 'em all!!)

[@GarethEats]

Yes!! A pastrami sandwich is exactly what the doctor ordered! 😄

[@BH-oq7pz]

@@GarethEats ha...it'd be my first!!!...NEVER have I EVER tried pastrami...not a big "cold cuts" aficionado....

[@toddcribbs6844]

That's alright here and Tampa Bay we have won the oldest and largest Cuban restaurants and all of Florida call the Columbia Restaurant it's located in Ybor City on 7th Avenue and it has four parking lots it is the biggest and oldest Cuban restaurant in all of Florida