Food and culture are inextricably linked. You can learn much about another’s culture by partaking and enjoying its unique delicacies – a simple bite of an unknown dish can transport you into a world that is not your own. Southern California and its urban centers represent a global population set in pockets of unique cultural communities. In essence, SoCal’s multiethnic and multicultural makeup results in a diverse selection of food that you do not want to miss. For those visiting Southern California for the SBC annual meeting and seeking to experience diverse SoCal culture, I have listed out my top recommendations of restaurants in the greater Los Angeles region, Orange County, and the broader area. I hope this gives you a taste of what SoCal has to offer.
Anaheim | Orange County
Top Recommendations for SBC Visitors Close to the Convention
In n’ Out
Burger | $
1168 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806
The Taco Stand
Tacos | $
240 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866
Mo Ran Gak
Korean | $$
9651 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
Cuban Bakery | $
7640 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Cortina’s Italian Market
Italian | $
2175 W Orange Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804
Rodeo 39 Public Market
Vibe | $ – $$$
12885 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680
Pie Hole
Dessert | $$
440 S Anaheim Blvd Unit 206, Anaheim, CA 92805
Anaheim Packing House
Food Court | $$
440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
Salt & Straw
Ice Cream | $$
1550 Disneyland Dr. E, #103A, Anaheim, CA 92802
Sidecar Donuts
Donuts & Coffee | $$
270 E 17th St #18, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Los Angeles
Top Recommendations for First Time Visitors and Seasoned Angelenos
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Steak House | $$$$
100 La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle
Noodle Shop | $
2057 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Kobawoo House
Korean | $$
698 S Vermont Ave #109, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Wurstkuche
German | $$
800 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Grand Central Market
Food Court | $$
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
King Taco #2
Tacos | $
4504 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Avenue 26 Tacos
Tacos | $
3277 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063
Mama Lu’s Dumpling House
Chinese | $$
153 E Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755
Langer’s Delicatessen
Deli | $$
704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Sul & Beans
Korean Desserts | $$
621 S Western Ave #208-A, Los Angeles, CA 90005
More of SoCal
Top Recommendations Outside of the LA/OC Region
Phil’s BBQ
Barbecue | $$
40830 Winchester Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
Tacos El Gordo
Tacos | $
13236 Paxton St, Pacoima, CA 91331
Santa Barbara Public Market
Food Court | $$
38 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Underwood Family Farms
Strawberry Picking | $
5696 E Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066
California Citrus State Historic Park
Citrus | $
9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
