01 Vegan

The Mustard Seed

Cerritos

11308 South St. Cerritos, CA 90703

Tucked away in a quiet Cerritos plaza, The Mustard Seed has spent the last three years operating as one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Chef Phil is out here working such absolute miracles in the kitchen, serving a fully vegan menu that easily takes the crown for the best plant-based eats in the area. The most ordered item on the menu is the loco moco. A vegan burger patty that is heavy on the flavor, on a bed of rice, topped with rich gravy and loaded with caramelized onions and mushrooms. A sunny-side-up egg resting on top; when that plant-based “yolk” breaks and drips down into the rice, you will most definitely be questioning reality. It took me a solid minute to believe no chickens were actually involved. Do not sleep on his fresh beignets, which arrive with a side of tres leches sauce; to wash it all down, grab the cucumber lime agua fresca. It’s packed with bits of cucumber pulp. You will find yourself ordering a second one just for the car ride home.

02 Vegan

Baba's Vegan Cafe

South L.A.

6619 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047

Baba’s Vegan Cafe isn't just a restaurant. They are a neighborhood staple. They have completely mastered the art of plant-based soul and Caribbean food, operating with a mission to keep healthy, healing food affordable for the block. If anyone ever tries to tell you vegan food lacks soul, bring them here. These plates carry all the heavy, comforting seasoning of traditional Caribbean dishes. When you go, the soul plate is a must. It comes with mac yams, greens, and mixed veggies, plus perfectly fried oyster mushrooms with a deeply satisfying crunch, but do yourself a favor and throw in an order of the lentil fritters. Before you head back out, make sure to grab whatever they are pouring for the smoothie of the day, and a freshly baked muffin for the road—you will regret it if you don't.

03 Vegan

Simply Wholesome

View Park-Windsor Hills

4508 W. Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90043

You can’t talk about L.A.’s Black food scene without paying respect to Simply Wholesome. This hybrid health food store and restaurant has been holding down the community for decades with great vegan patties and smoothies. A must-try here is the Supreme Croissant Sandwich. You can build it with eggs or scrambled tofu, and get it with meatless bacon or a veggie patty. Order the flaky, wonderfully spiced spinach patty onto your order, too. To wash it all down, grab one of their fresh juices to-go, specifically the Soursop Bliss, which is something you have to at least experience once in your lifetime. Before you head back to your car, make sure you take a lap through the market side to stock up on items that “keep you looking good and feeling good,” according to their website.

04 Breakfast / Brunch

The Nest: A Brunch Joint

Bellflower

16916 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706

When it comes to brunch, The Nest: A Brunch Joint is one-of-a-kind in the area. Located in Bellflower, it is unpretentious, incredibly welcoming, and serves up plates that are worth the drive if you are not from the area. Chef Ronnie Woods and the team are running a kitchen that never misses, expertly blending Black culinary traditions with local flavors. The number-one seller is their chilaquiles, but you cannot walk out without paying respect to the shrimp and grits, or the biscuits and gravy. Ask for the “Three Little Pigs,” but request it wrapped up as a burrito. It’s an off-menu hack straight from Chef Ronnie himself that will completely change your morning. The space is a vibrant intersection of L.A. cultures. You will find local artwork curated by their event coordinator hanging on the high-ceiling walls, Nike sneakers blended into the decor, and a hip-hop soundtrack tying the whole room together. It’s a genuine community hub. Operating successfully for over a decade as a Black-owned establishment in this neighborhood makes its impact even more significant. The Nest has spent 12 years elevating the African-American diaspora through food while keeping the doors open for the entire community. If you usually stick to the same brunch spots in L.A., it is time to break the routine a bit. Make the drive out to Bellflower.

05 Breakfast / Brunch

The Court Cafe

Westchester

5496 Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045

If you pull up to The Court Cafe on a weekend and see a crowd waiting outside, do not keep driving. The wait might be a little long, and the parking may be awful, but the payoff is one of the best brunch menus in the city. Grab a mimosa from their full drink menu and get ready because what comes out of this kitchen is absolutely worth your time. The kitchen here doesn't just hand you standard syrup. They have specialty batters and house-made infused butters like peach cobbler, bleu pebble, and crunch berry. The chicken and peach cobbler waffle is a Court Cafe staple: the chicken is fried crisp and well seasoned, delivering an addictive crunch that will make you finish the whole plate faster than you intended. Don't forget the hot sauce.

06 Breakfast / Brunch

Granddaddy's Breakfast Haus

Gardena

1762 W. El Segundo Blvd. Gardena, CA 90249

This is the spot for a classic southern breakfast without the “gentrified” price tag. Walk in, place your order on the kiosk, and wait. The Granddaddy's special includes fried wingettes, scrambled eggs with cheese and green onion, a side of grits, and a red velvet waffle. Soft, fluffy pancakes and peaches are also gems at this breakfast haus. Never skip on the peaches if it's on the menu!

07 Breakfast / Brunch

Breakfast With Milli

Leimert Park

3710 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Ste. 121, Los Angeles, CA 90008

While almost every brunch spot in the city offers standard shrimp and grits, Breakfast With Milli changes that with their loaded catfish and grits dish. The buttery grits act as a soft base for the fried catfish filet. The fish, mixed with the creamy texture of the flavor-soaked grits, is the star of this unbeatable pairing. The Milli team is serving real comfort at its core, proving that catfish deserves just as much morning respect as shrimp does. To balance out the savoriness, make sure to add the secret menu item to your order: Cap'n Crunch French toast.

08 Breakfast / Brunch

Poppy + Rose

Downtown / Flower District

765 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Serving brunch every day in the Flower District, Poppy + Rose is famous for their fried chicken and waffles, but if you want to take your order to the next level, you have to pivot. The fried chicken eggs Benedict is the real switch-up. Instead of standard Canadian bacon, they take their crispy fried chicken, place it under poached eggs, and a rich hollandaise. It works so well, you have to try it. If you aren't in the mood for a Benedict, your backup plan should be the pulled pork hash: loaded with tender pork and crispy potatoes. Give either the fried chicken Benedict or the pulled pork hash a try, paired with a strong cocktail from their menu.

09 Coffee Shops

Padekwa

Lakewood

5841 Bellflower Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90713

Padekwa is way more than just a coffee shop: it is a true community hub. They pour a heavy lineup of moon milks and refreshers, but if you want to stick to coffee, get the Creole latte, made with condensed milk and spices. The pastries are made fresh daily by chef Sonja Pace. Jordan, the owner of Padekwa, built this coffee shop to be an open platform for local creatives, even offering a podcast studio and a conference room for anyone who needs to rent the space.

10 Coffee Shops

Harun Coffee

Leimert Park

4336 Degnan Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008

Harun Coffee is a real gem in Leimert Park, perfectly blending top-tier espresso with local art and culture. They also keep kid-friendly options, which is a plus if you have little ones in your family. You have to try the Harun signature drinks if you're a matcha fan. Ordering the “Marine Cloud” is non-negotiable. The real anchor of this shop is the house roast handled by Kipp. He doesn't just roast beans like any other shop; he really engineers a flavor profile that is distinct to Harun. By keeping the roasting right in the community, they are unapologetically pushing Black excellence every time they pour a cup. It’s the exact spot you want to grab your morning coffee and get to understand what a tight-knit neighborhood Leimert Park is.

11 Coffee Shops

Ora Urban Cafe

Leimert Park

4331 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Ora Urban Cafe runs a full, all-day brunch menu that includes smoothies, shakes, and coffee. The cafe itself has a cozy vibe, inviting you to actually sit and enjoy. It’s the exact kind of space where you can comfortably post up, open your laptop, and take a morning meeting. When you get to the register, try the Barry White latte, or you can grab a matcha in any flavor they offer and not be disappointed. This is a local hub you need to support.

12 Desserts

Fleurs et Sel

West Adams

5300 W. Adams Blvd. Suite 100, Los Angeles 90016

Lara Adekoya, founder of Fleurs et Sel, is creating some of the best small-batch cookies in Los Angeles. From Adekoya's sea salt chocolate chip to raspberry cheesecake bisou bar, her entire lineup of cookie choices is decadent and delicious. Because everything is baked to order, you have to preorder to secure your box. One of the best birthday gifts I received this year was a batch of Fleurs et Sel cookies, and I was blown away by the texture. It is one of the best cookies I have ever had. The cookie butter center in the Cookie au Beurre is ridiculous.

13 Desserts

SnoCorner

Long Beach

1701 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813

Founded by Ashley Monconduit, SnoCorner is bringing authentic New Orleans-style shaved ice and beignets straight to Long Beach. But the real magic here is the history: The building that SnoCorner is located within has been part of Ashley’s family since the 1970s, making it a true neighborhood legacy. They are serving up flavors on their snowballs, funnel cakes, and beignets that you don't often get to experience on the West Coast. Whether you are already local to Long Beach or just looking for the perfect excuse to take a drive for the day, SnoCorner is a fun way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

14 Desserts

Urban Dessert Lab

West Hollywood

7901 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90046

For the lactose-intolerant crowd who still want all the richness of traditional ice cream, Urban Dessert Lab is about to be your new favorite spot. It is the world's first oat-milk ice crème shoppe. Do not let the “dairy-free” label fool you into thinking they are compromising on flavor. This is some of the creamiest, most decadent ice cream, and it's worth a try before complaining about the drive. The move you have to make here is the s'mores ice cream. It's vanilla custard filled with chocolate syrup, then rolled in graham cracker dust and topped with a toasted marshmallow. Coming in a very close second is the salted pretzel-and-chocolate pick, a classic sweet-and-savory mix.

15 Desserts

All Chill

Leimert Park

3415 W. 43rd Pl. Leimert Park, Los Angeles, CA 90008

All Chill in Leimert Park is doing way more than just scooping ice cream. If you are a hip-hop head, you will appreciate everything they have on display. You just won't find these ice cream combinations anywhere else—like the bean pie ice cream, a nod to Black culinary history. If you are looking for dairy-free options, they have options such as the strawberry cucumber balsamic. It is culture, community, and ice cream all under one roof.

16 Dinner Plates

Dulan's Soul Food

Inglewood

202 E. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90301

Dulan's Soul Food isn't just a restaurant; it is real Los Angeles royalty. The Dulan family has cemented one of the most important soul food legacies in the city, period. When you step in to the restaurant, you aren't just getting lunch or dinner. You are ordering L.A. history. The move here is the smothered oxtails. They come drenched in a rich gravy, falling right off the bone. Pair that with a side of perfectly seasoned greens and a generous scoop of black-eyed peas, and you have a plate with so much history in the neighborhood.

17 Dinner Plates

Honey's Kettle

Culver City

9537 Culver Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232

Chef Vinny has built a serious legacy at Honey's Kettle, and the hype surrounding the menu is justified. The fried chicken is cooked to a crisp, moist finish. If you enjoy a little heat, opt for the spicy version. But let’s be honest: The undisputed star of the show here is the biscuit. It is the crowd favorite. The family meals are a great move, but feel free to skip the fries (they do not match the caliber of the chicken or the biscuit selection). They also offer a solid rotation of pies, but the peach pie is certainly mandatory. It keenly balances sweet and tart.

18 Dinner Plates

Giti Thai

View Park-Windsor Hills

4423 W. Slauson Ave. View Park-Windsor Hills, CA 90043

Giti Thai is a Thai fusion spot where every single protein on the menu is Halal-certified. You are coming here for the drunken noodles, the tenderly cooked lamb chops, and the fried rice packed with flavor. If you are rolling with a crew on hand, the wings and the crisp papaya salad are a good start. But beyond the menu, which hosts so many options, this place is all about the deeply welcoming community and hospitality that will turn you into a regular after just one visit.

19 Dinner Plates

Wings and Pot

South L.A.

2108 W. Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, California 90047

Word-of-mouth recommendations are the real lifeblood of Los Angeles food culture. I actually stumbled onto Wings and Pot because a stranger I was waiting in line with at another spot told me, “You have to go to Wings and Pot. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.” I went a block down the street and discovered some of the most mind-blowing wings in the city. The loaded baked potatoes are packed with flavor, but make no mistake: you are here for the delicious wings. You need to arrive early, too. The last time I visited, they completely sold out of wings by the early afternoon, before the dinner rush even started. Finding a hidden gem through a neighborhood tip and eating food this good? That is exactly what community is all about and what makes this area thrive.

20 Dinner Plates

The Cultured Soul

Long Beach

400 E. Anaheim St. Ste. A, Long Beach, CA 90813

Down in Long Beach, there is a brand-new spot full of soul called The Cultured Soul. Chef Jamie is originally from Alabama, and he brings serious heart to this place. When you walk in, you have to check out the pictures on the wall. It makes me feel like I am at my grandmother-in-law's place in Oklahoma. You'll want to order the rib plate with yams and BBQ beans. The smokiness on the ribs is so well done; the flavor punctuates every bite of tender meat with depth. The catfish definitely needs a shoutout, too, because it is fried with extreme care and technique. And here is the biggest rule at The Cultured Soul: You have to eat the food there. Taking it to go just doesn't taste the same, so sit down and enjoy your meal while it’s hot. Because the spot just opened, the wait may not be ideal if you're short on time, but it is well worth it to try the dishes and support Chef Jamie.

21 Dinner Plates

Jojo's Kitchen and Cravings

South L.A.

1855 W. Manchester Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047

Jojo's Kitchen and Cravings is what community is actually about. You have people making the drive all the way up from Huntington Beach because what owner Joesha McDaughtery is doing here is that special. While I was waiting to order, I kept seeing people walk in just to ask about the oxtails. They’re only sold on weekends, but people still show up on a random weekday hoping she'll have them on the menu. My go-to is the salmon plate. McDaughtery makes some of the best salmon I’ve had, period. It comes loaded with rice, greens, yams, and cornbread. Trust me when I tell you this place is a hidden gem. I would honestly switch up a whole date night just to get takeout from here instead. But beyond the food, McDaughtery built this entirely from the ground up. She started out just cooking for friends and selling plates to her coworkers at a local oil refinery. That real L.A. grassroots hustle funded a food truck, which finally opened the doors for the brick-and-mortar spot we get to eat at today. Out of all the places I have visited, McDaughtery deserves all the love and recognition. Jojo's Kitchen and Cravings easily claims a spot in this list's top three.

22 Dinner Plates

Bridgetown Roti

East Hollywood

858 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029

Chef Rashida Holmes is doing something completely different from anyone else on this list. Bringing in authentic Barbados and Trinidad flavors, what truly makes this place stand out is how Holmes runs the business behind the scenes. Drawing from her own years in the industry, she has built Bridgetown Roti on real equity, prioritizing fair employee benefits and tip-sharing. It is the exact kind of community-first hustle that deserves our dollars. When you walk in, the handmade patties and rotis are exactly what you are there to try. You cannot go wrong with red-pepper goat roti with peanut sauce or oxtail patties. A good friend of mine, Sebastian Garcia, put me on to this spot, and he gave me a great tip: Order the cucumbers with the coconut-everything seasoning. This refreshing side balances out the rich, savory roti. I am so glad I got put on to Bridgetown Roti, because the Caribbean-American vision they are building here is a must-see.

23 Dinner Plates

Tev's & Family Kitchen

South L.A.

1905 West 48th St., Los Angeles, CA

Tev's & Family Kitchen went viral for a reason. Chef Tev is entirely self-taught, born and raised in Jamaica, and you can taste that real authenticity in the food his family makes. The menu changes up daily, but honestly, everything is worth a try. A quick heads-up: The weekend wait gets long, but once you finally get to sit down and eat your food, you will immediately see why people line up. The jerk chicken with extra jerk sauce is a must-try. It is the undisputed star of the menu. If you want to switch it up, the ribeye plate with the creamy butter sauce is also incredible. Whatever main you choose, make sure you get the mac and cheese, the cabbage, and the rice and beans, because they make a harmonious combination for any plate. A fair warning to those visiting for the first time: The plates are heavy. Come hungry.

24 Dinner Plates

Broskies Burgers and BBQ

South L.A.

2023 W. Gage Ave. Los Angeles 90047

Broskies Burgers and BBQ is another great BBQ spot, but do not let the location make you think you are at the wrong place. Look for the signs, and if you think the setup means you aren't about to get a great deal on some incredible BBQ, you are sorely mistaken. The char on the ribs is something you'll regret never trying. The burger is also great, but make no mistake here: You have to order the ribs. The hot link also has great flavor without being overly spicy. At the end of the day, eating here is about supporting local business and devouring some solid BBQ.

25 Dinner Plates

Two Hommes

Inglewood

902 N. La Brea Ave. Inglewood CA 90302

Two Hommes by Chef Mando and Chef AB does not miss one bit. Flavor-wise, there is literally nothing else like it in L.A. right now. The menu has great choices, but you definitely need to order the honey BBQ chicken bites (and add some extra pickles). Make sure you get the jollof, and add the short rib to that order. The biggest surprise for me was the beans. Usually, beans can be a total hit-or-miss for me depending on where I go, but the ones here are an absolute hit. When a restaurant can make a simple side of beans stand out that much, you know the kitchen is doing something incredibly special.

26 Dinner Plates

Alta

West Adams

5359 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016

Chef Keith Corbin, who was raised right in Watts, adds real intent into every single one of his dishes. He recently reopened Alta Adams, and the remodel was done well. If you really want to experience a taste of what Chef Keith Corbin can do, make a reservation, and ask to sit at the chef's counter so you can watch the kitchen at work. Most of the menu is stellar, but the bone marrow dish is a standout that you have to try. Add a Jalisco old-fashioned while it is on the menu.

27 Dinner Plates

Harold & Belle's

Jefferson Park

920 West Jefferson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Harold & Belle's is all about tradition. This place is a little piece of NOLA right here in L.A., and the gumbo, which you have to try at least once in your life, is the absolute star. It will literally put a smile on your face when you taste it. But an order of the char-grilled oysters and a po'boy are the best way to round out your meal here. What really makes this place special is how much history and family legacy you feel when you walk in. The dining room and the bar are so inviting, beckoning you to sit down, relax, and really enjoy a great meal. Hear the music, soak in the community, and really taste the decades of tradition while you eat.

28 Dinner Plates

Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen

Eagle Rock

1743 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041

Los Angeles has no shortage of incredible Ethiopian food, but Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen in Eagle Rock is a good start if you haven't tried the cuisine before. Tucked into an intimate space, the kitchen delivers a flavorful experience and an intentional lineup of gluten-free and vegan options. Try the doro wat, the dereq tibs, and the whole crispy trout. Because the plates are served family-style with somewhat smaller portions, you have the perfect excuse to order heavily and explore the menu. Their injera is made well, ideal for soaking up the flavor of each side dish. Try the dessert menu to close out the night.

29 Dinner Plates

Joyce

Downtown

770 S. Grand Ave. A, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Joyce easily boasts one of the best happy hours in downtown L.A. No matter what else you decide to order, the island cornbread is mandatory. Do yourself a favor and just order two plates right out of the gate because it is that good. Pair that with the cast-iron mac and cheese. If you are hitting the happy hour menu, get the hushpuppies, the chorizo mulita, and the three-piece game hen. When it is available, do not skip the Monterey Bay Ogo Caesar salad; it is a new, marine-forward take on the classic Caesar salad, and it works. You could come in just for a drink, the cornbread, and the mac, and leave completely satisfied. The unlimited hospitality here makes Joyce into a place where you could grab one of their specialty cocktails and just post up.

30 Dinner Plates

1010 Wine

Inglewood

1010 N. La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA 90302

If you are looking for a night out that pairs a great meal with genuine community, 1010 Wine is just that. Owned and operated by sisters Leslie and Le Jones, this Black women-owned business also curates a list of Black-owned wines. But what really sets this space apart is the hospitality. The owners actually take the time to hit the floor, walking you through hand-selected wine pairings to perfectly match your dinner. If you want to switch up the vibe, pull up to their Sunday brunch. It is a friendly place to grab a great meal, dance, and really get to experience one of the best neighborhoods in the city.

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