When I think back to what my friends and I do on breaks, the majority of the time we tend to be eating. And although LA is by far the home to a plethora of delicious restaurants,I have a few favorites.
We’re going to start off in the heart of Little Tokyo: the main destination to a couple of the best Japanese food there is. Near the Weller Court is a great place called Orochon Ramen that will send you craving for another bowl once you’ve finished the first. The noodles come out served warm and doused in their dressing that creates a burst of flavor with each bite. But if rice is more your style then there’s a whole other menu to choose from and many more restaurants just a step away. Just a short drive/metro ride from campus, Little Tokyo and its restaurants are a great place to go to for a quick dinner on weeknight or for a day trip of shopping and walking around the Japanese Plaza.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo
If the day spells out beach though, Joe’s Pizza in Santa Monica is another hidden treasured restaurant. Right near the beach, is a small venue that serves some of the best pizza I’ve tried in LA. The marina sauce surrounding melted mozzarella with a bit of basil definitely hits the spot. And to go along with an awesome meal is a gorgeous view of the beach just a short stroll away. Then for dessert is a combination of shaved ice, I’ve only gotten to try in LA: green tea, topped with mochi and strawberries and a drizzle of condensed milk. For a breathtaking view, a nice walk along the beach and boutiques on a full stomach: Santa Monica.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica
Santa Monica
A little farther from campus, so perhaps for a weekend trip, is Pasadena and Arcadia that has some of the best Asian cuisine. I’m partial to Thai food so I’d recommend heading to Bu Na Thai Cuisine, and ordering the curry or one of their soups. It’s easy to find, easy to park and another friendly place to just hang out, catch up, or bring visitors from out of town. There’s also a lot of awesome hiking places nearby such as Inspiration point.
Pasadena
Not a foodie tip, but another random nonetheless highlight of my best of LA is list, is that if you have a car, an awesome way to end a day of delicious food is to go for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Coming from NJ, where it’s turnpikes and highways along trees and concrete walls, the view from this drive is phenomenal. Coast and aqua-turquoise blue water the whole way.
PCH
ALSO ON POINT