DineGuides

What's Hot in South Los Angeles

18 restaurants in South Los Angeles. Part of our Los Angeles What's Hot guide.

Fuegos LA
#1What's Hot
4 photos

Fuegos LA

ArgentinianΒ·$

Fuegos LA is a vibrant neighborhood spot that excels at authentic Argentinian empanadas, offering a wide range of classic, vegan, and gluten-free options. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it a perfect destination for casual gatherings, date nights, and family outings.

🍽️98Food
✨95Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ›‘οΈ65Safety
πŸ’¬

β€œWhy is a dog loose in kitchen”

πŸ’¬

β€œVibrant and the staff is welcoming”

πŸ’¬

β€œYou don't have to wait forever”

Ideal for
Argentine food enthusiasts and empanada loversDate nights and special celebrationsCommunity-minded diners seeking authentic vibes
Baba's Vegan Cafe
#2What's Hot
6 photos

Baba's Vegan Cafe

Soul FoodΒ·$$

Baba's Vegan Cafe is a vibrant hub where delicious, flavorful vegan soul food meets a rich cultural atmosphere. The space doubles as a gift shop, showcasing African art and goods, creating a unique, welcoming environment that feels like home.

🍽️95Food
✨95Vibe
πŸ’°80Value
πŸ“75Location
πŸ’¬

β€œRestaurant was a favorite in a not very nice area”

πŸ’¬

β€œSometimes a lil wait but very worth it”

πŸ’¬

β€œReasonably priced. Around $10 per person”

Ideal for
Vegans and plant-based diners seeking authentic soul foodCultural experience seekers and art enthusiastsCommunity-minded diners valuing Black-owned businesses
Tacos El Pau
#3What's Hot
5 photos

Tacos El Pau

MexicanΒ·$$

This casual taqueria is a go-to for authentic Mexican flavors, especially their al pastor tacos served on handmade tortillas. It's a family-friendly spot that also excels at catering for events, making it a versatile choice for both quick meals and larger gatherings.

🍽️92Food
✨85Vibe
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ›‘οΈ75Safety
πŸ’¬

β€œThis place is great the food and service is outstanding. Super clean and Don Pau is the best.”

πŸ’¬

β€œMore than friendly staff. I ate a super burrito and my friend a Mulito. πŸ˜‹ Delicious.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe place has plenty of parking, it's very clean, and the price is amazing!”

Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup diningEvent catering
Rhymesbury Jamaican Pastry Cafe
#4What's Hot
6 photos

Rhymesbury Jamaican Pastry Cafe

CaribbeanΒ·$

This is a small, woman-owned Jamaican spot that feels like a taste of the island. Michelle, the owner, infuses every dish with love, making it a go-to for authentic flavors and warm hospitality. It's a casual, to-go focused cafe where the food truly shines.

🍽️95Food
✨85Vibe
πŸ’°75Value
⏰70Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œAmazing food at this small, woman-owned”

πŸ’¬

β€œFood explodes in flavor, authentic Jamaican”

πŸ’¬

β€œFavorite, whole restaurant I didn't realize”

Ideal for
Authentic Caribbean food seekersQuick lunch or takeout runsThose craving bold Jamaican spices
Bacari W. Adams
#5What's Hot

Bacari W. Adams

MediterraneanΒ·$

This cozy spot near USC buzzes with a vibrant energy, making it a prime destination for both intimate dates and lively group gatherings. Small plates are the star here, offering a diverse and flavorful journey through Mediterranean and Asian-inspired dishes, complemented by creative craft cocktails.

🍽️90Food
✨92Vibe
πŸ’°68Value
⏰70Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œParking may be tight since it's street parking”

πŸ’¬

β€œWarm, attentive service from our server.”

Ideal for
Date nights and romantic occasionsGroups celebrating milestonesCocktail and sangria enthusiasts
Cafecito de La Crepe
#6What's Hot
6 photos

Cafecito de La Crepe

AmericanΒ·$$

This cozy, casual cafe is a favorite, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory crepes alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu. It's a welcoming spot with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for everything from a quick bite to a leisurely brunch.

🍽️92Food
✨88Vibe
πŸ’°70Value
πŸ“60Location
πŸ’¬

β€œWarm and inviting atmosphere, aroma of freshly brewed coffee”

πŸ’¬

β€œMusic is a bit loud and difficult for conversation”

πŸ’¬

β€œDoesn't really catch your eye, drove past it”

Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking fresh, creative dishesNeighborhood regulars and familiesLatino cuisine and crepe lovers
Fig's Corner
#7What's Hot

Fig's Corner

ChineseΒ·$$

This casual hot pot spot offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Diners love the flavorful broths and generous portions, with many calling it a favorite.

🍽️85Food
✨88Vibe
πŸ’°75Value
πŸ›‘οΈ65Safety
πŸ’¬

β€œSpacious and clean, with trendy decor”

πŸ’¬

β€œFriendly and attentive. We'll definitely come back”

πŸ’¬

β€œNeighborhood surrounding this plaza isnt too safe”

Ideal for
College students seeking affordable hot pot near USCHot pot enthusiasts wanting trendy, vibrant atmosphereGroups celebrating special occasions (accommodating, good vibe)
M Juicy Burger
#8What's Hot

M Juicy Burger

BurgersΒ·$$

This neighborhood spot serves up seriously tasty burgers with perfectly toasted buns and delicious sauces. Early signs suggest it's a great place for families, offering a clean environment and friendly service.

🍽️92Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°90Value
πŸ“65Location
πŸ’¬

β€œGreat customer service, best spot to pick up some cheese stick chicken nuggets tacos and a nice dinner in the local neighborhood.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe burgers are amazing and flavorful, Definitely a classic in my family!”

πŸ’¬

β€œThis place use to be one of my favorites until new ownership took over. Food taste, quality and customer service are not the same at all.”

Ideal for
Families with kidsQuick lunchTakeout
Pelican
#9What's Hot

Pelican

CaribbeanΒ·$$

Pelican is a long-standing Belizean restaurant in Los Angeles, a spot where families have gathered for over a decade. It's particularly celebrated for its breakfast, especially the fry jacks, which many consider a must-have.

🍽️88Food
✨85Vibe
πŸ’°75Value
πŸ’¬

β€œFry jacks are my FAVORITE. They were big”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe food at this location never lets me down”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe good and service was good and quick”

Ideal for
Breakfast lovers seeking authentic Belizean foodRepeat customers and locals seeking homey atmosphereBudget-conscious diners (especially breakfast)
Cafe 23 – Indian Street Food
#10What's Hot

Cafe 23 – Indian Street Food

IndianΒ·$$

This casual Indian street food spot near USC offers a vibrant fusion of flavors, with standout Vada Pav and a popular Chicken Tikka Masala burrito. New management has brought a renewed sense of authenticity and homestyle cooking, making it a welcoming destination for both quick bites and flavorful meals.

🍽️92Food
✨80Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
🎯65Consistency
Ideal for
USC students seeking affordable, authentic Indian foodIndian-Mexican fusion enthusiastsDiners valuing fresh, made-to-order meals
Tracey's
#11What's Hot
5 photos

Tracey's

CaribbeanΒ·$

Tracey's serves generous portions of authentic Belizean comfort food, a neighborhood staple for decades. The family-run spot is known for its flavorful, home-style cooking, especially the oxtails and fried fish. It's a casual, family-friendly destination that often sells out before the afternoon is over.

🍽️90Food
✨85Vibe
πŸ’°70Value
πŸ’¬

β€œMy favorite is the fried fish with the rice and beans, potato salad, and plantains.”

πŸ’¬

β€œShe's The Best, Was able to have her cook for my wedding.Family loved it.”

πŸ’¬

β€œThis place is great! I ordered the stewed chicken which comes with rice and peas, plaintains and potato salad.”

Ideal for
Family diningGroup mealsCasual lunches
Azao Sushi
#12What's Hot

Azao Sushi

SushiΒ·$$

This sushi spot operates as a takeout and delivery-only establishment, focusing on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. It's a convenient option for late-night cravings, offering a casual vibe that appeals to solo diners and families alike.

🍽️88Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°70Value
πŸ›‘οΈ65Safety
πŸ’¬

β€œThe sushi here is ALWAYS amazing”

πŸ’¬

β€œFresh, delicious, and authentic Japanese”

πŸ’¬

β€œCustomer service is wonderful and attentive”

Ideal for
Late-night sushi cravings (USC students, night-shift workers)Quality-focused diners seeking authentic JapanesePickup/delivery convenience near DTLA
Rosso Oros Pizzeria
#13What's Hot

Rosso Oros Pizzeria

PizzaΒ·$

This USC-adjacent pizzeria serves up massive, flavorful pizza slices at a fantastic price, making it a go-to for game days. While the pizza itself is a solid choice, the wings have been noted as a weak point.

🍽️85Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°88Value
πŸ“60Location
πŸ’¬

β€œSome of the best pizza I've had in years”

πŸ’¬

β€œBest deal for the slice”

Ideal for
Students on a budgetQuick pizza slice grabGameday crowds near USC
Rincon HondureΓ±o
#14What's Hot

Rincon HondureΓ±o

HonduranΒ·$$

This family-owned spot transports you with authentic Honduran flavors, especially their well-regarded Baleadas. It's a casual, welcoming place where the owner often greets guests personally.

🍽️88Food
✨85Vibe
πŸ’°68Value
πŸ‘‹60Service
πŸ’¬

β€œYou get transported to foodie goodness”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe atmosphere was quiet and inviting”

πŸ’¬

β€œThe bathroom is really clean”

Ideal for
Honduran food enthusiasts seeking authenticityDiners with flexible time schedulesLoyal regulars and repeat customers
La CabaΓ±ita Restaurant y Pupuseria
#15What's Hot

La CabaΓ±ita Restaurant y Pupuseria

SalvadoranΒ·$$$

This unassuming Salvadoran spot serves up generous portions of authentic Central American fare, making it a go-to for families and locals alike. It's a casual, no-frills environment where the focus is squarely on hearty, flavorful dishes.

🍽️88Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ“60Location
πŸ’¬

β€œDifferent days different food and everything is delicious”

πŸ’¬

β€œReasonably priced. The pupusas are so yummy and great size”

πŸ’¬

β€œLimited parking but the food is well worth it”

Ideal for
Family groups seeking authentic Salvadoran cuisineDiners fluent in Spanish or comfortable with language barriersThose willing to wait for quality pupusas and soups
Trinistyle Cuisine
#16What's Hot
5 photos

Trinistyle Cuisine

CaribbeanΒ·$$

This family-run spot in a strip mall brings the authentic flavors of Trinidad to Los Angeles. It's a place where you can find everything from doubles to cow heel soup, with many dishes being regarded as tasting just like home.

🍽️92Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°85Value
πŸ“60Location
πŸ’¬

β€œLimited parking and tight parking spaces for bigger vehicles”

πŸ’¬

β€œAn hr later we started to wonder where our food”

πŸ’¬

β€œThis place will make you miss home even more”

Ideal for
Diaspora seeking authentic Caribbean comfort foodAdventurous eaters exploring Trinidadian cuisineTakeout/casual dining with cultural authenticity
The Breakfast Shack
#17What's Hot
4 photos

The Breakfast Shack

Soul FoodΒ·$$

This unassuming "shack" serves up soul-infused breakfast classics with a comforting, home-cooked flair. It's a local favorite where dishes are made with love, offering generous portions at fair prices. Expect a casual, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for starting your day.

🍽️92Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°70Value
⏰55Wait
πŸ’¬

β€œPatio in the back actually is pretty secluded”

πŸ’¬

β€œSmall patio in the back. So nice”

πŸ’¬

β€œFood always comes out hot and fresh”

Ideal for
Patient breakfast enthusiasts willing to waitLocal supporters of small Black-owned businessesDiners prioritizing quality over speed
Kobunga
#18What's Hot

Kobunga

KoreanΒ·$$

This USC campus Korean grill offers approachable, "Korean New" platters with a focus on slow-cooked meats and unique sides. It's a convenient spot for a flavorful, quick meal, especially for those new to Korean cuisine.

🍽️82Food
✨75Vibe
πŸ’°75Value
πŸ’¬

β€œAsk for me (John) or Stephen, so we can chat in person”

πŸ’¬

β€œNo big piece of pork, no sugar crust as advertised”

πŸ’¬

β€œParking in this area is usually horrifying but tonight wasn't”

Ideal for
Budget-conscious college studentsKorean food newcomersDiners with vegan/GF needs
πŸ—ΊοΈ