4 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

Night + Market Song

$ Fodor's choice

There are a lot of Thai restaurants in Los Angeles, but none have quite reached the level of cult status of Night + Market Song. Tucked between a free clinic, a small clothing store, and a tax office, this second rendition of chef Kris Yenbamroong’s popular WeHo restaurant might be easy to miss, but keep an eye out, as its authentic (and properly spicy) Thai dishes are practically mandatory when you’re in the neighborhood.

Jitlada

$$ | Hollywood

Los Angeles is known for wonderful hole-in-the-wall eateries tucked inside tiny strip malls, and family-owned Jitlada is Exhibit A, churning out delicious, spicy, southern Thai dishes since 2006. If the colorful yet low-key dining area doesn’t astound you, then the menu with more than 300 options just might. Consider this experience a dive deep into Thai cuisine and chef Tui Sungkamee’s creative mind.

5233½ W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90027, USA
323-667–9809
Known For
  • coco mango salad
  • crying tiger beef
  • huge menu of over 300 options
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Saladang and Saladang Garden

$ | Pasadena

With pierced steel-paneled walls covered with fanciful designs, this tucked-away, twin-concept Thai palace has an extensive menu that varies a bit between the two neighboring locations; compare the menus before settling on a location. Next door to the indoor Saladang proper, Saladang Garden offers an outdoor dining space that's also used for special events. You'll find all the SE Asian favorites, including satays, curries, and pad Thai. But also consider the restaurants' other specialties, like the Thai omelet with ground chicken or the fried taro rolls served with a cucumber salad. Be sure to save room for the mango with sweet sticky rice for dessert. 

Recommended Fodor's Video

Summer Buffalo

$

While there are plenty of great Thai restaurants in Los Angeles, if you're looking for something a little different, Summer Buffalo isn't just about classic Thai fare. Yes, you'll still find favorites like larb, curry, and pad Thai, but you'll also be able to sample chicken wings that come in four different sauces, including traditional grapow. It’s the perfect cozy yet casual little place to stop by for lunch while in Burbank.

449 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 91502, USA
818-561–4777
Known For
  • city's best Thai chicken wings
  • drunken noodles
  • cozy ambience