Filipino food is on the rise, becoming more trendy and popular! LA is home to the largest population of Pinoys, with our very own Historic Filipinotown. Food is not only an essential part of the Filipino culture and tradition, it is a way of life! And luckily for us there are endless options for authentic or fusion friendly bites! So whether you are looking for some ube, a popular purple yam, or dishes that non-Filipinos may not be familiar with, here are 10 LA Filipino Restaurants You Need To Try Right Now that will make you exclaim “Ang Sarap” (It’s delicious)!
LASA
Here you’ll find traditional Filipino food brought to life with California produce and local ingredients! This is a second-generation take on Pinoy classics! For lunch, get the XO Pancit tossed in a salted shrimp paste and pork-based sauce. For dinner, get the twice-cooked sinigang made with rhubarb and brown rice arroz caldo!
Ninong’s Pastries & Café
Located in Granada Hills, this family-run diner serves breakfast classics like silog plates (Filipino breakfast that means “fried rice and eggs”) with home-made tocino or longanisa sausage and take-home pastries! The must try items include the ube, pandan, and mango pancakes! And don’t leave without a jar of house-made ube cookie butter! What are you waiting for?!
RiceBar
Chef Charles Olalia, who’s originally from Manila, and former executive chef at Patina, brings flavors of the Philippines to DTLA! Choose between a handful of rice varietals, like Kalinga Unoy (a reddish grain with slight nutty flavor), garlic, black, and more. Be sure to order the Pork longganisa, made with a special recipe, paired with garlic fried rice and a side of house-fermented pickled papaya with spicy vinegar.
Belly & Snout
Belly & Snout fuses the experience of traditional fast food items with Filipino dishes! Must try’s include the hearty Adobo Grilled Cheese, Sisig Hot Dog and Longanisa Fries or tatertots!
The Park’s Finest
The Park’s Finest started as a catering company that opened up shop in Echo Park. They specialize in seasoned, slow-smoked cuts of American BBQ fused with Filipino flavors and are served with house-made sauces. Try the cornbread bibingka and the tender Timuay tri-tip! For a little of everything, get the $12 Worker Wednesday Combo Plate which includes slow-cooked pulled pork, coconut beef, hot links, veggies, rice, and cornbread.
L.A. Rose Cafe
L.A. Rose Cafe has offered refined Filipino dining in East Hollywood since 1982! Their trademark include its gourmet ambiance and Spanish-style empanadas. Yum!
Manila Sunset
Don’t leave without trying their famous pancit malabon, puto bumbong (sweet rice cake) and special kare kare oxtail recipe!
Max’s Restaurant
Known as “the cuisine of the Philippines,” this Filipino family favorite is known for its juicy golden chicken and dishes like crispy pata (deep-fried, savory pork hock) and fresh lumpiang shanghai (ground pork and vegetables wrapped and deep-fried).
Barrio Fiesta
Barrio Fiesta is the place to go for authentic, traditional Filipino food. Expect family-style portions! You can’t go to Barrio Fiesta without ordering their infamous Kare-kare (a rich meat stew made with oxtail and peanut sauce) and crispy pata (deep-fried pork)! Then wash it down with a glass of kalamansi citrus juice. You might even see some Filipino-American celebs like singer Jessica Sanchez or actress Hailee Steinfeld!
Oi Asian Fusion
Start with pork egg rolls(lumpia), and sweet chile sauce! Then move on to their adobo bowl with braised pork belly! Another must try include their fluffy buns with karaage fried chicken thigh, lemon mayo, cucumber, leafy green lettuce, and scallions.
Want more? Then check out 12 LA Sushi Restaurants That You Should Definitely Try!
