Eating off-script: How to indulge in Los Angeles

With the 2028 Olympic Games firmly in our sights, we took a flight to the culinary capital on the American West Coast. The City of Angels turns out to be a culinary paradise. From iconic diner experiences to innovative food markets – moments has taken a closer look at the best food hotspots and one thing quickly becomes clear: here, every bite tells a story.

We make a leisurely start to the day at Toast Bakery Café. The pancakes: fluffy, golden yellow, lightly caramelised and sweet-smelling – just like you would imagine them to be in a diner from a classic American film. Laid-back Californian style and family charm come into their own here, and the atmosphere is as lively as Los Angeles itself. The extensive breakfast provides just the fuel we need for a subsequent tour of Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Studios in the north of the city.

Olympia tip: Instead of visiting the film studios, why not take a trip to Beverly Hills just a few minutes away? Here you can stroll along the famous Rodeo Drive or enjoy a walk through the elegant gardens of the Beverly Hills Hotel. During the 2028 Olympic Games, numerous high-profile Olympic events and VIP receptions are scheduled to take place here.

From the film set to a late French-style brunch

The next stop on your culinary journey of discovery is République, an elegant café that sets new standards — even with brunch: the Eggs Benedict feature a balanced combination of velvety yolk and fluffy brioche, while the berry crumble is a real taste explosion. The café’s garden fills up steadily from 9 a.m., because here, you can rest assured: if you come too late, the queue will not be short. Word of such a high-quality breakfast spot quickly gets around in the City of Angels. And it’s worth sitting tight – in the evening, République transforms into a hip cocktail bar and fine dining location.

Olympia tip: just half an hour away by taxi is the famous Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will play a central role in the 2028 Summer Olympics. This is where, among other events, the track and field competitions are to take place. A location steeped in history, it already played venue to the Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984, making it the only stadium in the history of the Olympics to host the track and field competitions three times.

Malibu maintenance to boost the complexion

Next Stop: Malibu Farm Pier Café. In a relaxed beach club atmosphere with a view of the lush mountain landscape and the calming blue of the Pacific, the menu brings the California coast directly to your plate: a creamy lobster mac’n’cheese, a foodie’s dream come true, and the freshest ceviche with cod, served in half a coconut. Insider tip: reserve the corner table right out on the old wooden terrace – privacy and the best view in the house are guaranteed.

Olympic tip: once you’re feeling refreshed, a detour to the Leo Carrillo State Beach, a popular surfing spot, is definitely worthwhile. Surfing will be an Olympic sport again in 2028, so why not try out the waves yourself or watch the pros train? The competitions themselves are expected to take place at Huntington Beach.

Foodie tour away from the hustle and bustle

The truly personal Six Taste Food Tour takes gourmets through LA’s multicultural neighbourhoods – from Thai Town to Koreatown and Historic Filipinotown. One of the author’s highlights in Sawtelle Japantown: the unassuming Spoon & Pork restaurant, which offers a modern interpretation of Filipino classics and has even been recognised for its efforts by the Michelin Guide. The Crispy Pork Belly Adobo is an absolute must: crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, served with garlic rice and pickled vegetables.

Olympic tip: not far away is the Los Angeles Convention Center, where martial arts such as judo, wrestling, and taekwondo, as well as fencing and table tennis, will be held in 2028.

A culinary kaleidoscope in all colours

We all know that you should save the best until last, and the Smorgasburg market is not to be missed! This is where visitors can experience the wild and creative side of Los Angeles through its cuisine. The largest open-air food market in America is pulsating with energy and brings together connoisseurs of all ages. Between Asian-inspired barbecue skewers from Cambodian Cowboy, Persian ice cream with rosewater and pistachios, or the famous lobster roll, tossed in butter and served in a golden-brown brioche, even the most hardened gourmets are sure to discover something new. Every weekend, the talented sous-chefs from top restaurants surprise with new interpretations of culinary classics.

LA in a nutshell

Smorgasburg showcases what makes Los Angeles a culinary centre: endless variety, creative chefs, and a city that redefines itself through food. If you really want to experience LA, don’t just stroll along the famous boulevards on a Sunday, but rather dive in and lose yourself in this pulsating food oasis. And if you still haven’t had enough after all these stops, treat yourself to one final highlight: Belles Beach House. Here you will find the city’s best teriyaki burger, served with golden French fries and a Mai Tai that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and refreshingly sour. It’s a wrap!

More information at discoverlosangeles​.com and, for all other information about the Summer Olympics, at la28​.org.

(The exact locations and schedules of the competitions may still be subject to change until 2028. It is recommended that you check for current changes before your visit.)

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