Without the adored Jitlada, what good would a top LA Thai list be? One of the city's cult favorites is chef Jazz Singsanong's Thai town restaurant, which has countless celebrity portraits and numerous "Best of" listings on the walls. That is one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles. The required item is the Crispy Morning Glory Salad ($14.95), a delectable combination of crunchy, deep-fried Chinese watercress, large shrimp, red onions, cilantro, red cabbage, and bell peppers. A nice place to start on the vast list of hot Northern and Southern Thai dishes is the green mussel curry ($16.95), which features delicious New Zealand mussels heaped high and drenched in an aromatic Southern curry flavored with lemongrass, sweet pineapples, and chilies.

When visitors inquire about the ingredients in her off-menu Jazz burger at her Thai restaurant, Jitlada, Jazz Singsanong typically replies as follows. The spicy patty is similar to the protein- or animal-style burger at In-N-Out and is served on crisp

iceberg lettuce leaves instead of a bun: Although it is secret in theory, if you know about it, you can order it.

The majority of us may thank the late Jonathan Gold of the Times restaurant review for learning about Singsanong's weaponized beef patties. With every other bite, a fresh or dried hot chile sneaks up and attacks you from the ground beef's minefield of punctures. There is a lot of palm sugar used to season it, but there is also a strong umami funk to counteract all the sweetness. Again, Singsanong won't reveal, but it might be down to the fish sauce and/or soy sauce.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location: 5233 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles90027
Website: jitladala.com

Phone: 323-663-3104
Opening hours: Mon 5-10pm, Tue-Sun 11am-11pm

One of Tokyo's best ramenyas serves high-quality tonkatsu broth and appetizers inside Westfield Century City.

One of Tokyo's top ramen has relocated to Los Angeles, taking advantage of a prime second-floor corner location at Westfield Century City, after opening up shop in the Bay Area. Crowds wait in line all day and night for bowls of the delicious, deep tonkatsu soup made popular by chef Satoshi Ikuta. Put your name down, do a little window browsing, and when the time comes, use a paper ordering page to create the bowl exactly to your specifications. At least one of Nagi's appetizers should be ordered, especially the unlisted pan-fried snack gyoza, which, when available, comes with a deliciously crispy dumpling skirt.

Never before observed at a Ramen A recurring menu item in Palo Alto will be Nagi, vegetarian ramen with a broth comprised of cauliflower, onions, milk, and garlic. It includes paper-thin latkes-like discs of fried, shredded potato in place of the customary chashu meat. The 60-seat restaurant has a variety of extras on each table, including jars of bean sprouts, spicy Japanese sauerkraut, house-made seaweed vinegar, fish powder, and white sesame seeds ground by hand. The employee informed us that there are no napkins but rather boxes of Kleenex, as is customary in Tokyo.

As for beverages, Japanese craft beers, and sake will be available at Ramen Nagi, where consistency, skill, and hospitality reign supreme. Lunch and dinner will be served at Ramen Nagi. If there is a need, the staff stated that the restaurant will stay open later on weekends. This fall, Ramen Nagi will also establish a second store in San Jose's Westfield Valley Fair retail mall. Ko stated that in addition to their current 35 locations across Asia, they intend to open locations on both the West and East Coasts.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0

Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 2850 (2nd floor) Los Angeles90067

Website: https://ramennagiusa.com/

Open hours: Monday - Friday 11am-2:30pm & 5pm-9pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am-3:00pm & 5pm-9pm

Similar to its sibling restaurant, Bar Amá is one of those new-old establishments that was designed to appear older than its three-month existence. The relaxed, contemporary setting is defined by chevron-printed reclaimed wood planks against an unpainted ceiling and patterned tiles behind the bar. Although it can often be difficult to distinguish between waiters and other staff members because of the uniform that appears to be skinny jeans and plaid, service is typically prompt. Bar Ama is a pleasant restaurant that stays true to its Tex-Mex heritage and doesn't take itself too seriously.

Bar Amá's claim to fame may be puffy tacos, light, deep-fried versions of this community's mainstay, but the heart of chef Josef Centeno's second Downtown restaurant rests in its queso ($9). Taste-wise, the molten orange material is startlingly identical to the cheap, store-bought version, having the same color and viscosity of melted Velveeta cheese. They may find it strange at a place where $12 gets you two tacos, but they are glad to get their hands on these delicious flavors. That is one of the best-kept secrets in Los Angeles.

The tortilla serves as a foundation for many dishes at Bar Amá. Both corn and flour are exceptional products that are manufactured every day. For a full snack, try the chorizo puffy tacos ($12), which are topped with cotija cheese and lettuce shreds. For those who aren't frightened of carbs atop carbs, try the cheesy polenta taquitos ($8), which are corn tortillas rolled up with a cheese-grits-like filling. There is also the queso, of course. You might want to skip this one if you believe that you have an addicted personality.

Google Rating: 4.3/5.0

Location: 118 W 4th St Los Angeles 90013
Website: www.bar-ama.com

Phone: 213-687-8002
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-midnight; Sat 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-midnight; Sun 11:30am-3pm, 5-10pm

WebsiteThe father-and-son combo of chef Pawan, Arjun, and Nakul Mahendro runs the trendy Indian restaurant in DTLA. Color block banquettes and a center piece of art are combined with white tiles and blackboard walls, while authentic touches like vintage Bollywood posters and Indian-made aluminum tumblers complete the look. As tiny portions are brought to the table, sit at the bar, upstairs, or outside and watch Bollywood films being projected on the wall. Start with popular street food favorites like the addicting Punjabi Fish Fry, crispy papri chaat chips with masala-flavored chickpeas and potatoes, yogurt, and tamarind and mint chutneys, or fried samosas with your choice of butter chicken or traditional filling.

Old students can choose from butter chicken, good ol'saag paneer, and tandoori oven favorites like naan and Badass Chicken Tikka, while meat eaters can load up on the lamb burger or spiced mango pork belly. Thirsty? A small but remarkable collection of local California beers are available by the bottle and can, along with New World wines by the glass and bottle. That is one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles. Additionally, there are bottle options that would make any Indian proud, such icy Kingfisher lager to beat the heat and Limca and ThumsUp, India's equivalent of Coke. If that's still not enough, try a homemade yogurt lassi with cardamom or mango to soothe your palate.

Google Rating: 4.2/5.0

Location: 108 W 2nd St#104 Los Angeles90012
Website: www.badmaashla.com
Phone: 213-221-7466
Opening hours: Mon-Tue 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-10pm; Wed 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-11pm; Thu-Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-Midnight; Sat 5pm-Midnight; Sun 5pm-10am

The menu in particular is uncomplicated at Holy Basil, a modest takeout window located inside of a Downtown food court. It has dishes like pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup, all of which are common on Thai menus in the area. The Holy Basil restaurant, however, is like trying them for the first time. Each meal is strongly flavored with herbs and spices. After just one taste of drunken noodles, the richness of the flavors caused me to set down my fork and double-check my receipt to be sure I had placed the correct order. The noodles have been wok-fried with xo sauce for a potent umami taste. The noodles are simultaneously chewy and tender. The texture and crunch of the crispy pork belly when combined with the other ingredients makes this pad kee mao different from any other you've ever had.

Downtown's Holy Basil is located in the Santee Passage food court, which is definitely not where you'd expect to find some of Los Angeles's most delectable, unashamedly hot Thai cuisine. Wedchayan "Deau" Arpapornnopparat and partner Tongkamal "Joy" Yuon frequently inspire breakthroughs in Southeast Asian flavor and spice with their rendition of takeaway classics like pad kee mao and green curry using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. available for delivery and takeaway.

Google Rating: 4.2/5.0

Location: 718 S Los Angeles St Space A Los Angeles90014
Website: www.holybasildtla.com

Phone: 213-559-4994
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 11am-3:30pm, 5-9pm; Sat, Sun 12-4pm, 5-9pm

An Angeleno is likely to roll their eyes if you tell them you're "heading to The Apple Pan for a tuna melt, cheese fries, and a root beer float". That is one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles. This is due to the fact that the nearly 70-year-old institution, best known for its distinctive Hickory Burger, hasn't changed its recipes since the 1940s. While other burger joints throughout the nation have started offering build-your-own alternatives and patties with marrow on top, The Apple Pan has steadfastly adhered to its own, unwavering vision.

In actuality, the "tuna salad sandwich" from The Apple Pan, which contains specks of sweet pickle relish, is equally famous as the Hickory Burger or the banana cream pie. White, wheat, rye, or even a hamburger bun are options, and the staff can add grilled onions if you want them. (According to rumors, former Loveline co-host Stryker tried unsuccessfully numerous times to convince Dr. Drew to go with him to The Apple Pan to try it.)

Nothing beats well-done french fries on a paper tray to accompany a Hickory Burger. Consider how those golden-brown fries would look if Tillamook Cheddar cheese had been melted over them. Yes, The Apple Pan sells cheese fries, and the next time you visit at 2am, you must get them.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: 10801 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles90064
Website: www.applepan.com
Phone: 310-475-3585
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri-Sun 11-1am

It should be noted right away how stunning Gracias Madre is. The restaurant has a magnificent garden, decorative cushions and tiles, high ceilings inside, and a cozy bar. Its style combines Mexican chic and Palm Springs casual. Order the guacamole wherever you decide to sit; it's also excellent and, according to my dining companion, "some of the best I've ever eaten." It would be enough to make a Mexican restaurant (and a vegan one at that) give up, but when paired with their genuinely addicting house-made chips, it is a fantastic start.

Certain themes become apparent as you peruse the menu, like potatoes, butternut squash, and mushrooms. A lot of cashew "cheese" or cream is substituted for regular cheese and is frequently put on nachos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas, and virtually every other item on the menu. Fortunately, there are instances when the next best thing is just as excellent. We thoroughly appreciated the sweet butternut squash and salty caramelized onions snuggled between the tortillas of the quesadillas de calabaza, which are topped—but, luckily, not drowned—in the faux dairy. The enchiladas con mole, on the other hand, suffer from the fate of a meal overloaded by sauce.

It's not shocking that tequila and mezcal are taken very seriously here, especially under the direction of beverage director Jason Eisner (formerly of Drago Centro). For those who wish to try a variety of tequilas and mezcals, there are more than 100 alternatives available, including flights of each. The Lavanda ($11) is a lovely beverage for tequila lovers. The combination of tequila blanco and lime, together with the bitters and lavender syrup, prevents the cocktail from being overly sweet, showcasing Eisner's skill.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: 8905 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 90069
Website: www.graciasmadreweho.com

Phone: 323-978-2170
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm

This reliable piece of local history, still owned by the Canter family after nearly 80 years, is both a fine old-school Jewish deli and one of LA's favorite after-hours places. Come here at 2am, and you're bound to see musicians from all over town who've just gotten off-stage and want to tuck into some blintzes or a stacked pastrami sandwich. The mural by the parking lot chronicles Jewish history in LA.

Everyone is familiar with kreplach as those delectable soft dumplings that float in Bubbe's chicken soup, but kreplach can do more than just fill a bowl of soup. What could be a finer Christmas finger food or appetizer than fried kreplach, which is really just our version of a wonton? Delicious! Therefore, prepare some extras and fry them up for your guests before you just confine kreplach to the soup bowl. Your friends will adore the excellent snack you have prepared.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location: 419 N Fairfax Avenue at Oakwood Avenue, Los Angeles, 90036
Website: www.cantersdeli.com

Phone: 323-651-2030
Opening hours: Daily 24hrs