All My favorite Spots all along the West Coast
Before I started cooking, my goal was to find the best restaurants in the area. So I would explore different restaurants trying to find my favorites. When I found a good spot, I would write it down on a list on my notes app. I would send this list to people who were visiting the cities I had on the list. Now I can put it on this website. So because this list is never done I will keep updating it. I’m excited to share this with you all and I hope you enjoy these amazing restaurants.
Los Angeles
LA is gigantic and because of that, it is incredibly diverse. Which makes the food possibilities endless. LA has basically any type of food you can imagine, so for me, it is so much fun trying to find the best ones. SO here is that list so far.
South LA
Sura Korean Tofu House: Great all-around Korean spot. I highly recommend trying the fusion they have. But other than the fusion food the traditional section on the menu is all-around hitters. They have a great happy hour from 3 pm-7 pm where some of the appetizers and fusion items are half off! (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $114-22)
Goyen Sushi: By far the best bento box I have ever bought. All the rolls are amazing and the fish is very fresh. Maxi got a chirashi bowl and it was packed with three different types of fish. Also, I heard the ramen is amazing but I have not tried it. Oh, and it was very reasonably priced. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $16-$25)
A&J seafood shack: Amazing Cambodian food in Long Beach, my favorite is the Fried Salmon. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $13-$18)
Senior Birria: The most convenient and best Birriria Tacos I have ever had. The prices are amazing, the quality is top-notch, and the service is excellent. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $7-13$)
Mr lee Korean BBQ: This is the cheapest and best Korean BBQ Place I have been to. Everything is solid for what you pay for. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $17)
Panns restaurant: They shot Pulp Fiction and Euphoria here. Other than that it is a pretty solid breakfast. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $15-$25)
Phenomh noodle shack: Cambodian noodle soups. This restaurant is easy to miss, but it is a tasty treat. All the noodle soups are so flavorful and you have to get the fry bread. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $10-$16).
the serving spoon: Best breakfast in all of LA. Maybe even best soul food in all of LA. The first time I came here we had to wait 40 minutes and it was still worth it. Everything is quality at tastes as if it were homemade. You have to get fried chicken and french toast. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $12-$20)
BCD tofu house: Great Korean food for a great price. They give you unlimited sides and free fried fish which is worth going all together for. I love getting the hot stone bibimbap because of that lovely crispy rice. The soup that comes with the combinations is also some of the best soup I have ever had. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $17-23).
Pho Tasty: Some of the best pho I have had in LA. The portions are also huge as well. The plates are great as well. The menu is full of hitters. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $8-14$)
Tru nature juice bar: Solid and tasty Acai bowls. They make homemade granola and homemade peanut/almond butter. They also have some of the best smoothies. It is right next to Cherry skatepark and a great farmers market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $7-$11)
Black dog coffee: Best coffee I have ever paid for. It is a perfect balance of bitter and sweet. The Double 007 is truly amazing. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $4)
Central LA
Zankou chicken: I have been coming here since I was four years old. When my family visits they always take back at least 10 shwarmas. The Chicken Tarna shawarma is my all-time favorite shawarma. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $7-$16)
Eggslut: This is an LA staple. They just have simple breakfast sandwiches with great ingredients to satisfy you. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink 7$-12$)
Little Jewel of New Orleans: Some of the best cajun food in LA. The shrimp po’boy HITS. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $10-$20)
Phillipes dipped sandwiches: Another LA staple. I’m pretty sure its the oldest restaurant on this list. the au jos is just spectacular. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $10-$20)
Daves Hot Chicken: There has been a big debate about this one, but I think it‘s definitely worth checking out. It’s a spicy and succulent chicken sandwich shop. It is the best spicy chicken sandwich I have had in LA so far. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $10-$15)
Cha Cha Chicken: Oh my god I love this place! It is a mix of Carribean and Latino food that includes lots of spice and lots of flavor. My favorites are the coconut fried chicken and the jerk chicken enchiladas. Al the drinks are incredible as well. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $18-$25)
Tacos 1986: Almost any taqueria in LA is amazing, but this one separates itself with their carne asada and their mulitas. It is probably my favorite carne asada. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $12-16$)
The Parks finest: Filipino and BBQ fusion. I absolutely love this place. You have to eat this family-style and share everything. The coconut beef, tri-tip, and corn bread are amazing. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $15-$25)
Badmaash: Best Indian food I have had in LA. I have met the owners multiple times and they are great down to Earth people. Everything on the menu is amazing, I can’t pick one thing. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $20-$30)
Road to Seoul: My favorite Korean BBQ spot I have ever been to. The decor is amazing and the food comes out fast. The equality of meat is also amazing. Other than meat they have great sides as well. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $30-$35)
Hungry Joes: I’m in love with Jamaican food. This place delivers the flavors and smokeyness of the cuisine that I love. It is spicy, yummy, and delictable. My favorites are the Jerk Chicken, Curry Chicken or Lamb, and the Beef/Chicken/Veggy pattys. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $12-$16)
Angels Tijuana tacos: Great Great Great street tacos! I do not eat pork but everyone says the al pastor tacos are amazing. If I ate pork though this would be the first place I would go. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $8-$15)
Messob Ethiopian: Located in little Ethiopia near Fairfax, Messob Ethiopian is a wonderful place to go with friends. You all sit together and eat some of the best Ethiopian foods with your hands. Everything is so tasty and also very healthy. My recommendation is to get a mix of the veggies, especially the greens and the lentils, and meats, especially lamb tibs. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $20-$25)
Rutt’s Hawaiian food: Solid Hawaiin food with a large menu. I really want to try everything here one day. The musubis, mac salad, loco moco, and stewed beef are great. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $12-$16)
Bestia: One of the coolest restaurant atmospheres I have ever been in. It feels like a nightclub but with an open-face kitchen. The pasta dishes were really expensive and not worth it but the pizzas were great and all worth it. The caesar salad was also very unique and delicious. I did not try any of the desserts but they all looked amazing. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $25-$55)
NORTH LA
Raffi’s place: My favorite Persian food in the U.S.! The portions are gigantic here so you can definitely share them. The appetizers are all so good I highly recommend the tahdig with the two stews (this is my death row meal). The Kabobs are also top tier. The Koobideh, Chicken Kabobs, and the Shish Kabob is heavenly (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $20-35$)
La Pergoleta: A great Italian neighborhood joint. Every pasta dish is fire. The pasta is homemade and the sauces are rich. You have to get the mushroom lasagna. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $18-$25)
Top Restaurant: Indonesian and Hawaiian Food in Pasadena. My favorite is the fried rice with the fried chicken. (Average Price for 1 Person no drink $10-$20)
BAY AREA
The bay is were I lived most my life, so I have been trying to find the best food spots here. Other than food there is plenty to do here. For hikes there is the edgewood park, coyote hills park, and dish park. My favorite beaches are Montera Beach and Ocean Beach. I also love walking around Stanford and the Stanford Mall.
Zareen’s :It’s my favorite restaurant of all time. The vibe is immaculate. The food is out of this world. You can taste the passion. I have been eating here since it has opened and has been stuffing my face with it since. The garlic naan, sizzling boti chicken, chicken tikka masala, and the mango lassi make me content. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $15-20$)
Back-a-yard: This is the first place I had Jamaican food and it blew me away. The chicken is grilled with pimento which causes an incredibly smokey flavor. The Curry Goat and Jerk chicken are my number ones. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $12-15)
The Refuge: This place was on diners, drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri so that tells you something. Also if you a pastrami type of dude this place is for you. I’m not that type of guy, BUT the other stuff they got here is solid. I like the Philly cheesesteaks and the wings as well as the burgers. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $18-$25)
De Afghnan: This place is close to my heart. As an Afghan, this is where I would get my Afghan kabob fix. I already had great Afghani food at home, but this place has 10/10 kabobs. I recommend the chicken, beef tikka, and chapli kabob. And do not forget the Potato Bolani for an appetizer or else you gonna get FOMO. If you care about your life and rice you should always get your entree with the brown rice, which is ultra flavorful basmati rice (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $13-$18)
Kabul: This is also another Afghan Restaurant. I like De Afghanan better but this place is still very good. The service is also better than De Afganan. The Lamb Kabobs are amazing and so is the creamy Lawang. Like I said above if you care about your life you have to get the brown rice. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $20-$35)
Shalizaar: A nice and quaint Persian Restaurant. The homemade unlimited lavash they give is amazing. It pairs well with any dish. You also have to get the tahdig with 2 stews, which is my death row meal. The Lamb, Koobideh, and Chicken Kabobs are grand. And if you order in Farsi you might get extra food, which has happened to me. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $16-$25)
Siamese Kitchen: I don’t know but I think this is my favorite pad thai I have ever had. It is spicy, sweet, and savory. There is a lot of spices here. I have not had a bad dish here. I also love the Rama Curry which is a Peanut Based Red curry which just spits in your face with flavor. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $15-$22)
Apple Fritter: This is my go-to breakfast spot with my dear friend Trent. Every time we go we split an apple fritter and talk about meaningless nonsense for about an hour. I love the sausage scrambles, egg sandwiches, and APPLE FRITTERS! Probably one of my favorite donuts I have ever put in my glutton body. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $10-$15)
Lorenzo’s sandwiches: I have not been but I hear it’s one of the best sandwiches in the bay area from many Sandwiches Connoisseurs (Adam Fox).
Mazra: This is my 2nd Favorite Restaurant in the bay. Like Zareens the food and vibes are heavenly. Honestly, Everything I’ve had on this menu brings a tear to my eye. It is a Palestinian/Lebanese eatery that hits on every level. The Rotisserie chicken is out of this world. The staff is also always very friendly and makes you feel like an actual person of importance. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $16-$25)
Takahashi market: Spectacular Hawaiian Food! Everything tastes like it’s homemade and made with love. My favorites are the furikake salmon/chicken and any poke. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $12-$16)
Cobani: Turkish Food of the highest quality. Alejandro (the very talented artist who did the design for my logo) put me on to this gem. The Kabob plates, Fries, Appetizers, and Turkish Knafe provide great satisfaction to anyone who stomachs how much food they give you. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $15-$20)
Zeni: My favorite Ethiopian place ever! Adonai and Senai put me on this spot and god bless them for it. It is spectacular, to say the least. You gotta get the Meat and veggie combo if you with enough people because it really shows you the variety of Ethiopia’s Cuisine. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $15-$25)
Ramen Nagi: This place always got a line but always moves down it fast because they give you the food right away. The broth they use is worth just coming for, not to mention the noodles. If I ate pork I would love this place every more but I’m perfectly fine with eating my veggie ramen. And when they got the chicken karaage, don’t be scared, order it as fast you can. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $13-$17)
San Francisco
San Francisco is indescribable. The architecture and the places you can go are so unique. If you visit though, you can skip the trip to Pier 39, it is very overrated and there are many other places that worth more of your time. I’m just going to list my favorite places to walk around: Lyon street, Palace of Fine Arts, the Wood Line, The Presidio, Ina Coolbrith Park, Hayes Street, Lands End, Ocean Beach, Haight Street, and cant forget Sausalito!.
Aria Korean tapas: God-tier Korean fried chicken. Everything I have had his amazing, the kimchi fried rice, the tacos, and the bulgogi all prove to me that this place is a 10. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $8-$15)
La Taqueria: If your in SF and your not brain dead there is no way you’re not going here. I’m pretty sure this place is voted the best burrito in the world and it definitely is in my opinion. Just order a burrito Mission Style and be amazed at how many burritos do not even compare to this beautiful bitch. Also, the tacos with hard and soft shells have a special place in my heart. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $8-$12)
Auntie April’s chicken: Haven’t bean heard it’s very good
Cha Cha Cha: One of my top dogs Andrew put me on to this place and it’s a certified HITTER. It’s a tapas place so everything is made to be shared. For best results go with 4 or more people. Get the wings, ceviche, Cajun Shrimp (Andrews Favorite), and Jerk Chicken if you want to have a good time. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $15-$20)
Tommy’s joint: An American place that gives big portions. The brisket and stuffing are simply wonderful. Shoutout to that one Andy Roy Video that put me on! (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $12-$16
Senior Sisig: Fabulous Filipino Food! They are a fusion spot with a great mix between Filipino Cuisine and Mexican food. I love the Chicken Adobo and the garlic peanuts. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $12-$16)
Hot Sauce and panko: Never been but heard they got some amazing Wings.
Tartine Bakery Manufacturing: Amazing Sourdough, cookies, and croissants. I have spent many times ordering a cookie, coffee, and sourdough and accidentally eating half the sourdough loaf. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $8-$15)
Seattle
Seattle is BONKERS! Obvisouly the food is great but they got such a nice atmosphere around the city. The air feels crisper and easier to breathe in and just like Portland, it is a GREEN city. So there is a lot of nature activities you can do there. There are dozens of great hikes and even beaches you can walk around there. Edmunds beach and shoreline beach are my favorite. I also love Pike’s Place even though it is a tourist trap. In my opinion, it is a way better Pier 39. They have so many interesting foods and restaurants located there.
SHOUTOUT TO THE EMERALD CITY
Ezells- Oprah is a damn smart woman because this is her favorite Fried Chicken Spot. The chicken here is indescribable. No matter what every time i come the Emerald City I have to come here stuff my soul with too much fried chicken. The bread and mac they got here as well are well worth coming too. IF YOU DONT COME HERE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU! (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $10-$15)
Ivar’s- This is a seattle staple. If you want fish and chips or clam chowder this is the spot for you. Everything is quality here. I almost get mercury poisoning every time come here cause of my fish consumption. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $12-$15$)
Pagliacci- I love the pizza here. The sauce is the main factor for me. It is a sweet sauce that just elevated the pizza to new levels. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $15-$25)
Dicks Burgers-My uncle always try’s to compare this to IN N OUT but I still like IN N OUT better. BUT that is not say this place is still phenomenal. The burgers here are of the finest quality and so are the shakes. I will say that the shakes are better than in n out. Bill Gates frequents here so there’s that. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $6-$12)
beechers cheese- Apparently it is the best mac and cheese and grilled cheese in the world but unfortunately I have never been able to try it.
Kabul- This is the Restaurant my uncle used to be the head chef at. He won awards for his kabobs here. This place has great authentic Afghan food. I love this place. Nothing here is bad. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $20-$25)
Thai Tom: My parents had a date here in college, which tells you how old this place is and how long it is been there. It’s a small little restaurant with an open kitchen. The best Thai curry I have ever had is served here. It is called Swimming Rama. It is a Peanut Based Red curry that just Mike Tyson punches you straight in the face. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $10-$17)
Also, Seattle has the best Teriyaki chicken every place you go is 10/10
PORTLAND
The Rose City is one of my favorite cities in America. It is vibrant and very GREEN because of all the rain Portland gets every year. The food scene here is amazing. I’m always impressed every time I go. Besides food, they have great spots to visit as well. I love Multnomah Falls which is a big waterfall that has a nice hike to get up to it. My favorite time is to go during the winter when it is snowy. There are other great hikes like Rowena Crest Viewpoint and Washington Park which also has a zoo, rose garden, and a giant playground. I ♡ PORTLAND
Food Carts: There are so many wonderful food carts in portland. They have the halal carts they have in NYC that are always opened late. Any type of food you can think of, there is probably a food car for it. The food carts are especially unique to portland and very worth checking out.
Voodoo Donuts: It’s a cliche, but it’s sure worth checking out. The donuts are of the highest quality and so are the flavors they have. They have some of the best donut flavors I have ever seen. I got a mango and captain crunch donut last time and it was top tier. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $5-$12)
Hat Yai: Amazing Thai fusion food. They have fried chicken, curry, and roti. What more can you ask for. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $12-$17)
Pine State Biscuits: Biscuits and gravy! I love this place so much. It has great options for vegetarians as well. But after your probably going to want a nap. The fries and the shiitake mushroom gravy are my favorites. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $12-$18)
Little Big Burger: My favorite fries of all time. They put truffle oil on the fries which just brings it to the next level. The burgers are small but I think it’s the fries that shine. Usually, I get one burger but for most people 2 is good. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $10-$17)
Eastwind drive-in: This place is outside of portland by Multnomah falls but is a great spot to go after hiking the waterfall. They have such nice and light ice cream. They have various swirls and milkshakes that are simply amazing. Also, the sizes are way bigger than you think so whenever I go I get a small. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $5-$10)
Busters Bbq: Also outside of Portland but has great bbq. This is the only place I have had beef ribs at and they do not disappoint. The bbq sauce they have as well is great. (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $15-$25)
Baes Chicken: Great fried chicken in downtown. They have sandwiches and tenders that are just amazing. The lemonade as well is splendid (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $13-$17)
Dave’s hot chicken: I have this on my LA list as well, but if you’ve never had this chain before it’s well worth checking out. It’s just solid Nashville hot fried chicken (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $12-$15)
Eem: Thai and bbq fusion! The burnt-end fried rice is the most popular dish there. Everything on the menu looks amazing! (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $12-$17)
Papa Hadyn: I think this place is awesome. I wish every city had a place like this. It’s a sit-down dessert place. Everything on the menu is decadent and rich. My cousin always gets a giant glass of milk here with his dessert, which I had to mention. (Average Price for 1 person with no drink is $7-$12)
The screen door: High-quality Cajun food. They have great veggie dishes as well. I got the fried catfish and it was simply amazing. The mac and cheese there as well gave me a run for my money (Average Price for 1 person no drink is $18-$25)