21 Best Restaurants in Highland Park, Los Angeles in 2025
Even in one of the nation’s most competitive markets, restaurants in Highland Park, Los Angeles stand out above their peers. The sheer size of Los Angeles is enough to make anyone’s head spin, and when you factor in the enormous diversity of its countless neighborhoods, it’s even harder to wrap your head around it.
Let us point you in the right direction: Highland Park, an on-trend area sandwiched between the venerably touristy Griffith Park and the sleek suburb of Pasadena. According to Orion Magazine, “Highland Park is filled with new and vibrant trends but is also filled with its history.” This walkable, restaurant-rich neighborhood is a hidden gem in the vast landscape of Los Angeles.
And while its often-casual offerings don’t have the swank of some upscale dining establishments, you’ll easily be able to find a delicious meal at a (semi) affordable price. If that’s the kind of thing you’re into, these 21 eateries are in hot contention for the title of the best restaurant in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles.
Jump to Section
The 21 Best Highland Park Restaurants
1. Gloria’s Cuisine L.A.
This casual roadside restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles is a favorite for its casual café vibe, Latin American-inspired menu and fresh, creative dishes. Gloria’s Cuisine L.A. is a great place to sit outside on a warm day, enjoy an indulgent brunch or lunch and watch the city go by.
The Vibe
Inviting, friendly and airy, with plenty of natural light in an open space and patio seating for anybody who’d rather enjoy the sunshine.
What to Order
For breakfast at this Highland Park restaurant, go for the breakfast sandwich with barbacoa, chipotle aioli, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and smoked bacon on a Brioche bun. For later in the day, the tacos and chilaquiles are fan favorites.
Gloria’s Cuisine L.A. | 231 N. Ave. 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
2. Belle’s Bagel, Delicatessen & Bar
Its subtitle may include “Delicatessen and Bar,” but this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles is famous for one very non-bar-related thing: bagels. Go to Belle’s for a bagel in the morning or a sandwich piled high with meat in the afternoon, you can’t go wrong with anything at this spot.
The Vibe
Everything an NYC deli should be: it’s got high ceilings, striped awnings, checkered floors, counter seating and a case of cheese and cold cuts for you to take home. If you’re missing that vibe out on the Left Coast, this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles will fit the bill.
What to Order
Well, it’s a deli, isn’t it? So go with a tuna melt for something classic. If you want a bagel, the BEC, with bacon, egg and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
Belle’s Bagel, Delicatessen & Bar | 5022 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
3. Bagel & Slice
Speaking of New York, here’s a restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles that’s built a name for itself solely on West Coast renditions of NYC specialties: bagels and pizza. Bagel & Slice is committed to sustainable ingredients, healthy living, kettle-boiled bagels and a mean slice of pizza — a splurge you can feel good about.
The Vibe
Bagel & Slice has a colorful, high-contrast modern-art look that makes it a fun place to start your day. Take your bagel and slice to go or eat at the counter to take it in.
What to Order
A breakfast sandwich on any of Bagel & Slice’s kettle-boiled bagels will start your day with a bang, but if you’re not around at breakfast time, the Neapolitan-style three-cheese Pizza is the way to go.
Bagel & Slice | 4751 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
4. El Huarache Azteca
A beloved restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles, this family-run gem has been serving up authentic Mexican flavors for years. Known for its no-frills atmosphere and bold, homemade flavors, El Huarache Azteca is the go-to for satisfying, down-to-earth Mexican comfort food.
The Vibe
This casual is all about tradition, with the scent of sizzling meats and fresh masa filling the air. Whether you grab a quick bite or sit down for a hearty meal, you’ll feel right at home at this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles.
What to Order
The Super Huarache is the star of the menu — a thick, oval-shaped tortilla stuffed with refried beans, then topped with your choice of meat, onions, cilantro, sour cream, crumbled Mexican cheese and salsa. Want to keep it meat-free? There’s a delicious vegetarian option, too.
El Huarache Azteca | 5225 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA90042 | $
5. Goldburger
You may be tempted to think that a cheeseburger can’t possibly be anything special anymore in a fast-food world, but this restaurant in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles challenges that notion. Goldburger specializes in smash burgers — grass-fed patties pounded thin before grilling — and has them down to a science.
The Vibe
What you’d expect of a popup-cum-burger joint: casual counter seating with a festive no-frills vibe. It’s small and simple but more stylish than you’d expect.
What to Order
This restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles only does burgers, so what to order isn’t much of a question. The LA Special single smash burger is one of the favorites, with your choice of fries, sauce and drink.
Goldburger | 5623 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
6. Penny’s Burgers
A go-to restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles, Penny’s Burgers keeps things simple and satisfying with no-fuss, flavorful eats. This neighborhood staple delivers classic comfort food with a touch of heat, making it a perfect stop for burger lovers and chili fans alike.
The Vibe
Think retro burger joint with a cozy, unpretentious feel. This restaurant in Los Angeles it’s the kind of place where regulars know exactly what to order, and the menu is all about hearty, flavorful bites.
What to Order
Warm up with a bowl of chili, a rich and meaty classic that’s packed with slow-simmered flavor. If you’re craving something with a little heat, the jalapeño cheeseburger delivers the perfect balance of spice, gooey cheese and a juicy, grilled patty that hits the spot.
Penny’s Burgers | 6300 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
7. Highly Likely
It’s highly likely that this place would make any in-the-know local’s list of the best restaurants in Highland Park, Los Angeles. A café-style spot for eclectic cuisine, Highly Likely is, well…highly likely to be just the weekend-morning break you were looking for.
The Vibe
A Cute, funky and laid-back restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles. Counter seating, an extensive wine collection displayed on wall shelving and exposed concrete and ventilation make for an atmosphere as eclectic as Highly Likely’s delightfully all-over-the-place menu.
What to Order
Here at breakfast? Even in the land of a million breakfast burritos, Highly Likely shines. Not? Try the Li'l Chicky Sando with tempura fried chicken breast, zesty labneh, slaw and pickled red onion.
Highly Likely | 5526 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
8. Jeff’s Table
Tucked inside a bottle shop, this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles is the kind of hidden gem locals can’t get enough of. Jeff’s Table takes the classic deli concept and gives it a modern, flavor-packed twist, making it a must-visit for sandwich lovers.
The Vibe
Quirky and effortlessly cool. With a limited but well-crafted menu, this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles focuses on quality over quantity. Grab a sandwich, pick out a bottle from the shop and enjoy the kind of unfussy, delicious meal that feels like a well-kept secret.
What to Order
The Jeff’s Special is a standout — hand-sliced pastrami piled high with sauerkraut, Russian dressing and melty Comté cheese on perfectly toasted rye. It’s rich, tangy and just the right amount of indulgent.
Jeff’s Table | 5900 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
9. Rosty
Peruvian food is gaining popularity in L.A., but you’ll still have to go looking for it. If you’re craving ceviche or lomo saltado, check out this restaurant in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles. Rosty is a refined spot for all of that and more.
The Vibe
A brick-and-metal place with delicatessen vibes. This restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles is a smart but minimalistic place for a casual meal.
What to Order
It’s easy to order family-style at Rosty, so try a variety of the greatest hits: arroz chaufa, ceviche and lomo saltado. You’ll want to try everything, so be sure to come hungry to this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles.
Rosty | 5511 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
10. The Greyhound
A go-to restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles, The Greyhound is where sports bar energy meets seriously good food. With a strong lineup of craft beers and a menu built for game-day cravings, this spot keeps things lively from afternoon pints to late-night bites.
The Vibe
Big screens, cold pints and the hum of a crowd make it the perfect place to cheer on your team or just unwind with friends. If you’re in for a good time, this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles delivers that classic neighborhood pub feel with a modern twist.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with some classic bone-in wings, crispy, juicy and tossed in your choice of sauce. Pair your meal with an ice-cold beer, and you’ve got the perfect combo.
The Greyhound | 5570 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
11. Amiga Amore
For two of the most popular cuisines in the U.S., Mexican and Italian food are very rarely referenced in the same breath. This restaurant in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles goes one step further with a Mexican-Italian fusion menu. It’s that simple but inventive blend that makes Amiga Amore one of the best restaurants in Highland Park, Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Cheery Mexican-inspired décor — think bright tile accents and turquoise walls — add color to a cozy, intimate space where you’ll want to lean over and chat with your fellow diners, a vibe you might not expect from one of the most expensive restaurants in Los Angeles on this list.
What to Order
This is a fusion place, so full-send it with an audacious fan-favorite: the Duck Duck Duck, a Mexitalian creation that layers bold flavors with epazote-parsley linguine, tender Mary’s duck carnitas, sautéed broccolini, rich duck gravy and crispy duck skins for that irresistible crunch. It’s what this restaurant in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles does best.
Amiga Amore | 5668 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$$
12. Mala Class
Looking for a restaurant in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles that brings the spice? Get your fix at Szechuan spot Mala Class. Chefs Kevin Liang and Michael Yang, known for their New York Szechuan restaurant empire, bring the same fiery spice to Highland Park. The result is a trendy LA spot showcasing Chinese regional cuisine that’s often overlooked on this side of the Pacific.
The Vibe
Colorful, casual and bright, with big windows that let in natural light — and make for great people-watching. This restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles has the panache of many crowd-favorite fancy restaurants in LA without the price tag.
What to Order
Diners unanimously rave about Mala Class’ spicy chicken wings — word on the street is that the Szechuan spice rub makes the dish. Dan dan noodles and mapo tofu are fan-favorite picks for spice, too.
Mala Class | 5816 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
13. Mason’s Dumpling Shop
In a takeout-and-delivery city, nothing hits quite like a homemade meal. This restaurant in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles seeks to fill that niche by providing work-weary Angelenos with handmade Chinese dumplings. At the end of a long day, look no further than Mason’s Dumpling Shop.
The Vibe
Simple yet stylish, this cozy, casual restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles blends laid-back charm with a warm, neighborhood feel, accented by minimalist décor and rustic flair.
What to Order
Where to even start? For a truly traditional take, start with soup dumplings. Then, move on to stewed beef over rice, beef bao or vegan dumplings. You may need repeat trips to try everything that jumps out at you off this menu.
Mason’s Dumpling Shop | 5803 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
14. Mariscos El Faro
This restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles is…a food truck? Actually, yes, but you’d never know it from the quality of the Mexican seafood offerings. Parked in the same spot for over 10 years, Mariscos El Faro is not so much a restaurant as a place to sit in the adjacent grass, savor the bounty of the ocean (or something) enjoy the year-round sunny skies.
The Vibe
As casual as it gets: you create the vibe of your dining experience, whether by having an impromptu picnic in the grass or by taking your meal to go.
What to Order
Mariscos El Faro is known for its seafood tostadas and ceviches; try the aguachile (raw shrimp) variation. Then, wash it all down with one of the best micheladas in the city.
Mariscos El Faro | 6139 N. Figueroa St., Ste. 6113, Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
15. Triple Beam Pizza
Pizza might not be the kind of prestige cuisine that you associate with James Beard Award winners, but this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles is the brainchild of two recipients who wanted to bring Roman-style pizza to Southern California. Triple Beam Pizza, with four locations throughout the city, is the result. Come for the slices and stay for dessert.
The Vibe
Cheerful, colorful and casual, with — as you might expect — ample patio seating. Bright and unmissable signage will help you figure out how to order and eat your pizza “like a Roman” (as-is) or “like an American” (reheated).
What to Order
Vegan pizza might sound unbearably L.A., but seriously, the vegan Margherita pizza at Triple Beam is a favorite of vegans and non-vegans alike. If that’s too tame for you, the pineapple, prosciutto and jalapeño deliver a bold, local twist on pizza perfection.
Triple Beam Pizza | 5918 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
16. Villa’s Tacos
If you’re willing to try one more variation on the city’s most ubiquitous dish, make it to Villa’s Tacos. The blue corn tortillas alone at this strip mall-set restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles will make it more than worthwhile. Bonus? It’s located right next to Highland Park Bowl, one of the best places to visit when looking for things to do in Los Angeles.
The Vibe
Bright, fun and casual — as good for eating in as it is for late-night takeout.
What to Order
Most LA locals will know before they walk into a taco shop what kind of taco they’re going to order: al pastor, carne asada, you name it. Keep your order — here, the spotlight is on the tortillas, and the can’t-miss treat is the blue corn tortilla tacos. Seriously: any filling will do, but the wrapper must be blue.
Villa’s Tacos | 5455 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
17. Hippo
Searching for a special date night in Los Angeles, look no further. While restaurants in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles are often fast-casual joints, Hippo specializes in refined Italian fare with creative, global Los Angeles twists.
The Vibe
Upscale but funky, in keeping with the artsy, laid-back vibe of the neighborhood itself.
What to Order
Start with an order of Hippo Rolls, tasty and adorable. For the main event, the tagliolini with duck ragù steals the show — rich, hearty and a perfect twist on Italian comfort that’s made Hippo a standout.
Hippo | 5916 ½ N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$$
18. La Fuente Restaurant
This restaurant in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles is a local institution. For 40 years, La Fuente Restaurant has been a community staple for its traditional Mexican comfort food and warm atmosphere. Stop in on a rare cold day for a hot bowl of soup or anytime for a burrito you’ll have dreams about for weeks afterward.
The Vibe
Among restaurants in Highland Park, Los Angeles, La Fuente Restaurant is all traditional SoCal Mexican. The Spanish Revival interior is at once homey and distinct — for a no-frills joint, La Fuente has a fantastic sense of place.
What to Order
If you’re craving something truly Mexican, the menudo — a soul-warming, authentic bowl of tripe stew — is your go-to, especially when you need a hearty pick-me-up. If you’re in the mood for something smoky and sizzling instead, the carne asada is the right choice.
La Fuente Restaurant | 5552 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
19. Las Cazuelas
Pupusas are quickly becoming a SoCal favorite, and this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles was recently voted as the best pupuseria in L.A. That’s no small feat in a place where corner pupuserias are just about everywhere, and it tells you everything you need to know about Las Cazuelas.
The Vibe
Quick and casual and usually with a line out the door. Whether you order takeout or eat in, this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles is almost always packed to the gills.
What to Order
You’re probably here for the pupusas, so go ahead and order whatever flavor catches your eye. But don’t miss the pan con pollo (a Salvadorean chicken sandwich), either.
Las Cazuelas | 5707 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
20. Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli
L.A. might just take the crown for the world’s easiest place to find a vegan meal, but even in that competitive market, this restaurant in Highland Park, Los Angeles stands out. Maciel’s endeavors to make you forget that that’s not pastrami you’re eating — and by all accounts, they’re succeeding.
The Vibe
Maciel’s is mostly a takeout kind of place, bare-bones and with little seating, but those who do eat in will find that seats in the cheerful minimalist dining area are a hot commodity.
What to Order
Ever tried a vegan breakfast burrito? If you haven’t and you’re swinging by this Highland Park restaurant in the morning, you should definitely change that. Later in the day, try the meatless Reuben sandwich and prepare to be amazed at what you can do with…well, plants.
Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli | 5933 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $
21. Joy
For years, Taiwanese cuisine has been overshadowed stateside by its more famous Asian neighbors, but that’s beginning to change. One herald of that shift in recognition is this restaurant in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles. Joy is a quick, simple and homey spot for Taiwanese specialties that’ll make you wonder why you’ve never thought to try them all before.
The Vibe
Airy, open and always busy. You’ll find it especially packed during the lunch rush, with countless commuters popping in for a quick midday meal.
What to Order
The thousand-layer scallion pancake with egg and cheese will make you weep for the years you went without trying it. So will the dan dan noodles, a traditional spicy meat-and-noodle dish.
Joy | 5100 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042 | $$
Try Cooking Los Angeles Foods
Restaurants in Highland Park, Los Angeles aren’t the only way to sample the city’s famous specialties, though. Why not strategize your investments and take a cooking class in Los Angeles instead? With the help of an expert chef, you’ll learn to recreate some of those coveted Angeleno specialties in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price. And, let’s be real — who in LA isn’t looking to save on groceries?
In a city as sprawling and diverse as Los Angeles, the restaurants in Highland Park, Los Angeles prove that standout dining doesn’t need to come with a steep price tag or pretentious flair. This vibrant, walkable gem of a neighborhood serves up a culinary scene that’s as eclectic as it is approachable, blending bold flavors, cozy vibes and a refreshing dose of local charm.
Whether you’re a seasoned Angeleno or just passing through, Highland Park’s restaurants offer a tasty reminder that some of the best meals in L.A. are hiding in plain sight — affordable, unassuming and undeniably worth the visit.
For more ways to explore Los Angeles and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.