Food and culture are inextricably linked. You can learn much about another’s culture by partaking and enjoying its unique delicacies – a simple bite of an unknown dish can transport you into a world that is not your own. Southern California and its urban centers represent a global population set in pockets of unique cultural communities. In essence, SoCal’s multiethnic and multicultural makeup results in a diverse selection of food that you do not want to miss. For those visiting Southern California for the SBC annual meeting and seeking to experience diverse SoCal culture, I have listed out my top recommendations of restaurants in the greater Los Angeles region, Orange County, and the broader area. I hope this gives you a taste of what SoCal has to offer.

Anaheim | Orange County

Top Recommendations for SBC Visitors Close to the Convention

In n’ Out

Burger | $

1168 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806

The Taco Stand

Tacos | $

240 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866

Mo Ran Gak

Korean | $$

9651 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

Cuban Bakery | $

7640 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Cortina’s Italian Market

Italian | $

2175 W Orange Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804

Rodeo 39 Public Market

Vibe | $ – $$$

12885 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680

Pie Hole

Dessert | $$

440 S Anaheim Blvd Unit 206, Anaheim, CA 92805

Anaheim Packing House

Food Court | $$

440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Salt & Straw

Ice Cream | $$

1550 Disneyland Dr. E, #103A, Anaheim, CA 92802

Sidecar Donuts

Donuts & Coffee | $$

270 E 17th St #18, Costa Mesa, CA 92627


Los Angeles

Top Recommendations for First Time Visitors and Seasoned Angelenos

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Steak House | $$$$

100 La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle

Noodle Shop | $

2057 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Kobawoo House

Korean | $$

698 S Vermont Ave #109, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Wurstkuche

German | $$

800 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Grand Central Market

Food Court | $$

317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

King Taco #2

Tacos | $

4504 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Avenue 26 Tacos

Tacos | $

3277 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063

Mama Lu’s Dumpling House

Chinese | $$

153 E Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755

Langer’s Delicatessen

Deli | $$

704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Sul & Beans

Korean Desserts | $$

621 S Western Ave #208-A, Los Angeles, CA 90005


More of SoCal

Top Recommendations Outside of the LA/OC Region

Phil’s BBQ

Barbecue | $$

40830 Winchester Rd, Temecula, CA 92591

Tacos El Gordo

Tacos | $

13236 Paxton St, Pacoima, CA 91331

Santa Barbara Public Market

Food Court | $$

38 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Underwood Family Farms

Strawberry Picking | $

5696 E Los Angeles Ave, Somis, CA 93066

California Citrus State Historic Park

Citrus | $

9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503


Read More

Lessons from Twenty-Five Years of Preaching God’s Word

I am unashamedly an expository preacher. My first sermon, however, was not.

Josh Hutchens
Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Missions at Overland Church
Dr. Joshua Caleb Hutchens is a biblical theologian serving as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Missions at Overland Church in Fort Collins, Colorado and leading the Northern Colorado teaching site of Gateway Seminary.

“Faith is a tree known by its fruits”: The Gisle Johnson Project

The Gisle Johnson Project is a new research endeavor spearheaded by Robb Torseth

Robb Torseth
Public Service Librarian & Adjunct Professor at Gateway Seminary

Listen

From Here to Eternity
November 28, 2025

Ecclesiology and Evangelical Missionaries by Dr. Richard Cook

Evangelical Missiological Society, “EMS Southwest Regional Meeting”, April 4th 2024

Richard Cook, Logos Evangelical Seminary

Ecclesiology and Evangelical Missionaries: 1900 to the Present (Part 2)

To u

Jonathan Edwards Center Podcast
November 26, 2025

Jonathan Edwards and Reformed Arminianism with Matthew Pinson

J. Matthew Pinson earned his a doctorate from Vanderbilt University and currently serves as president of Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. He joins our podcast this week to talk about his book, Jonathan Edwards: A Reformed Arminian Engagement.
 <


Watch

Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival

Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun

Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Get updates on new content!