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


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