10 Best Restaurants in Echo Park, Los Angeles

Though it’s a relative newcomer to the dining scene, Bacetti instantly established itself as one of L.A.’s best Italian restaurants, serving Roman-inspired dishes with a California twist in a stylish, sprawling, wood-framed dining room and patio. This farm-driven, Roman trattoria--inspired spot, tucked in Echo Park’s intimate commercial strip in the midst of a quiet residential neighborhood, is worth a trip, if only for the Focaccia Ebraica, which has gained a little cult following. Salads here are a revelation, as are the antipasti, pastas, and desserts. 

Family-owned Guisados has achieved cult status in L.A. with locations throughout the city (Downtown, Boyle Heights, West Hollywood) to accommodate its popularity. This Echo Park spot is worshipped and well supported locally for Nana’s slow-cooked stew recipes, cooked to perfection for five to six hours and slapped on house-grilled tortillas. Since this is L.A., there are vegan and vegetarian options as well, but the bestsellers include the steak picado, chicken tinga, and chorizo quesadilla. All tacos are delicious, so you may want to get a sampler to try a variety. Chase your picks with made-daily agua frescas like the summer-perfect Armando Palmero. 

This hip and buzzy red sauce restaurant will not disappoint any chicken Parmesan and fusilli alla vodka lovers. Donna’s boasts an old-school theme with mid-century flourishes; every dish looks Instagram-worthy against its deep green walls and natural lighting. Plan ahead and make a reservation as early as 14 days in advance.

Not even a year after it officially opened in Echo Park, Little Fish was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, and rightfully so. As the name suggests, this casual restaurant that shares its space with a market serves seafood-forward dishes, like fish tartines and fish and mushroom congee. Their most beloved item, the signature fried fish sandwich, is only available during lunch and comes with kewpie mayo and dill pickles on a potato bun. Little Fish also has steak and vegetarian offerings that are just as delicious, making it a worthwhile add to your list of must-eats.

While Masa of Echo Park does excellent “bistro pizzas,” as the restaurant calls them, it's mostly known for the delectable deep-dish pies that may just be the best you’ll find this side of Chicago. Be prepared, though—it can take a while to get seated and up to 45 minutes to get that deep dish you ordered, so it might be best to call ahead.

The typical family backyard barbecues scattered throughout Echo Park—which has traditionally overlapped with L.A.’s historic Filipinotown—are transformed into fantastic dining at The Park's Finest. Slow-cooked meats and vinegar-based sauces are topped with longganisa sausage, ube, soy sauce, and banana leaves. The name doesn't lie—this truly is some of Echo Park's finest grub.

It’s no surprise that Spoon and Pork has found its rightful place in the neighborhood with its comforting Filipino cuisine. With a name that cleverly plays on the traditional Filipino way of eating (using both spoon and fork), this modern spot is the perfect introduction to the cuisine's beloved dishes such as lechon and adobo pork belly.

There’s a reason Stereoscope has a line out the door on any given day of the week. With a staff that loves to see its regulars, this coffee shop is warm while also feeling very modern with all of its modular furniture. Stereoscope is for the serious java-lovers; just the hand-drip coffee alone has an aroma and unique flavor profile that will soothe the soul.

Coffee and light foods are the main event at Valerie Echo Park. Different varieties of tea take over half the menu and many of the morsels advertised only serve to complement the hot beverages; the desserts, though, are the unique kind that only a celebrated chocolatier like co-owner Valerie Gordon could produce. Even those who don't enjoy tea may find themselves perfectly delighted.

While Wax Paper has a few outdoor tables set up for dining, this tiny sandwich place in Frogtown is tailor-made for to-go orders. The modest selection of brilliantly prepared sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and named after NPR hosts; they're best enjoyed along the river or at a nearby park. They come in hearty helpings, so bring your appetite.