The Philippines’ cuisine definitely has something for everyone. A plentiful Pinoy spread knows no bounds, from crisp lumpia to substantial lechon and sweet banana turon. The culinary possibilities in Southern California are plentiful, with large concentrations of eateries in Northeast LA and the South Bay. From chef-driven restaurants to fast-casual classics, there’s something for everyone.
Because Los Angeles has the largest Filipino population outside of the Philippines, it’s anyone’s guess why Filipino cuisine is only getting more popular. Philippine foods have distinct characteristics as a result of years of contact with different countries and cultures, which today’s chefs are taking use of.
Here are ten must-visit filipino restaurant in Los Angeles California throughout the duration of the pandemic.
1: Ninong’s Pastries & Cafe
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Ninong’s, which is now running as a pop-up out of Lokels Only in Chinatown and Cafe Aficionado in Northridge, makes everything with ube, from pancakes to cookies to milkshakes. They also provide dishes of spaghetti and straight-up egg and longanisa. Don’t forget to eat your morning pastries. Location and hours can be found on Ninong’s Instagram.
Address: 19524 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91324
2: Bamboo Bistro
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This Panorama City institution is notorious for its gluttony, with unending isaw skewers, full fried tilapia, kare-kare, and more on the menu. They’re gradually returning to normal hours, so these dinners — which are traditionally served family-style on banana-leaf-lined tables — are still accessible. Confirm operational hours by phone or email.
Address: 8516 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
3: Lilian’s Bread and Sweets
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It’s not uncommon in Los Angeles to find some of the tastiest food hidden behind car washes in tucked-away neighborhoods. That’s certainly the case at Lilian’s, a semi-obscured Northridge hotspot where Filipino seafood takes center stage. A second location can be found in North Hills.
Address: 8870 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
4: Tatang
Tatang has helped the Filipino food movement gain traction in North Hollywood. With prepared dishes of longanisa-inspired meatballs and free-range chicken skin and thigh sisig, this is a more formal affair than the fast-casual options that are flourishing across the city. Takeout and delivery are available.
Address: 10829 Oxnard St, North Hollywood, CA 91606
5: Kuya Lord
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Llera Maynard, a former Bestia sous chef who previously worked as a corporate chef for the H.Wood Group, is in charge of the Kuya Lord pop-kitchen. up’s Follow him on Instagram for the most up-to-date information on his skillfully prepared Filipino meals, which he sells from his La Caada house on a sporadic basis.
6: Kusina Filipina
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Eagle Rock’s reputation as a haven for Filipino-Americans is well-deserved, and places like Kusina Filipina on Eagle Rock Boulevard continue to honour that tradition. The no-frills eatery is a popular hangout for families of all kinds for lunch and dinner, with plenty of off-site catering options. With a second location in Cerritos, the restaurant is open for delivery and takeaway.
Address: 4157 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
7: Arko Foods International
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Arko Foods International is all a grocery shop should be. A whole market dedicated to specific Filipino products, a fresh seafood market, and a big hot food counter featuring oxtail kare kare or lumpia are all available.
Address: 1425 E Colorado St, Glendale, CA 91205
8: Little Ongpin
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Little Ongpin is tucked away in the Eagle Rock-Cypress Park neighborhood, sharing a strip mall with other Filipino markets and restaurants. If you ask for recommendations, the staff will suggest miki bihon, a stir-fried noodle meal.
Address: 3756 W Ave 40 #1b, Los Angeles, CA 90065
9: Tagalog Takeover
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Stacy Bareng, the chef/owner of Tagalog Takeover, is passionate about her food. With colourful meals and marinated meats, this Northeast LA pop-up works out of places like 1802 Roasters in Cypress Park. Dates and hours can be found on Baren’s Instagram.
Address: 1206 Cypress Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90065
10: Oi Asian Fusion
Though Oi Asian Fusion isn’t hesitant to embrace the fusion aspect of its name, this is ultimately a place to go for tried-and-true Filipino dishes like tapsilog and adobo served over rice. Delivery and takeout are available at all sites, including Long Beach, Chino, and Canoga Park.
Address: 4734 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027