Road Trip: Eat Like a Food Network Chef in Los Angeles

By: Sarah De Heer
on the road los angeles

The third season of The Great Food Truck Race hit the road last Sunday in Los Angeles, the City of Angels. Not only is L.A. the most populous city in California, it houses thousands of food outlets including restaurants and food trucks, featuring every cuisine imaginable.

For the next couple of weeks, we're following the Food Trucks city by city with our guide of the best eats, compiled by the On the Road app and website. Today we're exploring Los Angeles, but come back next week for our picks in Arizona.

Los Angeles Eats

Want the perfect three-day foodie escape? We're turning to the Los Angeles gal herself, Giada De Laurentiis, to start our trip off right. From a cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway for the ultimate sunset sangria to a helicopter ride for fish and chips on the island of Catalina, Giada has a packed food weekend planned. Click here for her picks.

No Food Network road trip would be complete without a couple of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives suggestions. Guy's been to not one but four different L.A. locations. Start out by visiting Polka Restaurant & Catering for pierogies and stuffed cabbage. Next, step inside Mom's Tamales, where they serve more than 500 handmade, authentic tamales a day. If you're still hungry, visit Gloria's Cafe for stuffed tortillas and Nickel Diner for mac and cheese and classic donuts.

Think you make the best cupcake? Head to  Big Man Bakes and pretend to have your own Throwdown like Bobby Flay did when he challenged William "Chip" Brown for the best mini cupcake. Still in the mood for sweets? Get a taste of the rebellious side of desserts at Ice Kiss, where Duff Goldman tried Pat Bing Soo, a cold treat of Korean shaved ice on Sugar High.

Taste of L.A. Food Trucks: Do these names look familiar? These food trucks were featured in seasons one and two of The Great Food Truck Race.

Grill ‘Em All: Specializing in over-the-top burgers, the Grill ‘Em All truck offers bite-sized munchies, like Pomme Frites and cheese-filled tater tots.

Lardon: A pork-packed food truck, Lardon features an all-bacon menu that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night bites and more.

Crepes Bonaparte: Crepes Bonaparte offers made-to-order sweet, savory and breakfast-style crepes.

Nana Queen’s: Known for its eclectic menu offerings, Nana Queen’s specializes in sweet banana pudding and savory wings.

The Lime Truck: These California dudes have created a fresh, locally sourced menu that features casual eats, like steak tacos, and upscale favorites, like zesty ceviche and more.

Sky’s Gourmet Tacos: Sky’s Gourmet Tacos has been serving Mexican-inspired classics with a Southern twist to hungry Californians since 2010.

Seabirds: A self-proclaimed “veggie truck,” Seabirds offers a changing menu of organic and seasonal dishes, like Cream of Broccoli Asparagus soup, Mushroom Spinach Mac & Cheese and more.

Café Con Leche: Café Con Leche serves up authentic Cuban cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Download the free app to get Food Network’s Los Angeles Road Trip suggestions. Big-time celebrities and local folks alike enjoy the diverse range of flavors of L.A.’s restaurant scene. Unwind at chic yet relaxed eateries after a day of surfing, glamorous shopping and touring Hollywood’s best sights.