Los Angeles, California

International Flavors, No Passport Required

Monica Poling

It’s no secret that Los Angeles is an international stomping ground. And when you have this many international populations coming together, you know the eating has to be good. Rather than a melting pot, however, the City of Angels is a giant, endless smorgasbord of international feasting. Of course the eats in Los Angeles can range from budget-busting, white-tie extravaganzas to street-side snack stands, so we've eaten our way through the city in order to find some its best international flavors.

The Stinking Rose

Not so much international, but rather a category unto itself, the Stinking Rose is dedicated to garlic. From the pre-meal gar-tinis (garlic martinis) until the garlic ice cream, vampires are definitely not welcome here. Favorite menu items include the Forty Clove Garlic Chicken and heaping sizzling platters piled high with fresh shellfish. The garlic mashed potatoes are a must; but the restaurant can also customize their flavors for the garlic-impaired. The atmosphere here caps the dining experience, and the exotic interiors and garlic-themed artworks are all part of what makes this a must-see experience.

Ocean Seafood

Los Angeles is blessed with some of the finest dim sum outside of Hong Kong, but even with dozens of restaurants to choose from, Ocean Seafood is a stand-out. A local favorite for decades, Ocean Seafood serves an eclectic mix of old-time favorites (like Har Gow and Siu Mai) with a blend of house specialty dishes. For those not hip to the Dim Sum scene, ladies push carts filled with steaming snacks around the restaurant, offering delicacies from steamed buns to chicken feet to deep friend snacks. Traditionally served during brunch hours, dim sum is a no-menu affair, but insiders know that no visit to Ocean Seafood is complete without ordering a “side” of Peking Duck or Steamed Lobster with Ginger.

Bossa Nova

While Americans tend to think of the gluttony grilled up at a Churrascaria as the traditional Brazilian cuisine, the country offers a large range of food beyond the beloved Picanha Beef. With indoor/outdoor dining, Bossa Nova provides a slightly more relaxed alternative to Brazilian dining. This West-Hollywood establishment serves an eclectic array of favorites and is especially popular for its pizzas and steaks. (Rib-eye lovers rejoice!). A word to the wise, the Caipirinhas here not at all traditional (served with gin, oh yuck), but armed in advance with that knowledge, the food is not to be missed. An appetizer of Linguica served with Dried Yucca will have even the novice diner saying “muito bom.” Bossa Nova offers free delivery service, so visitors staying in Hollywood and West Hollywood hotels can enjoy a romantic in-room meal with an international flavor.

Palms Thai Restaurant

Thai town, a stretch of Thai culture on the eastern boundary of Hollywood’s famed Hollywood Boulevard, offers hundreds of eating establishments. Hollywood hipsters in-the-know flock to the Palms Thai Restaurant, located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Western (one subway stop east of Hollywood and Vine.) Simply put, the menu here is fabulous and eclectic. Sure Pad Thai is available, but then again so is Wild Boar with Curry Sauce, and Frog with Chili and Holy Basil. But what has the in-crowd humming is the Thai Elvis impersonator that sings Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Once you get past the heavy Thai accent, you realize this guy is popular for a reason.

The Lobster

When you just have to have seafood, Santa Monica’s The Lobster is a must-visit location. Billed as “classic American seafood,” the restaurant serves up seafood in a number of international flavors, including the popular Thai Lobster curry. Although the restaurant’s cuisine gets top billing, the restaurant’s 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean (especially at sunset) are what keep customers raving. Reservations at this popular establishment are very strongly encouraged. Didn’t get a chance to reserve in advance? Visit the restaurant during its popular “Oyster Hour” and enjoy a less crowded atmosphere, happy hour pricing, and the same fantastic views.