Budget
In-N-Out Burger
This hugely popular Southern California burger chain has a surprisingly basic menu, but serves up some of the most popular burgers around, and does burgers well.
Palms Thai Restaurant
Home of the infamous Thai Elvis, who will serenade you through dinner. The decor's authentically cheesy and Elvis sings the hits. While plain dishes such as fried rice or pad Thai are nothing to write home about, the curries duck and panang, pad prik king, and anything off the "wild things" menu are excellent choices.
Blu Jam Cafe
Good food with options for everyone. Even some Czech items.
Little Armenia
East Hollywood's Little Armenia district has a few excellent cheap food options. Falafel Arax at 5101 Santa Monica Blvd. has excellent Falafel and Shawerma. Sassoun Bakery, at 5114 Santa Monica has great Lahmejun Armenia pizza, boregs, zahtar thyme and tahini breads. Zankou Chicken at 5065 W. Sunset Blvd. has popular rotiserrie chicken with great garlic sauce. Carousel at 5112 Hollywood Blvd. has an amazing mezze appetizer selection, and great food.
Pink's Hot Dogs
Serving the most famous hot dogs in Los Angeles since 1939, their chili dog will set you back just $2.50. Open every day from 9:30AM to 2AM or later. Expect a long but fairly fast-moving line.
Yai
By general learned agreement, the most authentic Thai food in the States can be found at "the Thai restaurant behind the 7-11 on Hollywood Boulevard by the 101." That's how it is known. If you are not from L.A., this can also serve as an introduction to L.A.-style directions. The cross street, by the way, is Taft Avenue. The Pad Thai here is light and perfumed and the curries hot enough to kill. And by authentic, that's exactly what is meant...don't expect any catering to tastes here.
Paru's
Head here for excellent South Indian vegetarian food in a charming garden. Especially wonderful masala dosas.
Travel south to East Hollywood and you can find countless "pupuserias". These thick, hand-made corn tortillas come with quesillo Salvadorean cheese, pork, chicken, rice, beans, or "queso con loroco" cheese and vine flower bud. Just look for signs that say "pupuserias." They usually run around $1.50-$2 a pupusa. A very delicious food.
Midrange
Cheebo
Everyone loves the Cheeb! A play on "cibo" Italian for food, this place has great and creative food and a fun atmosphere. All-day breakfasts, excellent sandwiches, salads, pizzas by the foot and nice dinners to boot. Eat here for breakfast and you'll be back for lunch.
Electric Karma
The "Most Romantic Indian Restaurant in Los Angeles" offers authentic Punjabi cuisine at reasonable prices for lunch and dinner; a beautiful, candle-lit dining room and open-air courtyard; unique cocktails; and warm, professional staff.
101 Coffee Shop
Previously known as the Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop, this place has been popular for years, and the new owners have only improved it. Great selection of sandwiches, burgers, sweet potato french fries!!, coffee and tea. It's not unheard of to spot celebs here.
M Café
One of the hottest new places in Hollywood. If you've been infected with Organica or Macrobiotica, head here now. It's often impossibly crowded and parking's a nightmare. They've got lots of premade things that are handy if you're short on time, otherwise it's better to order fresh, considering how far you'll be set back.
Musso & Frank Grill
For a taste of old Hollywood, this is the place. It's been famous for generations.
Sushi Ike
A small and moderately-priced authentic Japanese restaurant with a great sushi bar and friendly chefs--one of the best this side of the 101.
The Griddle Café
The Griddle Café is the best breakfast experience in LA. It features pages of every type of pancake you can imagine, which also happen to be twice as large as any pancake you've ever had, and still manage to be fluffy-thick and light on the tummy. Coffee is fresh, in a french press, and the menu features more than just breakfast. Short story: Food is awesome, service is great, but its always crowded. Don't worry though, they serve fast and you will feel the wait is worth it.
Mel's Drive-In
Come here for traditional diner fare: cheeseburgers, french fries, and milkshakes. Part of the chain that opened in San Francisco in the late '40s. There is another location on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
Top end
All' Angelo Ristorante
This authentic Italian eatery combines the relaxed atmosphere of a Los Angeles restaurant with a menu that's as close to a ticket to Rome as you can get without a passport. Their seasonal menu includes mouth watering timbale of cauliflower, authentic tripe, gourmet pastas, and hearty entrees. The owners bring a warm Italian sensibility to fresh dishes that would please any palate. This place is perfect for that special occasion!
Yamashiro
This Japanese restaurant is perched above Hollywood, and on most nights provides an unbeatable view of the city, from downtown to Palos Verdes. The food is excellent, the gardens and architecture are elegant, and the restaurant has a fascinating history the story's on the menu. Look for the small sign just west of the Magic Castle; valet parking only.
Geisha House
Geisha House is a Modern Japanese Restaurant, Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge that embraces the flavor of traditional Japan while catering to the hip, sophisticated clientèle of Los Angeles. Don't be surprised by celebrity clientèle either.
The Ivy
The Ivy is a Los Angeles mainstay and is frequented by celebrities. As for the menu, think comfort food, like fried chicken, Cajun prime rib and fish and fresh corn chowder. Request a seat on the famed patio for the best people watching.
Katsuya
The newest restaurant from acclaimed chef Katsuya Uechi, designed by Philippe Starck. Mouth-watering Japanese menu, destined to be a new Hollywood institution. His other restaurants around the LA area are rated as some of the best in the city.
Dessert
ceFiore
Right across the street from Grauman's Chinese Theatre you'll find one of LA's best places for tart Italian non-fat frozen yogurt and yogurt smoothies. Choose from 4 different frozen yogurt flavors: Original, Blackberry, Raspberry-Pomogranate, and Green Tea, along with a wide variety of fresh fruits and dry toppings. They also offer smoothies, herbal teas, and coffees.
Pinkberry
A new, overly-hyped and rapidly spreading frozen yogurt chain. Choose from vanilla or green tea yogurt, and a great assortment of toppings from fresh berries to Cap'n Crunch.