L.A. TACO is embarking on its biggest mission yet: to create a reliable taco and food guide for every neighborhood in Los Angeles! Along the way, we will also be releasing brief histories of each neighborhood to understand L.A. a little more and why each and every neighborhood makes our fine city unique. Check out the rest of our history and food guides on our neighborhood page.
Filipinotown didn’t get its name until the early 2000s, but its Filipino roots go back generations. Today it boasts what is likely the greatest concentration of Filipino restaurants in the Los Angeles area. There are old-school spots that have been around for decades and newer spots pushing the boundaries of Filipino cuisine. But the food options in Filipinotown extend far beyond Filipino-inspired food.
On Beverly Boulevard and Temple Street, you'll also find classic burger joints like Tommy’s and Jim’s Burgers. Salvadoran food that makes you feel at home. As well as new-school Chinese and old-school Cuban food. And although there aren't many places where you can find tacos, there are enough to satisfy your late-night taco cravings most nights of the week.
Unlike its rapidly-gentrifying neighbors, Filipinotown has developed slower than neighborhoods like Echo Park and Silver Lake. And most of the newer businesses are owned by POC chefs or locally raised Filipino-Americans looking to invest back into their community.
After living in Filipinotown for more than half a decade, I’ve eaten everything there is to eat in the neighborhood. Here are my favorite restaurants and street vendors in Filipinotown.