Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Paris in Los Angeles

LAist recently got an e-mail from an organizer of 15 visitors en route from France, age 35-55. It reads, in part:
I thought you might be able to give me advices: I'd like to find a place where we could have dinner or a drink, where there are no tourists. In fact, I'm looking for the last place where to go out in LA, just to do as the LA people do (when in Rome...). Do you think you could help ?
Oui oui, we can indeed. From A to Z:
A.O.C. - amazing food, says Kevin
Aroma Cafe - in studio city, from Chris
Birriera Chalio - Adrienne says go for the Mexican style roasted goat
Cafe Metropol - downtown, for food and jazz, says Zach
Campanile - Marleigh likes grilled cheese Thursdays
Ciudad - festive California-style pan-American food, Carolyn says
Daikokuya - in Little Tokyo for ramen, Adrienne says
Dong il Jang - for Korean, says Sarah
Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ - astroturf floor outside, delicious food inside, Kevin says
Father's Office - in Santa Monica, from Chris
Haifa - for delicious Israeli sandwiches, says Adrienne
Hal's - in Venice, for classic California cuisine, local artists' work (including Dennis Hopper's) says Sloane
L’Scorpion - Jason says it's the hot bar in Hollywood, too new for tourists
Meson G - on Melrose for the food, says Jason
Monte Alban - for Oxacan mole, says Adrienne
Mori Sushi - for sushi, Sarah says
Musso & Frank - old-school Hollywood, have a steak and a martini, Carolyn says
Real Food Daily - for organic cooking, says Zach
Smokehouse - in Burbank, says Christine
The Otheroom - Sloane recommends for a glass of wine or a beer
Traxx - in Union Station, Christine says
Vermont - strong drinks, hidden away, good food, excellent lighting, says Jason
Zankou Chicken - Japhy says, simply, obviously.
Where would you go?
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline.
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.