There are several iconic dishes here in Southern California that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. From our legendary burgers and ribs to our Mexican restaurants and fusion cuisine, to our veg-forward fare, there are a lot of places to eat in Southern California that you’ll want to hit up! These are the 10 dishes you absolutely have to eat from the best restaurants in SoCal:

1. Baby Back Ribs at Phil's BBQ
Phil's BBQ, 3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
flickr/djjewelz
Ask anyone who's ever experienced a plate of baby back ribs at Phil's BBQ and they'll tell you there's no question they are the best BBQ in SoCal. Mesquite grilled to perfection and slathered with Phil's signature BBQ sauce makes for an unforgettable dish. Phil's is definitely one of the best BBQ restaurants in SoCal!
2. Strawberry Donut at The Donut Man -- Glendora
The Donut Man, 915 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91741, USA
flickr/the marmot
If you haven't sunk your teeth into a strawberry donut at The Donut Man yet, you are missing out. Not only is this masterpiece beautiful, but it's one of the most satisfying experiences your tastebuds will ever have.
3. The Original # 19 Pastrami Sandwich at Langer's Deli
Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant, 704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA
flickr/dabruins07
Even if pastrami isn't your thing, you must experience just one bite of this legendary sandwich so you can tell the world you've had a # 19 at Langer's Deli. Be prepared to devour the whole thing after that first taste of hot pastrami, cole slaw and swiss cheese sandwiched between freshly baked rye bread.
4. The Prime Rib Dinner at Lawry's The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills
Lawry's The Prime Rib, 100 La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA
flickr/frank stjerne
There's nothing more classic than the prime rib feast at this legendary steakhouse that's been around since 1938. The presentation is just as much a part of the experience as the meal itself. It doesn't get much better than juicy prime rib carved to perfection from a shiny silver cart.
5. The Secret Menu At In N Out
flickr/jpellgen
You may be a regular at In N Out, but did you know they have a secret menu? One of the items that you must add to your bucket list is ordering burgers or fries 'Animal Style.' What exactly is Animal Style? On a burger you'll get a mustard-grilled patty, extra Thousand Island and extra pickles. Animal Style fries are smothered with melted cheese, Thousand Island spread, and grilled onions.

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6. A Hot Dog at Pink's in Los Angeles
Pink's Hot Dogs, 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA
flickr/foodie buddha
You haven't experienced a hot dog until you've had one from Pink's hot dog stand, an iconic landmark that originally opened in Hollywood in 1939. Whether you like your hot dog loaded with chili, onion rings, or perhaps something more traditional, there's nothing in the world as tasty as a Pink's hot dog.
7. Julian Apple Pie at Julian Pie Company
Julian Pie Company, 2225 Main St, Julian, CA 92036, USA
flickr/rachelle@mommy?I'mhungry
People from all over the country flock to the mountain town of Julian, known for its charming atmosphere and delicious apples. So what should you eat while in Julian? An apple pie, of course. There are a number of restaurants that serve homestyle Julian apple pie, but the Julian Pie Company is a family favorite.
8. Fish Tacos at Rubio's
Rubio's Coastal Grill, 2390 Monument Blvd suite d, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, USA
flickr/karen
You may be able to get a fish taco most anywhere these days in SoCal, but if you want to taste the original then you'll have to head to Rubio's for what is still considered the best fish taco around. Who cares if it's considered fast food? It's fresh and that's all that matters.
9. Banana Cream Pie at The Apple Pan
The Apple Pan, 10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
facebook/apple pan
Just one look at this scratch made banana cream pie from The Apple Pan, and you will be craving it for days. I'm pretty sure it's possible to eat this giant slice for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still have leftovers on the plate.
10. French Dipped Sandwich at Philippe the Original
Philippe The Original, 1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
facebook/philippe the original
One of the oldest restaurants in SoCal still serves up one of the best dishes on the planet -- a french dipped sandwich. Not only do they make the tastiest one you'll ever have, but the founder of the diner has been credited for coming up with this delicious sandwich of thinly sliced meat that's served on a crusty french roll and dipped in the juice from the roasting pan. The flavor of this sandwich is out of this world.

In your opinion, what are the dishes you have to eat in SoCal? Were there any favorites that didn’t make the list? Share your foodie faves with us in the comments below!

And for more classic SoCal fare, be sure to check out these iconic dishes.

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dishes you have to eat in SoCal

Sarah | April 16, 2021

What food is SoCal known for?

  • Tacos
  • Avocado toast
  • Citrus

In a word - tacos. Our taco game is fierce here in SoCal, as evidenced by the sheer volume of epic taco stands in the region! One of the biggest components of tacos is, of course, the avocado -- and Southern California's avocados are top-rate! We're known for our abundance of picture-perfect avocados, and we put them on everything. Ever heard of avocado toast? That's a total SoCal creation! Also lemons, oranges, limes... citrus is big here in The Golden State, and it's the freshest, most succulent fruit you'll find in the U.S.

What are the best foods to try while in SoCal?

SoCal's cuisine truly is the best in the country -- lots of Mexican fare, fresh seafood, and veg-forward dishes. In addition to the above bucket-list dishes you have to eat in SoCal, there are some other dishes you'll definitely want to try, such as:

  • The iconic California roll. It's no coincidence that one of the most popular sushi rolls in the country is named after the Golden State. You can find a California Roll on every sushi menu in the country, but they are most flavorful here in SoCal thanks to all of our fresh avocados.
  • Another must-try is the Cobb Salad; this iconic Southern California salad was first made in Hollywood in the 1930s at the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant. It's named after the restaurant's owner, Robert Cobb, who came up with this delicious salad topped with bacon, chicken, egg, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese. You can count on this salad showing up on many restaurant menus throughout SoCal!

Does SoCal have any famous restaurants?

In-N-Out Burger is a beloved SoCal establishment; the very best burgers in the world, if you ask anyone around here! Everyone in SoCal already knows that In-N-Out is a legendary burger joint that serves up some of the juiciest burgers, freshest fries, and thickest milkshakes on the planet. But not many people are aware that there is an exact replica of the very first In-N-Out located right here in SoCal that you can tour. You can find this replica of the original In-N-Out burger stand at 13766 Francisquito Avenue, Baldwin Park, CA, 91706. You won't be able to order any burgers here, but you will be able to see what this burger stand looked like back in the day, which is totally cool!

 

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