7 essential late-night dining destinations in LA

Though Los Angeles has a reputation for restaurants closing relatively early, there's actually a rich, thriving late-night dining scene here. LA legend Canter's serves up deli fare like matzo ball soup and smoky corned reubens 24/7; flavorful tacos just under $2 are readily available at Leo's Taco Truck in West L.A. (It has multiple locations); and piping hot bowls of silken tofu soup await diners all night long at beloved Koreatown institution BCD Tofu House.

And that's just a small fraction of what this city has to offer diners seeking a full-on meal late into the night. Read on for the top destinations to visit in Los Angeles for midnight cravings.

Bacari (Silverlake)

Mediterranean small plates are the star attraction at Bacari, a Venice-inspired Silverlake restaurant that's open until 2 am daily. Pick between dishes such as the pistachio-crusted lamb kebabs, green chickpea hummus, falafel with coconut harissa, and the chicken shawarma tacos to start your meal. Pair your meal with a glass of the sinners nectar, one of the most popular cocktails on the menu featuring bourbon, grapefruit and pomegranate molasses, or choose from beer and wine selection here. Then, grab a seat at the multi-level outdoor patio surrounded by trees, where two fire pits and a bar make for a cozy night out.

BCD Tofu House

Comforting bowls of soup await diners at BCD Tofu House, the casual Koreatown staple that's open 24/7. Ordering the soondubu jjigae and enjoying it at a leather booth or shaded outdoor patio is the go-to move here. It's a piping-hot soup featuring a gochujang (a Korean red chile paste) broth and silken tofu-choose your heat level ranging from mild to spicy. BCD also has a comprehensive banchan selection with dishes including crispy garlic tofu, kimchi pickles, and a mashed potato salad.

La Conde(Santa Monica)

Expect a wide array of Latin American dishes at Santa Monica's La Conde, which is open until 4 am Thursday through Sunday. Small plates include filet mignon skewers and soft shell crab tacos topped with avocado and a chipotle aioli. A sushi menu offers classic rolls with a twist including a shrimp and avocado roll seasoned with chile peppers, lime juice, and cilantro (similar to aguachile), and a crunchy crab roll with chipotle aioli. Get comfortable with the food and one of the house cocktails like the gladiator with an ancho chile liqueur and grapefruit soda, at the black banquettes at the Santa Monica location or the one in downtown LA.

Leo's Taco Truck

There's a reason you'll always find a line outside Leo's, a taco truck adjacent to a gas station in West LA: flavorful tacos under $2 are hard to come by in this city. Try the palm-sized al pastor tacos with sliced pineapple. Top it off with some fiery red salsa or one of the mild green ones from the salsa bar at the truck, parked until 2 a.m. Other options here include a cheese quesadilla, chicken, beef or bean burritos, and tortas. Grab a few tacos to eat standing by the truck or better yet in your car.

Ysabel (West Hollywood)

This West Hollywood hotspot draws crowds to its lush patio until 2 am on weekends. LA cool kids get together over snacky menu items such as the truffle parmesan fries, crispy octopus with cauliflower tabbouleh, and a spicy tuna tartare. Larger plates include ribeye and New York strip steaks, a whole roasted branzino, and pan roasted scallops with chorizo and a chimichurri sauce. Order it alongside a drink from the impressive cocktail list spotlighting tequila-based creations with watermelon juice, blood orange, and mango.

E.P. + L.P. (West Hollywood)

For stellar nighttime views of the Hollywood Hills and the Sunset Strip, look no further than E.P. + L.P. in West Hollywood. The restaurant stays open until 2 am daily, and diners come here for the smaller bites such as the tacos, burgers, and the salt-and-pepper calamari with shishito peppers. There's also a larger menu for those looking for a full-on dinner with dishes like lobster gnocchi with Calabrian chiles. Grab a glass of Champagne or a mezcal cocktail and find yourself a rooftop spot for some people watching.

Canter's Deli

This 24-hour deli has been a late-night fixture on Fairfax Avenue since the 1940s. Canter's location makes it an ideal destination for musicians, concert-goers, and other revelers making their way from nearby Sunset Boulevard. Inside, find two massive dining halls with wooden tables and booths spread throughout. Order one of Jewish deli classics like matzo ball soup, a corned beef reuben topped with sauerkraut and zesty house-made Russian dressing, and bagels and lox.

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