Occasion
Best Groups & Friends Restaurants in Los Angeles
The best LA spots for groups & friends, pulled from our guides and picked by taste, price, and vibe — with who each one is really for.
Fat Sal's
$Sandwiches · Westwood / Sawtelle
Fat Sal's makes absurdly large, loaded sandwiches — think the 'Fat Sal' stacked with cheesesteak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and fries inside the roll. It's pure indulgence, cheap per calorie, and easily splits into two meals. A late-night UCLA favorite when you want maximum food for minimum money and zero restraint.
Sumo Dog
$Hot Dogs / Japanese fusion · USC / South LA
In USC Village, Sumo Dog does Japanese-style hot dogs — think teriyaki, spicy mayo, furikake — that are cheap, fast, and more interesting than your standard dog. It's a solid between-class option when you want something quick and a little different without leaving campus or spending much.
Shamshiri Grill
$$Persian · Westwood / Sawtelle
Westwood Blvd is the heart of LA's Persian community, and Shamshiri Grill is one of its anchors. The koobideh and chicken kabobs come with mountains of saffron rice and grilled tomato, the portions are huge, and the prices are student-friendly. It's authentic, satisfying Persian food a short ride from campus — and a great introduction to a cuisine many students haven't tried.
Honeybird
$$Fried Chicken · USC / South LA
Right in USC Village, Honeybird does fried chicken and tenders that are a reliable step above fast food. It's convenient enough for a between-class meal and good enough that you won't feel like you settled. The chicken sandwich and the tender plate with sides are the dependable orders when you don't want to leave campus but want something genuinely satisfying.