From handmade tortillas in Boyle Heights and Vietnamese classics in the San Gabriel Valley to Thai boat noodles, Ethiopian feasts, Japanese soba and a jazz club built around baked potatoes, these are the restaurants we return to across Los Angeles.

At a quick glance, the dimly lit entrance of Chinatown’s Far East Plaza shows a handful of humble restaurants selling familiar rice noodle dishes, banh mi sandwiches, and pho. Once inside, rays of light guide you to a busy open-air plaza that hosts a thriving, out-of-sight destination for curious eaters where vendors have long lines, sell-out early, or prefer reservations. Among the many businesses celebrated here, open only Friday through Sunday and selling out within a few hours, is Baker's Bench by Jennifer Yee. Peering into a small glass case as if they were gazing at precious gems, customers visiting Baker's Bench are privy to rows of flaky chocolate croissants, moist blueberry muffins, rich black sesame cookies and buttery Danish pastries.

Since 1969, Harold & Belle’s has served gumbo, fried catfish, étouffée, po’boys, and other Creole staples in Jefferson Park. Now run by the founders’ grandson and his wife, the restaurant remains one of the clearest links to Los Angeles’s historic Creole community.