Ink's a hole-in-the-wall gourmet sandwich stand lined w/ graffitied blackboards and not much else, opening from Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio, who managed to pull off a somehow under-the-radar build-out despite obsessive scrutiny from media, food blogs, and Val Kilmer's stomach.

• 8360 Melrose, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Mid Wilshire)
• Website
• Menu

Having mastered the art and science of the Neapolitan pizza, 800 Degrees passes along the opportunity to create your own masterpiece. Order from a pre-made menu, or customize the toppings yourself -- you can even watch at the counter as they dress your pie and feed it to the wood-fired oven. Voila, thin crust perfection ready in a minute flat.

• 1146 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (Westwood)
• 310.443.1911
• Website

When all of the sandwiches at an establishment begin with the word “Fat,” you know it's going to be good. Try out the classic “Fat Sal,” which has roast beef, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and brown gravy all crammed into one perfect sandwich.

• 950 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (Westwood)
• 310.208.5070
• Website

A surprisingly gourmet sandwich shop that's serving up fancified roast beef eats.

• 1000 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019 (Mid Wilshire)
• 323.549.9945
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If you're a fan of boat noodles and happen to be in Hollywood, you'll wanna check out this Thai-style coffee shop. Don't know what boat noodles are? No, problem. Still pop in for some Thai tea or coffee and some food that's anything but the norm.

• 5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Hollywood)
• 323.665.1035
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• Menu

This super simple Chinatown spot is owned by the Baja-bred Esdras Orchoa, who's changing the Mexican food game in LA with his masa harina tortillas. Not too big or too small, the corn flour tortillas are thick enough to hold the weight of beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp fillings, plus a topping of the creamy house garlic sauce. Mexicali's menu is simple and straightforward: aside from tacos, there are quesadillas, tostadas, and nachos. To really get a taste of the kitchen's Baja expertise, go for the Zuperman, a tortilla sandwich filled with a hefty portion of three meats and cheese.

• 702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Downtown)
• 213.613.0416
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• Menu

Wah's hands down is some of the best Chinese food in all of LA. Whether you get the Wonton Soup or opt for something of the noodle variety you seemingly can't go wrong.

• 709 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (Hollywood)
• 323.661.0093
• Website

Remember the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark where Indiana Jones navigates those seemingly impossible-to-navigate booby traps all in an effort to get that little bald buddha dude statue? Well, Hannosuke is kinda like that, except the seemingly impossible-to-navigate place is the Mitsuwa Japanese Marketplace and the bald buddha dude statue is battered-and-fried-goodness from Japan.

• 3760 S Centinella, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (Santa Monica)
• 310.398.2113

With a straightforward approach to tacos, the second branch of the wildly popular East LA taqueria adds a patiod to the mix, but sticks to the original, winning menu of homemade tortillas and a selection of various meats, fish, and vegetarian options. The liquor menu is equally pared down to keeps things simple.

• 1261 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Echo Park)
• 213.250.7600
• Website

Open since 1985, this Koreatown strip small spot has a reputation for being one of the oldest and most reputable restaurants in the neighborhood. Its speciality is bossam, a giant platter of boiled and sliced pork belly, served with a few kinds of kimchee, raw oysters, fermented shrimp, and giant pieces of lettuce, which are used to wrap everything up in a tight bundle for eating. You should definitely go to Kobawoo for its bossam, but while you're there, be sure to order the seafood pancakes, cold acorn noodles, and pan-fried squid too.

• 698 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (Koreatown)
• 213.389.7300
• Website

Dream KBBQ has the best of both worlds, Korean BBQ and all-you-can-eat buffet options to go along with your food choice. But make sure you're sufficiently hungry so you get your moneys worth and when you leave you'll have to loosen up that belt a few notches.

• 100 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Koreatown)
• 213.388.7668
• Website

Chego! offers up a wide array of cuisine-types in this downtown brick-and-mortar location. From rice bowls to something called a "Sriracha Bar" for dessert, this restaurant is sure to have your taste buds singing.

• 727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Downtown)
• 323.380.8680
• Website