New York can’t seem to stay away from L.A. Its presence as part of the Los Angeles dining scene has perhaps never been greater. There have been plenty of milestones over the last decade: Shake Shack’s landmark entry into L.A., Smorgasburg’s expansion to the Row DTLA and chefs like David Chang setting up L.A. outposts. Now, the Yankees are heading to Dodgers Stadium to kick off a historic 2024 World Series matchup between the longtime coastal rivals.
In addition to New York-founded staples such as Levain Bakery and Roberta’s, more NYC-inspired concepts have migrated to L.A., including New York’s Chopped Cheese from a Harlem native (now with two locations) and Donna’s, an Echo Park red-sauce Italian spot offering a heaping dose of ‘60s East Coast nostalgia with eggplant-strewn wallpaper, checkered floors, and giant meatballs. Nearby, Bodega Park draws inspiration from the Big Apple’s corner-store sandwiches to create a unique, all-day concept.
The 2024 World Series inspired a slew of Dodgers-themed food and drink specials around town, but you might also find yourself craving some classic East Coast eats. These days, one could argue that not only is L.A. the superior dining city, but that it’s churning out better versions of staple New York foods. For a taste of NYC, here are our favorite ways to visit the five boroughs without booking a flight.
