Attending the University of Southern California comes with many perks: great education, beautiful weather, a bustling campus — and, of course, the vibrant food scene. As most USC students know, the university is surrounded by dozens of restaurants, fast-food chains and even street vendors, each offering unique flavors and unforgettable dining experiences. While student-favorites like Bacari W. Adams, La Barca and Ebaes are well-known to the average USC foodie, there are many hidden gems unknown to much of the campus community.
Early in my USC experience, I stuck to these popular campus joints as well as familiar fast-food restaurants that catered to my then inexperienced palate. Over time, I got more adventurous with food, which inspired me to venture beyond my immediate area, leading me to discover some of the best bites USC and South-Central Los Angeles have to offer. Now, a more experienced foodie in my fifth year, I can confidently say I’ve found three hidden gem restaurants that, while lesser-known, rival or even beat mainstream spots in quality, service and overall dining experience.
These establishments foster connections between USC students and the greater community, offering a taste of local culture to students who might otherwise remain immersed in the campus bubble and, at times, their sheltered USC experience. While we all love Rock & Reilly’s, Cava, Dulce and many of our other Village favorites, these hidden gems better reflect the rich diversity and culture of South Central and the people who live here. Whether you’re craving global cuisine, unexpected twists on your favorite dishes, or a quick, affordable meal, these restaurants are must-tries.
Though many local establishments deserve a spot on this list, I chose these three based on the following criteria: 1) my personal experiences and impressions, 2) feedback from fellow USC students and online reviews from sites like Google Reviews or Yelp, and 3) location - I focused on spots outside the well-traveled paths of Figueroa Street, Hoover Street and Adams Boulevard which are already popular with students. However, all these spots are walkable from campus and within the DPS free Lyft zone. That said, get ready to discover USC’s tastiest hidden gems!
1. Himalayan House
1277 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 | http://www.himalayanhouse.net/
Just beyond Vermont Avenue on Jefferson Boulevard, you’ll find Himalayan House, which describes itself as an “unassuming Nepalese eatery serving traditional stews and curries.” Along with Nepalese and Tibetan classics like momos and chow chow, Himalayan House also serves Indian dishes, offering eight different variations of naan, chicken and vegetable samosas and my favorite - chicken tikka masala. My go-to meal, the chicken tikka masala, is buttery, creamy and made with large pieces of tender chicken breast. The restaurant offers it with varying levels of spiciness, pleasing both heat-lovers and those like myself who prefer mild flavors. Another highlight is the steamed and fried momos (dumplings) that are perfectly crispy, packed to the brim with filling and complemented with a tangy tomato sesame seed dipping sauce.
All of the dishes are consistently delicious with each visit, and portions are exceptionally large. In particular, the samosas here, which are as big as my entire hand, are the largest I’ve ever seen! Additionally, the establishment offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, accommodating groups with varying dietary restrictions. The restaurant, which has a vibrant, brightly-colored interior, is typically fairly empty, allowing for quick, attentive service that is hard to find at a restaurant in L.A. Other dishes I recommend include chicken biryani, lentil soup and cheese naan. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful place to enjoy South Asian classics, then I highly recommend Himalayan House.
2. Chichen Itza
3655 S Grand Ave c6, Los Angeles, CA 90007 | https://www.chichenitzarestaurant.com/
No, I’m not referring to the Mayan ruins in Mexico – this Chichen Itza is the counter-service Mexican eatery inside the Mercado de Paloma just outside of the Coliseum. Despite being next to the Michelin-rated Holbox, Chichen Itza – which happens to have the same owner – holds its own. Serving Yucatecán eats, one bite at Chichen Itza transports you immediately to the streets of Mexico. Their tacos, which come in servings of two for only eight or nine dollars, include freshly-marinated chicken, pork or fish and are topped with a variety of delectable toppings and sauces. My favorite is the pollo asado tacos, which come with charbroiled achiote-marinated chicken, black bean puree (which I get my tacos without), lettuce, onions, and a fire-roasted tomato sauce served on perfectly steamed, soft tortillas. For those wanting a bit of a kick, their habanero hot sauce is highly recommended.
In addition to Mexican classics like tacos and tamales, Chichen Itza offers uniquely Yucatecán cuisine, such as fried plantains, cochinita pibil (Yucatán-style slow roasted pork) and agua de chaya (green juice). If you still have room after the main course, Chichen Itza is infamous for their horchata, which puts a spin on the classic recipe by making a “tea” with the canela and piloncillo before blending it with the rice and adding a small amount of almonds for added richness. For those looking for classic Mexican cuisine without breaking the bank, Chichen Itza is the place.
3. Caveman Kitchen
2215 Vermont Ave #101, 102, Los Angeles, CA 90007 | https://eatcaveman.com/
Caveman Kitchen claims to have the “best Peruvian food in Los Angeles,” and, though my experience with Peruvian cuisine is limited to a few spots, I don’t disagree! Serving both Peruvian classics and Peruvian/American fusion, Caveman Kitchen offers dining experiences for those looking for a traditional meal and for people less familiar with South American cuisine. I usually order the lomo saltado, a Peruvian dish that combines marinated strips of sirloin with onions, tomatoes, and french fries, served alongside rice. If you are a fan of steak frites or steak fajitas with fries, then it’s likely you’ll love lomo saltado. I top this dish, and most of my food from Caveman Kitchen, with their signature aji green sauce, made with cilantro, jalapeños, a little mayonnaise and parmesan, which adds a sweet umami flavor and is quite frankly addicting.
The restaurant is also known for their rotisserie chicken, which is slow-roasted over firewood and has perfectly-browned skin and pulls apart easily, with the juicy, tender chicken melting in your mouth. For those preferring fusion food to strictly Peruvian, one of their most popular dishes is the jalapeño cheeseburger, served with two beef patties, double Swiss cheese and grilled jalapeños served on a fluffy artisan bun. Overall, Caveman Kitchen is the perfect spot for those looking for a hearty meal that incorporates the flavors of Peru and South America. As an added bonus, their portions are notoriously large - allowing patrons to often get two meals for the price of one.