Chef David Chang has long been a trailblazer in the culinary community. When he opened Bib Gourmand Momofuku Noodle Bar over two decades ago, he introduced diners to uniquely delicious and comforting Asian street food with just the right touch of decadence.
Since then, he has opened many other restaurants, including ones that have been recognized by The MICHELIN Guide, such as majordōmo in Los Angeles and the now-closed Two-MICHELIN-Star Momofuku Ko.
Chef Dave has also used his platform to champion other chefs, including Pastry Chef Christina Tosi in launching the sensation Milk Bar and Chef Paul Carmichael in opening Caribbean-inspired Kabawa in New York.
His influence in the food world has become mainstream, as he’s hosted and appeared in a number of award-winning TV shows (Ugly Delicious, Dinner Time Live with David Chang) and podcasts (The Dave Chang Show, Recipe Club). He even won Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, one of only a handful of people to ever do so.
Below, we spoke with David Chang about his favorite restaurants in Los Angeles and what he’s working on now.
What are your overall favorites in Los Angeles?
LA is one of the greatest eating cities in the world simply because of its diversity. It's a term that gets thrown around a lot, but it's true here. For Korean food, Parks BBQ is always my staple. For pizza, obviously there's great pizza everywhere, but Bianco downtown and Pizzeria Bianco shouldn't be slept on. Adam Perry Lang’s weekend pop-ups are also incredible. You have the best-in-class of so many things here: great delicatessens, classic spots like Musso & Frank (nothing beats a martini and steak at the bar), and even Santa Monica spots like Capo. Honestly, I don't want to say it, but Majordōmo is pretty great too.
For a classic LA meal?
You could say Spago or Philippe’s, but for me, nothing beats a bacon-wrapped hot dog from a street vendor outside games or concerts—loaded with peppers and everything else. That’s quintessential LA.
For first-timers to LA?
Visit the Santa Monica Farmers Market on a Wednesday or Saturday. Hollywood has good markets too, but to truly understand LA, you have to start with the incredible local produce and ingredients.
For a big celebration?
Order a couple of ducks at Ji Rong in SGV. That’s how you celebrate big.
For date night?
Queen Street for oysters and clams. You can’t beat it.
For dining alone?
The bar at Funke or Antico Nuovo. Both great spots to enjoy a meal solo.
For a meal with your kids?
Teppanyaki spots in LA are perfect for kids. It’s interactive, entertaining and everyone has fun.
For simple comfort food?
Golden Deli in SGV. Nothing simple about it, but always comforting.
Any hidden gems?
Old Huku in Gardena, though not exactly hidden, deserves more attention. Another true hidden gem is the Asian American stalwart diner in Gardena Bowl.
Favorite hotel?
Hotel Bel-Air. There’s something magical about that property.
Unrelated to food, where would you go on a day off?
Near me, there's a fly fishing casting pond and an archery range. Perfect ways to unwind. Once my shoulder heals from surgery, I'm definitely trying archery.
Before opening your own restaurants, which job was surprisingly meaningful?
Teaching English in Japan at 21 or 22. If i never went there in 1999, I wouldn't have tried a bowl of ramen in a tiny town called Izum Tottori in Southern Japan. That changed my culinary path forever.
What’s been your favorite memory working in restaurants?
Having a near perfect service where food, service and customer experience all align perfectly and knowing the entire team made it happen.
Who would you invite to eat at one of your restaurants who hasn’t been yet?
Shohei Ohtani, because he's the GOAT.
On your podcasts, which episode or guest deserved more attention?
Anytime we get a Ph.D or medical expert on the show!
Which chefs would you want on your podcast next?
Ferran and Albert Adria
You won Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, donating $1M to Southern Smoke. Why them?
Southern Smoke supports industry workers nationwide, providing mental health resources and financial assistance. Chris Shepherd and his team run an essential charity.
How do you approach opening a restaurant in LA vs. other cities?
LA diners have incredibly broad and deep food knowledge. You can’t fake it here; you have to be respectful, authentic, and genuinely understand the city's culinary landscape.
Why open Kabawa, a Caribbean restaurant in NYC?
Paul Carmichael is one of the most brilliant chefs I’ve worked with, and Kabawa is his space to cook freely and boldly. It feels exactly like Paul.
With Momofuku Goods, how do you approach products differently from the restaurants?
Both prioritize flavor, but restaurants deliver an immersive experience—music, atmosphere, service—while our products help people easily create delicious meals at home.
Has becoming a father changed your approach to food?
Absolutely. Cooking at home for my kids changed my entire perspective. It’s about nourishing food made with intention, something you don’t always capture in restaurant cooking.
What would you like your legacy to be?
That I kept improving, taught people well and made food more accessible.
Nowadays, what’s your dream?
For my kids to actually enjoy my cooking instead of telling me they don’t like it.
Address Book
Antico Nuovo
4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Capo
1810 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Funke
9388 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Gardena Bowl
15707 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA 90247
Golden Deli
815 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection (Three MICHELIN Keys)
701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Ji Rong Peking Duck
8450 E Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770
Majordōmo
1725 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Musso & Frank
6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Parks BBQ
955 S Vermont Ave G, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Philippe’s
1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Pizzeria Bianco (Bib Gourmand)
1320 E 7th St Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Queen Street
4701 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Santa Monica Farmers Market
2640 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Spago
176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Hero image: Andrew Bezek / David Chang
