Exploring Los Angeles is a big part of the 2026 Science Olympiad National Tournament experience, and that starts with food. From quick bites between events to sit-down dinners with your team, the neighborhoods around USC offer options for every taste and budget, all within a reasonable distance of campus.
Be sure to check each restaurant's website for current hours and large-group policies.
On-Campus
Teams staying in on-campus accommodations at USC have meal plans included in their selected packages. Teams staying in off-campus accommodations may purchase commuter meal cards; details are available on the Travel & Accommodations page.
Off-Campus
American
- Hammy's Smash Burgers – Casual burger spot serving crispy smash burgers, fries, and shakes, great for a relaxed team meal or quick bite after events.
Address: 2180 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 — 10 miles from campus
- Le Grand – French-inspired American brasserie in downtown LA with burgers, steaks, and pastas, better for a sit-down family or team dinner.
Address: 707 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017 — 3 miles from campus
- Fixins Soul Kitchen – Lively, family-friendly restaurant at LA Live serving fried chicken, waffles, and classic soul food sides that are easy to share.
Address: 800 W Olympic Blvd Suite A150, Los Angeles, CA 90015 — 2 miles from campus
Italian
French
- Petit Trois – Classic French bistro known for dishes like omelets, steak frites, and pastries, great for families or small groups looking for a cozy sit-down meal.
Address: 718 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 — 7 miles from campus
- Perch – Rooftop restaurant with French-inspired dishes and sweeping city views, a memorable option for an evening in LA.
Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 — 3 miles from campus
- Cafe Fig – Hotel restaurant near LA Live serving American and French-leaning comfort food, convenient if you're exploring downtown attractions.
Address: 939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 — 2 miles from campus
Mediterranean
- Panini Kabob Grill – Casual Mediterranean restaurant with kebabs, wraps, salads, and rice plates that are easy to customize for kids and adults.
Address: 600 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 — 3 miles from campus
- Bavel – Popular Arts District destination highlighting Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, best reserved in advance for larger groups.
Address: 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 — 6 miles from campus
- Mizlala – Casual counter-service spot for pitas, bowls, and salads, a strong pick when you want something fresh and fast.
Address: 5400 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 — 5 miles from campus
Hispanic (Mexican & Latin)
Chinese
- Northern Cafe – A true USC standby for dumplings, noodles, and big portions, popular with students looking for a filling, affordable meal.
Address: 2904 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — 0.5 miles from campus
- Yang's Kitchen – Casual but polished restaurant with Chinese-inspired dishes and seasonal ingredients, better suited for a slower sit-down meal.
Address: 112 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801 — 14 miles from campus
- Pine & Crane DTLA – Stylish but welcoming Taiwanese-inspired spot downtown offering noodles, rice dishes, and plenty of vegetable sides that are easy to share with a team.
Address: 1120 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015 — 3 miles from campus
Japanese
- Momota Ramen House – Cozy ramen shop serving comforting bowls of noodles and broth, great for a simple, kid-friendly meal after a long competition day.
Address: 3019 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — 0.5 miles from campus
- Sushi Takeda – Intimate sushi bar downtown, better for small groups looking for a quieter, more focused dining experience.
Address: 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St ste 307 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012 — 4 miles from campus
- Cafe Dulce (USC Village) – Coffee shop with Japanese-inspired pastries and snacks, great for a quick treat or study break between events.
Address: 3096 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — <0.5 miles from campus
Korean
- KOBUNGA (USC Village) – Fast-casual Korean barbecue bowls in USC Village, ideal for a quick, filling lunch before or after events.
Address: 929 W Jefferson Blvd, Suite 1610, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — <0.5 miles from campus
- Soowon Galbi – Well-known Korean BBQ restaurant in Koreatown, great for a team outing where everyone can cook together at the table.
Address: 856 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005 — 3 miles from campus
- Kyochon – Famous for crispy Korean fried chicken, perfect for takeout or a relaxed dinner with your team.
Address: 3833 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020 — 4 miles from campus
Vietnamese
- Pho N Mor – Casual Vietnamese spot offering pho, vermicelli bowls, and rice plates, great for a warm, comforting meal with your team.
Address: 3335 S Figueroa St, Unit P, Los Angeles, California 90007 — <0.5 miles from campus
- Ktown Pho – Neighborhood pho restaurant in Koreatown with simple, kid-friendly noodle soups and rice dishes that work well for groups.
Address: 974 S Western Ave Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90006 — 3 miles from campus
- 23rd Street Cafe – Neighborhood favorite near campus with a broad menu that includes Vietnamese-inspired options alongside American and Indian dishes.
Address: 936 W 23rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — 1 mile from campus
Thai
- Thai by Trio – A favorite among USC students for reliable Thai classics like pad thai and curries, all within a short walk from campus.
Address: 2700 S Figueroa St Ste 101, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — 0.5 miles from campus
- Ebaes – Relaxed restaurant that blends Thai-style noodles with ramen and sushi, ideal when your team wants a mix of flavors in one place.
Address: 2314 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — 1 mile from campus
- Jitlada – Iconic LA destination for bold, spicy Southern Thai dishes, best for teams willing to take a longer outing together.
Address: 5233 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 — 8 miles from campus
Indian
- Himalayan House – A convenient choice for comforting curries, momos, and tandoori dishes when you want a hearty meal close to campus.
Address: 1277 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — 0.5 miles from campus
- India's Tandoori – Classic North Indian restaurant with a large menu and many vegetarian options, worth the short drive for a relaxed team dinner.
Address: 5468 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 — 6 miles from campus
- BADMAASH – A modern downtown spot that puts a playful twist on traditional Indian flavors, great for celebrating after competition day.
Address: 108 W 2nd St #104, Los Angeles, CA 90012 — 4 miles from campus
Liked by Vegetarians
- City Tacos (USC Village) – Bright taco shop with several vegetarian options, ideal for a fast lunch between tournament activities.
Address: 835 W Jefferson Blvd Ste 1735, Los Angeles, CA 90089 — <0.5 miles from campus
- Bottega Louie – Bustling downtown restaurant and patisserie with plenty of salads, pizzas, and vegetable-forward dishes, plus a large bakery case that kids love.
Address: 700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017 — 3 miles from campus
- Bacari W Adams – Cozy small-plates restaurant near USC with many shareable veggie options, good for teams or families looking for a more relaxed sit-down meal.
Address: 2308 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007 — 1 mile from campus