As winter sets in and the weather cools down, we all know what time of year it is…soup season! From steaming matzo balls to slow-simmered seollongtang, the best soup in Los Angeles can be found in strip malls, fine-dining spots, and family-run institutions alike. Whether you’re craving the bold flavors of Thai boat noodles or the nostalgia of classic French onion soup, these standout soup destinations across the city are worth slurping your way through.
Mariscos Corona
Location: 14901 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405
This unassuming Van Nuys mariscos joint serves up one of the most satisfying bowls of caldo in L.A. The seafood soup is generously packed with shrimp, fish, and octopus in a deeply flavorful broth that clings to your spoon with richness. With handmade tortillas, lime, and fresh garnishes on the side, it’s a DIY experience in bold, briny comfort.
Attari Sandwich Shop
Location: 1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
At this Westwood favorite, Abgoosht—the traditional Persian meat-and-potato stew—offers a rustic, soulful experience. The dish is hearty and fragrant, often featuring slow-simmered chickpeas, potatoes, tomatoes, and tender lamb. Since it’s not available daily, call ahead to confirm and consider it a lucky day if you catch it.
Carnival Restaurant
Location: 4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Carnival has been a San Fernando Valley favorite since the ’80s, known for its Lebanese staples and glowing neon signage. Their lentil soup is uncomplicated yet comforting, offering a subtly spiced, protein-packed start to your meal. Occasionally, you might also find molokhia on the menu—a savory chicken stew thickened with mallow leaves and cooked with warming spices.
Pasjoli
Location: 2732 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Pasjoli’s French onion soup is the kind of dish that earns its indulgence. Served in a small ceramic bowl, it features caramelized onions drenched in rich vegetable broth, crowned with a bubbling layer of cheese. The toasted breadsticks on the side add a crisp, buttery counterpoint that turns this starter into a star.
Coucou
Location: 218 Main St, Venice, CA 90291
This chic bar in Venice brings serious flair to French onion soup. Coucou’s version features a delicate pile of sweet caramelized onions blanketed by torched comté cheese and served in a white lion’s head bowl. It’s elegant, deeply savory, and a shining example of how a humble dish can still feel refined.
Birdie G’s
Location: 2421 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Birdie G’s matzo ball soup tastes like a warm hug from your Jewish grandmother—if she happened to be a Michelin-starred chef. The dill-forward broth is both delicate and rich, surrounding a perfectly tender matzo ball and soft carrots. Stop by before this beloved Westside restaurant closes its doors on December 31, 2025.
Ackee Bamboo
Location: 2835 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Now located in Beverlywood, this Jamaican spot delivers big flavor with its curry vegetable soup. The broth is layered with spices and heat, packed with chunks of potato, carrots, and squash that soak up every drop of flavor. It’s healing, hearty, and suitable for any season.
Mae Malai
Location: 5445 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
What began as a Thai Town pop-up is now a permanent go-to for top-tier soup. Mae Malai offers rich, earthy boat noodles and tangy tom yum, all built on deeply nuanced broths. The portions are smaller, so consider it an excuse to try multiple bowls—and bring your heat tolerance.
Han Bat Shul Lung Tang
Location: 4163 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
A Koreatown institution since 1987, Han Bat is all about the details. Their seollongtang is a milky ox bone soup simmered for hours until the broth turns rich and opaque. Customize with salt, scallions, and kimchi, and don’t forget the rice—it’s all part of the ritual.
Tamales Elena (Maléna)
Location: 4301 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Inside West Adams’ Maydan Market, this Guerrero-style gem serves an iconic pozole flight. Featuring red, green, and white variations, each bowl comes with all the traditional garnishes—from crunchy cabbage to tangy salsa. It’s the kind of soulful, celebratory soup you’ll want to return to long after the holidays.