Tucked inside major U.S. cities are vibrant cultural enclaves that transport you to other parts of the world—no passport required. Little Ethiopia, Little Tokyo, and Little Havana offer authentic dining experiences rooted in tradition, migration, and community. These neighborhoods aren’t tourist traps; they’re living archives of culture through food. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for your favorite dish, here’s what to eat—and how to make the most of your visit.

Little Ethiopia – Los Angeles, CA

Located along Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, Little Ethiopia is home to a tight-knit Ethiopian-American community and some of the best East African food in the country.

What to order:

• Injera with Doro Wat: This spicy chicken stew is considered Ethiopia’s national dish. It’s served over injera, a tangy fermented flatbread made from teff flour.
  
• Kitfo: A seasoned beef tartare, often served raw or lightly sautéed.
  
• Vegetarian Combo: Lentils, chickpeas, cabbage, and collard greens make this an ideal option for plant-based eaters.
  

Tips:

• Skip the utensils. Meals are traditionally eaten with your hands using pieces of injera to scoop the food.
  
• Many restaurants in the area are family-run and open late, especially on weekends.

Find top-reviewed spots on Yelp.

Little Tokyo – Los Angeles, CA

Just a few miles away in Downtown LA is Little Tokyo, a historic neighborhood dating back to the early 1900s. It remains one of only three official Japantowns in the U.S.

What to order:

• Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork-based broth with chewy noodles, chashu, and soft-boiled egg.
  
• Sushi Omakase: Let the chef choose for you at one of the area’s high-quality sushi counters.
  
• Mochi or Taiyaki: For dessert, try handmade Japanese sweets like red bean-filled fish-shaped pastries.
  

Tips:

• Lines can get long at popular ramen spots, especially on weekends—go early or plan for a wait.
  
• Look for Japanese grocery stores nearby to pick up snacks, sake, and kitchenware.
  

Check Best Guide LA’s Little Tokyo guide for top-rated eateries and cultural stops.

Little Havana – Miami, FL

Little Havana is the heart of Cuban-American culture in Miami. Known for its live music, colorful murals, and domino parks, it’s also a hotspot for incredible Cuban cuisine.

What to order:

• Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef cooked in tomato sauce with onions and peppers, served with rice and plantains.
  
• Cuban Sandwich: Ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles pressed between Cuban bread.
  
• Café Cubano: A shot of sweet, strong espresso that fuels the neighborhood.
  

Tips:

• Visit in the late afternoon for the full effect: music, café culture, and walk-up windows serving pastelitos and croquetas.
  
• Calle Ocho (8th Street) is the main thoroughfare, filled with restaurants, cigar shops, and street art.

Earn While You Dine

Planning to explore these neighborhoods with takeout or delivery? You can earn instant cashback by buying digital gift cards for apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats through Fluz. Many restaurants in these areas partner with delivery platforms, allowing you to taste the world and save money in the process.

Final Thoughts

These neighborhoods don’t just serve food—they serve history, identity, and resilience. Dining in Little Ethiopia, Little Tokyo, or Little Havana is a flavorful way to connect with the stories that shape American cities. So go hungry, come curious, and support the communities that make our cities richer.