Philippe the Original vs Providence
Philippe the Original and Providence are both endorsed by expert reviewers. On balance, Providence ranks significantly better than Philippe the Original. Providence comes in at #1 in Los Angeles with endorsements from 16 publications like Lonely Planet, Time Out and Frommer's.
Philippe the Original
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1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012-1803
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"L.A.'s oldest restaurant (1908), Philippe claims that the French dip sandwich originated here."
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Lonely Planet
"From LAPD hunks to stressed-out attorneys to smooching couples, everyone loves Philippe’s, where the French-dip sandwich was invented over a century ago."
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Zagat
4.4
"Billed as "the originator of the French dip", this 1908-vintage Chinatown "landmark" still turns out "must-try" sandwiches hailed as "national treasures"."
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Rough Guide
"1908 sawdust café that serves up the eponymous sandwich with turkey, ham, lamb, pork or beef – an amazingly good and filling treat for less than $6."
Time Out
"In business since 1908, Philippe the Original claims to have invented the French dip sandwich."
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Providence
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5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038-3623
From $41 /night
Concierge
"Michael Cimarusti... continues to turn out some of the best seafood in the city."
Fodor's
"Obsessed with quality and freshness, the meticulous chef maintains a network of specialty purveyors, some of whom tip him off to their catch before it even hits the dock."
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Travel + Leisure
"Signature favorites include the Wild Striped Bass and Kanpachi Sashimi, complimented by excellent desserts and an extensive cellar."
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Rough Guide
"Near the top of the LA pricey-restaurant scale, and for good reason: the place is swarming with foodies, who come for the black sea bass, foie-gras ravioli, lump blue crab and plenty of other tremendous choices."
Time Out
"Very few restaurants aim for, little less achieve, the level of grace exhibited nightly at Providence."
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