This was originally published at Futsol as part of our City Guide series for EURO2024 and Copa América, as a look at six hosts of the mega football summer.
Los Angeles is a city containing 10 cities, hundreds of cultures, and about 10 million people. It has everything you could possibly want, and some things you might not want, too.
It’s been my home for 8 years. I convinced my whole family to move west as well. I’m based in Culver City and can be found playing football in Playa Vista, Venice, or Griffith Park. My hope for Copa América is that it provides a glimpse of the passion that will be present for the 2026 World Cup, but also unveils a rich, diverse culture led by the massive Spanish-speaking community in North America that has evolved into so many forms of creative expression.
EAT.
The Bolo Bao sandwich is elite at Arroz & Fun and the crew here love footy, often opening their space up for morning European viewing parties. They’ll more than likely be doing the same all summer. Football is a theme at N10 too, where there’s a massive photo of Alessandro Del Piero as you walk in (this Italian restaurant in mid-city is owned by him.) It’s worth a visit purely to roll the dice to see if ADP pops in to say hi to his clientele, which happens pretty frequently.
Tucked away in Mar Vista, you’ll find Cafe Brasil – an authentic colourful cafe serving creative Brazilian cuisine. Don’t sleep on the fried plantains. They’ll also be showing A Selecão in action, naturally.
Alternatively, Grand Casino is an Argentinian staple in the heart of downtown Culver City. They’ll be serving milanesas, dulce de leche, and empanadas.