"Serving comforting pots of gumbo with dark-brown roux isn’t the only thing that makes Harold & Belle’s a household name—this Creole restaurant is also a source of pride for the Black community in LA. The Jefferson Park/Crenshaw communities have been coming to this candlelit restaurant to eat catfish platters, crunchy po’boys, and shrimp étouffée for over 50 years. Currently run by the third-generation of New Orleans transplants, Harold & Belle’s has evolved with the times, adding plant-based options like vegan gumbo and fried oyster mushrooms to their menu. But most tables here are packed with the classic Creole dishes that made this South LA spot famous. " - brant cox, nikko duren, garrett snyder, sylvio martins