NO SILVERWARE REQUIRED: FINGER FOOD IN LOS ANGELES

There’s something undeniably satisfying about eating with your hands. Not that the white tablecloth meal with gleaming silverware doesn’t have its allure. But nothing quite compares to the primal beauty of enjoying a great sandwich, burger, falafel — you name your finger-friendly food — sans fork and knife. Where in Los Angeles should you make the most of eating without silverware? In no particular order, we give you ten of our favorites. Just be sure to leave your pretensions — uh, that is, utensils — at the door.

Hugo’s Tacos
The diminutive, freeway-adjacent stand, opened by the folks from Hugo’s restaurants, does an awesome chicken torta. Painted in a sticky, slightly spicy honey-chipotle glaze, it’s not exactly neat. First date fare this is not, but it’s a terrific combination starring moist grilled chicken, white beans and guacamole tucked into a soft, griddled roll.

Bay Cities
Another don’t-miss local sandwich comes courtesy of this Santa Monica Italian grocer and deli. It pays to come off hours. Otherwise, be prepared to wait along with the hoards for what is arguably SoCal’s best sub sandwich. Served on crusty Italian rolls baked daily, the hulking creations are available with myriad fillings. Try “The Godmother,” made with salami, mortadella, coppacola, ham, prosciutto and provolone. We swear even the cheese sandwich is a glorious thing here.

Il Tramezzino
For a more refined Italian sandwich, Il Tramezzino in Beverly Hills is worth a visit. Staff will even run paninis out to your car if you order ahead.

Asian Noodles
This Chinatown-based Philippine food specialist features siopao, steamed fluffy buns à la Chinese bao but much larger. The buns are filled with a choice of pork or chicken. There’s also the Bola-Bola version filled with ground pork and salted egg.

Pita Kitchen
For falafel, every fan seems to have a favorite. Ours is Pita Kitchen, a gem just off Ventura Boulevard, because of the crunchy, nicely seasoned orbs. You can get yours dished up in a pita or wrapped in lavash bread.

Pacific Dining Car
Angelenos are equally passionate about their burgers. Pacific Dining Car makes theirs from top quality beef, packing in loads of flavor. Night owls can stop in during the wee hours because the Downtown-adjacent restaurant is open 24-7.

Gardens
If you like swanky spots where you can still slum sans silverware, this Four Seasons Hotel hotspot is your place. Chef Ashley James, a UK native, dishes out divine fish and chips plated wittily on a copy of the Times of London.

Sidebar
At this sophisticated little joint (little sib to Wolfgang Puck’s steakhouse, Cut), the menu features irresistible goodies such as fresh hot gougeres and tempura onion rings with a smoked paprika-saffron aïoli.

Nyala Ethiopian and Rosalind’s
There’s no silverware required at the restaurants dotting Little Ethiopia on Fairfax, such as Nyala Ethiopian, probably the best known of the bunch, and Rosalind’s, with its indoor huts. Instead, you use delicate pancake-like bread called injera to scoop up savory vegetable stews and wash it all down with sweet honey wine.