Philippe The Original

Philippe The Original is a restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, renowned for serving the French Dip Sandwich, a dish invented on-site. The menu features a variety of sandwiches including roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, pastrami, and ham, all served on freshly baked French rolls dipped in natural roast gravy. Customers can choose from a selection of cheeses and enjoy classic side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, pickled dill and sweet pickles, black olives, and hot yellow chili peppers. The restaurant also offers breakfast, soups, salads, chili, desserts, and beverages. Located in Downtown Los Angeles since 1908, it has operated at its current address on N Alameda Street since 1951. With a 4.60 rating and over 1,000 reviews, it is widely recognized as a longstanding favorite in Southern California.

The restaurant’s story traces back to 1908 when Philippe Mathieu claimed to have invented the French Dip Sandwich, inspired by an accidental dip of a roll into a roasting pan. According to legend, a policeman who tried the sandwich after it was dropped into the pan returned the next day with friends, sparking the dish’s enduring popularity. The original recipe remains central to the menu, with each sandwich made using freshly baked rolls and natural roast juices. The restaurant continues to serve the same classic sides and meals that have drawn locals and visitors for over a century, preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of Los Angeles dining culture.

Philippe The Original is located on N Alameda Street, about 0.1 miles from the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Italian Hall, and the public artwork América Tropical. These cultural landmarks are situated within a short walk of the restaurant, which sits in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown district. The surrounding area includes North Alameda Street and North Main Street, key thoroughfares in the city’s central corridor.

Known for its enduring tradition and authentic deli fare, Philippe The Original stands as one of Los Angeles’s most iconic dining destinations. Its long-standing presence, consistent quality, and deep roots in local food history have solidified its reputation as a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of the city’s culinary past.