Every week, Eater editors offer spots to eat at over the weekend.
Every Friday, you probably think of the same question: where should I eat this weekend? Well, every week Eater LA will compile a handy dandy set of recommendations.
Here now, five places to try this weekend in Los Angeles:
For a fashionable brunch in Downtown: LA Chapter
The brunch here is probably going to be more about the scene than the actual food, though there a few bright spots on the menu, like the excellent spicy crab toast and those lovely ricotta pancakes topped with bananas and berries. Be sure to ask for more maple syrup, because the tiny cup they give you wouldn't even suffice for half a pancake. You could nibble on shishito peppers or try and share one of the large avocado toasts with your regular brunch brew, but whatever you do, get the fried chicken sandwich and plan to take a long nap in the afternoon. Those Sunday naps are the best after a sandwich like that. 930 S. Broadway, Downtown — MK [Photo: Yelp]
For LA's most underrated pizza: Prova
Vito Iacopelli helped Michael's Pizzeria in Long Beach garner "the best pizzeria" in the country, but none of that matters now that he has his own place in West Hollywood. Blazing his own pizza trail, Iacopelli brings an refreshingly authentic take on pizza, blending styles he learned in Bari, Apulia; Sicily; and Naples. The results are a mostly pitch-perfect Italian pizza, with an expert touch from beginning to end. The pies sit in the wood-fired oven for under two minutes, getting nice blistered spots while the dough itself remains pliant and flavorful, with just a hint of tang from the natural leavening they do every day in house. Another plus: the pies are really large, almost enough for two, and range anywhere from an affordable $10 for the margherita to just $15 for the more complicated pies. 8729 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood — MK
For the Downtown rice bowl you've been waiting for: Rice Bar
Heirloom rice varieties arrive from the Philippines, and you’d swear that the 275 square foot Rice Bar couldn’t possibly have anywhere for them to fit. Luckily, it hasn’t been a problem for chef/owner Charles Olalia, who is moving through kilos of the stuff as hungry folks line up to the sidewalk in hopes of snagging one of the Filipino-inspired bowls. There’s pancit and pan de sal sliders as well, but ask anyone in line and they’ll direct you towards the bowls, which are made to order using a collection of hard-to-source rice and classic Filipino protein options, like pork longganisa or bistek tagalog. 419 W. 7th Street, Downtown — FE
When you want to eat where all your favorite chefs go: Sotto
Just about anyone in the restaurant industry will point you to Sotto the next time you ask around for a recommendation; the pizzas, the pastas, the cocktails — they’re all that good. Of course, it should come as no surprise, given Steve Samson in the kitchen and his predilection for doing things the old-school way. Pizzas arrive perfectly burnished with flecks of char, while later pasta courses and meatier mains feel like the sort of meal you’d pay twice as much for elsewhere. And to have all that under one roof, from one chef? Magical. 9575 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles — FE
To help you through the weekend heat wave: CVT Soft Serve
What could be better than soft serve made fresh from a California creamery? How about a twist of chocolate and vanilla, served with sprinkles or just a dash of sea salt? Better still, what if your cone came from the retrofitted insides of a fully mobile Mr. Softee truck that’s going on 60 years old? It’s all possible with CVT, the ice cream specialists who have been putting their little truck around town to a lot of acclaim. Sporting one of the longest lines at the recent Tacolandia festival — once the heat picked up, at least — CVT is proving that simple might just be best, especially when all you want during a hot summer day is a cool dose of perfect ice cream. @CVTSoftServe for location — FE
July 17, 2015:
For food, music, and a night under the stars: Patina at the Hollywood Bowl
Outdoor concert season is in full effect, which means a night at the Hollywood Bowl should be on your radar already. This time, instead of sneaking in a bag of chips and a 7-11 sandwich, maybe consider springing for the picnic box seats and a bucket of Patina's own fried chicken. Or hit the wine bar early, to beat the crowds — there are few better places than the Bowl, after all, to enjoy a drink. 2301 Highland Avenue, Hollywood — FE
For some of the Southland's best baked goods: Lincoln
Pasadena often gets short shrift when it comes to mentions of its dining scene. But truly, the stuff coming out of Lincoln, in the northern reaches of Pasadena, deserves all the acclaim it can get. Crusty loaves of bread give way to airy interiors, while simple morning egg dishes get livened up with one or two unexpected ingredients. This is a place to relax, chat, and take home some goodies for everyone else to enjoy — coffee included. 1992 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena — FE
For a perfect late night meal in Downtown: Bierbeisl Imbiss
If you haven't been over to Bierbeisl Imbiss, you're missing out on one of the coolest new concepts to hit L.A. in a while. Modeled after a standard European cafeteria, it's Bernard Mairinger at his most accessible. Consider the array of sausages, served with the house-baked bierbeisl, baguette, or pretzel. The fried pork schnitzel sandwich, with a bright smear of lingonberry jam, is a terrific thing to enjoy with a large stein of lager. And the place is open until 2 a.m. every night, so you won't have to worry about the kitchen closing up on you. 541 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 —MK
July 10, 2015:
For flavorful and authentic Indonesian without the flight to Jakarta: Simpang Asia
This humble, but stylish eatery in Palms has some of the best, and truly affordable, Indonesian cuisine in Los Angeles. Opt for the mie tek tek, a stir-fried noodle much like yakitori but with more of the flavors of Thai-style pad see ew. Or share the large banana-leaf wrapped nasi bunkus, which comes loaded up with chicken curry, beef rendang, chili relish egg, and coconut-tinted steamed rice. To start, get a classic gado gado, a peanut dressing salad or have a classic kaya toast during brunch time. 10433 National Blvd. —MK [Photo: Yelp]
For sharp Japanese vegetable-friendly cuisine: Necco
West LA's Necco has lived quietly in the old Wakkasan space along Westwood Blvd for a few months now, without much of a peep from critics or other reviewers around town. That's a shame because Kenji Koyama, who used to be Lorde's personal chef, is whipping up some of the most creative vegetable-focused Japanese food in Los Angeles at the moment. If you're looking for a healthy, but innovative meal that's going to run laps around places like Cafe Gratitude, check out Necco. 1929 Westwood Blvd —MK
For your next casual Italian meal: All'Acqua
As Atwater Village's dining scene continues to emerge, look for neighborhood Italian spot All'Acqua to command an outsized presence — without being fussy. The beautiful space has been reformatted from a formerly droll Mexican spot into something much more airy and fun, with dueling bars (one overlooking the wood-fired pizza oven) for anyone who couldn't snag a table reservation. Meatballs, salads and simple pastas are nothing more than what's needed but exactly what you'd expect, while punchy cocktails and an easygoing wine list help keep things lively. 3280 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village — FE [Photo by Elizabeth Daniels]
For some weekend Vietnamese exploring: Little Saigon
Don't let the 45 minute drive keep you from exploring Orange County's Little Saigon, the dense neighborhood collection of Vietnamese shops and restaurants. Spread across the Westminster/ Garden Grove area, Little Saigon is full of hidden gems and outright stars, from pho shops to banh mi stops, and everything in between. All you've got to do is dip into any strip mall along Westminster Boulevard, and you're likely to find something more than worthwhile. Maybe start with something simple like Garlic and Chives or 7 Leaves, and build up your strip mall confidence from there. Garlic and Chives, 9892 Westminster Blvd., Garden Grove — FE
For upscale Southeast Asian fare and top notch people watching: EP/LP
One would expect the flavors coming out of the kitchen of hotly anticipated restaurant EP & LP to be tempered to accommodate its Louboutin crowd. With the exception of fiery heat, they are not. Chef Louis Tikaram's standout dishes like the punchy Chiang Mai larb, hot and sour bison tartare, and scallop and mussel curry highlight the complex interplay of sweet, sour, and bitter components that define the cuisine of restaurants in Thai town. The primary differences between EP & LP and those restaurants just a few miles east are the stunning views and the exceptional people watching, which are currently some of the best in town. 603 N. La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood—CC [Photo by Wonho Frank Lee]
July 2, 2015:
For modern Indian vibes: Sāmbār
There is nothing conventional about Culver City's newest Indian restaurant Sāmbār. Helmed by Akasha Richmond, who went from studying Indian cuisine at the celebrated Golden Temple to traveling the world cooking for Michael Jackson, Sāmbār is the collision of South Asian flavors paired with California sensibilities. Menu highlights exhibit just that — Mississippi masala chicken wings certainly aren't something you're likely to see on the streets of Mumbai, but sure pair well with what may be the only Indian craft cocktail program in the city, and an excellent one at that. 9531 Culver Blvd. Culver City —CC
For downhome Middle Eastern fare: Marouch
[Photo: Yelp]
You wouldn't expect soul-warming plates of grilled meats and homemade spreads to come frem a strip mall in a rather rundown streth of East Hollywood, but that's exactly what you get at Marouch. Middle Easern favorites like mezze and kebabs are deftly prepared here, but there are also daily specials like sheykh al-mehshi, eggplant filled with beef and pine nuts, and bamieh, a tomato-based okra and beef dish. Just be wary of rather inflated prices that come as a surprise at the end of the meal. 4905 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles —CC
For a taste of Mexicali in Los Angeles: Mexicali Taco & Co.
The amazing zuperman with chorizo, carne asada, and chicken, loaded up with salsas #eater #nonakedtacos
A photo posted by Matthew Kang (@mattatouille) on
Jun 27, 2015 at 4:57pm PDT
While everyone gets excited for Salazar in Frogtown, taste one of Mexico's most meat-centric taco style at Mexicali Taco & Co on the northern edge of Chinatown. The Zuperman is a beast of a taco priced at just $6. Pro tip: ask for an extra flour tortilla, ladle salsas and guac on top, and make three tacos for the price of two. The mixture of the meats vary on what you like, but the standard combo is diced chicken, chorizo, and carne asada, all cooked over an open flame. 702 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012—MK
For a very reasonably priced sushi omakase near Century City: Hamasaku
You might still think that Hamasaku is a overpriced sushi roll nightmare tucked away in a strip mall in nearby Century City, but the place has been updated right and left. First, the decor, which isn't just beautiful, it's really tasteful all around from the chairs to the artwork. Second, the menu, which still offers plenty of the rolls that celebrities and their agents like to enjoy here, but now has some handy omakase options for foodists.
The 14 piece sushi service, which comes with a chawanmushi and miso soup, goes for a mere $55, which is only a hair more expensive than Eater's other favorite, Sushi Chitose (which is all the way down in Redondo Beach). Chef Yoya Takahasi (who hates 7-11 sushi) uses obscure fish from Japan to color the sushi tasting, but also serves tuna toro and uni. The complete omakase, which runs $75, also has hot courses from the kitchen by chef Wonny Lee.11043 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 —MK
For great pie in Los Angeles: Apple Pan and Jones Hollywood
You've probably had the pie at Apple Pan, but there are some other picks that you've probably never tried like the cherry custard or the boysenberry. Saddle up at the counter and pick a few pies for the most American dessert ever. Or, schlep over to West Hollywood and get the magnificent sizzling apple pie at Jones on Santa Monica Blvd. You won't regret it, plus the place is open late. The Apple Pan 10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 Jones Hollywood 7205 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 —MK
June 26, 2015:
For a fresh vegan spot in Highland Park: Kitchen Mouse
When 40 minutes is just too long to wait for Sqirl's pillow of jam-topped brioche and fresh California plates, head over to Highland Park gem Kitchen Mouse, a catering outfit turned vegetarian cafe on N. Figueroa Street. Much like Sqirl, plates pop with color and flavor, and follow a seasonal healthy bend as is customary in Los Angeles. Don't miss the crispy gomasio rice cakes, three small pucks of sticky mixed brown rice fried to a crisp in coconut oil, partnered with cilantro-ginger chutney and a nest of vinegar-laced mustard greens. And those still lamenting the loss of Axe's pancake might opt for the Mouse's take with oats and buckwheat, dressed with syrup, berries and toasted coconut. And because these days everyone needs a signature beverages, there's dandelion "coffee," too. 5904 N. Figueroa. —Kat Odell
For superior dry aged steaks just steps from the beach: The Arthur J
Until recently, reputable steakhouses just didn't exist in the South Bay. Sure there were chains, but the Beach Cities were pretty much devoid of chef-driven concepts with exceptional dry-aged cuts. This changed with Steak & Whisky and now the newest addition to Manhattan Beach's booming dining scene, The Arthur J. David LeFevre and Chris and Mike Simms' fancy steakhouse sports some serious retro flair. Here the steaks stand up to the timeless design, with a deftly seasoned Wagyu and dry aged ribeye that are some of the best in the city. Well-prepared classic sides and a diverse list of expertly curated wines round out this ocean-side restaurant that is sure to withstand the test of time. 903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach —CC
For a shot of Highland Park Vietnamese brunch with a peach pie chaser: Good Girl Dinette
Good Girl Dinette is something of a local legend within the Highland Park community, having landed in the now-hip neighborhood way back in 2009. After their fair share of ups and downs the restaurant is doing better than ever, thanks to Diep Tran's homey, satisfying blend of Vietnamese favorites and American diner classics. Her weekend brunches are far from the booze-infused social affairs you'll find at other eateries; this is a family crowd, with lots of creative types mixed in. Better still: Tran routinely hosts for-charity pie shop pop-ups at Good Girl (including one next weekend), selling housemade fruit pies and donating all of the profit to causes like the Southern Poverty Law Center. 110 N. Ave 56, Highland Park — FE
For a trendy place in Century City: Hinoki & the Bird
Despite losing David Myers and Kuniko Yagi, Hinoki & the Bird remains a super popular dining destination in Century City, which has only a small handful of trendy eateries that serve compelling food. With new executive chef Brandon Kida churning out similar Asian-inflected cooking, the execution is as sharp as ever. Throughout this month and next, Kida and sous chef Kei-Ichi Kurobe are doing a special Tanabata Festival tasting menu of 5 courses for $85, which includes things like cured salmon and American Wagyu beef seared and served with grilled eggplant. Reservations required for the special tasting menu. 10 W. Century Dr. —MK
For a fresh Downtown restaurant with compelling Latin cuisine: Broken Spanish
Ray Garcia broke out of his FIG shell with B.S. Taqueria, a stylish Downtown spot that stretches the boundaries on what a taco can be. With Broken Spanish, which takes over the former Rivera space nearby Staples Center, Garcia is stretching the boundaries of what the cuisine of his Mexican heritage can be. With more familiar things like chile relleno and tamales served with things like kale or lamb neck, everything will definitely challenge your notion of Latin cooking. With cocktails by former Faith & Flower barman Michael Lay and a fantastic interior, it's best to try Broken Spanish early on before the crowds descend. —1050 S. Flower St —MK [Photo by Wonho Frank Lee]
June 19, 2015:
For the same great happy hour deal: Roppongi
A moment of panic swept West Hollywood when a shiny red sign outside beloved Yatai announced a new restaurant, Roppongi. Thankfully, the change is in ownership and name only, and Yatai's unbeatable happy hour deal survives. Stretching until 9 p.m. on weeknights and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays, Roppongi's happy hour offers $3 hand rolls and $5 bamboo sake. Dramatically poured for a giant bamboo shoot until it generously flows over your glass, there is no better, more affordable way to hit the town with style. 8535 Sunset Boulevard #1, West Hollywood — CC
To witness the return of a neighborhood classic: Otus Thai Kitchen & Coffee
When a fire erupted on the corner of La Brea and Fountain last fall, most news outlets were concerned with Kat Von D's High Voltage tattoo parlor, but the nearby neighborhood was more likely to mourn the loss off Kinaree Thai Bistro, which had stood for years as a simple space for pad Thai and a few drinks.
In the months that followed the blaze, Kinaree reimagined itself as Otus Thai Kitchen & Coffee, a sleek new specialty coffee outfit working espresso drinks and Thai breakfast specialties all day long. There are a few of the classic Kinaree dishes still on the menu, but everything has been reformatted with a farmers market sensibility and attention to detail. The locals have returned (there's even a back patio now), and the slick design and free WiFi are bringing in a host of newcomers from the nearby mixed-use residential buildings. For Otus, it's good to be back. 1253 N. La Brea, West Hollywood. — FE
For a charming French bistro night with a new chef at the helm: Little Next Door
When Acabar closed down seemingly out of nowhere, it left a hole where chef Kevin Luzande's cooking used to be. Thankfully, the popular chef didn't stay hidden away for long — he's at Little Next Door for the summer. The French charmer on 3rd Street is mostly known for being the more casual side of sister restaurant Little Door, but with Luzande at the helm the menu is being rethought with a more Mediterranean flair, without losing Little Next Door's most popular dishes. From baba ganoush to caramelized cauliflower with pickled peppers, Luzande is turning the quiet classic on its head a bit — if only for the summer. 8142 W 3rd St, Los Angeles — FE
If you want to find the hottest new restaurant in Little Tokyo: Simbal
Shawn Pham paid his dues at fine dining restaurants in Los Angeles, from Sona to Craft, but spent the last four years in Vietnam honing his mastery of Southeast Asian cooking. The results, which he's put on full display at his new restaurant Simbal in Little Tokyo, are pretty darn terrific. With a fine balance of flavors and the effective use of top notch ingredients, it's the kind of place that you'll want to tell you friends about. The environs are pretty lovely too, with polished service in a modern, but casual space. —MK
For a seafood spot just steps from the beach: The Hungry Cat
The Hungry Cat's been hanging out in Santa Monica for four years now, and the place still serves some of the freshest seafood in this part of town. The oysters are terrific and the grilled lobster is perfection, but the sleeper hit might be the grilled king crab leg, which has nearly twice the meat as the lobster. For something a bit more filling, opt for the ramps rigatoni, loaded up with crab and topped with fresh sea urchin. Afterward, take the tunnel across PCH and hang out on the beach. —MK