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 (also, check out our weekend bar guide):
May 13, 2016
For a Westside meal that won’t disappoint: Cassia
[Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
f you haven’t made it in to Cassia yet, you really should, as few places are serving dishes as interesting as the Westside eatery from Bryant and Kim Ng and the Rustic Canyon team. Southeast Asian-tinged charcuterie should be shared, exceptionally crafted cocktails sipped, and yes, the pot-au-feu should definitely be ordered. 1314 7th St, Santa Monica —CC
For meat skewers while you shop: Moruno
[Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
The recently-opened Moruno has already begun to anchor itself into the far corner of the Original Farmers Market on Fairfax, which means weekenders at the adjacent Grove have one more fantastic option for dining out during a day of shopping. Using Spanish influences to great effect, the casual former Short Order acts as an indoor-outdoor option for easy afternoon revelry, where a meal can be as bountiful (or as quick) as you'd like. 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. — FE
For a breakfast burrito before you surf: Lily's Cafe
[Photo: Yelp]
Lily's in Malibu is a cultural touchstone for many surfers, as the early AM option off PCH makes for a great pre- (or post, depending on when you hit the beach) surfing meal. Stuffed with eggs, bacon, cheese, and beans, the classic breakfast burrito at Lily's is something of a beloved institution in Malibu, and worth its own trip — even if you don't have aspirations of getting in the water. 29211 Heathercliff Road, Malibu. — FE
For coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and good vibes: Mega Bodega
[Photo: Yelp]
Downtown newcomer Mega Bodega is a fan favorite in South Park already, thanks to its menu of AM coffee and pastries, afternoon tea and sandwiches, and evening craft beer. The beautifully simple wood-lined space makes for an excessively casual hang, whether you're solo and pulling up a seat at the bar, or coming in for an early start to a night out with friends. 1001 S. Broadway, South Park. — FE
For fried chicken with a mountain view: Honeybird
[Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
Ever make your way up to La Cañada Flintridge? You should, even if the only reason is Honeybird. The easy-eating newcomer is warm and inviting inside, like a rustic barnhouse that's been recently painted. The menu is just as welcoming, focusing primarily on what might be this year's best fried chicken, with sides and a few other sandwiches to match. Brunch is coming soon enough (the place is closed on Sundays), but for now make your way on Saturday for a late lunch or early dinner filled with fried bird. 714 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge. — FE
May 6, 2016
For grillable meats in an out-of-the-way location: Hikari Japanese BBQ and Grill
[Photo: Yelp]
Just south of Torrance and east of Redondo Beach is the small city of Lomita. It's for some just a transit corridor between the 110 and the 405, but for lots more folks it's home to great food — which is certainly the case with Hikari Japanese BBQ and Grill. The strip mall spot off Lomita Boulevard is just two months old, but already gaining a rep for being an approachable spot for Japanese meat grilled over binchotan charcoal and teppanyaki-warmed starters. It's a great place to drink and get a little smoky with friends, too. 2383 Lomita Blvd. #102, Lomita. — FE
For fantastic Valley pizza done by a high-end vet: Flame Pizzeria
[Photo: Yelp]
Relative newcomer Flame Pizzeria in Reseda is doing something special. Former personal chef to the stars Richard Florczak decided to leave his post behind last year in order to follow his passion for pizza-making, resulting in a simple space off Vanowen Street that's turning out some of the Valley's best pies and serving craft beer to boot. Just one year in, and the place is already something of a destination, which makes the weekend a great time to make the drive. 19309 Vanowen St., Reseda. — FE
For your next celebratory meal: Ocean Prime
[Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
With so few fine dining restaurants left in Los Angeles, the options are slim when it comes to celebrating life’s most memorable occasions. For those with meatier predilections, Ocean Prime fits the bill quite well, with just about everything you want to eat on a special night out. There’s smoking seafood towers, massive steaks, and even sushi to assure an indulgent meal for all. Don’t skip the ten-layer carrot cake. 9595 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills —CC
For a bit of that SQIRL vibe on the Westide: Bondi Harvest
Just a warning, this bright cafe is closed on Sundays, but make Saturday the time to check out the hidden spot, buried amidst office parks and studios. Bondi Harvest is a concept pulled right out of Sydney, and it almost wishes it was steps from the ocean. With a solid coffee program and healthy fare, it almost feels perfectly appropriate in sunny southern California. To eat: grain bowls, sandwiches, and other healthy fare that won't weigh you down for the rest of the day. Which makes one wonder: did this kind of fare really come from Australia, or did California export it to the land down under? 1814 Berkeley St, Santa Monica —MK
For a low-key noodle spot: Kotoya Ramen
Something about Kotoya's Palms location, nestled into the former Yamakase space, feels more authentically Japanese than their West LA original. This tiny alley-adjacent space could be a tiny little warp into a Tokyo or Nagoya side street, where the world bustles by late into the night. Kotoya's offerings are a bit limited, but the spicy tonkotsu, laden with chewy noodles and blow-torched chashu, is more than respectable for the chillier late spring weather. 10422 National Blvd, Palms —MK
April 29, 2016:
For a pop-up experience unlike anything Long Beach currently enjoys: Public Beer Wine Shop
Eddie Ruiz has been taking over the food program at Public Beer Wine Shop for a couple of weeks now, and that means you can find some of Corazon y Miel's heart and soul in the Long Beach taproom and bottle shop. Far from a full-on sit down meal experience, Ruiz and his team are putting out plate after plate of snackable modern Mexican fare that's meant to be accompanied by lots of craft beer. Sounds like a winning combination. 121 W. 4th St., Long Beach. —FE
For Mexican-American favorites in festive digs: Casa Vega
Yes, Casa Vega's margaritas; particularly The Boss with Patron Silver, Patron Citronage, and Grand Marnier; are exactly what you want to be drinking: not overly sweet, nicely acidic, and most importantly, large. But almost as important as the pint-size libations are the cool ‘50s vibes and Mexican-American classics that come with your drinks. Cozy up in one of the red booths, dig into some chopped guacamole and lobster enchiladas, and enjoy your 1956 throwback. 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks —€”CC [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For the Valley's best fish and chips: BatterFish
You've probably heard of BatterFish by now. The place is an Encino mainstay that turns out some of Los Angeles' best fish and chips, thanks to owner Jason Killalee. The space itself is rather unassuming, but one bite in and you'll understand why folks are flocking to this smallish spot off Ventura Boulevard a taste. Go and find out for yourself. 16200 Ventura Blvd., Encino. —FE [Photo: Lucas Peterson]
For West Hollywood's hottest dining destination: Norah
If Norah, the signless but incredibly well-designed restaurant in West Hollywood, has reached a critical mass, it might be right this second. The high-ceilinged restaurant has the kind of debonair, relaxed vibe with just the right level energy, which makes for a rather pleasant dining experience. Of course, ambiance isn't everything, and chef Mike Williams has dialed in the southern-inflected fare even more, with pitch perfect entrees like grilled swordfish with salsa verde, romesco, and smashed new potatoes. The uni-butter poached shrimp might be the single best item on the menu, the ideal blend of addictive and flavorful, the kind of dish that you'll think about for a few days afterward. Quietly, Norah has become this block's best restaurant restaurant, with perhaps the exception of Connie & Ted's, just a few doors down. 8279 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA —MK [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For affordable Korean comfort fare: Beverly Soontofu
There's nothing like an old school restaurant with zero pretense. Beverly Soontofu, which has been around since the 1980s, still packs in scores of fans craving its spicy bowls of silken tofu. The banchan is on point, the bubbling bowls are as comforting as ever, and the prices are just above the $10. There might not be a better affordable standby in this part of Koreatown. 2717 W Olympic Blvd Ste 108 —MK [Photo: Yelp]
April 22, 2016:
For the best, affordable omakase in Los Angeles: Hamasaku
If you haven't been over to Hamasaku for the sushi-bar experience, you're missing out on what might be the best dollar for dollar sushi omakase in Los Angeles. For just $55, you get a 14 course meal prepared right before your eyes, including top grade fish flown in from around the world (though chef Yoya Takahashi does occasionally use locally caught fish). The rice situation has changed too, which means you're getting some of the finest milled stuff available. With a wonderfully refined ambiance, it's the perfect hidden gem to check out on the weekends. 11043 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 —MK
For some of the best dumplings outside of the SGV: Myung Dong Kyoja
The Koreatown branch of Seoul-based restaurant Myung Dong Kyoja is about as OG as it gets. The specialty dish here is the kalgooksoo, a thick chicken soup with knife-cut noodles. While you will see steaming bowls of soup on just about everyone's table, the real star here are the pork dumplings. With perfectly thin wrappers and punchy filling dripping with juice, they put the best offerings from Din Tai Fung to shame, and without the wait. Paired with heaps of ultra garlicky kimchi, it is an immensely satisfying meal. Just don't ever go here on a date. 3630 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010 —€”CC
For a weekend doughnut that's worth the drive: The Donut Man
You've likely heard of Glendora's famous Donut Man, but when's the last time you actually checked the place out? It's closer than you think, and the reward for a breezy morning drive this time of year is a perfectly realized strawberry doughnut. The place keeps a stock of classics like glazed doughnuts and tiger tails too, but your best bet is one of those overstuffed strawberry varieties, especially because they won't be around forever. 915 E Rte. 66, Glendora. ” —FE
For pizza and wine in a hidden Venice den: South End
Yelp
Now three years into its quiet run out in Venice, it's time the world started taking more notice of South End. The simple pizza and wine spot has always been excellent, but given the explosion of the rest of Abbot Kinney in those intervening years, the place has become even more important to Venice locals who don't want to break the bank for a bite and a glass of wine. Pies here are wonderfully blistered and served at just the right size to make for a hearty meal, especially when you add on a glass of something nice. 2805 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. —FE
For homestyle Pakistani cooking in Culver City: Chargha House
When Zam Zam vacated their worn-down restaurant in Culver City, it left a gaping hole for those craving the uber-spicy and flavorful Pakistani cooking on the Westside. Well it seems that newcomer Chargha House has filled the void quite nicely, with delicious samosas, pitch perfect karahi chicken or beef, and one mean grilled chicken that's their namesake dish. The prices are atrociously low as well, so go in and feast for well under $20 a person. 5571 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City. —MK