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):
July 8, 2016
For Greek fare just steps from the beach: Petros
Manhattan Beach recently underwent a serious restaurant renaissance over the past few years. One of the concept leading the charge was Petros, the airy Greek restaurant right on Manhattan Beach Boulevard that serves exactly what you want to be eating on a leisurely beach day. On every table is the horiatiki salad with some of the best feta and olives you've ever had, and perfectly grilled octopus perfect to kick off an evening stroll down the pier. 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach —CC [Photo: Petros]
For Japanese meat grilling in the South Bay: Hikari Japanese BBQ
Quiet Lomita doesn't always get the same respect as its other South Bay neighbors in Torrance or the Beach Cities. That said, there are plenty of good eats to be found in the area, among them Hikari Japanese BBQ. The smallish strip mall spot specializes in grilling Japanese meats over a tabletop grill, making for a smoky night that's best enjoyed in excess, with beers not far away. 2383 Lomita Blvd., Lomita. — FE [Photo: Hikari]
For oddball pizzas you can't resist: Pizza of Venice
Altadena's Pizza of Venice certainly doesn't play by conventional rules. The tucked away space does artisan pizzas their own way, often resulting in oddly shaped, almost delicate options that are nonetheless masterworks of their respective genre. You'll find braised lamb pies, a bbq chicken option, and others doused in mango habanero sauce. Yep, it's that kind of place. 2545 Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena. — FE [Photo: Pizza of Venice]
For a bit of SGV nostalgia: The Original Din Tai Fung
This weekend marks the last opportunity (for a while at least) to truly enjoy the original U.S. iteration of Din Tai Fung in Acradia. The strip mall space is making way for a Westfield Santa Anita expansion just down the street, which means as of Monday you won't be able to dine in on those old tables, queueing up with friends to get your dose of daily soup dumpling. Make this final weekend count. 1108 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. — FE [Photo: Yelp]
For ice cream you'll have to chase down: CVT Soft Serve
The best thing about CVT Soft Serve, the roaming ice cream operator, may well be the truck itself. A retrofitted former Mr. Softee rig, the toned down ice cream shop on wheels also happens to serve some of the city's best true soft serve at weekend stops in the Valley and at the Melrose Trading Post. www.cvtsoftserve.com — FE [Photo: CVT]
July 1, 2016
For wings and things in Chinatown: Pok Pok LA
Andy Ricker's Chinatown extension of Pok Pok is a great place to bring loads of friends for a freewheeling weekend evening, but don't sleep on the solo chicken wing mission you can run sometime soon too. The Portland transplant is built for serving a crowd, but bellying up to a drink from the full bar and digging into some of Ricker's signature wings ain't a bad way to spend an evening either. 978 N. Broadway, Chinatown. — FE [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For Chinese noodles and beef rolls on the Westside: 101 Noodle Express
Did you know there's a Culver City outlet of 101 Noodle Express, the popular San Gabriel Valley noodle and beef roll shop? Indeed there is, tucked into the Fox Hills mall but serving roughly the same menu. That means you can get some shopping done while enjoying that infamous beef roll in a food court setting. Not ideal, maybe, but not bad either. 6000 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City. — FE [Photo: Yelp]
For a cool breeze and a great sandwich: Busy Bee Market
San Pedro is on the up-and-up, thanks to lots of new development and some very patient locals. It's those folks that have been populating Busy Bee Market for years, relying on the easygoing spot's takeaway deli goods, especially their pastrami. 2413 S. Walker Ave., San Pedro. — FE [Photo: Yelp]
For a polish brunch just steps from the beach: Charcoal
Charcoal's been finding its way of late, with a meat-centric dinner menu that packs in the crowds even in the middle of the week. Chef Joe Johnson has found his stride with brunch service too, with some of the most epic biscuits anywhere, plus redone classics like charcoal hollandaise eggs benedict and an egg-riddled baked Yukon gold potato stuffed with aged gouda and creme fraiche. 425 Washington Blvd —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For the ideal holiday weekend food bonanza: Smorgasburg
Despite being 4th of July Weekend, Smorgasburg is very much in session on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The vendor count at this point is downright ridiculous, with everything from the famous raindrop cake (not worth $8 every time, but sure, snap it once for your Instagram) to creative congees by Porridge & Puffs. Salazar chef Esdras Ochoa is running his own taco concept here while Nicole Rucker is preparing her excellent pies. The sleeper hits are Ugly Drum's pastrami sandwiches and Red Hook's spot-on lobster rolls. 746 Market Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90021 —Matthew Kang
June 24, 2016
For heat-beating bowls of noodles: Ramen Tatsunoya
What better way to defeat this recent heat wave than with a big, steaming bowl of ramen? It's the heat-on-heat combination that might just save you at Ramen Tatsunoya, the Pasadena noodle favorite that's been packed since day one. Get out there and enjoy. 16 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For beachside brunch you're bound to love: MB Post
After all these years, there's still no better brunch in Manhattan Beach than MB Post. It's a fan favorite, locals love it, folks drive from all over the county to enjoy it, and it's not hard to understand why. Get back into a seat by the window and experience the breakfasty goodness for yourself once again. 1142 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
For oysters, ocean views, and wines by the glass: Ways & Means Oyster House
Head down to Orange County for the new Pacific City complex in Huntington Beach, and you won't be disappointed. Built for scale and containing what may be the area's best new oyster house in Ways & Means, the shopping destination is at once upscale, casual, and right by the beach. Hit the patio with a dozen oysters and a bottle of wine for maximum effect. 21022 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. — Farley Elliott [Photo]
For faultless Indian cuisine in Downtown: Badmaash
When Babu Ji debuted last year in New York, it was one of the most significant openings in the Manhattan because chef Jesse Singh brought a fresh approach to Indian cuisine. When Badmaash opened in Downtown LA five years ago, it led the charge into a more liveable, vibrant downtown, cooking up a kind of Indian cuisine the city hadn't seen before. Too bad not as many people noticed at the time.
I didn't get the chance to dine here until this past week, which is a shame, because everything from the classic butter chicken and lamb vindaloo are as good as you'll get in LA (with a slightly higher price tag to match). The urban space was once Downtown's most iconic art gallery, and that vibe remains. After tasting some tandoori-roasted chicken tikka and comforting creamy black lentils, finish with an Indian-inflected chocolate pot de creme that'll make you swoon for the rest of the evening. 108 West 2nd St. Downtown —Matthew Kang [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
For one of the best evening patios in Los Angeles: Salazar
The first thing you'll realize upon arriving at Salazar, ideally right when the late summer sun is setting, is the smell of burning wood. The kitchen (shielded by glass) shows the billowing flames of Salazar's wood-fired grill, which sears up carne asada, chicken, and pescado zarandeado in what might be LA's hottest restaurant of the moment. With an expansive outdoor dining area that seats about a hundred, plus ice-cold Micheladas, there's probably no better place to waste away a mid-summer evening in Los Angeles. 2490 Fletcher Dr —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
June 17, 2016
For a convenient pre-show meal that won't disappoint: Faith & Flower
There are surprisingly few great options when it comes to dining around the Staples Center. One of the best of the bunch is undoubtedly Faith & Flower, where Darwin Pornel and Ryan Wainwright's new cocktails are better than ever (go for the Mass Effect with mezcal, pastis, and habanero), and dishes like shellfish risotto with lobster emulsion are sure to please. What's more? Valet to the restaurant is less than most of the lots in South Park, which means there's really no reason this shouldn't become your go-to pre-show meal. 705 W 9th St, Los Angeles —CC
For weekend backyard flavors, plus air conditioning: Cassell's
Want a beautifully burnished burger, served heavy with the melted cheese and just-ripe toppings? You probably don't want to go outside and make one on the grill yourself on account of the scorching heat. Get to Cassell's, where Christian Page's team continues to turn out modern classics with ease. It helps, of course, that you can also lean into a cold, thick milkshake at the end. 3600 W. 6th St., Koreatown. —FE
For the smokiest barbecue on the Westside: Maple Block Meat Co.
Let's face it, you're not going to get something like Franklin or Louie Mueller in Los Angeles, and that's okay. I've owned up to that fact while continually searching for great barbecue in the city of Angels. It's since eluded me, but Maple Block is probably the best place to get Texas Hill Country-style brisket in Los Angeles. And that includes Bludso's, which still makes my favorite overall 'cue in town. Sure, I'll even settle for some solid smoked brisket from Horse Thief every once in a while.
But Maple Block's brisket, especially the fatty variety, is the one that hints the most at LA's possibilities for smoked greatness. I just wish it were a few notches higher. The sides are very good here, such as the collard greens and creamy slaw. The ribs are more than respectable. And the service is more than accommodating. I keep coming back here getting my fix, and yet continue to chase the barbecue dragon. 3973 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA —MK
For a beachy escape that's bound to be packed: Neptune's Net
Photo: Yelp
It's always busy at Neptune's Net on the weekends. The Malibu coastal seafood snack shack draws tourists, beachgoers, bikers, and families alike, but this weekend it's the odds-on favorite to be among the busiest Pacific Coast Highway spots around, thanks to the incoming heat wave. Still, half the fun at the Net is waiting in line while you people watch, then (finally) bellying up to a platter of deliciously fried food — all in perfect view of the ocean. 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. —FE
For a taste of old school barbecue in South Pasadena: Gus's Barbecue
If you've ever salivated over an entire rack of slathered smoked ribs and wanted to repeat the experience, then Gus's will be more than fulfilling for your desires. The tucked away space in South Pasadena, in business for nearly 70 years, is a community fixture. The brisket leaves a bit to be desired, chopped and covered with sauce instead of sliced by hand to order. But those ribs, Memphis-style and laced with sweet sauce, reminds me much of my early tastes of ribs at Tony Roma's. Except these are far, far better. 808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena —MK
June 10, 2016
For the Sanrio-obsessed: Plan Check
[Photo: Crystal Coser]
Many of us grew up loving the friendly faces of the Sanrio family. Even if your notebooks and pencils weren't covered in Hello Kitty and Chococat imagery, it is hard to deny the cuteness overload that comes with anything adorned with the characters. Well now your burger can be imprinted with the face of Pompompurin, the "laid back Golden Retriever," at Plan Check. Beginning Friday, June 10, and stretching to Sunday, July 10, get mac and cheese with Americanized dashi cheese, a Pompompurin grilled sausage sandwich with kimchi slaw, a Chococat cookie, and vanilla cream soda, all for $39. 1111 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles —CC
For a brunch fit for royalty: The Belvedere
[Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
Looking to seriously impress your family and friends? Look no further than The Belvedere. Its new weekend brunch offers a lavish display of freshly-shucked oysters, snow crab claws, shrimp cocktail, and all the accoutrements your heart could possible desire. Add on unlimited Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne for $25, and you have a serious brunch to remember (or barely remember). 9882 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills —CC
For a ritzy night in Beverly Hills: Georgie
Geoffrey Zakarian's newest restaurant, located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, is already buzzing within its first week of service. And for good reason, because the approachable, seasonally driven fare executed by former Scarpetta chef Freddy Vargas is already firing on all cylinders. It's best to hew toward the of-the-moment dishes like the crispy softshell crab or the peach-riddled lebneh, perfect with some grilled za'atar flatbread, or perhaps the monstrous bone-in tomahawk steak for two.
Wine lovers will appreciate the strong Coravin list, which special vintages and hard-to-find bottles available by the glass. More than anything, that ambiance, which takes on a different feel once they lower down the lights for the evening. Georgie ventures into vibe dining territory, which is exactly where Zakarian wants it to be. 225 N. Canon Beverly Hills —MK [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For a great plate of tacos for under $10 in Highland Park: My Taco
It's not really a secret for locals, but for the uninitiated Eastsiders who have moved into Highland Park and its environs, My Taco is a sleeper pick. Sure, the classic, more familiar Mexican dishes are a bit clunky and heavy-laden to consume on a regular basis. But the lamb barbacoa, generously portioned and served with a piping hot styrofoam cup of "consome" is the ideal thing to share with friends for a weekend brunch. Best part? You'll leave more than full for under $10. 6300 York Blvd #4, Los Angeles, CA 90042 —MK [Photo]
Another heaping portion of classic Korean barbecue: The Corner Place
If you haven't been to The Corner Place, run, don't walk. That's because the old school Koreatown joint is possibly the best overall Korean barbecue in Los Angeles. And the reason why is because the cold dongchimi noodles, which are the ideal complement to the freshly grilled tabletop meats. Tangy, sweet, salty, and addictive to the last slurp, the noodles are a must order along with the thickly cut beef tongue, marinated bulgogi, and the namesake "Gil Mok Gui," a slightly marinated short rib cut. 2819 James M Wood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006 —MK [Photo]
June 3, 2016
For a casual Downtown option with lots of room: The Briks
Downtown's The Briks is equal parts Hollywood throwback bar, patio destination, and culinary adventure spot. Chef Mario Chisterna turns out stuffed North African pastries and whatever else he feels like from the Hope Street restaurant he's called home since 2014, and the kind of folks who tend to wander in are like-minded in their approach to an evening out. Sometimes loud, always fun, there to eat and drink and enjoy themselves, whether they're at the throwback movie poster-ringed bar or out in the open air on the patio that surrounds the place. It's nice to experience firsthand what Chisterna has created, so settle yourself in with a couple of friends and join the party. 1111 S. Hope St., South Park. —€” FE [Photo: Yelp]
For a South Bay ramen experience to remember: Ramen Yamadaya
You'll know Torrance favorite Ramen Yamadaya from the line that usually forms around the front door at dinner time. The strip mall space tends to get busy on weekends, as locals and those fine with a drive head over for hearty bowls of tonkotsu or tsukemen ramen. Bowls hit the $10 threshold and you can round out an already bulging meal with some karaage fried chicken, gyoza, and mochi for dessert. Not bad for a cash only place and air conditioner hanging precariously over the front door. 3118 W. 182nd St., Torrance. —€” FE
For a quick getaway that feels far from LA: Nelson's at Terranea
Drive an hour south down to Palos Verdes, and you'll feel as if you spent the day traveling far outside the confines of Los Angeles. With stunning views of the cliffs that drop into the Pacific, you'll want to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Terranea Resort's Nelson's. There's everything from lobster rolls to nicely done burgers, which means everyone will leave happy. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes —€”CC
For many layers of pork awesomeness: Kimukatsu
When was the last time you had 25 layers of pork and lived to tell the tale? Kimukatsu's perfectly fried katsu are prime examples on bustling Sawtelle. The prices seems to have lowered since opening, which means you can get in and out for well under $25. Try out their curry to top on the 25-layer pork katsu, if you need something to stick to your ribs. 2121 Sawtelle Blvd —MK
For a taste of James Beard Award excellence: A.O.C.
For the first time since I moved (back) to Los Angeles, my mother is visiting. We don't have massively overlapping tastes in restaurants, but I knew there was one place I definitely had to take her: A.O.C. Besha Rodell's review first hipped me to the restaurant's pitch-perfect balance good food, good wine, and gorgeous space; it's a superb, approachable example of how wonderful dining in Los Angeles can be. My mom will feel taken care of by the excellent service, my creature-of-habit girlfriend will order her favorite cocktail, and I will kick back with a glass of something bubbly and the farmer's plate, and let the night go from there. 8700 W 3rd St. —Meghan McCarron
May 27, 2016
For soul-warming soup to combat the gloom: Cho Dang Tofu
This Torrance strip mall tofu soup house has become a local gathering place for South Bay Korean families and Korean food aficionados alike. The rich soup is arguably the best in the southland, and comes with a solid selection of banchan that includes excellent cucumber kimchi and bean sprouts. 22549 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance —CC [Photo: Yelp]
For the total pasta, wine, and ambiance package: Union
It's no secret that Union is amongst the best pasta restaurants anywhere in Los Angeles, but it's also a great humble home for locals looking to drink wine and expand their repertoire beyond noodles. The bar is inviting for walk-ins (though you may have a small wait) and those seats lining the walls are great for squeezing in with friends for an evening of awesome eats by candlelight. 37 E. Union St., Pasadena. — FE [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For a well-priced slice near Culver City: Delicious Pizza
Colorful, hip, and full of locals, Delicious Pizza in West Adams is everything you could hope for from a casual restaurant — let alone a place doing fantastic slices in an underserved stretch of town. They also do salads, whole pies, and desserts, but with beer and wine available there's really no reason to stray from a slice or three, especially when the place stays open until midnight. 5419 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles. — FE
For LA's best new sandwich spot: The Cannibal
The meat lovers paradise that is The Cannibal's butcher shop is now kicking in full gear, with the rest of the sit-down part of the restaurant opening some time in the next week or so. In the meantime, step up to the counter and get one of the daily meat sandwich specials, or opt for the daily prime rib, which tends to run on early. Pack a fresh-made salad or vegetable and finish off lunch with a cookie. Your picnic basket never tasted better. 8850 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA —MK
For amazing Afghan food right in our backyard: Ariana
Eater already gave this place a full write up, but it's worth checking out if you haven't already been. It's a bit of a trek out to Tarzana, but the aromas of spices and grilled meat are completely worth it. Try the bolani pallow, covered with raisins, nuts, and rice, or the perfect mantoo, covered with just the right amount of stew. Afterwards, try the new Wanderlust creamery for creative takes on classic ice cream flavors. 19321 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA —MK
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