Every Friday, Eater editors share their suggestions
You probably think of the same question every weekend: where should I eat? Well, every week Eater LA will compile a handy dandy set of recommendations right here to answer that very question. Here now, five places to try this weekend in Los Angeles. (And if you need some ideas on where to drink, check out the weekend bar guide):
January 13, 2017:
For the Westside's newest poke go-to: Mainland Poke
Although poke craze seems like it should be at maximum capacity, Westsiders scored a huge boon with the entrance of Mainland Poke’s third location in Marina Del Rey. The fresh, never frozen ethos of sustainable fish is apparent in the remarkable quality of the proteins that can include some of the best spicy tuna you’ve probably ever had, salmon belly, and even blue crab.4700 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey —Crystal Coser [Photo: Crystal Coser]
For one last sweater weather hurrah: Hangari Bajirak Kalgooksoo
Have you made it into Hangari yet? The once under-the-radar Koreatown gem is quickly becoming a blogger favorite, and for good reason. The eponymous soup, kalgoosoo, is a rich chicken broth that surrounds thick knife-cut noodles. Hangari’s version is denser and starchier than most, making it a hearty meal when you need something to stick to your ribs during LA’s few rainy spells. 3470 W 6th St., Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo:Yelp]
For a cup of new coffee: Bolt
If you find yourself in the East Hollywood / Thai Town area with any regularity, you might have noticed the new Bolt. With its soaring ceiling and big open glass windows overlooking Hollywood Blvd., the caffeinated newcomer provides just the right balance of hipster vibes and work-a-day mentality to the laptop warriors in the area. The place actually serves an array of breakfast options and pastries as well, keeping daily hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5648 Hollywood Blvd., East Hollywood —Farley Elliott [Photo:Yelp]
For some Arts District focaccia: Di Alba
Have you snuck into Di Alba yet? The new focaccia option opened just next to Shinola on a hip stretch of the Arts District, and is already buzzing with daytime activity thanks to its generous menu of breads, salads, and more. Stop in for a slice while making your way around Downtown. 827 E. 3rd St., Arts District —Farley Elliott [Photo: Meghan McCarron]
For an extremely satisfying Italian-American Meal: Jon & Vinny's
This venture from Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo serves up some of the finest Italian-American cuisine on the west coast. Head on over to the restaurant and feast on dishes like fusilli alla vodka, marinara braised meatballs, burrata-laden pizza, and warm strawberry bread pudding. If you already have plans for dinner, make sure to stop by for a fantastic breakfast or lunch. 421 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles —Ash Narayan [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
January 6, 2017:
For a meal that gets more exciting with every dish: Michael's
Have you been to the new Michael’s Santa Monica yet? You should, as you’ll probably hop on the Miles Thompson bandwagon just like I did. The young chef has been helming the kitchen for barely over 100 days, but boy does the new direction impress. Every dish seems to have its own surprise—chawanmushi served ice cold, young beets accented with juniper-laced white chocolate, rabbit liver spaetzle that is light as air—making the meal more exciting with every bite. But yes, you should still order Michael’s signature duck, which is presumably better than ever. 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica —Crystal Coser [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For a wallet-friendly sushi meal: Kura
It's not always easy to break out of the Sugarfish safe zone when looking for an affordable sushi meal. I've found that Kura works just fine to fill those sushi cravings without having to drop half a paycheck. The lunch specials at this strip mall gem are the real steal here, where you can get your roll and tempura fix for just over ten bucks. 8162 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Yelp]
For a coffee shop situation you can get behind: Pann's
Who doesn't love a stiff cup of coffee in a thick ceramic mug? It's the calling card of any good diner, and at Pann's near Westchester you'll find exactly that — plus eggs and pancakes and everything else you're after. Arrive with the sunrise to eat with the early birds, or risk having to wait in the rain. But no worries, once you're inside the throwback Googie building off La Tijera, all is right with your morning. 6710 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles —Farley Elliott [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For a Valley barbecue option with lots to drink: Boneyard Bistro
Have you stopped into Boneyard lately? The place continues to fire on all cylinders, even as Valley barbecue staples like Barrel & Ashes come to take a piece of the action. No worries there, as Boneyard in Sherman Oaks stays focused on quality meats and an impressive lineup of craft beer. It's no wonder the Ventura Boulevard option is always so busy on Saturday nights. 13539 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks—Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For a neighborhood spot that's better than ever: Alimento
Alimento was a hit the moment it opened and not much has changed since. Zach Pollack’s fare draws inspiration from all over Italy and continues to satisfy diners night after night. Whatever you do, don’t miss the tortellini in brodo and chicken milanese sandwich. They just might be two of the most delicious dishes in Silver Lake. 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles —Ash Narayan [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
December 30, 2016:
For wine-friendly snacks in the heart of Beverly Hills: Vinoteca
Have you had a montanara yet? If not it’s worth a trip to the Four Seasons Beverly Hills’ new wine bar Vinoteca for the fried pizza dough snacks alone. Select from varieties like the burrata with prosciutto di Parma or the smoky eggplant with tomatoes and provolone, pair it with a glass of wine (or two) and a smattering of Italian small plates, and you have the perfect way to recharge after an arduous day in the swanky neighborhood. 300 S Doheny Dr., Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Vinoteca]
For a noodle-riddled lunch in SGV: Shaanxi Garden
I've been on an SGV kick lately, especially since driving out east is so much easier during the holidays since so many people leave town. My latest stop was Shaanxi Garden, which Euno Lee wrote about last year as a great place for noodles. The lamb "pita" noodles were spectacular, along with the ultra lengthy "biang-biang" noodles that stretched up to two feet long. The lamb burger was probably the best I've tried to date, with tender, flavorful meat on a warm bun. 529 E Valley Blvd #178a., San Gabriel —Matthew Kang [Photo: Uracha Chaiyapinunt]
For an easy end-of-year hangout session in Ktown: Dan Sung Sa
There are plenty of bars in Koreatown where you can down endless bottles of soju, makgeoli, and watery beer, but perhaps the best place is Dan Sung Sa, if only for the incredible interior that conjures up late nights on farflung sidestreets in Seoul (or even Pyongyang). With the grill at the center of the menu, order everything from marinated pork to chicken gizzards, then share a few massive platters of spicy rice cakes with instant ramen noodles (terrific drunk food), and maybe some charred hagfish. 3317 W. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA —Matthew Kang [Photo: Yelp]
For Silver Lake newcomer you've got to climb for: Wolfdown
Step up a few stairs (okay, more than a few) to get to the new Wolfdown on Rowena in Silver Lake. The place is a kind of treehouse hideaways, wrapped in wood and dimly lit, but serving big, flavorful dishes from the Forage family. Wines are nice and simple, the wide bar looks like a teppanyaki grill and keeps the bartender front and center, and the patio is a relaxing place to spend time with friends and neighbors. 2764 Rowena Ave., Silver Lake —Farley Elliott [Photo: Wolfdown]
For fun-loving Indian food right in Downtown: Badmaash
Have you been into Badmaash lately? It might be worth another look, as the place continues to get better and better with age. Their butter chicken is somehow even richer (especially when served as their new off-menu butter chicken burger), the craft beer even more surprising, and the playful ambiance and amiable owners Pawan, Nakul, and Arjun Mahendro as fun as ever. Stop in for a meal with friends — you'll need backup to take down the menu. 108 W. 2nd St., Downtown —Farley Elliott [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
December 22, 2016:
For Fairfax pho on rainy days: Pho Saigon Pearl
Though the location of Pho Saigon Pearl on Fairfax (in the busy part between Third Street and Wilshire) has been many things over the years, it would be fair to assume on first visit that this Vietnamese newcomer could stick around a while. With two sister sites in Orange County, this LA arrival is doing clean, balanced pho alongside a variety of snack-sized items that pack a flavorful punch. There's the lightly sauced wings, the weekend oxtail poutine favorite, and of course spring rolls to enjoy, but with a hot bowl of sturdy pho in front of you and rain outside, you might not need anything else at all. 519 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles —Farley Elliott [Photo: Farley Elliott]
For a beer, a TV, and some surprising food: Horse's Mouth
Koreatown continues its endless ascendency, most recently picking up Horse's Mouth, a casual dinner option on Western Avenue, tucked between Frank n Hank's and Beer Belly. Charlie Yusta is at the helm, and he's turning out thoughtful interpretations of the food you already love, from oysters and an awesome mussel curry to steak, duck, and beef carpaccio. Add in an easy happy hour with TVs showing the game, and you've got a great casual night out. 528 Western Ave., Koreatown —Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For an underrated bowl of ramen in the South Bay: Jidaiya Ramen
Everyone talks about the supremacy of Tsujita, and it's far and away the best ramen in Southern California. However, the South Bay remains the best overall ramen neighborhood in town, with a ridiculous number of noodle shops per capita. And Jidaiya just might be the best in the area, with a delicious tsukemen and a near-perfect bowl of Tokyo yatai-style ramen that's light on the broth and heavy on the bonito flavor. What's better, they'll be open throughout Christmas weekend, with hours until 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and even hours on Christmas Day until the mid-afternoon. 18537 S Western Ave., Gardena —Matthew Kang [Photo: Yelp]
For LA's second best (or perhaps best) pastrami: Wexler's Deli
Yes, Langer's is unquestionably a fantastic place for pastrami in Los Angeles, and the rye bread there is easily the best ever. But, Wexler's Deli is bringing a strong contender to the field, especially with its Westside-friendly Santa Monica outlet. I tried the amazing MacArthur Park sandwich (an obvious ode to to Langer's), with coleslaw and swiss cheese. The bread is the weakest link here, but the pastrami itself is smoky, tender, and addictive, perhaps as impressive as its Eastside counterpart (FYI, Wexler's is inside Grand Central Market as well). 616 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica —Matthew Kang [Photo: Matthew Kang]
For soul-warming beef noodle soup: Pine & Crane
There are few better ways to get in the sweater weather spirit than with a steaming bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Thankfully you don’t have to drive out to the SGV to get a great bowl, as Pine & Crane in Silver Lake offers an outstanding iteration that is as aromatic and soothing as they come. Order a simple side of sautéed vegetables that comes from the restaurant owner’s family farm, and you have a meal that warms you from the inside and out. 1521 Griffith Park Blvd., Los Angeles — Crystal Coser [Photo: Bill Addison]
December 16, 2016:
For a Koreatown glamour night with friends: Terra Cotta
What could be cooler than kicking it with friends at Terra Cotta? Maybe you're out for a show next door at the Wiltern, or maybe you just want to feel special sitting in a tall booth with your glammed up friends for a night. Either one works (heck, you can even just come as you are) at Terra Cotta, where the long marble bar, soaring ceiling, and long run of open glass out to the street help to make you feel bigger than life. It helps too that the global food menu is as expansive as the room. 3760 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown —Farley Elliott [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For the pasta palace you didn't know you missed: Factory Kitchen
Remember when handmade pasta felt like a bit of a decadent excursion in Los Angeles? Not that we haven't had Italians making great stuff for years, it's just that Factory Kitchen in the Arts District somehow made it feel cooler than before. Their handkerchief pasta reigned supreme as a bar-none top pasta in the city for years, and guess what? You can still enjoy it, along with a ton of other Italian specialities, this very weekend. The Factory Kitchen is just as strong (and as bustling) as ever, so why not give the place a second look? 1300 Factory Place, Los Angeles —Farley Elliott [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
For a large party dining go-to: B.S. Taqueria
Finding a restaurant ideal for a group of six or more isn’t always easy. The menu has to be affordable and sharable, the cocktails guzzable (shout out to Super Amazing Restaurant Show), and the space has to be give off convivial vibes. I find myself always recommending B.S. Taqueria when asked where to go with a large party. With one of the coolest dining room spaces in town, incredible tacos, and tequila and mezcal-based drinks that seriously pack a punch, there are few better ways to enjoy a night out with a few (or ten) friends. 514 W 7th St., Downtown —Crystal Coser [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For a weekend coffee and ice cream party: Counter Culture Coffee
Here’s your chance to check out the beautiful Counter Culture Coffee in Silver Lake. Normally just a training center for baristas, the shop behind El Condor is opening up for a collaboration party with Smitten Ice Cream on Saturday, which means affogatos, seasonal ice cream flavors, and a pay what you want model that sees the cash go to the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic. Hours run noon to 3 p.m. 1601 Griffith Park Blvd., Silver Lake. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Liz Barclay]
For a Hollywood tasting menu you can get behind: Papilles
Have you stopped into Papilles in Hollywood lately? The strip mall neighborhood bistro is doing great work per usual, landing a simple multi-course tasting menu that everyone can get behind. Sure, you can go a la carte as needed, but why not step in with a date and enjoy taking the evening off from responsibility, while watching the kitchen do its thing? 6221 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. — Farley Elliott [photo: Papilles]
December 9, 2016:
For a critical darling that surpasses the hype: Shibumi
You probably don't need more convincing to visit Shibumi, what with Jonathan Gold ranking it the number two best restaurants in the city and Eater's own roving critic Bill Addison doling out high praise for the kappo-style restaurant just months after opening. But with all the mentions of the serene surrounds and almost ethereal presence of the light-bathed chef, I expected a quiet experience verging on fine dining. The one I had was, gladly, quite different. Instead I was met with a curated playlist that matched the street style of most of the chefs behind the bar. The food and cocktails (personal favorites include the persimmon with whipped tofu and silky egg tofu with uni) were, of course, as thought-provoking as you would hope, but the welcome surprise of the convivial vibes made it exactly the type of restaurant I find myself revisiting over and over again. 815 Hill St, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Crystal Coser]
For your requisite ice cream fix: Gresescent
Downtown's got a new ice cream champion in Gresescent, a clean South Park shop with just the right amount of flair. Though the space itself is as sparse as your favorite hip coffee shop, the flavors — like a grilled pineapple and bourbon caramel — are as colorful as they come. Stop in for a scoop or three, and don't skip on the awesome maple-flavored waffle bowls it all comes in. 850 S. Olive St., Downtown —Farley Elliott [Photo: Facebook]
For polished neighborhood fare on the Westside: The Doughroom
It's been a long journey for The Doughroom, a humble neighborhood spot in Palms that serves pizza, pasta, and craft beer in a comfort strip mall space along Overland Avenue. The menu's starting to get some revamps thanks to a 71Above vet that's making fresh pasta in house like rigatoni with lamb sausage and seasonal bites like crispy sweet potato with smoky yogurt. Just get there early as the place tends to get packed by 6:30 p.m. on weekends. 3409 Overland Ave. —Matthew Kang
For a chilled-out weekend with some New York vibes: L&E Oyster Bar
Silver Lake's L&E Oyster Bar is a true neighborhood star. It's the kind of place where everyone who can walk there does, and they all hang out over rose and oysters all evening upstairs. But the real pro move, if you're looking to duck in and just eat well without all the fanfare, is to head for the downstairs bar. With just a few seats tucked low under the ceiling, the marble bar there is actually much, much cozier for an evening in with your thoughts, a sweater, and maybe one lucky friend. 1637 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake —Farley Elliott
For solid shabu shabu in the South Bay: Shin Sen Gumi Shabu Shabu Gardena
While that's a whale of a name (S.S.G.S.S.G.), now's about the perfect time to enjoy high quality shabu shabu in the South Bay. While the dingy digs give it that kind of weathered in feel you'd find tucked away in a Tokyo street, the real draw is the prime grade chuck beef that gets thinly sliced and served with vegetables and dipping sauces. Crank up the boiling water tinted with kombu and swish the meat until it's just barely cooked. When you finish, opt for the rice porridge, which is even better with a few drops of chili oil. 1695 W. Artesia, Gardena, CA —Matthew Kang
December 2, 2016:
For a standby restaurant that gets better every time: Republique
There has never been a time that I've visited Republique and not fallen a little bit more in love with the restaurant. There are the foundations that are hard not to admire—the breathtaking Gothic arches that keep me in awe, the roasted chicken, the bread and butter that's worth a trip alone—but every time there are also new discoveries. Maybe it's a mind-blowing Marsala the sommelier helps you encounter, maybe it's one of the new crazy delicious offerings from what is arguably the best pasty program in all of LA, but no matter what it is, I find myself delighted in new ways every time. And that, to me, is what makes it one of my favorite go-to restaurants in all of Los Angeles. 624 S LA Brea Ave, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
For your immediate noodle fix in Glendale: Tsujita
Got nothing going on this weekend? Consider taking the time to wait for a table at the new Tsujita at the Americana in Glendale. The sprawling shopping campus has been upping its culinary game of late, most recently with amazing ramen option Tsujita. For Eastsiders that means no more crawling west for those hearty bowls of tonkotsu — all you've got to do is braving the holiday shopping scene. 889 Americana Way, Glendale. —Farley Elliott [Photo: Farley Elliott]
For Koreatown dumplings right on the street: Golden Pouch
What's not to love about late night dim sum, especially once the bars let out? That's exactly what you'll get at Golden Pouch, the cutesy Koreatown newcomer that turns out all manner of dumplings and more until 2 a.m. The place also does shu mai, spring rolls, and much more, making it a stop-off any time of day or night. But, c'mon, it's best when you've had a few drinks. 3324 W. 6th St., Koreatown. —Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For delicious Burmese-Indian cuisine on the Westside: Jasmine Market
I've long overlooked this casual restaurant in Culver City but the ridiculously affordable Jasmine Market in Culver City is a great place for an easy-going weekend dinner on the Westside. Start with the incredible samosas and move on to the shareable keema paratha. The biryani isn't world-beating, but it's a good filler. What's even better on the weekends is Jasmine Market's Burmese dishes come to full fruition. Try everything from the curry-laden dry noodles to the soulful coconut chicken noodle soup. 4135 1/2 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City —Matthew Kang [Photo: Yelp]
For a taste of New York pizza in Los Angeles: Roberta's at Platform
Popular New York pizza restaurant Roberta's is throwing a two-month pop-up in Culver City's Platform, with its iconic Bee Sting pizza topped with salami and spicy-sweet honey with mozzarella. They just started last night, with service from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. The wood-fired pizzas come with beer and wine as well, if you want to make a night of it. 8850 Washington Blvd, Culver City —Matthew Kang
November 23, 2016:
For a big, spendy time Downtown: 71Above
Sneak in, if you can, for a second indulgent meal this weekend at 71Above. The sky-high restaurant run by chef Vartan Abgaryan is firing on all cylinders lately, turning out dish after dish of decadent, balanced plates as part of a concentrated three-course menu. Don't skip on the wine pairings either, because what better way to slide back into a slow holiday season work week than with a truly worthy meal at one of LA's most beautiful new restaurants? 633 W. 5th St., Los Angeles —Farley Elliott [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
Or go the other way and keep it simple: Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
If you've managed to stuff yourself silly during a long Thanksgiving with family, why not cleanse your way into a healthier Monday with a stop-off at Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Glendale? The casual salad specialist has everything you might want for a tasty, healthy late-weekend meal, and comes in a surprisingly pretty package right across from the Americana. Just duck in fast or you might be tempted by the smell of french fries from Shake Shack on the corner. 252 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale —Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For hot fish sandwiches and chowder fries: Plan Check Santa Monica
Plan Check has always been a reliable standby for great burgers and beers, but what I have especially appreciated about the chain are the menu items dedicated to its specific locale. At the newest location in Santa Monica, that takes the form of seafood platters, hot fish sandwiches, lobster rolls, and chowder fries. The dish that I find myself craving is the hot fish sandwich, clearly inspired by the hot chicken trend that has swept our city, but swapping poultry for Mahi Mahi. Add on kaffir lime slaw and kombu pickles, and you've got one hell of a sandwich. Just be sure you have ample libations to wash it all down. 1401 Ocean Ave #104, Santa Monica —Crystal Coser [Photo: Dylan + Jeni]
For a refined Southeast Asian feast in Downtown: Simbal
When Simbal first opened, it took a while to get its bearings right. Shawn Pham had a creative take on Vietnamese and Thai dishes, but these days, the flavor dials are turned to 11. Which is great for people who haven't been back to Simbal in a while. Sure, the spot's a little hard to find but once you get inside, you realize how incredible the place looks (it did win Stone Cold Stunner last year). Belly up to the bar for a cocktail, then mosey over to the chef's counter to watch the cooking in action. Pham himself is usually at the wok, doing everything from the supremely great vegetables to the heavenly beef. Prices are more than reasonable for this level of cuisine, and everything from the crispy tofu and hamachi crudo to the braised oxtail on congee will remind you that LA is full of these wonderful dining gems.120 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For an amazing tempura kaiseki in the South Bay: Inaba Restaurant
I've long praised the excellent soba noodles at Ichimiann in Torrance, but I've never really considered its more upscale sister in Torrance, Inaba, which features a full tempura kaiseki menu for a mere $45. That's about a less than a quarter of the price that you'd pay at Tempura Endo in Beverly Hills. You start the meal with a great little sashimi bowl, followed by a flavor-riddled mushroom chawanmushi. Then the tempura starts coming, vegetables first, then seafood. Everything is crisp, finely textured, and devoid of extraneous oil. Finish with a bowl of hot house-cut udon noodles in an addictive dashi both, and you've got one of LA's dining miracles: perfect cuisine at a fraction of the price. 20920 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 —Matthew Kang [Photo: Yelp]
November 18, 2016:
For your weekend Westside wakeup: Eggslut Venice
Yes, there is a new Eggslut in Venice. And yes, you're going to want to start lining up approximately... now in order to get inside at any point on Saturday. That's because the new Pacific Avenue space is, well, tiny, but also because it's home to what must surely be the Westside's immediate best new breakfast sandwich. With opening hours at 8 a.m., you could conceivably wake up early enough to miss some of the crowds but otherwise be prepared for a wait. 1611 Pacific Ave., Venice — Farley Elliott [Photo: Farley Elliott]
For a long-running taco spot that keeps it Highland Park casual: My Taco
Don't let the colorful chairs and strip mall location fool you: My Taco in Highland Park is more than just any ol' taco spot. In a neighborhood rife with stands, trucks, and some of LA's best huaraches, My Taco keeps pace by offering awesome tacos and full plates of the house speciality lamb barbacoa. And they've been doing all that since 1994. 6300 York Blvd., Highland Park — Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For Korean snack food that won't break the bank: The Kimbap
Have you tried kimbap, a sort of Korean take on sushi that typically substitutes raw fish for vegetables or meat, yet? The popular Korean snack food has yet to make waves in LA as of yet, but both first timers and aficionados of the rice rolls will find a happy home at the newly opened The Kimbap, a sleek new restaurant near the relocated Jun Won. There are versions made with things like spicy pork and kimchi, but my favorite was the avocado variant for a fresh take on the classic dish. Add on some xiao long bao-like dumplings and leave pleasantly satisfied. 400 S Western Ave Ste 102, Los Angeles — Crystal Coser [Photo: Yelp]
For a quiet weekend coffee getaway in Downtown: Cognoscenti Coffee
If you didn't know already, there's a nifty little Cognoscenti Coffee shop now on San Julian in the Fashion District. It's right next to a trio of upcoming hotspots: Rossoblu, The Slanted Door, and the Livigni/Moix bar concept. But before those all open in the coming months, you can hang out in the airy confines of Cognoscenti, which offers everything from perfect Proof Bakery pastries to a set of egg-based breakfast dishes for a relaxed weekend coffee hangout. Throw in some of the city's best coffees prepared in state-of-the-art fashion, and you have the best place to relax this weekend.1118 San Julian St., Los Angeles — Matthew Kang [Photo: Matthew Kang]
For a first taste: Nomad Truck
Smogasburg's food offerings continue to change week to week, with everything from the excellent Chinese Laundry to the new Shrimp Daddy, serving Hawaiian style garlic and butter-infused shrimp. This week, the Nomad Truck is parking for the first time, offering the stellar black truffle chicken burger to some of the most addictive soft serve in town, laden with textured honey bits. As the weather cools off, now's the best time to check out the weekly Downtown festival's offerings. 785 Bay St, Los Angeles — Matthew Kang [Photo: Farley Elliott]
October 28, 2016:
For the wine-friendly small plates that started it all: A.O.C.
Every time I dine at A.O.C., I kick myself for not having returned sooner. Everything about the restaurant, from the tasteful, Mediterranean décor (and my favorite restaurant bathroom in all of LA) to the lovely market-driven small plates that started a dining revolution to the vintner's plate, a smorgasbord of wine-friendly bites, is exactly what I look for when dining out. It's no surprise Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne's California classic always tops my list when out-of-towners ask where they must dine in LA. 8700 W 3rd St, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Facebook]
For takeout window Greek classics: King Kabob
Tucked into a wall on the south end of Sawtelle is King Kabob, a no-frills Greek spot for gyros and other takeaway fare. It's not the most fussed-about food in the universe, but for a weekend with friends in a nearby park or after a day of shopping at the mall nearby, this longstanding option more than fits the bill. 5500 Sawtelle Blvd., Culver City —Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For Salvadorean specialties near Downtown: Las Tunas
Right off Vermont and 3rd St. you'll find Las Tunas, a simple spot for pupusas, steak and onions, and lots of other Central American fare. Short on pretense but long on flavor, this is the kind of local find you should be seeking out every weekend in Los Angeles. 3603 W. 3rd St., Pico-Union —Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For an evening slice late into the night: Pellicola Pizza
Need some New York-style pizza in your life at, say, 2 a.m.? You can get that at Pellicola Pizza off 8th Street in Downtown, where the split-level space keeps rocking until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. You can't go wrong with the regular pepperoni here. 421 W. 8th St., Downtown —Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For the most innovative cooking in West LA right now: Kato
If you haven't been over to Kato yet, run, don't walk. We're officially dubbing Kato the "it" restaurant of the second half of 2016, and possibly even 2017. The place is still getting some sea legs as chef Jon Yao develops his style, but for now, the Taiwanese and Japanese-inspired food is some of the most interesting, and affordable, cooking happening in this part of town. Sure, it's quite a hidden gem, tucked away in a strip mall along busy Santa Monica Blvd. Yao continues to change his set menu (price: $49 for seven or eight courses), but if you're interested in a quick bite over a longer tasting menu (which takes all of 90 minutes at most), then try the a la carte/supplement menu, which has a great Taiwanese fried chicken sandwich. 11925 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 —Matthew Kang
October 28, 2016:
For a taste of Hawaii without leaving the Westside: Da Kikokiko
Take a quick trip to tropical paradise during your lunch break with a meal at Da Kikokiko, the new quick-service restaurant by Brooke Williamson of Top Chef fame. Here the island vibes translate to a beautifully executed mid-century Hawaiian aesthetic, some of the best poke on this side of the Pacific, and towering shaved ice to cap it all off. Don't skip the Spam musubi, either. 12746 Jefferson Blvd. #1140, Playa Vista —Crystal Coser [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For down-home pasta in a Los Feliz strip mall: La Pergoletta
Unassuming corner strip mall entrant La Pergoletta continues to make a name for itself as a strong midweek dinner option when there's nothing in the pantry at home. The menu practically bills itself as a "look in the fridge and decide" alternative, offering a variety of handmade pastas to be mixed and matched with an equal number of sauces. Some are creamy, others are buttery, and still more lean heavily on tomatoes, but making connections and finding your favorite is just part of the fun. 1802 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz. —Farley Elliott [Photo: Google Maps]
For a party where the food and drink actually matters: The Line Hotel
Head out too late from home and you might just end up waiting in a block-long line to get into The Line Hotel in Koreatown. On weekend evenings the music in the lobby is turned up loud, Pot is booming in the back, and it's standing room only up near the pool (and glassy all-day hangout Commissary). But get there at just the right time, say late afternoon — or even early morning if you're that kind of person — and you'll find a waiting list of possibilities that span the food and drink gamut, each a blast in its own way. That could mean a sunny brunch upstairs or some hot pot dining with friends downstairs, but either way if you linger long enough you'll feel the party start to surge around you, no waiting required. 3515 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown —Farley Elliott [Photo: The Line]
For the best kind of Koreatown revival: Jun Won
Jun Won, the excellent home-style Korean restaurant that had to relocate from its longtime 8th St perch, is nearly kicking in full gear in its new Western Avenue abode. The pan-fried atka fish was gorgeously browned, though perhaps a tad underseasoned. The tofu stew, which I think is the most underrated menu item, is addictively soothing, a blend of spicy chili, meat, and tender tofu. The bossam, another underrated dish, is perfectly tender and juicy, ideal with some plump seasoned oysters as toppings. Jun Won's seasoning is perhaps a notch beneath its full potential, but the place is still new. With this sweet new high ceilinged space, it has the potential to rise to the top of Koreatown's restaurant heap. 414 S. Western Ave., Ste B, Los Angeles —Matthew Kang [Photo: Matthew Kang]
For chic seafood plates in Venice: Chaya Venice
This recently remodeled space retains much of its old charm, as a gentrified Westside restaurant offering a mostly Japanese-tinted seafood menu (along with some sushi bar and izakaya favorites). The new vibe hews closer to a timeless mid-century aesthetic, though the high ceiling reminds one that the building maybe have been designed in the postmodern 1990s. The food itself is well executed though predictable. And with things like spicy tuna tartare or uni-laden risotto, that's a good thing. For those who want to splurge, whole fish can be presented both raw and then with the remaining parts grilled for a head-to-fin experience. 110 Navy St. Los Angeles —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
October 21, 2016:
For a modern Mexican standby in the heart of it all: Petty Cash Taqueria
Los Angeles is cementing its stronghold as the domestic capital of modern Mexican cuisine, what with the incoming Verlaine by Diego Hernandez and the explosive popularity of Ray Garcia's Broken Spanish and B.S. Taqueria. But an early player in the game was Petty Cash Taqueria, which has always been a standby for elevated fillings wrapped in toothsome, housemade tortillas. My love for the restaurant was only reinforced on a recent visit where I had the seasonal kabocha squash taco. Enveloped in a shattering tempura batter and accented with pomegranate and housemade ricotta, it was the single best taco I have had in a very long time. 7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Facebook]
For Spanish flavors from a bright red truck: Tumaca
Los Angeles still has a ways to go in the casual Spanish food department, but we're trying. There's West Hollywood's sandwich stop BCN, but for a more expanded variety of flavors try the new Tumaca truck, currently running around Los Angeles. Working both AM and late night shifts, the big red machine puts out sandwiches filled with chorizo and eggs, or better yet serrano ham. They also do a mean patatas bravas, and serve it all with the kindest smile in the street food game. Tumaca Truck. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Facebook]
For steak and wine 20 years in the making: Carlitos Gardel
Not to be too obtuse, but Carlitos Gardel on Melrose is the kind of place you either know about, or don't. The two decade old restaurant isn't exactly a hidden gem, because that would imply it's either out of the way (nope, it's right on Melrose) or little-known (they've got plenty of fans). But there's a good chance still that in all their time doing grilled steaks, chimichurri, and wine, you've never stepped foot into the family-owned restaurant. Time to change that with a low cost, high reward kind of night with friends. 7963 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Facebook]
For a huge slice of meat heaven: Chi Spacca
I confess that I hadn't had a full meal at Chi Spacca before. So it was due time to try the monstrous steaks and chops there when my colleague and friend Nick Solares was in town. Joined by other friends, including Eater LA contributor Euno Lee, we ordered up the amazing cheese foccacia and split the expensive, but perfectly grilled (to rare) costata di fiorentina. The balance of rich beefy flavor with a delicate funk made for something to savor while the more aggressively seasoned pork chop, covered with fennel pollen, was perhaps even more delicious. Chi Spacca is jammed packed most nights, so getting a table on weekends might be difficult, but it's perhaps the best low-key steakhouse in town. 6610 Melrose Ave. —Matthew Kang
For spice-filled Indian-Pakistani cooking in Palms: Taj Tandoori
Palms hasn't had anyone to fill the spice glory that was Zam Zam since it decamped to Hawthorne earlier this year, but a pair of contenders in Zafran Pot (which supposedly has great biriyani) and Taj Tandoori, both in Palms along Venice Blvd, just might fill the void. Earlier this year I praised Charga House for having excellent grilled chicken, but I might even prefer Taj Tandoori's commitment to pepper, curry, cardamom, and the rest of South Asia's abundance of spices.
I tried the chicken karahi, admittedly a meaty tomato-y chicken stew hailing from Pakistan (with perhaps too much of a spaghetti sauce flavor). When I asked the server, who was Indian, why they tended to mix-and-match the cuisines here, she said that the Muslims living in the area liked to have meat. Pakistani cuisine uses plenty of meat while Indian skews more toward vegetables. Good enough for me. I also opted for the bhindi masala, okra with onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic, that was on the drier side and deeply imbued with spices. I'd skip the naan and just start with some of the punjabi samosas. 10823 Venice Blvd, Palms —Matthew Kang [Photo: Matthew Kang]
October 14, 2016:
For beautiful dishes with an outstanding wine list to boot: Marvin
Why aren't more people eating at Marvin? It's an answer I can't quite figure out. Being a West Hollywood local, it took me far too long to venture into the neighborhood wine bar much to my misfortune. Who knew the plates here are so beautifully composed (don't skip the rainbow that is the buratta salad and the crazy delicious octopus), the service so genuine and earnest, and the atmosphere perfect for everything from a date to an overdue night with friends? Yes, it is a wine bar with a list that would service everyone from the novice to master oenophile, but think of it as a restaurant too, and don't wait as long as I did. 8114 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 —Crystal Coser
For a worthy stop in Woodland Hills: Gasolina Cafe
There's a lot of love at Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills these days. The yes-we-can coffee and breakfast stop has bloomed into something the entire neighborhood is willing to embrace, through sheer force of will from chef/owner Sandra Cordero. Rotating paella nights make for a fun evening affair, but the real pull is the AM scene, where strong coffee and great Spanish-influenced breakfast items rule the weekend. 21024 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills —Farley Elliott
For casual Japanese fare you can get behind: Ebisu Japanese Tavern
From the nautical decor with the boat-shaped table to the thick menu filled with comfort food, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Little Tokyo's Ebisu. Grilled strips of pork might appear at your table one moment, or some katsu chicken the next. There are pot stickers and veggies and beers galore, offered with just enough service to keep your table ready for the next round. 356 E. 2nd St., Little Tokyo —Farley Elliott [Facebook]
For LA's best new bakery: Mr Holmes Bakehouse
Sure, there's the cruffin. But Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, a minimalist gem with a sweeping ceiling in Highland Park, is the best place for pastries in L.A. right now. With everything from terrific ham and cheese croissants, laden with smoky ham chunks, to the strawberry cream-filled donuts, will be something you'll remember. Just be mindful of the iced tea, whose cups tend to be more filled with ice than actual tea. 111 S Ave 59, Los Angeles —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For the perfect restaurant hack: Gwen
This week Besha Rodell released the first official review on Gwen, Curtis Stone's ambitious meat-focused restaurant in Hollywood. Earlier this week, I stepped up to the bar and ordered a steak, a few sides, and a cocktail. It's perhaps the loveliest way to dine at Gwen on the fly, with a $75 30-day dry aged ribeye, plus some of the best creamy endives you've had in your life. If you sit in the dining room (right next to the bar), you have to get the pricier tasting menu, which is a pleasure in its own right. But having the chance to eat incredible beef on any given night in one of LA's more glorious spaces? That's something you can't beat. 6600 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles —Matthew Kang[Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]