We know what your thinking, East L.A. edition? Isn’t that a bit broad. And where is East L.A.? Isn’t everything past WEHO just L.A? This edition is for the locals, your where’s where of places to dine, shop, and see as a true Angeleno would care to do.
On the list of up-and-coming neighborhoods you can relocate to, we share with you East L.A.’s most noteworthy stops to the best restaurants in Los Feliz. You’ll wonder why you don’t step outside your zip code more often.
Morning
Skylight Books
Swing by the airy Skylight Books and peruse the independent shop’s well-curated staff picks for some morning reading material, then take your paperback of choice up the street to the small patio at caffeine-fix mainstay Bru Coffeebar. If you’re after a decadent breakfast, claim a booth and order up something from the griddle at 24/7 throwback diner Fred 62. Wait out your inevitable food coma with a $6.50 early matinee in the plush, Egyptian-style Vista Theatre.
Vista Theatre
Afternoon
Soap Planet Wacko
Work your way down Vermont Avenue and its collection of shops, from radical decor courtesy of queer feminist-owned Otherwild to an indescribable assortment of pop culture at Soap Plant Wacko. Then cross over Hollywood Boulevard and climb up to Barnsdall Art Park for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark, the temple-like Hollyhock House.
Hollyhock House
Make your way back to the other side of town and into Griffith Park for a sandwich and slice of pie from the Trails Cafe, which overlooks the lovely Fern Dell, a shaded, rustic oasis equally stocked with relaxing strolls and hiking trailheads.
Evening
Feeling intrepid? Hike the two-mile trail up to Griffith Observatory. Otherwise, drive up and settle in for a sunset with shimmery city views from the Art Deco hilltop observatory.
Alcove Cafe
Trek back down for dinner on one of L.A.’s most idyllic patios at Alcove Cafe and Bakery, which serves up large, unfussy plates in its twinkle-lit courtyard, with top-notch whimsical cocktails at the adjoining Big Bar. Afterward, make sure to visit lounge legends Marty and Elayne at the Dresden before swinging by House of Pies for a midnight slice of banana cream pie.
Whether your hosting, pot-lucking, or just in the fall spirit-we’ve put together a list of the best beverages to try this October. So skip the generic apple cider and read below for tasty recipes sure to delight even your most ghoulish guest.
Halloween Bloody Mary Shooters
Halloween Bloody Mary Shooters
Homemade Bloody Mary mix is topped with a layer of black vodka in these spooky shooters. They’re just the thing for getting a Halloween party started.
The perfect concoction to serve to even the tiniest of terrors, the Blood Moon punch can be made sans spirits for family gatherings or spiked to appease grown up ghouls.
The smokiness of the mezcal perfectly complements the warming spices in the cider, yielding a complex, subtly sweet cocktail that was basically fall coziness in a glass. 100% delightful.
Serve up a little black magic in the form of a cocktail made with vodka that’s as dark as night — with a scoop of ghostly-white vanilla ice cream floating on top.
Whether your a candy corn lover or hater, nothing screams hallows eve or day quite like candy corn. This trick-or-treat essential turned cocktail is a Halloween must for those opting to sip their treats instead of snack.
Beckoning jewel-toned fruits are cleverly frozen into a block of ice using a cake pan, then floated atop a Halloween punch spiked with sake and plum wine. Pomegranate juice gives the drink a very apt blood-red hue.
If your not one for festive cocktails then no fret! Select your favorite seasonal beer or lager and bring out your inner craftsmen with this how to for the perfect Pumpkin Keg.
WHETHER YOUR ON HOSTING DUTY FOR THE EVENING OR SIMPLY LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT TREAT TO PAIR WITH YOUR FAVORITE SCARY MOVIE, WE HOPE YOU ENJOY OR FESTIVE SUGGESTIONS. REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND MAYBE CUT YOURSELF OFF THE CANDY AFTER A HANDFUL OR SO!
With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.
“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”
The Gables
331 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Gables
The Gables is a counter-order, neighborhood restaurant, serving an all-day, market-driven menu of homestyle California cuisine and fresh baked goods by Chef Vicki Fan Matsusaka. We recommend the Bodega Breakfast Sunny, a pairing of busted eggs, nueske’s bacon and American cheese on ciabatta.
Lucky Boy
Lucky Boy
640 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105
The crispy diner-style hashbrowns, loads of melty cheddar, eggs, and bacon make the breakfast burrito at Lucky Boy the absolute platonic ideal. If you only eat one breakfast burrito for the rest of your life, it should be this one.
The Village Bakery
The Village Bakery
3119 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
The Village Bakery and Cafe is a neighborhood place, located in a real neighborhood: Atwater Village in Los Angeles. All of of their food is prepared right in their kitchen every day from fresh and natural ingredients, including farmer’s market fruits and vegetables. Our go to is the Atwater Special–Grilled polenta cake topped with parmesan cheese, scrambled eggs, spinach, tomatoes and crumbled bacon. Served on a parmesan crisp plate. Morning Perfection!
“Lunch, Brunch 2nd Breakfast!”
Sushi Note
Sushi Note
13447 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
The restaurant is a collaboration between some of LA’s best names in wine and sushi, with an extensive wine selection and food from celebrated chef Kiminobu Saito. Gibbs’ sushi and wine approach is a casual one, as he wants diners to pair anything their hearts desire, even if it’s a delicate piece of snapper with a bold Napa red. Chef Saito has also brought on Takeshi Matsuzaki from Tama Sushi as his second in sliced-fish command.
Milk Bar
Milk Bar
7150 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Not exactly lunch but we all need an afternoon pick me up from time to time. Milk Bar is an award-winning bakery led by chef and owner Christina Tosi. They believe in a world of endless possibilities, and create playfully nostalgic desserts that celebrate innovation and quality. Indulge in the seasonal favorite Pumpkin Dulce De Leche- a sweetness overload of vanilla spice cake, milk crumbs, roasted pumpkin ganache, dulce de leche, and roasted pepitas. Your inner fall fanatic will thank us later!
Roberta’s
Roberta’s
8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA
Greater Los Angeles’s pizza moment continues with Roberta’s at the Platform project in Culver City. The famed Brooklyn pizza joint that counts Beyonce and Jay-Z as fans fired out their popular East Coast menu. West Coast Roberta’s carries much the same menu as the original, with a lean on blistered pizzas as well as wood-fired vegetables, pasta, and cured meat. There’s room for lots of funky wines as well, and a full bar for cocktails to boot.
“What’s for dinner?”
Simone
Simone
449 S Hewitt St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
The long-awaited restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Jessica Largey is now open in Los Angeles’ Arts District. The multifaceted space features a dining room serving relaxed, produce-driven California fare, with a classic, elevated wine list by Beverage Director Jordan Egan (NoMad), and craft cocktails from Bar Director Iain McPherson (Edinburgh’s Panda and Sons).
Ronan
Ronan
7315 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
This fresh addition to Melrose, called Ronan, is a newcomer project from Daniel Cutler (Sotto and Alimento) and his wife, Caitlin, whose resume includes experience at popular LA spots Hatchet Hall and Huckleberry, Eater Los Angeles reports. On the menu, expect to see shareable dishes such as chicken liver pate; pollen-dusted pork chops; and grilled snapper with fermented green tomato and roasted fennel. Craving pizza? Come try wood-fired specialties like the White Dynamite with ricotta, basil, garlic and Calabrian chili oil; or the Pixxa — a pie topped with mole rosso, squash blossom, Jersey ricotta and coriander flower. (You can check out the dining menu here.)
Asanebo
Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
If you want to understand Asanebo, the sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of Studio City’s sushi bar strip, you could do worse than to look at the tiny dish of chawanmushi there, the inevitable beginning to one of the long, multi-coursed omakase meals that are the restaurant’s reason for being. All Asanebo asks from you is an open mind, plus rather a lot of money. In exchange, you spend an hour or so in an elevated state of being.
We know what your thinking…more fall weekend activities in L.A.! Well if you weren’t thinking that, you are now(your welcome) and you can still read ahead because we’ve rounded up the next haul of weekend activities taking place in and around L.A. So grab your broomsticks and join us for this weekends tricks and treats throughout your neck of the woods!
With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.
Limited engagements taking place this Oct. 12th-14th feature Pumpkin Nights Pomona to Cheat Day in DTLA! Read below for a breakdown of the weekend events.
The American American Contemporary Ballet invites you to their Halloween “Hellraiser” this weekend. This one night only event includes the world premiere of Burlesque and the opening night of Inferno. You will meet the composer Charles Wuorinen (one of the most eminent in the world), hear from ACB’s Artistic Director Lincoln Jones about his vision for the future of ballet, and have an opportunity to support one of the most cutting-edge performing arts companies working today. The evening will also include a reception where a selection of fine foods, wine, and other surprises will be available to indulge in. For ticket prices and more information click here.
*A portion of your ticket purchase is tax deductible.
Spend your evening beneath the stars and amongst the art of the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum. The LACMA Jazz series is free to the public and takes place in the museum’s Smidt Welcome Plaza. Arrive early to claim your seats and enjoy a selection of gourmet food and wine from Ray’s special Jazz night menu. This weekend’s concert features famed pianist and composer Josh Nelson. Nelson has performed and toured with some of the leading names in jazz. For more information click here.
Don’t miss this weekends showing of the cult classic family favorite(so many adjectives!) Halloween film Hocus Pocus. The event is being hosted by San Fernando Valley’s Halloween Drive-In Night where patrons cruise in for a truly authentic retro-style movie experience. The night will be a double-feature screening of Hocus Pocus and Christine. Guest have the option to purchase tickets for one or both films. Additionally, a variety of food trucks and family-friendly pre-show entertainment will also be provided. To join the Sanderson sisters and find out more information click here.
For a weekend of laughs and fun performances, join Disoriented Comedy and the JACCC for their 4th annual comedy festival. Indulge your funny bone with over 100 performers and famed comedians like “Adam Ruins Everything”‘s Adam Conover, Danny Pudi and Mary Sohn. Pop in for afternoon humor or enjoy the evening line up at this 3-day fest. The Comedy Comedy Festival is sponsored by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, CBS Diversity Program and NBC Universal T.I.P. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Take part in this year’s Pumpkin Nights, an interactive experience inviting guests to explore eight different eight themed pumpkin-lands crafted with over 3,000 pumpkins! Demonstrations by professional pumpkin artists, pumpkin fire shows, pumpkin magic shows, and plenty of other pumpkin-themed activities and offerings will take place throughout the special 23 day event. Non-pumpkin offerings will be available as well, including a scavenger hunt, screening of Pixar’s Coco, food trucks, and plenty more for the whole family. For more information click here.
For an evening of music, laughs, and scrumptious eats UMPO’s production of Bridesmaids is the trifecta. Based off of the 2011 box office hit film, this musical parody put on at East L.A.’s Rockwell Table & Stage is theatrical magic. Most noteworthy is the venue which is styled as a cabaret with entertainment all around you. Tickets do require a (2) food/drink minimum and the menu never disappoints. Keep an eye out in the crowd as well, as the Rockwell is known to have its celebrity neighbor patrons stop by. For more information click here.
Join the L.A. Zoo for their spooktacular day’s of fun during the month of october. Weekend events include the Swazzle’s Monster Menagerie Puppet Show,“Spooktacular Science” Show, Masterpiece Pumpkins with Gene Granata, Crocodilian Craft, and the Fearsome Feedings & Creature Treats. It’s perfect outing for the whole family! The L.A. Zoo will also be featuring their Spooky Stroll where you’ll find Halloween games, a mini-pumpkin patch, and “boo-tiful” photo ops. Therefor, all ghouls and goblins are encouraged to wear costumes! For more information on the fun filled activities click here.
Is there a better way to spend your Sunday then as your “Cheat Day”? The story of Cheat Day Land is one of family and passion. An experience in which the celebration of family, food, and fun ooze out of every room you will experience. Similar to last summer’s hit the Ice Cream Museum and other recent Pop-Up photo perfect experiences-Cheat Day Land welcomes you with open arms… because you deserve it! For more information click here.
The perfect evening for those wanting a dose of Halloween fun without all the frights. A Night of Jack, invites guest of all ages to meander through Calabasas’ King Gillette Ranch, where thousands of pumpkins will be elaborately displayed. Along with the festive art will be carving demonstrations, a gift shop, and the Fear Garden Bar for drinks and food to satisfy the living and undead.
Every so often, at some point in your busy week, it happens–you get to play tourist for the day. Whether its hopping in the car for a scenic drive down the coast or popping into Fred Segal’s for an afternoon nosh, “me time” is so crucial.
Once a week, we will cut the clutter and provide you with hidden gems in the city of stars and beyond. From Beverly Hills to the San Fernando Valley, take time to explore your neck of the woods!
There is nothing more quintessential california than a day spent seaside in Santa Monica. From the famous Pierto splurge Santa Monica Place, SaMo is more than a beachfront city. It’s a way of life. Aside from sounding like an Equinox ad, we wanted to send you off into the weekend with ways to spend your day between rush hour and happy hour.
Pacific Palisades Park-Santa Monica
For stunning Ocean views and classic imagery of LA’s coastline, Palisades Park is the perfect way to start your day with a brisk walk through the bluffs. Start at the Pacific Palisades Adjacent end, keeping between the stately concert sculpture at Wilshire and the colorful totem pole at San Vicente. No this isn’t a scavenger hunt, just your quick route to take in the scenes and skip the tourist march.
Santa Monica Pier
If your spending the day with your family or just feel like kicking back like your childhood days, the Santa Monica Pier is always a great choice! Filled with the classic fairground games of yesteryears along a few adrenaline inducing rides, whats not to love? The centre and focal point of Santa Monica Beach, is also home to a range of outdoor events. If you just so happen to feel intrigued, check out our events of the week for Oct.5-7th, featuring not one but two Santa Monica thrills taking place over the weekend.
Camera Obscura-Santa Monica
Before departing away from the sand, make sure to step inside the iconic Camera Obscura!The perfect spot for peace, quite, and a uniquely peculiar view of the oceanfront. The historic optical contraption is the offbeat place to catch your breath and Instagram shot. Hidden inside an oceanfront senior recreation center, Camera Obscura is a great way to fill your time between sites.
Elephante
Alright, so you’ve had your thrills and your fun. Your probably looking for the perfect afternoon pick me up before making your way to the shops. We’ve got that covered too! For the perfect seaside brunch, head towards the coastline for your pick of perfect california cuisine. Between Ivy by the Shore, Del Frisco’s, andElephante–-you’ll be strategizing how you can tackle all three. No stress! From the cuisine to the ambience you can’t go wrong between the lot, they’re a food-lovers paradise along the sea.
Third Street Promenade
Now that you’ve fueled up, theres no better way to end the day then with a little retail therapy. Depending on your style or actual shopping needs, SaMo is full of some of the Westside’s most charming boutiques and storefronts. Peruse along theThird Street Promenadefor a mix of notable and trendy retailers. If your a weekday browser, Wednesdays feature the city’s famed Farmer’s Market! The four block pedestrianized stretch of cobblestone will gove you all the Small Town-Main Street feels.
Santa Monica Place
Needing something more on the High-End? Santa Monica Place is located at the southern end of the Promenade. The outdoor retail space features a revamped shopping center packed with upscale department stores and designer boutiques. From Barnerys of New York to Louis Vuitton, take in the open air and throw away your receipt.
1 Pico @ Shutters on the Beach
So you’ve seen, you’ve sipped, you’ve shopped. The sun is setting and your wondering where you parked your car. Stay to catch the views of day slipping into night and skip the rush hour beat. Stop by 1 Pico for evening fare set in a cape cod style decor. The cuisine is as remarkable as the views at this oceanside spot in SaMo’s Shutters on the Beach.
Santa Monica
Whether you tackled all our recommendations at once or spread it out through the week, there is no better way to experience L.A. then to venture out and try something new. Get outside your zip code, turn on the “Eagles” and call it a day well spent!
August in LA always feels like a waiting game: The city’s kids are just about to start school, we all know the heat is gonna break at some point, and restaurants are often biding their time to open and gain traction just before the holiday rush. That doesn’t mean we missed out this month, though; among the best new restaurant openings are a casual take-out window from one of LA’s hottest restaurant-preneurs, a new food hall with amazing offerings near USC, and one of the US’s most acclaimed ice cream chains. Here are LA’s most exciting new restaurants that opened in August, followed by the overall best spots in town at this moment in time.
Casual lunch takeaway spot from LA’s BBQ master
Adam Perry Lang’s steak-and-short-rib powerhouse APL opened just a couple months ago, but he’s already doubled down with this new lunchtime window, which is blasting out high-end chili dogs with hand-cut prime-chuck chili, house-cured smoked beef toasted sandwiches, and a nutso $50 sandwich with a heap of pit-cooked shaved Prime NY Strip, pickle salad, onions, and horseradish on Texas toast.
An all-day westside hang, for everyone
This new neighborhood spot has some serious pedigree, with Chef Vicki Fan Matsusaka (formerly of Superba) behind the stoves, and a Daniel Boulud alum as GM; they’re doling out upscale American classics like turkey meatballs in marinara on creamy millet, and a lunch chilaquiles with avocado mash and a 63-degree egg.
Chinatown’s new contender for noodle king
This dipping-ramen specialist makes all of its thick noodles in-house, along with broths literally cooked for days. Options include bowls stacked with grilled pork ribs and marinated soft-boiled eggs, as well as cold tofu noodle ramen.
A new food hall stacked with delicious options
This food hall’s conveniently located just next to the new incoming soccer stadium by USC, which means it’ll no doubt be crammed with Trojans chomping down on food from iconic LA vendors, including ceviches from Coni’Seafood, southern specialties from Barbara Jean, and burritos from Burritos La Palma.
ES TODO
DOWNTOWN
A Jonathan Gold-inspired take-out window
Sarkis Vartanian’s new international sandwich window was inspired by hearing the late, great JGold speak. “He basically said that the Los Angeles food scene was an amalgamation of different ethnic foods within few blocks of each other,” says Vartanian, and this new spot’s trying to get all of it under one roof, with a Turkish-ish sujuk (sausage & egg wrap) and the British-themed chip butty (with double-cooked fries and schug sauce on lavash) among the offerings.
Finally, an In-N-Out-style burger joint for vegans
After wowing audiences (literally!) at Coachella and Eat Drink Vegan, Monty’s Good Burger now has a brick & mortar in Ktown with the same monstrous vegan burger they’ve sold — and sold meat eaters on — at those fests. They’re using Impossible meat for their burgs, also stacked with vegan cheese; there’s also milkshakes and more, all of which are entirely plant-based.
Boozy NorCal-based iced-creamery finally makes it down south
Sure, LA has tons (and tons) of artisan ice cream shops, but this newbie from San Francisco serves up some fascinating, boozy flavors like its signature bourbon-with-corn-flakes number and the seasonal Hawaiian Shaved Ice: a Roy Choi collab with condensed ice milk and a blueberry swirl.
The beloved Asian karaage chain comes to LA
This new Little Tokyo fried chicken spot is an import from ACTUAL Tokyo, with over 50 locations spread throughout Asia. At the first US drop, they’re doing their ultra-crispy fried chicken in a bowl, as a plate, or on a sandwich; if you’re not into chicken for some reason, they’ve also got shrimp stir-fries and curry.
A hot new burger joint with a special milkshake LA’s got plenty of great burger places, and this new one — from the guy behind Birdies, who is also the former personal chef for Pamela Anderson — seems to be a great new addition to the list. But the classic roadside-style burgers aren’t the only attraction: they also have a CBD-infused green matcha milkshake, for when it’s time to burger-and-chill.
Downtown’s acclaimed Japanese eatery makes its way west
It’s always good news when you no longer need to drive far for something great, which means that anyone who doesn’t live Downtown (or east of Downtown — we’re looking at you, Covina) should be celebrating the West 3rd opening of Inko Nito. The original restaurant has been crushing DTLA with delicious yellowtail collar, charcoal-grilled beef cheek, and fried shrimp maki rolls, all of which will also be on the menu at the new spot.
Notorious restaurateur Bill Chait returns with this Hollywood ode to meat
Bill Chait was once the most well known restaurateur in LA, with a hand in now-legendary spots like Republique and Bestia, and a seemingly golden touch — until he was forced out of his restaurant group, reportedly due to internal financial issues. He’s back in the game, though, with this meat-heavy restaurant on the Sunset strip serving charcuterie, crispy veal shortbreads, and a 34-oz dry-aged ribeye, all in a beautiful space that has wood-slatted ceilings and a tiled common table.
An indulgent meat-centric nirvana from Adam Perry Lang
BBQ genius/Jimmy Kimmel’s best friend Adam Perry Lang has finally opened his first LA restaurant, and to say it’s a barnburner would be an understatement. He legitimately may have the best steak in town with his rib-eye, the French onion soup will knock you out, and — oh yeah — there’s a giant dinosaur-sized short rib that’s as perfectly smoked-and-dry-rubbed as anything you’ve ever eaten in your life. Will your wallet feel hurt after you leave? It will, but this is definitely a good kind of hurt.
The Valley finally gets a taste of chef Ludo Lefebvre
Ludo Lefebvre’s Petit Trois has been a long-standing favorite in Hollywood thanks to absolutely perfect French omelets and a burger that many people rave about, but the second location in the Valley is larger and more ornate — a testament to the new excitement around food in a part of LA long considered a culinary wasteland. The menu here is expanded from the original, so expect breakfast tartines and crabcakes at dinner, as well as the old favorites.
Middle Eastern follow-up from the team behind Bestia
Bestia has been on our best-of Eat Seeker list since its inception, so it’s no surprise that the opening of the Middle Eastern sequel to that iconic Italian spot has also garnered a spot on the list. The menu’s full of cross-regional specialties like lamb flatbreads and confit turmeric chicken legs, as well as duck hummus (aka the one thing you never want to hear at a food fight).
Mozza and ERB’s chefs join forces for a new Eastside pizza spot
It says, “the place where they weigh the pizza” on the outside of this new small Highland Park Roman-style pizzeria, and that’s the basic concept: you tell ‘em how much you want, and you pay by the pound. You’re going to want a lot, though, because the pizza here comes from a truly legit pedigree: the chefs behind it are Nancy Silverton (Mozza) and Matt Molina (ERB), which has quickly propelled it to destination status. Get there quick.
The first LA spot from Momofuku’s David Chang
Celebrated Momofuku restaurateur/Ugly Delicious star David Chang’s first-ever LA concept is a tough reservation, which is no surprise: the dude’s food, which draws from Asian cuisine as well as US traditions, is practically made for LA. Early favorites include Benton’s sausage-stuffed, fried Korean peppers, and a short rib made a la BBQ master Adam Perry Lang, with kitchen duties from exec chef Jude Parra-Sickels (who was Roy Choi’s No. 2 man for years).
When Evan Funke was at the now-defunct Bucato in Culver City, his handmade pasta was considered some of the best in LA — and since closing that restaurant, he’s spent time in Italy and made it even better. It’s not hyperbole to say that the pastas at Felix are among the best we’ve ever eaten, anywhere, and they’re made even more delicious somehow by the open-kitchen vibe in the restaurant: The best seats are by the pasta-making window, where Funke and his staff hypnotically knead and roll dough. Come hungry.
This mysterious, much-hyped project from former Red Medicine/current Destroyer chef Jordan Kahn’s not for the weak-walleted: a set menu for dinner costs $250. But, when it’s been described by the team behind it as “a dimension of cuisine that is neither rooted in tradition nor culture — it is from a time that is yet to be, and a place that does not exist,” it’s impossible to not be intrigued. Essentially, it’s like the OK Computer of restaurants: moody, unique, and boldly futuristic.
Sure, these guys’ newer Italian restaurant Jon & Vinny’s is hot right now, too, and their seafood restaurant Son of a Gun is also a stone-cold classic at this point. But the OG from these dudes still stands out for its delicious creativity; years in, they haven’t let the menu get stale at all, which means you’re gonna be ordering the classics — and then whatever insanity they’ve put on the menu today, since it may not be there again tomorrow.
This tiny James Beard-nominated restaurant, hidden in a strip mall in a no-man’s-land section of East Hollywood, would be voted least likely to succeed on looks alone. Once you glance at the tiny, challenging-to-understand menu, you may be even more tempted to bounce. Don’t. The food is from guys who did time at Noma and Daniel — two of the world’s best restaurants — and the $15-or-less grain bowls and pastas they’re serving burst with the flavor and love of those 10-times-as-expensive world-class restaurants. Just check the website/give them a call and make sure they’re open before you head there — they leave for months at a time for “inspiration trips,” but when they come back, the food’s somehow even better than before.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Since its opening in 2012, Bestia’s sort of become the definitive LA restaurant, offering a menu that appeals to both eat-anything foodies (pan-roasted chicken gizzards!) and eat-carefully dieters (tomato & plum salad!) in a setting that feels both industrial and homey, with prices that won’t make you feel wallet regret when you wake up in the morning. It’s no surprise it’s still one of the few tough reservations in the city; despite its size, everyone who leaves immediately wants to go back.
Before she was on the wildly popular Netflix show Chef’s Table, Niki Nakayama’s hole-in-the-wall Culver City spot — where she makes impossibly meticulous Japanese food that seems to hit all your taste buds at once — was already one of the most buzzy restaurants among foodie-type people in LA. But now that the cat’s out of the bag, it’s become nationally famous as well, which means getting in is a struggle — a totally worth-it struggle.
Seriously, are they ever going to run out of stall space at GCM — which, at this point, should just be considered a treasure of the city? Let’s hope not: Not only are all the old spots great (and set up for killer mash-ups), but newer openings (like Union chef Bruce Kalman’s pasta spot Knead & Co, the vegan ramen joint Ramen Hood, a Golden Road Brewing stall, and the bivalve-y Oyster Gourmet) make it a must-visit. Like, all the time.
Despite lots of competition from upstarts, Providence is still LA’s best special-occasion restaurant: The service is impeccable, as is Michael Cimarusti’s seafood. Is it cheap? It is not. Is it worth it? Most definitely.
This fried chicken spot’s had lines from day one, but that’s no surprise: The now-defunct truck of the same name, which specialized in the same Nashville hot chicken as the brick & mortar, was absolutely exceptional. Add to that the fact that neighbors in the Chinatown mini-mall include Roy Choi’s Chego! and the revolving test-kitchen Unit 120, and you may want to hit them all with a large group for a sharing-friendly feast.
This long-standing, high-priced, gorgeous sushi bar Downtown finds its way back to Eat Seeker thanks to an insane premium omakase, just added to the menu. Give the chef a few days’ notice and he’ll source rare, seasonal fish from Japan and elsewhere around the world, with a 15+-course tasting of flavors you literally can’t get anywhere else in LA (and that al dente vinegar rice is outstanding, too).
LA Weekly’s Besha Rodell unexpectedly crowed about this unpronounceable Israeli spot, and now food fans in LA are racing to get there for dishes like Lamb Ragooooo (yes, the extra os are on purpose) and Instagram-ready presentation, with piles of meat and veggies atop heaps of labneh.
If we told you that one of the best pizza spots in the city was in Brentwood, would you believe us? You should: Chef Daniele Uditi is from Naples and insists his pizza taste like home, with Italian-imported ingredients making up the bulk of the toppings. Don’t miss his on-special margherita (which is topped with a crunchy basil mixture that gives it far more texture than a traditional pie) and the fried artichoke salad, which hits you with flavor and bite.
The fact that even your dad has heard of cashew cheese and veggie dogs proves that vegan food is officially mainstream. While plant-based eaters were once relegated to steamed veggies and pasta with marinara sauce on many menus, LA’s restaurant scene has changed faster than you can say teriyaki tofu to capture the veg-head set. From high-end hip spots to fast-casual finds, it’s easier than ever to go veggie when dining out, whether you’re a die-hard vegan or an open-minded omnivore looking to expand your meatless horizons — here are 15 top spots for vegetarian and vegan eats in LA worth knowing.
This trio of organic vegan eateries boasts a massive menu running the gamut from tacos and tostadas to burgers and banh mi, along with a creative selection of pizzas and Sage’s signature cauliflower-based wings. Founder Mollie Angelheart’s small-batch raw vegan ice cream is available at all three locations as are wine, cocktails, and craft brews. The larger Culver City venue also features a 1,500-square-foot outdoor beer garden.
After a revamp last year by Tony Yannow’s beer-and-vegan-focused Artisanal Brewers Collective, Beelman’s Pub is now simply Beelman’s: a plant-based pub doling out casual fare with Asian influences. There’s snacky stuff like smoked tofu wonton bites, crispy garbanzos tossed with togarashi and gochujang, and heartier offerings including a loco moco bowl made with Impossible meat, tater-tot “Tachos” topped with cashew cheese, and a kicky chili dog. In addition to the big beer selection, the bar’s cocktail menu — including a few offerings on draft and a smattering of frozen drinks — is a solid one.
The growing fast-casual chain now has 13 locations around LA, all of which offer a much-appreciated quick bite for vegans and those who want a break from the Double-Double (hard to believe, but those people do indeed exist). The place offers vegan alternatives not just to burgers, but also stuff like taco salads, brats, and that food-world darling the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich. The chain also recently rolled out an all-day breakfast burrito stuffed with soy chorizo and the mung bean-based Just Egg.
If you’re looking to seal the deal with a vegetarian, Matthew Kenney’s vegan venue should be your go-to date spot. The space is stunning, the patio is pretty, and you’re in Venice, so it’s automatically uber-cool; then there’s the upscale inventive menu, with seasonal dishes like yellow watermelon poke with gooseberries, cashew raclette, and kelp noodle cacio e pepe. The organic wine list is a good one, and you can also opt for the 6-course tasting menu if you really want to impress.
Wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil originally founded this string of bright-and-airy eateries, focused on a vegetarian-heavy menu centered around his anti-inflammatory food pyramid; think black rice, berries, kale, and avocado. The result is pretty delicious, drawing in a serious weekend brunch crowd for juices and smoothies, avocado toasts, and egg-and-grain bowls. It’s worth a stop-in for dinner, too, thanks to a solid selection of salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees, along with fresh fruit-laced cocktails and beer and wine.
We can’t tell you exactly what dishes used be offered at this longstanding Lincoln Avenue bar (famous for its crowd-drawing turtle races) before it reopened last December — and that’s because we don’t know anyone who ever ate there. But after a total renovation both to the formerly divey space and the menu (once again by Artisanal Brewers Collective), there’s all kinds of vegan-friendly fare on offer including a hummus-and-pickled veggie plate, some super salads, an Impossible burger. Bonus: Nearly all of the pizzas can be made with vegan cheese, and even vegan sausage if you like.
Delis can be dangerous; if you stop paying attention for a second, you might very well wind up devouring a pastrami sandwich the size of your head with a side of mayo-soaked potato salad, and a knish for good measure. Doling out healthy, sustainable fare, Locali can be your safe place with veggie-friendly versions of deli sandwiches including its fabled Reuben, along with quinoa bowls, killer vegan breakfast sandwiches served all day, probiotic smoothies, and coconut fro-yo. There’s omnivorous fare too, but the place is happy to customize dishes and make them vegan-friendly — hear that, every other restaurant in LA?
This vegan New York import has been super-buzzy since opening next to the first 365 by Whole Foods in Silver Lake. It makes everything in-house – from its pesto “meatballs” to its burgers – and also does vegan ice cream, as well as a packed weekend brunch.
There is, perhaps, no single restaurant on Abbot Kinney that is more Abbot Kinney than this “vegetable slaughterhouse” that’s equal parts hotspot, brunch hangout, juice bar, and vegetarian eatery housed within an absolutely stunning space, with a people-watching patio we’re assuming costs somewhere around $600 million a month to operate. Look for small plates of veggies as well as larger dishes of stone-oven pizzas, pistachio pesto lasagna, and a mushroom tempura po’ boy — then, wash everything down with a cold-pressed cocktail.
Located in an old Vaudeville theater, this Echo Park gastropub touts more than 70 beers on tap along with a vegetarian-heavy menu with both straight veggie items (like a smashed pea toast with almond ricotta and street corn) as well as vegan plays on crab cakes and chili cheese fries — and it throws a couple bones to carnivores with burgers, fish tacos, and pepperoni pizza. On weekends, expect live music from DJ Twist every Friday and Saturday along with a late-night menu until 1am and pizza by the slice till 1:30pm.
According to tabloids, for the brief moment Beyonce went vegan, Native Foods was her go-to spot — and if it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for you. The Santa Monica and Culver City locations have closed, but the Westwood store is still going strong, and its various versions of faux meat are so meat-like that they’ll fool all but the most devoted carnivores.
The Valley’s stacked with veggie and vegan options, but this meatless Pan-Asian kitchen blasts out coconut curries, pad Thai, and Japanese gyoza that could easily compete with any meatier options. Make sure to hit the goji berry-infused ginger-quinoa fried rice for a bit of sweetness to balance all that savory.
It’s probably the most famous vegan restaurant in town (and it ain’t cheap), but the Med-inspired fare at Crossroads is always excellent, and the scene’s always a fun one. Start with the lentil flatbread, then work your way through the rest of the menu — highlights include the shishito-and-peach salad, almond ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms, and corn ravioli. End with a hot fudge sundae, and realize that vegans are also capable of walking out of a restaurant filled with regret.
This hidden Indian restaurant is an all-vegetarian Mecca in a part of town where you’d be far more likely to find a great selection of bargain tires than incredible Far East eats. Step through the iron gate into the surprisingly spacious dining room and order up one of the remarkably reasonably priced combos or curry dishes.
This vegan Mexican restaurant will make carnivores forget how much they love carne asada with flavorful, organic, plant-based plates of chilaquiles, enchiladas, pozole, coconut ceviche, and plenty of other interesting Mexican-inspired dishes. The cocktails are killer, and there’s a popular $7 food-and-drink happy hour during on weekdays, too.
Store-brand food can be a hit or miss endeavor: For every tasty off-brand Dorito at Aldi or 35lb bag of jerky at Costco there seems to be an entire pantry’s worth of cheap, nearly inedible knockoffs. But Target’s been sneakily owning the store-brand game for a while, and we’re not just talking about its delicious wine. The Archer Farms label has the pantry, fridge, and freezer game on lock, and to fill you in on what the minivan-owning horde has long known, we asked Target-obsessed Instagrammers All Things Target and Target Does It Again to select their favorite Archer Farm foods.
Were you just in the middle of booking a flight to France just to buy the perfect granola? Save yourself a ton of money and the hassle of finding your passport by stopping by Target and purchasing its French Vanilla Almond Granola. Like many of Archer Farms’ products, it’s made with minimal ingredients, including rolled oats, honey, and almonds. But it’s a favorite of Target Does It Again because it can considerably elevate your breakfast: “Take your yogurt or smoothie bowl to the next level with this granola.” And doesn’t require an international flight to eat.
Imagine a plate of pancakes. Then imagine not putting maple syrup on them. You know what? Don’t. That’s criminal. If you’re eating pancakes, you need maple syrup. But do you need 12oz of it? Do you want to pay $7.19? Eh, probably not — unless you eat flapjacks every single morning. Avoid spending crazy amounts of dough on Vermont’s finest export (aside from Ben & Jerry’s) and snag Archer Farms’ 100% Pure Maple Syrup in a 3.4oz bottle. Target Does It Again loves the fact that it’s 100% maple syrup, and not a low quality version with fillers. But the differentiator for them is that Target offers a mini size. It’s just $2.29, and will probably give you just enough for a few brunches.
This is the one Archer Farms item that made the Target Does It Again folks exclaim, “Run to Target now!” — and it’s not just because there are actual donut pieces stuffed into cinnamon ice cream. It’s because the pint somehow contains only 350 calories and 20g of protein despite being decadent as hell. And let’s be real, the nutritional facts are per pint because you’re eating this thing in one sitting. As Jen and Ashley so beautifully stated, “Who doesn’t love donuts in their ice cream?!”
“I love the Archer Farms Trail Mix because it comes in so many amazing flavor combinations,” says Christy Palmer of All Things Target. She ain’t kidding. There’s a Monster version with M&M’s, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips, and a Peanut Butter Monster with mini peanut butter cups and Peanut Butter M&M’s. It may be named that because it’s available in a 2-pound, 4-ounce. Or because it contains actual monsters inside. Who can say?
Palmer’s favorites include the aforementioned Monster, the dried fruit-packed Cashew, Cranberry & Almond, and the Caramel Cashew, with chewy caramel, milk chocolate bites, and peanuts. Jen and Ashley, the two women behind Target Does It Again, also love the trail mix: “Legit the best trail mix ever!” They also highlight it for the budget conscious: “The price is right for a huge jug!” — it’s just $8 for 2 pounds of Peanut Butter Monster.
Were you just in the middle of booking a flight to the Himalayas to buy the perfect salted almonds? Wait, are you the same person who was buying tickets to France? What are the odds?! Palmer loves these bad boys not only because almonds are one of her “favorite things to drench in chocolate” but because “the dark chocolate is really tasty, and they have just the right amount of salt.” And it is actually Himalayan salt as promised on the label, which is sourced from salt mines in Pakistan. Who knew?
Frozen pizza isn’t necessarily the healthiest meal option in the frozen food section of the supermarket. But feel confident that at the very least, it has a Simple Ingredients stamp of approval from Target, meaning that it contains “no synthetic flavors, synthetic colors, synthetic preservatives, or synthetic sweeteners; no high fructose corn syrup; no added synthetic trans fat.” It’s basically spinach, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese. And that last ingredient is what makes this a standout at the retailer for Target Does It Again. “Would definitely recommend this pizza to goat cheese fans,” they say. When you bite into the goat cheese liberally applied to each pie, you’ll understand why.
Also of note, the standard wood-fired pepperoni recently breached the top five of our ongoing frozen pizza rank. Even in a state of goatlessness, this is quality frozen pie.
When you get home from a long day at the office, the last thing you want to do is go into the kitchen and take a half-hour to prepare dinner. Obviously that’s time better spent drinking away the problems caused by a long day at the office. Take Jen and Ashley’s advice that Archer Farms’ frozen veggies “make dinner prep a breeze.” Mostly because you can pop them in the microwave and the veggies steam in the bag. No clean up, either. While you can choose between Brussels sprouts, snow peas, asparagus spears, and green beans, the Target Does It Again team prefers the sweet potato cubes, broccoli, and cauliflower. Pair a protein on a plate with any of those veggies and dinner is practically done.
Walk down the aisles of a popular grocer like Whole Foods and you’ll find people pushing around shopping carts that for some reason only fit a single loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. You’ll also find a few varieties of salsa from their store brand, most likely in mild, medium, and hot. Which is fine! But if you want selection and quality, it’s hard to beat Archer Farms. “They make my favorite salsa,” says Palmer. “I love their Medium Corn & Black Bean Salsa — it has a fresh taste with a little kick, and I love the addition of corn and black beans.” And if that doesn’t sound appetizing, there’s plenty of other options, like Mango Peach, Pineapple Peach, Restaurant-Style, Fire-Roasted Pepper & Habanero, and Zesty Pepper.
Think about the last time you bought an organic cup of coffee in a cafe — it probably cost more than $.62. But if you’ve got a Keurig machine, buying K-cups from Target could save you a ton of money: it’s $10 for 16 cups. Not only that, many K-cups contain coffee grown conventionally, “so it’s nice to be able to pick up organic coffee at Target,” say gals behind Target Does It Again. Even better, you have your choice of coffee flavors in Archer Farms’ java line, including Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, and an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, the coffee that crushed all others in a recent ranking of K-cups by a coffee roaster.
