LUNCH

Bar Ama (Downtown)
Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars
118 W 4th Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90013
213.687.8002
bar-ama.com

Best Dish: Puffy Tacos, Pork Shank, Panna Cotta, Mexican Fried Ice Cream

-“Celebrity chef Josef Centeno has created one of the coolest restaurants in L.A.; you’ll always leave feeling stuffed and happy.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m./Fri., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m./Sat., 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m./Sun., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Eatalian Café (Gardena)
Italian, Pizza, Desserts
15500 Broadway
Gardena, Calif. 90248
310.532.8880
enjoeat.com

Best Dish: Porcini Mushroom Pizza, Penne Capresi, Rock Pizza, Scagliarini Pizza

-“Nestled in an industrial area, don’t let the look fool; absolutely delicious food.”

Reservations: NO
Hours: Mon. to Sat., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Joan’s On Third (Beverly Grove)
Specialty food, Bakeries
8350 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90048
323.655.2285
joansonthird.com

Best Dish: Short Rib Sandwich, Chinese Chicken Salad, Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

-“Cool little Swiss/New York vibe, a fun, delicious deli, with lots of goodies.”

Reservations: NO
Hours: Sun. to Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Nickel Diner (Downtown)
Diner, Breakfast & Brunch
524 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90013
213.623.8301
nickeldiner.com

Best Dish: Maple Bacon Donut, Smac and Cheese, Hangover Helper, Spicy Pull Pork

-“A heavenly experience, a real foodgasm!”

Reservations: NO
Hours: Tues.to Sun., 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m./Tues. to Sat., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Pizzeria Mozza (Hancock Park)
Italian, Pizza, Sandwiches
641 N Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, Calif. 90036
323.297.0101
pizzeriamozza.com

Best Dish: Squash Blossom Pizza, Butterscotch Budino, Mozza Caprese, Nancy’s Chopped Salad

“A real neighborhood favorite, with some of the most exquisite pizzas in L.A.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Sun. to Sat., 12 a.m.-12 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$

Sugarfish Sushi (Downtown)
Japanese
600 W. 78th Street, Suite 150 (Corner of 7th & South Grand)
Los Angleles, Calif. 90017
213.627.3000
sugarfishsushi.com

Best Dish: Toro Roll, Warm Rice, Organic Edamame, Tuna Sashimi, Blue Crab Roll

-“Really cool modern vibe that keeps it just simple enough, while serving some of the best sushi in L.A.”

Reservations: NO
Hours: Mon. to Sat., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m./Sun., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$

The Sycamore Kitchen (Fairfax)
Cafes, Bakeries
143 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.939.0151
thesycamorekitchen.com

Best Dish: Egg Chorizo Sandwich, Rosemary Maple Brussels Sprouts, Salted Caramel Pecan Bun

-“Pretty tasty food, with a fun and easygoing atmosphere.”

Reservations: NO
Hours: Sun-Sat 8am-5pm
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Umami Burger (Downtown)
American Burgers
852 South Broadway
 Los Angeles, Calif. 90014
213.413.8626
umami.com

Best Dish: The Original Umami Burger, California Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Truffle Cheese

-“A really delicious meal, at a burger joint that is more upscale than most.”

Reservations: NO
Hours: Sun. to Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m./Fri. to Sat., 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

 

DINNER

Baco Mercat (Downtown)
Spanish, Sandwiches, French
408 S. Main Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90013
213.687.8808
bacomercat.com

Best Dish: Caesar Brussels Sprouts, Beef Carnitas

-“Baco Mercat is one of the best restaurants I've been to in L.A.  The combination of French and Spanish flavors are amazing.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m/ Fri. to Sat., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m./Sun., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Bestia (Downtown)
Italian
2121 E 7th Place
Los Angeles, Calif. 90021
213.514.5724
bestiala.com

Best Dish: Cavatelli alla Norcina (Ricotta Dumplings with House-made Sausage and Truffles.), Calamari, Hand-cut Pasta with Mushroom Ragu and Carrot Puree

-“The restaurant itself is trendy and yes, a little loud, but fantastic.”

Reservations: YES/Encouraged
Hours: Sun. to Thurs., 6 p.m.-11 p.m./Fri. to Sat., 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
YELP Rating: 4.5/5, $$$

Connie & Ted's (West Hollywood)
Seafood, Fish & Chips, American (Traditional)
8171 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, Calif. 90046
323.848.2722
connieandteds.com

Best Dish: New England Clam Chowder, Portuguese Fish Stew, Cod, Kumamoto Oysters

-“Seafood at its finest, with a casual Los Angeles ambience.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Thurs., 12 p.m.-11 p.m./Fri., 12 p.m.-12 a.m./Sat., 11 a.m.-12 a.m./Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$

The Factory Kitchen (Downtown)
Italian
1300 Factory Place, #101
Los Angeles, Calif. 90013
213.996.6000
thefactorykitchen.com

Best Dish: Porchetta (Rolled Pork Belly, Aromatic Herbs, Red Onion, Carrots, Fennel, Celery)

-"No nonsense, straight up, heart, tasty Italian comfort food..."

Reservations: YES
Hours: Sun. to Mon., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m./Tues. to Thurs., 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m./Fri. to Sat., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$

Fig and Olive (Beverly Grove)
Mediterranean, French Italian
8490 Melrose Place
West Hollywood, Calif. 90069
310.360.9100
figandolive.com

Best Dish: Fig and Olive Salad, Truffle Mushroom Croquettes, Chocolate Pot de Creme

-“Good music, hip staff, beautiful environment, and the delicious food doesn’t hurt.”

Hours: See website
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$
Reservations: YES

Gjelina (Venice)
American (New)
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, Calif. 90291
310.450.1429
gjelina.com

Best Dish: Anchovy & Burrata Toasts, Lamb Sausage Pizza, Mussels with Chorizo, Carrot Cake and Rhubarb Pie

-“Very trendy, with a great variety on the menu, a little loud, but a really fun place.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Fri., 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m./Sat. to Sun., 9 a.m.-12 a.m./Brunch served till 3 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$

Gusto (Beverly Grove)
Italian
8432 W 3rd Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90048
323.782.1778
gusto-la.com

Best Dish: Baby Octopus and the Coconut Gelato Pie, Caboletti

-“A real cozy restaurant with an intimate, New York-style atmosphere to it.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Thurs., 6 p.m.-11 p.m./Fri. to Sat., 6 p.m.-11:30 p.m./Sun. 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
YELP Rating: 3.5/5, $$$

Maccheroni Republic (Downtown)
Italian
332 S Broadway
Los Angeles, Calif. 90013
213.346.9725
Facebook Page

Best Dish: Bianchi e Neri Pasta, Agnolotti di Osso Bucco, Spinach Fettuccine with Duck aAgout, Lamb Ragout

-“Great food and atmosphere, only BYOB, but no corkage fees.”

Reservations: NO
Hours: Mon. to Fri., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m/Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m./Sun., 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Osteria Mozza (Hancock Park)
Italian
6602 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, Calif. 90038
323.297.0100
osteriamozza.com

Best Dish: Burrata, Squid Ink Chitarra Freddi, Ricotta and Egg Ravioli in Brown Butter

-“Great service, awesome food, amazing upscale restaurant experience.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Fri., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m./Sat., 5 p.m.-11 p.m./Sun., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$$

Republique (Hancock Park)
French
624 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, Calif. 90036
310.362.6115
republiquela.com

Best Dish: Escargot Brussels Sprouts, Duck Leg, Mussels, Octopus Salad, Pig Head, Panna Cotta

-“Fun communal tables, great service, classic French food with a modern flair and creative cocktails.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Wed., 6 p.m.-10 p.m./Thurs. to Sat., 6 p.m,-11 p.m.
YELP Rating: 3.5/5, $$$

Salt’s Cure (West Hollywood)
American (New)
7494 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, Calif. 90046
323.850.7258
saltscure.com

Best Dish: French Press Coffee, Grapefruit Pie, Charcuterie Board, Tahitian Squash soup, Avocado Citrus Salad, Squid and Lamb Sausage Plate.

-“Great beer selection, phenomenal constantly changing menu, and good music that’s not too loud.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Sun. to Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$

Son of A Gun (Beverly Grove)
Seafood, American
8370 W 3rd Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90048
323.782.9033
sonofagunrestaurant.com

Best Dish: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Lobster Roll, Salmon Roe with Maple Cream

-“The vibe is really relaxed and unpretentious, although a little loud at times.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m./Sun. to Thurs., 6 p.m.-11 p.m./ Fri. to Sat. 6 p.m-12 a.m.
YELP Rating: 4/5, $$$

Terroni (Downtown)
Italian, Wine Bars
802 S. Spring Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90015
323.954.0300
terroni.com

Best Dish: Ricotta-Filled Spinach Tortellini, Caprese Mozzarella Arugula Salad, Spaghetti Muddica

-“Great selection of a food and drink, complimented with a fun, upbeat vibe.”

Reservations: YES
Hours: Mon. to Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m./Fri., 11 a.m.-12 a.m./Sat., 10 a.m.-12 a.m./Sun., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
YELP Rating: 3.5/5, $$$

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