Jonathan Gold is My Essential LA Hero - 99 Essential LA Restaurants 2006

It’s no secret that I am fond of lists, so when LA Weekly published my all-time favorite restaurant reviewer’s list of 99 Essential LA Restaurants, I pretty much had one of those listgeek moments. I drew the blinds and curled up in my chair with a bottle of sparkling wine and my copy of the LA Weekly. That’s right. Date night with Jonathan Gold, dining out all around town, without having to drive a single nail-biting, hair-raising, fist-shaking roadrageous mile in LA traffic.

It is important to understand that J. Gold’s 99 choices are not necessarily the very best, most high-end, upscale, influential or popular restaurants in Los Angeles. He explains:

"An essential restaurant is a restaurant that reflects Los Angeles in a startling and unusual way, that uses fresh local ingredients in a fashion that respects the land in which they were grown, that showcases cooking echoing both foreign-trained chefs’ region of origin and the hypercharged mosaic of the Los Angeles dining scene. An essential restaurant moves people, inspires them to think about food in a new way, inspires them to think about Southern California as a great agricultural region, a great port, a builder of the shiny symbolism that is a large factor in how the rest of the world thinks of itself. And it’s also a damned good place to eat."

I think he did a good job of cherry-picking restaurants that fit within those parameters.

But then again, he also picked Geisha House, which I swear, is none of the above, especially not “a damned good place to eat.” I can only venture to guess that Geisha House made the list for one or more of the following reasons: 1) Ashton Kutcher’s twin brother is... none other than Jonathan Gold 2) the management paid J. Gold off, or 3) for some reason known only to Satan, Geisha House is always mentioned on any sort of list, good or bad, no matter what. It’s just something that we layfolk will never understand.

Because I am a freaky listfreak like that, I have to include the list here, but rather than just re-printing the entire list of mini-reviews here (for which I might get a nasty email from the publishers of LA Weekly), I am only re-printing the list with vital stats (a/s/l, or something to that effect).

And because I don’t have a real job, leaving me with a dangerous amount of idle time, I crunched some numbers. I don’t know if they are helpful in any way shape or form to anyone else, but they sure kept me out of trouble for about an hour.

Of the 99 restaurants, I am embarassed to say that I have only eaten at just over a third of them (38 to be exact), even though I have lived in Los Angeles for almost 10 years, which in Angeleno time, makes me a “native.” And I call myself an Angeleno?!?! No, actually, I have never once called myself an “Angeleno.”

Of the 38 restaurants that J. Gold and I share in our experiences, 24 of them appear here on this silly little blog, which is atill almost one third of the his list. That is kind of cool. Of course, that number will go up in the next few weeks as I get myself together and write about my adventures that have been piling up in my to-do queue like northbound traffic behind a minor fender bender on the 405. Jar. Torafuku. And a few more, but I can’t give it all away now. A girl has to have something to teasingly dangle over your head, right?

Now here is where I reveal my utterly pathetic geekness. I tilly tallied the 99 restaurants by geographical location and by cuisine, as if I were writing some kind of Executive Summary for a de-briefing meeting because I miss working that much. Whether I exported the data into pie chart format in Excel is for me to know and you to never find out.

Los Angeles – 36. It includes everything from the Fairfax area to downtown
Westside – 19. Oh my. Yes. Weeessssiiiiide.
Hollywood – 11. Natch.
Beverly Hills – 8. Natch.
The Valley – 7. No comment.
San Gabriel Valley – 7. Because J. Gold loves Chinatown, version2.0
West Hollywood – 4
Pasadena – 3
Silverlake/Eagle Rock – 2
South Bay and Whittier each have one. Yes, Whittier.

California – 17
American – 16
Japanese – 9
Italian and Mexican – 8 each
French – 6
Thai – 4
Asian Fusion, Chinese, Middle Eastern – 3 each
Bakery, Indian, Korean, Peruvian, Seafood, Steak – 2 each
And single representation for Brazilian, Caribbean, Deli, Ethiopian, Greek, Moroccan, Pan-Latin, Serbian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The list part is, of course, an important part, but I don’t want that to completely overshadow my absolute adoration of J. Gold himself. He is The Man. J. Gold is my Hero. I love his writing. I love his taste, though I don’t always agree with his opinions. I wish I could write like he does, but I dare not suggest that a mere mortal like myself could even try to aspire to him. Do I gush? Yeah, I do.

J. Gold, if you bless me again by laying your hungry eyes here on my naked blog, just know that if you were to make an indecent proposal that involved you, me and a million dollars’ worth of fois gras, I’d do it. I have absolutely no integrity and will swallow every hateful word I have ever said about that vile stuff.

*inhale*

*exhale*

Okay, I have sufficiently pulled myself together now.

So here it is: my hero’s 99 Essential LA Restaurants, including all the additional information thatI normally don't include, like hours. I have also annotated and linked to appropriate The Delicious Life posts where applicable, because I just can’t keep my opinions to myself, and besides, I like showing myself how many experience I have in common with J. Gold.

Alcazar
17239 Ventura Blvd, Encino
818.789.0991
Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm and 5:30–10:30 pm, Sat 11:30 am–mid, Sun noon–9 pm.
Full bar. Hookah and cigar lounge. Takeout. Lot parking in rear. AE, MC, V. Lebanese. $

Alegria
3510 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake
323.913.1422
www.alegriaonsunse
t.com
Mon–Thu 10 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 10 am–11 pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Mexican. $

Al-Watan
13611 Inglewood Ave., Hawthorne
310.644.6395
Open daily 11 am–10 pm No alcohol. MC, V. Indian. $

Angeli Caffe
7274 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
323.936.9086
www.angelicaffe.com
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm; dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5–10 pm, Fri–Sat 5–11 pm.
Beer and wine. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Rustic regional Italian. $

Angelini Osteria - been there, but no post
7313 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
323.297.0070
www.angeliniosteria.com
Lunch Tue–Fri noon–2:30 pm; dinner Tue–Sun 5:30–10:30 pm.
Beer and wine. Valet parking. AE, JCB, MC, V. Italian. $$

Antequera de Oaxaca
5200 Melrose Ave., Hollywood
323.466.1101
Open daily 9 am–8:30 pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Street parking. MC, V. Oaxacan. $

AOC - check!
8022 W. Third St, Los Angeles
323.653.6359
www.aocwinebar.com
Mon–Fri 6–11 pm, Sat 5:30–11 pm, Sun 5:30–10 pm.
Wine bar. Valet parking. AE, DC, MC, V. French-Mediterranean-influenced small plates. $$

Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
818.760.3348
Lunch Tue–Fri noon–2 pm; dinner Tue–Thu 6–10:30 pm, Fri–Sat 6–11:30 pm, Sun 6–10 pm.
Takeout. Street parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

Attari
1388 Westwood Blvd, Westwood (entrance on Wilkins)
310.441.5488
Tue–Sun 11 am–6 pm
No alcohol. Street parking, plus validated lot parking at Borders. Cash only. Iranian. $

Babita
1823 S. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel
626.288.7265
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am-3:30 pm; dinner Sun and Tue–Thu 5:30–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–10 pm.
Beer and wine. Takeout. Street parking. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Mexican. $

Beacon: An Asian Cafe - check!
3280 Helms Ave, Los Angeles
310.838.7500
www.beacon-la.com
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–2 pm; dinner Tue–Wed and Sun 5:30–8:15 pm, Thu–Sat 5:30–9:15 pm.
Beer and wine. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Asian Fusion. $$$

Beechwood - check!
822 Washington Blvd, Venice
310.448.8884
www.beechwoodrestaurant.com
Dinner menu Tue–Sat 6–11 pm; bar menu served late into the evening and also Sun–Mon. Full bar. Valet parking. New American. $$

Bistro K
1000 S. Fremont Ave., South Pasadena
626.799.5052
www.lqmanagementservices.com
Wed–Sat 5:30–9 pm.
Free corkage. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. French Bistro. $$$

Bluebird Cafe
8572 National Blvd, Culver City
310.841.0939
www.bluebirdcafela.com
Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm, Sat 8 am–3 pm.
Free lot parking. AE, MC, V. American. $$

Border Grill - check!
1445 Fourth St, Santa Monica
310.451.1655
www.bordergrill.com
Sun–Thu 11:30 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat till 11 pm. Full bar open till mid.
Takeout. Street and valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Modern Mexican. $$

Bridge Restaurant & Lounge
755 N. La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
310.659.3535
www.bridgela.com
Restaurant Mon–Sat 6–11 pm; Lounge 8 pm–2 am.
Full bar. Street and valet parking. AE, MC, V. Italian. $$$

Caioti Pizza Cafe
4346 Tujunga Ave., Studio City
818.761.3588
www.caiotipizzacafe.com
Sun–Thu 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat till 11 pm; brunch Sat 9–11 am, Sun 9 am–3 pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Street parking. MC, V. Contemporary California. $

Campanile - check!
624 S. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
323.938.1447
www.campanilerestaurant.com
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm; dinner Mon–Wed 6–10 pm, Thu–Sat 5:30–11 pm; brunch Sat–Sun 9:30 am–1:30 pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, DC, MC, V. California/Mediterranean. $$$

Casa Bianca
1650 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock
323.256.9617
Dinner Tue–Thu 4 pm–mid, Fri–Sat 4pm–1am.
Beer and wine. Street parking. Cash only. Italian. $

Chameau - check!
339 N. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
323.951.0039
www.chameaurestaurant.com
Dinner Tue–Sat 6–10pm.
Beer and wine. Street parking. AE, D, DC, MC, V. French Moroccan. $$$

Chichen Itza
In Mercado La Paloma, 3655 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles
213.741.1075
www.mercadolapaloma.com
Sun–Wed 8am–6:30pm, Thu–Sat 8am–8pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Yucatecan. $$

Chosun Galbi - check!
3330 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
323.734.3330
www.chosungalbee.com
Open daily 11am–11pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Korean barbecue. $$

Citizen Smith
1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood
323.461.5001
www.citizensmith.com
Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; dinner nightly 6pm-2am.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. American. $

Ciudad - check!
445 S. Figueroa Street, downtown
213.486.5171
www.ciudad-la.com
Mon–Tue 11:30am–9pm, Wed–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri 11:30am–11pm, Sat 5–11pm, Sun 5–9pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Pan-Latino. $

Clementine - check, but no post
1751 Ensley Ave., Los Angeles
310.552-1080
www.clementineonline.com
Mon–Fri 7am–7:30pm, Sat 8am–5pm.
No alcohol. Parking in rear lot and on street. AE, DC, MC, V. American. ¢

Cobras & Matadors - check!
7615 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
323.932.6178
and
4655 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz
323.669.3922
Dinner Sun–Thu 6–11pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–mid.
BYOB. Valet parking. MC, V. Spanish. $

Cora’s Coffee Shoppe
1802 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
310.451.9562
Tue–Sat 7am–9pm. Closed Sun–Mon.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Continental, Italian-based. $

Cut
9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills
310.275.5200
Dinner Mon–Sat.
F
ull bar. Valet parking a half-block south of Wilshire Blvd. on Rodeo Drive. AE, D, MC, V. California Contemporary. $$$

Daikokuya
327 E. First St., downtown
213.626.1680
Lunch Mon–Sat 11am–2:20pm; dinner Mon–Thu 5pm–mid, Fri–Sat 5pm–1am, Sun noon–7pm.
Beer and wine. Takeout. Street parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $

Europane
950 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena
626.577.1828
Mon–Sat 7am–5:30pm, Sun till 3pm.
No alcohol. Street parking. MC, V. California Bakery. ¢

Father’s Office - been there, but no post
1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica
310.393.BEER
www.fathersoffice.com
Food served Mon–Wed 5–10pm, Thu 5–11pm, Fri 4–11pm, Sat 3–11pm, Sun 3–10pm.
21 and over only. Beer and wine. Takeout. Difficult street parking. AE, M, V. California Contemporary. $

Fogo de Chao
133 N. La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills
310.289.7755
www.fogodechao.com
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm; dinner Mon–Thu 5–10pm, Fri 5–10:30pm, Sat 4:30–10:30pm, Sun 4–9:30pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. All major credit cards accepted. Southern Brazilian. $$$

Ford’s Filling Station
9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City
310.202.1470
www.fordsfillingstation.net
Mon–Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 5–11pm.
Full bar. Parking at city lot around the corner. AE, MC, V. California Contemporary. $

Geisha House - check!
6633 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
323.460.6300
www.geishahousehollywood.com
Sun–Wed 6–10:30pm, Thu 6–11:30pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–1am.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

Golden Triangle
7011 S. Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier
562.945.6778
Mon–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm.
Beer and wine. Takeout. AE, D, MC, V. Thai-Burmese. $

Grace
7360 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
323.934.4400
www.gracerestaurant.com
Tue–Thu 6–10:30pm, Fri–Sat 6–11pm, Sun 6–10pm.
Full bar. Valet parking; difficult street parking. AE, MC, V. American. $$

The Griddle
7916 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
323.874.0377
www.thegriddlecafe.com
Breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri 7am–4pm, Sat–Sun 8am–4pm.
Beer. Lot parking in rear. AE, D, MC, V. American. $

The Grill on the Alley
9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills
310.276.0615
www.thegrill.com
Mon–Thu 11:30am–10:30pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–11pm, Sun 5–9pm.
Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking after 6 p.m.; free street parking before that. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Traditional American Steak House. $$

Guelaguetza - check!
3337½ W. Eighth Street, Los Angeles
213.427.0779
www.guelaguetzarestaurante.com
Daily 8am–10pm.
No alcohol. Street parking. AE, MC, V. Oaxacan. $

Haru Ulala
368 E. Second Street, downtown
213.620.0977
www.haruulala.com
Mon–Thu 6pm–mid, Fri–Sat 6pm–2am.
Street parking. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

Hatfield’s - check!
7458 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
323.935.2977
Mon–Sat 6–10pm.
Beer and wine. AE, MC, V. California Contemporary. $$

Hungry Cat - check!
1535 N. Vine Street, Hollywood
323.462.2155
www.thehungrycat.com
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm; brunch Sun 11am–3pm; dinner Mon–Sat 5:30pm–mid, Sun 5–11pm.
Beer and wine. Validated parking. AE, MC, V. Seafood. $$

Jar - check!
8225 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 655-6566
www.thejar.com
Dinner Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–11pm; brunch Sun 10am–2pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. California American. $$

JiRaffe - check!
502 Santa Monica Bpoulevard, Santa Monica
310.917.6671
www.jirafferestaurant.com
Mon 6–9pm, Tue–Thu 6-10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm, Sun 5:30–9pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. California Bistro. $$

Josie
2424 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica
310.581.9888
www.josierestaurant.com
Dinner Mon–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6-11pm, Sun 5:30–9pm.
Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. Progressive American with French and Italian. $$

Kagaya
418 E. Second Street, downtown
213.617.1016
Tue–Sat 6–10:30pm, Sun 6–10pm.
Wine, beer, sake. Lot parking. DC, MC, V. Japanese. $

Kiriko - check!
11301 Olympic Boulevard, No. 102, West Los Angeles
310.478.7769
www.kirikosushi.com
Lunch Tue–Fri noon–2:15pm; dinner Tue–Sun 6–10pm.
Beer and wine. Parking lot. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $$

Koi - check!
730 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles
310.659.9449
www.koirestaurant.com
Dinner Mon–Wed 6–11pm, Thu 6–11:30pm, Fri–Sat 6–mid, Sun 6–10pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. All major credit cards. California Contemporary. $$

Krua Thai
13130 Sherman Way, North Hollywood
818.759.7998
and
935 S. Glendora Avenue, West Covina
626.480.0116
Daily 11am–3:30am.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. All major credit cards accepted. Thai. $

Langer’s - check!
704 S. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles
213.483.8050
www.langersdeli.com
Mon–Sat 8am–4pm.
Beer and wine. Curbside service (call ahead). Validated lot parking (on corner of Westlake Ave. and Seventh St.). MC, V. Jewish Deli. ¢

La Terza - check!
8384 W. Third Street, Los Angeles
323.782.8384
Breakfast 7–11am. Lunch 11:30am–2pm; dinner 5:30–11pm.
Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Italian. $$

Lawry’s the Prime Rib - check!
100 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills
310.652.2827
www.lawrysonline.com
Mon–Thu 5–10pm, Fri 5–11pm, Sat 4:30–11pm, Sun 4–10pm.
Full bar. Takeout. Valet and street parking. All major credit cards. American. $$

Literati II
12081 Wilshire Boulevard, West Los Angeles
310.479.3400
www.literati2.com
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm; dinner Mon-Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–10pm; brunch Sat–Sun 10am–2pm.
Full bar. $2 valet parking in rear. AE, MC, V. California Contemporary. $$

Lodge
14 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills
310.854.0024
Open nightly 5pm–1am.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. California Steak House. $$

Los Balcones del Peru
1360 N. Vine St., Hollywood
323.871.9600
Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm.
Beer and wine. Validated parking at ArcLight Cinema. AE, MC, V. Peruvian. $$

Lou
724 N. Vine Street, Hollywood
323.962-6369
Mon–Thu 5–11pm, Fri–Sat 5pm–mid.
Wine. Lot parking. MC, V. California Contemporary. $$

Lucques - been there, but no post
8474 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
323.655.6277
www.lucques.com
Sunday nights feature 3-course prix fixe dinners. Lunch Tue–Sat noon–2:30pm; dinner Tue–Sat 6–11pm, Sun 5:30–10pm.
Full bar (limited bar menu available 10 p.m.–mid.). Valet parking. AE, MC, V. French. $$

Magnolia - check!
6266½ W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood
323.467.0660
www.magnoliahollywood.com
Daily 11am–2am.
Full bar. Valet parking. California Contemporary. $$

Mama’s Hot Tamales Cafe
2124 W. Seventh Street, Los Angeles
213.487.7474
Daily 9:30am–3:30pm.
No alcohol. Coffee bar. Takeout. Validated parking around the corner on Lake Street in the Unified parking lot. Mexican. $

Mama Voula’s - check!
11923 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Los Angeles
310.478.9464
Mon 11am–9pm, Tue–Thu 11am–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 1–9pm.
BYOB. Lot parking. Mediterranean/Greek. $

Marouch
4905 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles
323.662.9325
www.marouchrestaurant.com
Tue–Sun 11am–11pm.
Beer and wine. Lot parking. Middle Eastern/Lebanese/Armenian. $

Matsuhisa - been there, but no post
129 N. La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills
310.659.9639
www.nobumatsuhisa.com
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:45am–2:15pm; dinner Mon–Sun 5:45–10:15pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. All major credit cards. Japanese. $

Max
13355 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks
818.784.2915
www.maxrestaurant.com
Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–11pm.
Full bar. Street parking. Takeout. California Asian. $

Meals by Genet
1053 S. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
323.938.9304
www.mealsbygenet.com
Lunch and dinner Wed–Fri 5:30pm–10pm, Sat–Sun 11:30am–10pm.
Beer and wine. Catering. Street parking. MC, V. Ethiopian. $

M Cafe de Chaya
7119 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
323.525.0588
www.mcafedechaya.com
Open daily 9am–9pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Limited lot parking. All major credit cards. California Contemporary. $

Metro Cafe
11188 Washington Place, Culver City
310.559.6821
Breakfast and lunch 7am–3pm; dinner 6–10pm.
Beer and wine. Parking in Travelodge lot. MC, V. Serbian. $

Michael’s - been there, but no post
1147 Third St, Santa Monica
310.451.0843
www.micahelssantamonica.com
Mon–Fri noon–2:30pm, 6–10:30pm, Sat 6–10:30pm.
Full bar. Nonsmoking, including patio. Takeout. Valet and street parking. All major credit cards. California. $

Mimosa
8009 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles
323.655.8895
www.mimosarestaurant.com
Dinner Mon–Sat 6–10:30pm.
Beer and wine. Valet and street parking. AE, D, MC, V. Reservations recommended on weekends. French Bistro. $

Mission 261
261 Mission Drive, San Gabriel
626.588.1666
Mon–Fri 10:30am–3pm, 5:30–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–3pm, 5:30–10:30pm.
Full bar. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, D, MC, V. Cantonese. $

Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
323.467.7788
Tue–Sat 11am–11pm.
Full bar. Validated parking in rear. AE, DC, MC, V. American. $

New Concept
700 S. Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park
626.282.6800
Dim sum Mon–Fri 10:30am–3pm, Sat–Sun 10am–3pm; dinner nightly 5–11pm.
No alcohol. Street parking. MC, V. Chinese. $

Nook - check!
11628 Santa Monica Blvd, No. 9, West Los Angeles
310.207.5160
www.nookbistro.com
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–3pm; dinner Mon–Sat 5–10pm.
Beer and wine. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. American Bistro. $

Norman’s - been there but no post
8570 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
310.657.2400
www.normans.com
Tue–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm; lounge open Tue–Sat at 5:30pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. Takeout. AE, MC, V. Caribbean. $

O-Dae San
2889 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
213.383.9800
Open daily 11am–10pm.
Beer and wine. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Korean. $

101 Noodle Express
1408 E. Valley Blvd, Alhambra
626.300.8654
Mon–Fri 10am–3pm, 5–10pm; Sat–Sun 10am–11pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Chinese. $

Orris - check!
2006 Sawtelle Blvd, West Los Angeles
310.268.2212
www.orrisrestaurant.com
Dinner Mon–Fri 6–10pm, Sat 5:30–10:30pm, Sun 5:30–9:30pm.
Beer, wine and sake. Lot parking (valet Wed.–Sat.). AE, D, MC, V. Small-plate cuisine. $

Ortolan
8338 W. Third St., Los Angeles
323.653.3300
www.ortolanrestaurant.com
Tue–Sat 6–10pm (Closed Sun–Mon in summer).
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. French. $

Philippe the Original - check!
1001 N. Alameda St, Los Angeles
213.628.3781
www.philippes.com
Open daily 6am–10pm.
Beer and wine. For takeout, must call ahead, and order must be over $40. Lot parking. Cash only. American. ¢

Phillips’ Barbecue - been there, but no post
4307 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles
323.292.7613
Mon 11am–8pm, Tue–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–mid, Sun 11am–6pm.
and 2619 S. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles
323.731.4772
Tue–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–6pm.
and 1517 Centinela Ave., Los Angeles
310.412.7135.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Barbecue. $

Pie ’n Burger
913 E. California Blvd, Pasadena
626.795.1123
www.pienburger.com
Mon–Fri 6am–10pm, Sat 7am–10pm, Sun 7am–9pm.
Beer and wine. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash or check. American. $

Pink’s - check
!
709 N. La Brea Ave, Hollywood
323.931.4223
www.pinkshollywood.com
Sun–Thu 9:30am–2am, Fri–Sat 9:30am–3am.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. American. ¢

Pollo a la Brasa
764 S. Western Ave, Los Angeles
213.382.4090
Lunch and dinner Wed–Mon 11am–10pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. MC, V. Peruvian. ¢

Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Hancock Park
323.460.4170
www.providencela.com
Mon–Fri 6–10pm, Sat 5:30–10pm, Sun 5:30–9pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. Modern American Seafood. $

Red Corner Asia
5267 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
323.466.6722
www.redcornerasia.com
Open daily 11–2am.
No alcohol (liquor license pending). Takeout. Valet parking on weekends. AE, MC, V. Asian Fusion. $

Sapp Coffee Shop
5183 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
323.665.1035
Lunch and dinner 7am–8:30pm; closed Wed.
No alcohol. Takeout. Lot parking. Cash only. Thai. $

Sona
401 N. La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
310.659.7708
www.sonarestaurant.com
Dinner Tue–Thu 6–10pm, Fri 6–11pm, Sat 5:30–11pm. Closed Sun–Mon.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Modern French (with global influences). $

Spago - been there, but no post
176 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills
310.385.0880
www.wolfgangpuck.com
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:15pm, Sat noon–2:15pm; dinner Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5:30–11pm, Sun 5:30–10:30pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, D, MC, V. California with Asia and Europe. $

Susina Bakery and Cafe - check!
7122 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
323.934.7900
www.susinabakery.com
Mon–Fri 7am–11pm, Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 8am–11pm.
No alcohol. Takeout. Street parking. AE, MC, V. European Bakery. ¢

Table 8
7661 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
323.782.8258
www.table8la.com
Mon–Thu 6–10pm (late-night menu until 10:30), Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm (late-night menu until 11:30).
Full bar. Takeout. Valet and street parking. All major credit cards. California Seasonal. $

Tacos Baja Ensenada
5385 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles
323.887.1980
Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun 10am–9pm.
No alcohol. Lot parking. Cash only. Mexican. ¢

Tiara
127 E. Ninth St., downtown
213.623.3663
Food served Mon–Fri 11:30am–3pm; Market open Mon– Fri 8am–5pm.
Beer, wine, sake, and Champagne only. Street parking. All major credit cards. California Seasonal. $

Torafuku - check!
10914 Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles
310.470.0014
www.torafuku-usa.com
Lunch Mon–Sat noon–2:30pm; dinner Mon–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10:30 pm, Sun 5–10pm.
Beer, wine and sake. Valet and street parking. AE, MC, V. Prix fixe starts at $80, set dinners $38, bento lunches $8.50–$12, à la carte meals vary, takeout $55. Traditional Japanese. $

Trattoria Tre Venezie
119 W. Green Street, Pasadena
626.795.4455
Lunch Fri 11:30am–2:30pm; dinner Tue–Sun 5:30–10pm.
Full bar. Valet and street parking. AE, DC, MC, V. Italian. $

Urasawa
218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
310.247.8939
Mon–Sun 6–8:30pm.
Full bar. Valet. AE, MC, V. Japanese. $

Vietnam House
710 W. Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel
626.282.6327
Lunch and dinner Mon, Wed, Thu 10am-9pm, Fri–Sun 10am–10pm.
Beer only. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Vietnamese. $

Vincenti
11930 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood
310.207.0127
www.vincentiristorante.com
Mon–Sat 6–10pm, Friday for lunch noon–2pm.
Full bar. Takeout. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. Italian. $

Wat Thai
8225 Coldwater Canyon Blvd, North Hollywood
818.785.9552
www.watthaiusa.org
Open weekends only 10am-2pm.
No alcohol. Parking lot. Cash only. Thai. $

Wilshire - check!
2454 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
310.586.1707
www.wilshirerestaurant.com
Lunch Mon–Fri noon–2pm; dinner Mon–Wed 6–10pm, Thu–Sat 6–10:45pm.
Full bar. Valet parking. AE, MC, V. California Seasonal. $

Woodlands
9840 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Chatsworth
818.998.3031
and
11833 Artesia Blvd, Artesia
562.860.6500
Tue–Sun 11:30am–3pm, 5–10pm.
Beer and wine. Takeout. Lot parking. AE, MC, V. Indian. $

** a year ago today, i stuffed my French toast with strawberries and cream cheese and vowed to eat cheap **

tags :: food : and drink : restaurants : reviews : los angeles