I need help.
And I'm not talking about the medical, clinical, or psychological kind (at least not for this post).
As you may have already seen, I have a massive "To-Dine" List that lives <-- over there as a link in my left sidebar. The List started fairly big, since there were a lot of restaurants that I still needed to try when I created the list back in 2005. From time to time, when schedule and budget allow, I go to one, then get to check it off. Being the utter listgeek that I am, I think I get as much joy from crossing something off a list as I do from actually dining out, if not more. However, as is the story with many other lists in my life, it doesn't seem like the list is getting any shorter. LA seems to have a talent for turning over new restaurants, don't you think?
But, lovers, it's not just about new! hot! fresh! now! I love the secret, hidden places that don't register even as a buzzhype blip on the restaurant radar because they're small, or independent, or have been around since the dawn of LA time, or...something.
Even with my obsessive, compulsive, highly intensive trawling of the interwebs, magazines, and underground conversations, there are still some great restaurants that I am certain I have missed. In the words of a song with which I was obsessed for about two days in high school, I just can't seem to get enough, and want them all.
That's where I am relying on you. Won't you be a doll and suggest a restaurant, bistro, cafe, bar, lounge that you love that you think I absolutely must try? Maybe it's already on my To-Dine List, maybe I've already been there/done that, but it never hurts to be reminded of a great place, right? Leave a note in the comment, email me, or IM me because I'd love to add your recommendation to my list here as "Your Suggestions for Delicious."
And yes, one of these days I will surrender myself to hypnosis or therapy or a Xanax cocktail that will get me on a plane, so fabulous restaurants outside LA are welcome, too.
Thanks, lovers. I need you. I {heart} you. Like you wouldn't believe.
Your Suggestions for Delicious:
- 26 Beach
- 750 ml, Pasadena (from mys t)
- Abode, Santa Monica (from a friend via email) - i went. it was pretty. and that's all i have to say about abode.
- Aroma, Silverlake (from a friend via IM)
- Arroyo Chop House, Pasadena (from JF)
- The Arsenal, West LA (from Tee) - okay, next time I will try the food :)
- Artisan Cheese Gallery, Ventura Blvd/Laurel Canyon, Studio City (from KT)
- Auntie Em's, Eagle Rock - yes yes, I know. cupcakes.
- Babita Restaurant, San Gabriel
- Bamboo Caribbean (from mys t) - westside? I like the sound of that :)
- Beard Papa's Sweets Cafe (from ex-Westsider) - there's one on Sawtelle!
- Bistro Miyoda & Sushi Ichiriki (from Neil, my favorite Citizen of the Month)
- Boss Sushi on La Cienega, LA (from a friend via email)
- Breadbar in the Century City Shopping Center (from Meghna via email)
- Bulgarini Gelato, Pasadena (from ex-Westsider)
- Cafe Brasil, West LA - Been there! Like it!
- Caffe Luxe, Santa Monica (from Meghna via email)
- Casa Bianca, Eagle Rock (from Lola)
- Cha Cha Chicken, Santa Monica - wow. so close to me! i have no excuse...
- Chicken Itza, downtown
- Cici's, Tarzana - for the tiramisu pancakes
- Ciudad, downtown (from JF) - been there!
- Clementine, Century City (from Meghna via email)
- Daikokuya, downtown (from JF)
- Din Tai Fung Dumpling House, SGV (from ex-Westsider) - I've been there, but I need to take a survival kit for the wait if I ever go back!
- Doughboys, with a special shout out to the red velvet cake (from a friend via IM)
- Edison, downtown (from JF)
- Edy's Bakery, Canoga Park (from Lola) - *whoa* is that still the Valley?!?!
- El Tepeyac, LA
- Firefly, Pasadena (from meshellee)
- Follow Your Heart, Canoga Park (from Lola)
- Fosselman's Ice Cream, Alhambra
- Fraiche Restaurant, Culver City - just went. definitely a winner.
- Geoffrey's, Malibu
- Gin Sushi on Colorado, Pasadena (from Puffie)
- Golden Deli, San Gabriel
- Happy Family Chinese, Alhambra and Rowland Heights
- The Hat, San Gabriel
- Hop Woo, West LA (from Matthew)
- Inn of the Seventh Ray
- J&J Burger Shack & BBQ, on Adams, 2 blocks east of Fairfax
- Juquila, West LA (from freddy)
- King Taco, East LA - Strangely enough, I have eaten here a few times when I had a client in the area
- Kiriko Sushi, Sawtelle (from ex-Westsider) - been there! love it! it's one of my regular destinations.
- Kiyokawa Sushi, Beverly Hills on Robertson, just south of Wilshire (from
- LaLa's Steakhouse on Melrose, Los Angeles (from Jaden) - I just went for the first time!
- Library Ale House, Santa Monica - yes. come and knock on my door.
- Maison Akira, Pasadena
- Maxwell's, Venice/Marina Del Rey
- Melisse, Santa Monica
- Mission 261, San Gabriel
- Nam Won Gol , Western/Olympic, Koreatown (from David)
- Native Foods, Westwood
- Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, downtown (from JF) - yes.
- Noma Sushi, Santa Monica (via Bob, email) - been there! see Craig's List! (just kidding)
- Oomasa, Little Tokyo, for sushi (from David)
- Orochon Ramen, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St., Little Tokyo (from David)
- Orris - been there!
- Osteria Mozza, LA - Benny, you and me both!
- Pacific Dining Car, downtown and Santa Monica - went there for brunch. not bad.
- Papa Cristo's, LA
- Parkway Grill
- Patina
- Philippe's the Original, downtown (from JF) - been there! i fucking {heart} their mustard.
- Phillip's BBQ, LA (from David)
- Pink Taco in the Century City Shopping Center (from Rebecca) - Really?
- The Pita Kitchen, in my favorite place the SFV ;) (from Jerrold)
- Pitfire Pizza, downtown and Westwood (from David)
- Pizzicotto, Brentwood (from foodette) - i love this place, but it's tough to fight the crowd.
- Polka, Eagle Rock (from Lola)
- R-23, downtown (from JF)
- Robata-Ya, Sawtelle (from Matthew)
- Robin's BBQ, Pasadena
- Rustic Canyon, Santa Monica - went there a couple of months ago, just haven't written it up yet!
- Saladang
- Sasaya, West LA (from friend via email) - been there. should probably go back and give it another go.
- Savoy, Alhambra
- Senor Fish, LA - dude. i went there. didn't like.
- Shau May, Monterey Park
- Shibuya, Calabasas
- Smitty's Grill, Pasadena
- Sunnin Lebanese Cafe, Westwood
- Sushi Zo, Culver City (from ex-Westsider and Mike) - definitely on my To-Dine List
- Tender Greens, Culver City (from Meghna via email)
- Vertical Wine Bistro, Pasadena (from Benny)
- Vinum Populi, Culver City
- Vivoli (from Hilary)- who wouldn't go for that $1.50 valet?
- Water Grill, downtown (from JF) - haven't been there in a while. I guess it's time.
- Weiner Factory, Sherman Oaks (from David)
- Yabu, West LA
- Yang Chow, downtown (from David)
- Yashima, Sawtelle (in the Olympic Collection)
- Z Sushi, Alhambra
Outside LA:
- Extraordinary Desserts, San Diego
- Phil's BBQ, San Diego
- Bubbly Fish Cafe, Carmel - for caviar, cheese and chocolat tastings and ice wine
- Little Swiss Cafe, Carmel - breakfast
- Norma's on West 57th/6th Ave, New York for breakfast (from Abraxis)
- Good Enough to Eat, Amsterdam/84th, New York (from Abraxis)
- Cava Restaurant, Montecito
- Myetts in Cane Garden Bay, The Dove in Road Town, Sugar Mill Restaurant in Carrot Bay and Coco Plums in Little Apple Bay on the British Virgin Islands (from Sunset Divine)
Keep 'em coming. With my birthday celebration lasting the entire month of June, I'll need them :)
** a year ago today, langer's deli unplugged from progress somewhere around 1972 **
** two years ago today, reader david guest-blogs about dduk from san soo dang **
tags :: food : and drink restaurants : reviews : los angeles
david hong says
Pitfire Pizza - I really like thin crust pizza, and my friend told me of this North Hollywood (Lankershim and Magnolia) restaurant, but they also have locations in Westwood and also downtown LA. http://www.pitfirepizza.com
I went to the downtown LA (2nd and near Main St.) location before a Dodger game, and the margherita pizza was pretty good, but a little small though.
No traditional waiters; you go to the counter and order your food; they give you a numbered flag, and when ready, your food is brought to your table. But, they have Red Hook ale, served in frosted mugs.
I usually go to Philippe's or Yang Chow before Dodgers or Clippers games, but Pit Fire definitely will be added to my pre-game meal locations.
Philippe's - good beef stew.
david hong says
Pitfire Pizza - I really like thin crust pizza, and my friend told me of this North Hollywood (Lankershim and Magnolia) restaurant, but they also have locations in Westwood and also downtown LA. http://www.pitfirepizza.com
I went to the downtown LA (2nd and near Main St.) location before a Dodger game, and the margherita pizza was pretty good, but a little small though.
No traditional waiters; you go to the counter and order your food; they give you a numbered flag, and when ready, your food is brought to your table. But, they have Red Hook ale, served in frosted mugs.
I usually go to Philippe's or Yang Chow before Dodgers or Clippers games, but Pit Fire definitely will be added to my pre-game meal locations.
Philippe's - good beef stew.
abraxis says
Well, since many of your minions (fanboys and fangirls?) have already suggested the greater part of the "LA quality food phone book", I have some faves that may pass muster.
However, you will have to get on a airplane to eat there. Can't saunter in stilettos to Manhattan. But regardless, good food there, must try!
I have a weak spot for brekkie since that's what the first meal after you get off the redeye in New York usually is. Norma's on West 57th and 6th Ave does brekkie with the same care and innovation like most fancy restaurants do dinner. Too many things to eat/write about there but the orange juice is fresh squeezed, the coffee is pressed and if you wait until later in the morning, you WILL be waiting, unless you had the wisdom to make a reservation.
If you're looking later in the AM, say around 0900, Good Enough to Eat is a neat little place on Amsterdam and 84th. It too is subject to queues on the weekend unless you get there early (or later). This little place with the white picket fence does the brekkie basics, but they do it soooooo well! When I was there last, I was sitting at the bar, sawing through wonderfully thick and maple-y bacon and floofy pancakes. There were other parts of brekkie too but those were my favourite parts...
There's a whole world of food out there...just get on that plane! =)
Hope your birthday month was a amazing success...
KT says
I hate giving this away, especially for free, but since it's you ....
If you are ever in the Valley, Artisan Cheese Shop in Studio City on Ventura Blvd, just before Laurel Canyon.
Aside from cheese, they have salads and sandwiches that are amazing, and ever-changing daily specials. The people that work here are super-friendly too. I already think of one guy as my "Valley dad."
Anonymous says
Vinum Populi in Culver City
Benny says
Although I haven't been, I've heard mostly good things about Vertical Wine Bistro in Pasadena.
Also, Osteria Mozza is supposed to open later this month. Can't wait!
SunsetDivine says
Try out Myetts in Cane Garden Bay, The Dove in Road Town, Sugar Mill Restaurant in Carrot Bay and Coco Plums in Little Apple Bay... all of these found of course in in the British Virgin Islands :-) If you're gonna fly, might as well make it worth the trip! .. and bring a bikini and towel while your at it!
puffie says
Gin Sushi in Pasadena on Colorado. LOVE their sushi.
david hong says
Weiner Factory in Sherman Oaks (14917 Ventura Blvd. cross street - Kester Ave; a few blocks east of Sepulveda).
Spicy Polish Dog with Steamed Red Cabbage. Kick ass.
Note - this great place closes early: Mon-Thu 11am-5pm
Fri-Sun 11am-8pm.
Sarah -- we know your love for the SFV, but worth the trip.
SteamyKitchen says
LaLa - brazilian restaurant in Melrose. Try their skirt steak!
Rebecca says
how about Pink Taco that just opened in the Century City Westfield? I've been meaning to check it out myself, maybe I'll see you there! haha.
Mike says
You definitely have to try Sushi Zo. I love Kiriko too, but Zo is really pushing Kiriko as the best quality sushi in LA. The atmosphere is more serious but the quality and variety of fish they serve is amazing.
This is the list of fish I had when I went there just a few months ago: http://www.yelp.com/biz/9atAfNzeCGq6NCfHVpYIUg?hrid=lMmKis36uKuJfKuTDoqYTw
It's totally worth it!
Anonymous says
Cici's in Tarzana. While I know you can't handle the Valley, its worth the trip for the tirimisu pancakes alone!
Eric Rubin says
Love the blog. I have a suggestion for you. It is called Laloo's Goat Milk Ice Cream (www.laloos.com). Made by a former LA resident who moved to Petaluma, CA, Laloo's is about as tasty as ice cream can get. It is made from goats milk and there is no way to tell the difference from cows milk ice cream. Plus, it has half the fat and half the calories as traditional ice cream flavors. My favorite is the Vanilla Snowflake but others have loved Black Mission Fig. Give it a go.
Eric
Cindy Nguyen says
I just found your blog and I love it! I know this is an older post, but have you tried Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga. Sorry if someone already mentioned it. Reading all these suggestions is making me so hungry.
Keep up the good work. I have you bookmarked and you are stuck with me. :)
Tee says
As a frequent reader and adorer of your blog I am almost afraid to suggest one of my fav places because if you hate it I will be so sad. The atmosphere is low-key local and the food is delish.
The Oyster House
12446 Moorpark Road
Studio City, CA 91604-1260
Recommendations:
Mussels
Oysters on the half shell
Garlic toast
Potato leek soup
freeway-J says
26 Beach on Washington Blvd (just west of Lincoln) in Venice.
Geoffrey's Malibu
I love your blog!
abraxis says
I just got back from New York City. Do you want hakata style ramen just like they have in Japan? Go to Ippudo in the East Village (Astor St off the 6 line).
It tasted just like it did in Tokyo when I went to the Ippudo there in March.
Go downstairs to the bathroom and you can see where they make the noodles. FROM SCRATCH!. Where the make the broth. FROM SCRATCH!. The bar has happy hour during the week. Kirin, Sapporo and Yebisu, 2 for $6.00. YEBISU!! Not from scratch though, from a bottle.
WAH LAU!! Am very excited! There's great eats over in New York. And it's only 5+ hours away instead of Tokyo's 10! Are you over your flying phobia? This would be a good place to visit...
freeway-j says
I heard good things about the happy our at The Yard on Ocean ave and Broadway.
tony says
Hmm... is this post a year late? Nevertheless, two must dine restaurants to GO to (not TRY, GO) is:
(1) Orris - West L.A. on Sawtelle. Like Asian tapas, with Shiro-san's special touch. Pretty much my favorite place to eat anytime in La La Land. Too many items that are good to try. Designed for "tasters" like ourselves, get 5 or 6 dishes with a friend.
(2) Shinsengumi Hakata Ramen. It's like back in Akasaka (or Redonond Bch. Blvd in Gardena) with PORK broth, not the usual miso or shoyu soup base. Choose how your noodles are cooked, your soup strength, and oil level? Of course, it's cooked right in front of you that old way. Like the flavors of pho, that soup base has been stealing flava from pork bones 8 hours in a row...
Anyhow, please add these to your list--better yet, please eat and be happy.
Jay says
Way outside of LA, but my must dine in Columbus, Ohio is "Chi Thai". Best Thai food I have ever had. AND if you talk to the owner, Steve, he can make almost any dish gluten-free!
Thanks Delicious!
-Jay
Matthew says
Hop woo on corner of Sepulveda and Olympic,may look like a dive but i think best Peking Duck on Westside and dont forget around the corner at Robata Ya on Sawtelle....................M
Miss Chen says
David Hong. You do not know what good pizza is. Come to Vancouver. Try Marciello on The Drive! What happened to you?
me says
coles in downtown la - french dipped sandwiches
sushi go 555 in little tokyo - japanese
some crust bakery in claremont - sweet stuff
salakot ok i don't know where to put this place, it's on beverly near alverado - pilipino
clifton's in downtown la - american
nickel diner in downtown la - american
chego in palms - korean fusion
aframe in culver city -
Annie says
The best brunch I've had in my life is definitely the French toast from Blu Jam Cafe in WeHo http://www.blujamcafe.com/
It's a nice and relaxing place but unfortunately they only serve the crunchy French toast during weekend brunch and the place is usually pretty crowded. Highly recommend going with other people and sharing their food! :) I tried my friend's eggs benedict and it was pretty good also...
Also you should definitely stop by Beard Papa on Sawtelle sometime if you haven't already :) Right now I work there for part-time, haha. We have different flavors during the week, the two flavors we always have are vanilla and chocolate. Mon + Tues we have green tea as the special flavor, Weds + Thurs is coffee, Fri is caramel and Sat + Sun we have strawberry. In October we also have pumpkin as a special flavor. You should definitely come visit! :D
Annie says
Oh also, Santouka in WLA for ramen. It's located inside the food court in Mitsuwa Market by Venice and Centinela. It's de-licious, though not as good as Daikokuya in DTLA, but definitely the best ramen you can find in WLA. 26 Beach (on your list) is a place I think is great to take girlfriends to. The decor in the patio is absolutely girly and adorable while the portion of the food is very, very manly.
Hailey W says
Try new place in Newport Beach called COREA KALBI - Korean BBQ House
Their meat is top notch and the service is excellent.
You won't regret making the trip!
Check them out on Yelp too and they are getting great reviews.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/corea-kalbi-korean-bbq-newport-beach
1701 Corinthian Way #E
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Raco says
Musha. Santa Monica. GO
http://www.yelp.com/biz/musha-restaurant-santa-monica