Winter in LA
LA is ruining my waistline. It’s hard to understand how a part of the world with so many fit, skinny people can also have so many great restaurants. I’ve been eating my way through LA for the past couple years, but this winter was an especially busy few months. Here are the restaurants I visited recently that are worth indulging in:
Breakfast & Lunch
Sqirl 720 N Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA — !!!
For everything on their menu. Despite the fact that it’s on the other side of town, I’ll come back here again and again and again. Last time I had a lamb stew that blew me away.
Destroyer 3578 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA — !!
For a casual restaurant where you order at the counter, but receive food that you would expect to be served at the fanciest, most beautiful restaurant. Don’t miss the confit chicken or the rice porridge.
Lodge Bread Co. 11918 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA — !!
For the pita sandwich of my dreams. I want to go back to try their pizza and cinnamon roll very very soon (like tomorrow).
Milo & Olive 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA — !
For a breakfast sandwich that hits the spot and other comforting morning treats — order online if you’re getting it to go, and keep in mind they stop serving breakfast at 11am (even on weekends).
Dinners to Remember
Chi Spacca 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA— !!
For when you’re in the mood to eat A LOT of meat. Chi Spacca is a small restaurant that’s connected to Osteria Mozza and run by the same team. Whatever you do, don’t skip on the Salumeria section of the menu. Next time that might be all I order.
Tar & Roses 602 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA— !!
For one of the two best restaurants in Santa Monica. Only go with people who like to share food and don’t have too many eat restrictions. Make sure to order the dumplings.
Majordomo 1725 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA — !!
For the newest addition to David Chang’s empire and the first one in California. Make a reservation for at least four people and come hungry. My favorites were the bing with spicy lamb and the jumeokbap. I expect this place will get even better over time. While you’re in this part of town, head down the block to Apotheke for a drink after dinner.
Howlin’ Rays 727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles, CA — !
For Nashville style fried chicken sold in a strip mall near China Town that you can preorder two months in advance to skip waiting in a multi-hour line — I recommend selecting medium as your heat level.
Mezzanine 649 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA — !
For a special occasion meal from the NoMad chefs in a beautiful DTLA building. I definitely want to return to try this restaurant again, because it was clouded by poor service. We were seated late, no one seemed to know who or where our waiter was, and we waited way too long for food. However, the celery root tortelloni were amazing, the steak was perfectly cooked, and I wish I’d been hungry enough to order five Milk & Honey desserts.
A Bit Overrated (IMO)
There are a few restaurants that everyone seems to rave about that I just don’t think are that special. Don’t get me wrong — they are all quite good and I’ll be happy to return, but I’m not rushing back. I still think it might have been an off night (for me or for the restaurant), so I’ll withhold my final judgement.
Felix 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA — !
For pasta in a packed house right on Abbot Kinney. On my first visit I loved the pasta, but was underwhelmed by the sauces and other dishes. On my second visit, I had an amazing cocktail, but found the focaccia and squash blossoms to be way too oily and heavy. I’ll go once more to give the pastas a second try.
Jaffa 8048 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA — !
For Middle Eastern food near Beverly Grove. I could hear the tables around me talking about how great the food was, but I wasn’t blown away by anything. However, I was already pretty full when we arrived so maybe that had something to do with it….
Rossoblu 1124 San Julian St, Los Angeles, CA — !
For Italian food inspired by Bologna near DTLA. I’ve gone twice and had good dinners both times —definitely nothing to complain about, just nothing that really blew my socks off. The dining room also runs a bit cold, so bring a layer just in case.
Pizzana 11712 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA — !
For pizza in Brentwood. In the beginning it was impossible to get a reservation at this little pizzeria, but it’s calmed down a bit. I had one amazing pizza (the amatriciana), but I wanted the antipasti and salads to be better.
