SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEBGUIDES
NEW YORK WEBGUIDES
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With more restaurants within the city of Los Angeles than there are self-help books at your local bookstore, the only thing harder than accurately describing the culinary world of LA is actually picking which restaurant to eat at. Much like wannabe actors and rock stars, chefs flock to LA by the thousands hoping to start the restaurant that will forever embed them in culinary fame. While restaurants and cuisines may differ, each chef these days shares one common weapon: fusion. Fusion cuisine is LA's newest lover, since it allows for everyone to find a unique style in a culinary world where it seems that it's all been done before. Though you can still find traditional meals like steaks and burgers, don't be surprised if you see something wild on the menu like Asian-influenced, Jamaican-style, Cajun-spiced tacos.
7470 Melrose Ave., W. Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.655.0480
This celebrity hangout has been dishing out Mexican on Melrose
for 30 years now. Everyone from Lucille Ball to Connie Chung to
Frank Sinatra has broken tortilla at Antonio's, and the place is
teeming with Hollywood lore. The food is solid if unadventurous.
Avoid the appetizer sample plate and head straight for the
entrees; two of the better ones are the pork spare ribs in salsa
verde and the spinach enchiladas. If you can, save room for the
fried bananas, served with a perfect sock of sour cream and
strawberry sauce. Those between meals can chill at the bar and
take in the always entertaining Melrose fashion parade. (DK) |
7475 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.874.8041
This burger haven stands head and shoulders above the rest. All
the meat is charbroiled, and the burgers are a far cry from the
fried baby-sized patties found at the typical fast-food joint.
They're lean, big and served with fresh veggies on a nice-sized
bun. From the pastrami burger to the double chiliburger, from the
bacon avocado cheeseburger to the (meatless) garden burger, Astro
has got it covered (stay away from the gamey ostrich burger and
the somewhat flavorless turkey burger). The food is cooked to
order, so be patient--good things come to those who wait. (DK) |
13718 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks CA; Tel. 818.784.2232
Bada Bean is a Cheers-like place where everybody knows your
name, or will ask if they don't. The coffee drinks--including
such concoctions as the vanilla dream mocha and the syrupy
blended iced mocha--are infused with two shots of the blessedly
strong Illy espresso, so anything you pick will perk you
up. Bada Bean's food is inconsistent and the barebones decor
leaves something to be desired, but this spot is a pocket of
genuine warmth in a city often marked by pretense and anonymity. (DK) |
Boxer
7615 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.932.6178
The service is obnoxious, and you have to buy liquor from the store next door
if you want to drink--something to do with a nearby temple. But if you can
survive the charade, the food is wonderful. The duck special fits anyone's
bill, and the filet mignon is love-meat tender. (AD) |
Cadillac Cafe
359 La Cienega Blvd. (1 block north of Beverly Blvd.), Los Angeles CA
Tel. 310.657.6591
Though this small newcomer located near the Star Strip nudie joint poses as a
retro coffeeshop, it's a great place to eat. The new sculpture/alfresco
boundary they put up recently might be one of the ugliest things to ever
taint a dining establishment, but the food still goes down easy. (AD) |
7463 Melrose Ave., W. Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.655.8647
In a town that offers few options for hungry insomniacs, Caffe
Luna restaurant (open until 2am during the week, 4am on the weekend)
is a welcome refuge. The pizza is good, if on the chi-chi side,
while the caprese antipasta is downright delicious. Prices are
reasonable, the staff is friendly, and the decor lends itself
both to romantic dining and people watching. (DK) |
Canter's
419 N. Fairfax Ave. (between Beverly Blvd. and Melrose Ave.), Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.651.2030
Over the past decade, this legendary Jewish deli has been overrun at night by
the rock and roll set; the Tuesday night jams in the adjoining Kibbutz room
have even launched some musicians on the road to success. The food is great
or bland, depending on who you ask, but it's the best-tasting stuff in the
world when you've been drinking most of the night at one of the nearby bars.
Live dangerously: flirt with one of the mean, older waitresses. (AD) |
Chaya Brasserie
8741 Alden Dr., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 310.859.8833
When it first opened over a decade ago, this Pacific Rimmer was a dining and
architectural trendsetter. Now, all these years later, it's like an old
forgotten friend who hasn't seemed to age. The food's as good as ever, and
the bar offers a hopping late-night scene. |
Chianti Cucina
7383 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.653.8333
This spin-off Italian restaurant is even more popular than the legendary Hollywood haunt
adjoining it. One of the first casual Italian eateries, Cuccina has always
offered up excellent Italian food, especially the pasta, at affordable prices. And
it's still a very trendy LA restaurant. (AD) |
8290 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.656.2215
West Hollywood has this Chinese restaurant to thank for saving it from
Szechwan damnation. Sure, the menu includes the inevitable
staples of Chinese-American food, but there are some less obvious
options, such as woo dip harr (jumbo shrimp split open in bacon
and fried in egg batter) and several varieties of roasted duck.
Another plus: the generous portions are reasonably priced. And
China One was obviously designed by an architect with an
excellent eye for detail, with its beautiful wood slat ceiling,
eclectic mix of lanterns and stunning metal dragon which reigns
over the restaurant. (DK) |
Chinois on Main
2709 Main St., Santa Monica CA; Tel. 310.392.9025
We'll try just about anything with Wolfgang Puck's name on it.
But with Chinois on Main, Der Teutonic Chef invented a true
Wunderhaus of culinary genius. Puck's decade-old East-West fusion
restaurant, with its attractive dining room, is easily his best
eatery; some think it's one of the best restaurant in the city. Make
reservations, order anything, revel in the glory, pay the
exorbitant bill and leave a satiated being. (AD) |
Crazy Fish
9105 W. Olympic Blvd. (near Doheny Dr.), Beverly Hills CA; Tel. 310.550.8547
This storefront sushi place is packed every night, with drooling patrons
spilling out onto the sidewalk. The hostess is ornery at best and the wait is
long, but the food is delicious (and a great value). Order takeout to avoid
the rush and attitude. (AD) |
9737 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills CA; Tel. 310.273.0960
This is Italian food to die for. The Caesar may very well be the
best in L.A., while the penne arrabiata and linguine alla
vongole are savory delights. Da Vinci's romantic, flower-filled
setting feels extravagant, and it is. But the complete dinners--appetizer,
entree and dessert for $24,-are an exceptional deal.
(DK) |
Damiano
412 N. Fairfax Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.658.7611
Open 'til the wee hours of the morning, this late-nighter serves what some
feel is the best pizza in town. It's a hangout for the hip set, as is most of
this stretch of Fairfax. Damiano's is one of the few places in L.A. you can
buy a slice, and the baked ziti and antipasto salad is awesome. There are even crudites
when dining in, and miraculously they deliver until closing. (AD) |
8252 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.656.1383
Value and quality are the name of the game here. The delicious
omelets ring in at under a five spot, while huge buttermilk and
oatmeal pancakes that sprawl across the entire span of your plate
will set you back a mere $2.75. Highly recommended is the Big
Mess, a heap of eggs, potatoes, spicy sausage, cheese, mixed
vegetables and whatever else is lying around the kitchen. Eat
Well is smack in the middle of Boys Town, making it a weekend
mecca for everyone within a five-mile radius. Better to come on
lazy weekday mornings, when all you want to do is idle away the
hours reading the paper, filling your belly and gulping down an
endless stream of joe. (DK) |
Factor's
9420 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 310.278.9175
This longtime celebrity hangout (Rodney Dangerfield is among the regulars)
serves up what may be the best pastrami in town. Bucking deli tradition, the
waitresses are surprisingly nice, and the food makes up for the dull decor. (AD) |
7226 Beverly Blvd., Hollywood, CA; Tel. 323.937.7162
13628 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA; Tel. 818.788.9896.
The name pretty much says it all: there's a huge grill stuffed behind a small counter where a couple of guys cook a limited number of seafood options in full view of patrons. The menu changes slightly each day. Selections usually include salmon, ahi
tuna, trout and some other type of white fish. There are also some "deep-fried
specialties" such as fish and chips, but you're better off sticking with a
basic mesquite-grilled fillet (the salmon is particularly good). All meals
come with fries or a baked potato and salad or coleslaw on the side. Go with
the salad, which is served with a lemony Israeli-style dressing that provides
just the right amount of tang to offset the mesquite. (DK) |
Formosa Cafe
7156 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.850.9050
Almost demolished by that sledgehammer called Progress, this legendary
Hollywood hangout has been spared. The food has long been atrocious, though a
new chef was just hired. But the scene--lounge meets tacky Chinese--and the
drinks are without peer. (AD) |
Four Oaks
2181 N. Beverly Glen Blvd. (between Sunset Blvd. and Mulholland Dr.), Bel Air CA
Tel. 310.470.2265
Nestled in a secluded spot above Sunset, this residence-turned-restaurant has
been one of L.A.'s finest hidden secrets for years. It's pricey, but the
setting is as glorious as the food. One of the few California fine-dining
experiences of the '80s that hasn't aged badly. (AD) |
Gaucho Grill
101 N. Brand Ave. (Broadway and Wilson Ave.)
Glendale CA; Tel. 818.247.9534
Beverly Center, 101 N. La Cienega Blvd. (between Beverly Blvd. and 3rd St.)
Los Angeles CA Tel. 310.657.9104
11754 San Vicente Blvd. (at Montana Ave.)
Brentwood, Tel. 310.447.7898
12050 Ventura Blvd. (at Laurel Canyon Blvd.)
Studio City, Tel. 818.508.1030
121 W. Colorado Blvd. (at Arroyo Pkwy.)
Pasadena, Tel. 818.683.3580
1251 Third St. Promenade (at Arizona Ave.)
Santa Monica CATel. 310.394,4966
6435 Canoga Ave. (at Victory Blvd.)
Woodland Hills, Tel. 818.992.6416
7980 Sunset Blvd. (at Crescent Heights. Blvd.)
Los Angeles CA Tel. 213.656.4152
This chain of Argentinean meateries is full of garlic and beef and vigor. The
red meat and chicken are great, and the samosas are excellent. Just don't
weigh yourself down with the garlic olive oil stuff they give you with your
bread, or you'll be sorry--and sick. (AD) |
317 S. Broadway, Downtown Los Angeles CA; Tel. 213.622.1763
Built in 1917, this huge food emporium has long served as a hub
for many immigrant communities, though if you get here early
enough you may see some of L.A.'s top chefs choosing their
ingredients for the day. In addition to a profusion of ripe fruit
and fresh vegetables, the market boasts an array of food stands
where patrons can get everything from succulent chicken tacos to
dirt-cheap noodle dishes. It's the kind of place where, for under
$10, you can have lunch for two and leave with three full bags of
produce. (DK) |
Granita
23725 W. Malibu Road, Malibu CA; Tel. 310.456.0488
Wolfgang Puck's sea-god fantasy theme restaurant serves up
Puckish staples of California cuisine, including pizzas, grilled
fish and artfully arranged vegetables, to Malibu Colony
celebrities and others who venture off Highway 1 into the Malibu
Colony Plaza shopping center. (DP) |
Gumbo Pot
Farmer's Market, 6333 W. Third St. (at Fairfax Ave.), Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.933.0358
Of all the places to eat at Farmer's Market on Fairfax and Third, this may be
the best. Delicious gumbo and Po' Boys are the call here, but seafood and
meat dishes are equally good. The ice tea is always weak and warm, and the
service is sometimes cold, but the food is hot, hot, hot. (AD) |
Inn of the Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd. (4 miles north of PCH), Topanga Canyon CA; Tel. 310.455.1311
Sequestered away in the hills near the coast, this New Age-y culinary
pantheon is overpriced and spotty when it comes to the food. But the setting
is magnificent, with gorgeous foliage everywhere. And if the conversation
wanes during your date, there's always the babbling brook. (AD) |
12460 Magnolia Blvd., Valley Village CA; Tel. 818.506.4133
This New York-style pizzeria is better than most in L.A., but not
up to Big Apple standards. The Blue Collar pie is too thin-crusted and suffers from a lack of grease. The atmosphere--or lack thereof--is on the mark, however. (DK) |
Jiraffe
502 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 310.917.6671
We don't have to stick our neck out to recommend this new Raphel
Lunetta/Josiah Citrin restaurant. The fish dishes float to gastrorgasmic
levels here, but virtually the entire menu is mouthwatering. (AD) |
Kate Mantalini's
9101 Wilshire Blvd. (near Doheny Dr.), Beverly Hills CA; Tel. 310.278.3699
Named after a famous boxing promoter and featured in the film Heat, this
upscale diner is one of the few places on the eastern edge of Beverly Hills
to get a good meal. That's why people keep coming back, despite the high
prices. Particularly good are the meatloaf, spinach and pot pies; the pork
chops are the best in town by far. Big celeb hangout as well. (AD) |
Kokomo Cafe
Farmer's Market, 6333 W. Third St. (at Fairfax Ave.), Los Angeles CA
Tel. 323.933.0773
This cafe in Farmer's Market makes great breakfasts and sandwiches. The
specials are always a good bet. The service is spotty, but there's a
newsstand next door, so grab a mag and bide your time. (AD) |
Le Colonial
8783 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 310.289.0660
The upstairs bar at this La-La land edition of the famed New York
establishment was the hot spot in town last year when it opened--for about
20 minutes. While the crowds have thinned, the restaurant still sports some
of the best Vietnamese food in town. The filet mignon, cubed into small
chunks, is particularly delectable, as are the various rice dishes. (AD) |
631 N. La Cienega Blvd.
W. Hollywood, Tel. 310.289.9797
The stiff white tablecloths, high ceilings and cozy ambience of
this restaurant evoke the feel of Paris. While nothing on the
menu is unusual, everything's reliable. The fare includes light
meals of roasted chicken, herbed fish and several simple duck and
lamb preparations. Among the standouts is the cold poached salmon
with tomato salad and marinated cucumbers. At $9.$13, entrees are
a bargain, especially considering the Left Bank-style atmosphere.
(DK) |
The Little Door
8164 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.951.1210
The world is transformed when you step inside old wooden door into The Little Door's Southern European garden setting. It is dark and intimate, with crawling vines and fountains, candles and wrought iron. The patio ceiling opens to expose the stars, at least if there were stars in Los Angeles. Up there, I mean. More likely you'll find them conversing at the intimate wine bar, which pours a a pages-long list of vintages, by the glass or by the bottle. The constantly updated menu features spicy North African dishes like vegetarian couscous and fish soup, along with eclectic and imaginative old world fare from the sea and plains. (DP) |
5786 Melrose Ave., Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.466.4181
A Bill Pullman haunt during the filming of Independence Day,
Mario's is a Peruvian joint whose walls are covered with a sea of
autographs and testimonials (most from the cable newscasters of
Telemundo 52), along with travel posters, copper souvenirs and
ominous pictures of Jesus on the cross. But if the decor is
lacking, the food is not. Among the favorites is saltado de
mariscos, a combination of squid, shrimp and octopus sauteed with
tomatoes, onions and crispy french fries. For those who prefer
land creatures, there are also many chicken and beef dishes
available. Beverage choices include Inca, a yellow Peruvian soda,
and horchata, a sweet, creamy drink made of rice milk, vanilla
and cinnamon that's sure to prove addictive for iced coffee
fans. (DK) |
8474 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.782.0181
Soup's the thing at this udon paradise, where a simple, tangy
broth serves as the foundation for a myriad of curative dishes.
Chicken soup defectors can try the tori toji (with cooked chicken
and egg), while vegetarians will appreciate the kitsune (with
fried tofu). There are plenty of other items on the menu as
well--excellent tempura, unusual salads and a sea of inexpensive
combination plates. Everything is under ten bucks, and served on
beautiful handmade bowls and plates. (DK) |
7986 Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.822.9057
The fare at this self-dubbed "American kitchen" ranges from Rhode
Island clam fritters to Creole-style, skillet-tossed shrimp,
chicken, sausage and catfish. Rich entrees like t-bone steak and
baked catfish are accentuated with heavenly comfort-food sides,
including maple-whipped acorn squash and uncharacteristically
low-fat garlic-and-chive mashed potatoes. Diners who expect
attentiveness will find the snail-like service intolerable, and
anyone with high cholesterol will feel their arteries hardening
before they've left the parking lot. But Angelenos with zen-like
patience and a yen for grease will get a decent bang for their
buck. (DK) |
Obachine
242 N. Beverly Dr., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 310.274.4440
Inheriting Tribeca's former space is yet another new Wolfgang Puck eatery.
The decor is pretty pedestrian, but the menu is excitingly eclectic. Try the
quail with noodles, and don't miss out on the spring rolls, which are among
the best in town. (AD) |
Pacific Dining Car
1310 W. Sixth St., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 213.483.6000
This institution has been carving up slabs of the finest traditional beef
since 1921, 24 hours a day. Luxurious red booths, waiters in white tuxedos,
and heavy standing menus add to the ambience. If you're up early (or very
late), indulge in the great breakfast offerings, capped by Dining Car
Potatoes. (AD) |
Palermo
1858 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.663.1178
Remember those family-owned Italian restaurants that served up big heaping
plates of Mama's best cooking with a basket of garlic bread that could kill a
pack of werewolves? This is it. Two words: Chicken Diane. (AD) |
8265 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.651.4600
The hostess is snooty, and lunch prices are steep. But all will
be forgiven after a midday meal on Pane e Vino's patio, a
Mediterranean haven of vine-covered apricot walls, terra-cotta
tiles and marble-topped tables nestled under the shade of a huge
leafy tree. The focaccia sandwich, stuffed with an albacore tuna
fillet and brushed with a tomato chili paste, is perfect for a
light meal, as is the mesquite grilled fish, served with a side
of squash and zucchini and crispy red potatoes. Pastas, ranging
from the ordinary (angel hair in fresh tomato sauce) to the
unexpected (tortelloni filled with dandelion greens, ricotta and
Parmesan-burned butter), are uniformly solid. When a siesta is
impossible, Pane e Vino is the next best thing. (DK) |
The Pantry
877 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles CA; Tel. 213.972.9279
Here's a dilemma: This joint has been serving up fine greasy steaks and
breakfast for 73 years and is one of the great destinations for that 3:30am road trip.
But--former Mayor Richard Riordan owns it, and he's already richer
than God. Let your stomach and your conscience duel it out. (AD)
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Patina
5955 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.467.1108
It must be an oversight that Patina's food hasn't been banned by
lawmakers and religious conservatives along with drugs and
illicit sex, because it's up there on our list. Dining at Joachim
and Christine Splichal's flagship Franco-California restaurant is
a warm, wonderful experience in which the food never fails to
dazzle. Noteworthy is the treatment of humble root vegetables
(potatoes, for example), while the five-course vegetarian "Garden
Menu" will impress those who value the ethical treatment of
animals but don't want to sacrifice eating pleasure in the process.
Other four- and five-course meals feature fish and meats and are
deliciously decadent, as are the desserts. Perfect for romantic dining.(DP) |
Pink's
711 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.931.4223
It's 1:45am, your head is still ringing from the last-call spotlight that
just blinded you at the bar you were trolling (or was it the five Stoli
martinis?), and this meaty oasis starts barking out your name. Not until
you've lingered in line to wolf down the best damn dogs in town (how 'bout
the trifecta--a Slaw, a New York, and a Polish?) will you be able to make it
home a happy camper. But remember to clear your morning slate--you'll be
occupied. (AD) |
414 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 310.289.9910
514 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica CA; Tel. 310.451.7544
This is the type of place that makes vegetarians smirk. Sure, all
the known culprits are here: tempeh, tofu, seitan--the kind of
lineup that sends carnivores running for their lives. But they're
used so expertly that even the most diehard meateaters may just
be transformed. Especially good is the Reuben sandwich, while the
tahini mint dressing served with salads will make you swoon.
Besides boasting serious gastronomic appeal, Real Food Daily is
also a looker of a restaurant, with its copper-topped tables and
a ceiling sculpture with arched, rudder-like panels. The only
drawback: portions are small, considering the prices. (DK) |
Red
7450 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA; Tel. 323.937.0331
Trendy as its name, this is a fine restaurant posing as a coffeehouse. The
fare is simple but substantial, and the Brownie Sundae is the height of
decadence. Check out the wide variety of baked goods and pretty people. (AD) |
Rockenwagner
2435 Main St., Santa Monica CA; Tel. 310.399.6504
From out of the Black Forest emerged celebrity chef Hans
Rockenwagner to assist Californians in redefining California
cuisine. And while Rockenwagner has accumulated his share of
accolades and authored a cookbook or two, he has resisted
following in the footsteps of his compatriot down the street.
Instead of opening pizza restaurants or slapping his name on
frozen food boxes--for which we are eternally grateful, of
course--Rockenwagner has concentrated on serving beautiful food
in an architecturally minimalist Frank Gehry building. (DP) |
400 S. San Vicente Blvd., W. Hollywood CA; Tel. 310.659.3242
With its recklessly vibrant decor and live music, this Persian
restaurant offers welcome sensory overload. The menu abounds with
chicken, lamb and beef specialties, but also provides plenty of
vegetarian and seafood options. Portions are huge and reasonably
priced ($12.$18). Particularly good are the albaloo polo--lamb
shank with sour cherries and saffron rice--and sabzi polo, a
tender white fish marinated, lightly breaded and pan-fried. Also
be sure to sample the amazing feta cheese and the nan-like seeded
flatbread. (DK) |
11056 S. Ventura Blvd., Studio City CA; Tel. 818.985.2254
This charming place may well be the only restaurant around where
you can slurp some soba or swallow sashimi to the rat-a-tat-tat
of toe-tapping waiters. Inspired by the owner's love affair with
tap dancing (first ignited when he saw the movie Cotton Club in
Japan), Sushi on Tap has the attitude of a Japanese Ed Debevic's.
Cooks and waiters strut their stuff in between serving up such
copasetic pleasures as salmon teriyaki and tempura. A godsend for
diners tired of restaurants with snooty waitresses and aloof
chefs. (DK) |
718 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood CA; Tel. 323.466.4659
Located in a strip mall, this place is not big on aesthetics.
What it does deliver are taste and value. Less than ten bucks
will get you a heaping plate of flat-noodled bliss along with an
appetizer or soup (especially good is the coconut-based tom kah
kai); lunch is even cheaper. Definitely not first-date material,
but a great place when good, cheap food is all you really want.
(DK) |
Typhoon
3221 Donald Douglas Loop S (between Centinela Ave. and 23rd St.), Santa Monica CA; Tel. 310.390.6565
This may just be the best-kept culinary secret in L.A. Perched above a runway
at the Santa Monica Airport, Typhoon is a Pacific Rim establishment that
serves a wide array of Asian dishes ranging from kung pao shrimp and coconut
soup to ants and crickets (yes, you read it right). Virtually everything here
is unbelievably delicious. The whole fish is one of the best you'll ever
find, the roasted eggplant sublime and the pork spareribs a guilty pleasure.
Seriously good eating. (AD) |
Valentino's
3115 Pico Blvd. (west of the 10 Freeway, between 31st and 32nd Sts.)
Santa Monica CA; Tel. 310.829.4313
Piero Selvaggio's culinary mecca has long been considered the finest Italian
restaurant in L.A. (and maybe the best restaurant, period). Valentino's wine
collection, one of the best in the world, was largely destroyed in the
Northridge quake, but it's been replenished, and the food is as good as ever.
Bring a lot of cash. (AD) |
Van Gogh's Ear
796 Main St., Venice CA; Tel. 310.396.1987
This 24,hour oasis is a hodgepodge of drunken riff-raff, collegiate crammers
and avant-garde types, reflecting the wacky but winning diversity of Venice.
Cool menu, cool people, cool food and cool weather---if you can get a seat
outside. (AD) |
Woo Lao Oak
170 N. La Cienega Blvd. (one block north of Wilshire Blvd.)
Beverly Hills CA; Tel. 310.652.4187
623 S. Western Ave. (between 6th St. and Wilshire Blvd.)
Koreatown, Los Angeles CA; Tel. 213.384,2244
There are two of these, both excellent. The original on Western is the
biggest and perhaps the best authentic Korean restaurant in town. The Beverly
Hills version, a French-Korean blend (even the delicious desserts are French),
is located on La Cienega's Restaurant Row and is more trendy and pricey. At
either edition, try the traditional bul-gogi (marinated beef), which you
grill at your table. If you're really daring, try the kim-chi (spicy pickled
cabbage), and you'll know why the Japanese used to call their neighbors
garlic-eaters. (AD) |
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