WHY The perfect middle-of-L.A. spot to meet friends from across town for lunch, with a menu that has something for everyone.

WHAT The quintessential L.A. café, Buddha’s Belly has a bright, bamboo-lined indoor-outdoor space, an appealing and affordable pan-Asian menu and good service, and we find it handy when needing a central spot to meet people. Good salads, edamame, pad thai, bento boxes and other modern L.A. standards. A loyal friend.

WHO Casual business lunchers and lithe yoga moms and their families.