WHY Homey vegetarian fare (mac ‘n cheese, vegetable tarts, tagines) served out of a tiny, charming Sunset Boulevard storefront.

WHAT The owners of this candlelit chocolate box of a café are folk musicians who turn out organic fare with a retro feel from a minuscule kitchen. Mediterranean-inspired vegan and vegetarian dishes (roasted tomato-feta tarts, kale salad, delicious chickpea crèpes with chèvre butter) taste like earnest home cooking. With friendly service, Elf captures the groovy vibe of the new Echo Park.

WHO Bearded musicians, hot yoga babes, pierced parents pushing designer strollers.