WHY The sort of friendly, affordable, garlic-scented trattoria that every neighborhood deserves and this one finally got. WHAT A mamma-and-pappa spot with more tables on the sidewalk than inside, Bella Roma is a modest Italian café with a better kitchen than you might expect. Don’t be in a big hurry, because the food’s made from [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Drop-dead amazing dumplings. WHAT Be prepared to wait in line, but don’t expect to mind the minute you bite into your first dumpling. (That said, nothing is worth a 90-minute wait, so try to come outside of prime hours, when the wait might be just 20 minutes.) This American branch of a Taipei dumpling [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Smoky, aromatic parrilladas, where you grill meat (Cornish hens, steak, pork chops) on tabletop grills. WHAT Going back 30 years and now boasting four locations, La Parrilla is known for its parrilladas (grills) and brochetas, but the rest of the food is good, too. Try the pollito en pipian (young chicken with pumpkin seeds). [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Some of most delicious guacamole ever, chunky and fragrant with cilantro and limes. Homemade tortillas wrap delicioso burritos and seafood tacos, and the chile verde is heavenly. WHAT Warm and welcoming, this little family restaurant has an open kitchen, a tiny patio out back, about eight tables and very good home cooking. A small [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Intensely flavorful, stick-to-your-ribs Oaxacan food served in a sunny yellow room by nice people. Live marimba music most nights. WHAT Only loosely affiliated with the better Guelaguetza in Palms (they’re owned by siblings, but the restaurants themselves aren’t related), this one is still a good and authentic Oaxacan place serving moles of every color, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Though not on the water, this is one of the best beach-town cafés around—and a perfect lunch stop if you’re driving up the coast. WHAT This branch of the Marmalade restaurant/caterer mini-chain serves wine and has an actual dining room, unlike the Santa Monica flagship. The draw is very good food in a casual, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Good, honest food served 24 hours a day—and valet parking is free during the day! WHAT An essential place to know about if you find yourself hungry on the westside at 3 a.m. Even at the more conventional dining hours, Izzy’s serves reliable matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, bagels ‘n lox, brisket and all [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Machaca burrito, guacamole and taquitos, all in massive portions. WHAT This venerable L.A. dive is famed for its monstrous burritos, especially the Hollenbeck, which we find dull. Try the machaca instead, and plan to share it with another hungry soul. You can bring your own beer or sip a good horchata. WHO Almost always [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Omelets made with a variety of interesting sausages; goat cheese salad; tender brisket. WHAT High-backed wooden booths, chalkboard menus and retro tile make for a setting of Rockwellian charm, just the place to wallow in the comfort of eggs, sausages, pancakes, fashionable salads and hearty entrées. Locals come for an early supper with a [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Sunny-side-up tables overlooking the Venice Boardwalk and the beach beyond. WHAT Of the parade of tourist-bait sidewalk cafés on the Boardwalk, this has been our favorite since the ’70s, when sandwiches with avocado and sprouts were considered exotic. Today we like the egg scrambles, turkey burgers and big salads. WHO Aged hippies and a [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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