WHY Nice people, good organic coffee, smoothies and chai, copies of the L.A. Weekly and free WiFi. WHAT A bright yet soothing space done in earth tones makes for a comfortable spot to sit with a cappuccino or an iced chai latte. Interesting art-for-sale, too. WHO Writers, artists, friends meeting to chat quietly and assorted [...]
WHY Because Studio City needs a civilized, elegant spot for lunch and dinner. WHAT Raphael is an intimate bo’te with an eclectic yet traditional menu from chef Adam Horton, formerly of Saddle Peak Lodge. The interior, designed by Terry Raphael, is drop-dead gorgeous, with a comfortable lounge/bar and a warm dining room that has so [...]
WHY For mantee, of course (it’s an Armenian specialty), along with many other Middle Eastern dishes. WHAT This little place serves all the usual suspects, and very well, too (fattoush salad, made with purslane, is terrific; garlicky labne toom is heavenly; lamb kebabs are tender and juicy). But don’t miss the more unusual specialties, such [...]
WHY Great bacon-chili-cheeseburgers, classic burgers sparked with fresh jalapeños and slightly healthier turkey burgers (which we fatten up with bacon). WHAT In a parking lot next to the 170 Freeway is the best burger stand in the Valley, home to fresh, quality hamburgers, crispy skinny fries, good onion rings and tasty chili. 11375 Riverside Dr., [...]
WHY Fresh beer, tasty English pub fare and a gregarious and interesting crowd. WHAT L.A.’s best-known British pub has grown over the decades, expanding out of Santa Monica and now boasting a new location in Studio City. While it might be a tad touristy, that fact is saved by the quality of food and the [...]
WHY Famous for the garlic bread, the Smoke House is best at old-school dinner-house fare like steak Sinatra, prime rib and shrimp Louie. A popular brunch buffet on weekends, early-bird specials and live entertainment in the lounge also draw fans. WHAT Judy Garland is no longer dining at the Smoke House, but the faux-Tudor restaurant [...]
WHY An unending selection of Mexican and Latin American ingredients, plus great takeout. WHAT The 19 L.A. County branches of this regional chain have butchers that prepare your meat corte al gusto (cut with flair), as well as the largest selection of Mexican and Salvadoran cheeses (Oaxacan, requesón, asadero, enchilada) in town, a great bakery [...]
WHY Our favorite chicken soup in town, plus quality, classic deli fare and tasty, affordable wines and beers. WHAT Robert Moore serves straightforward deli fare in a concrete-floored, order-at-the-counter, diner-style spot. We’re not crazy about the corned-beef sandwiches, but we love the poached eggs on toast, hearty chicken soup, veggie salad and peel-and-eat shrimp. Extras [...]
WHY Café fare of a quality never before seen in the Valley, at prices that are more Brentwood than Burbank. WHAT This spacious place from neighbors and restaurant investors Melina and Christian Davies satisfies all cravings, offering Intelligentsia coffee, breakfast pastries and desserts from Valerie Confections (the salted caramel croissant is flaky bliss; the white [...]
WHY A well-edited lineup of scrumptious bar food, including skewered chunks of pork belly so succulent they’ll make you weak in the knees. WHAT The Valley’s coolest gastropub is a long, streamlined room with exposed brick walls and French doors opening onto the busy boulevard. Some of the nicest barkeeps in town make sure patrons [...]
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