I always get asked the same three questions from clients and those coming in from out of town: "Where do you eat out?" "What should I order?" "What about take-out places?" Being an LA foodie (okay...who are we kidding, and wino!), I love a good food spot. Even though there's ALWAYS new restaurants to try, I have my favorite routine spots that I love to go to depending on what I'm craving that day. Here is a comprised list of some of my favorite restaurants in LA (some hot, some not) and what I particularly love to order!
BREAKFAST SPOTS:
Where: BLD Restaurant [bldrestaurant.com]; 7450 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 930-9744
You can't beat BLD. Although they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (hence the name: BLD), the breakfast here is probably my favorite. I don't know if its the bar along the back with their enticing list of fresh bloody marys, or the delicious hot coffee press they give you when you order just a cup--but whenever I'm craving a yummy breakfast with the girls, this is my spot!
What to Order: House Made Turkey Sausage Scramble (I order it with egg whites & whole wheat toast); Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes (pictured below); Coffee; Bloody Mary
Where: Clementine [clementineonline.com]; 1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024; (310) 552-1080
This quant little bakery is one of the best hidden spots in LA. No matter what you're craving for breakfast--pastry, eggs, or a sandwich--they will either have it ready for you or make it on the spot. With a great espresso bar and adorable treats to buy for later, everyone here is super friendly and the servers never make you feel rushed. The lunch is delicious here too.
What to Order: Americano (my personal favorite coffee drink); Scrambled Eggs with Spinach & Cheese (pictured above); Pumpkin Bread; Eggs Benedict (pictured below; they only serve this on Saturdays; order the sauce on the side if you're watching the calories)
LUNCH SPOTS:
Where: M Cafe [mcafedechaya.com]; 9433 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (310) 858-8459 / 7119 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90046; (323) 525-0588
Known for their "Contemporary Macrobiotic Cuisine," M Cafe is far from the ordinary health-obsessed hot spot. With a deli case filled with fresh organic salads and high-quality sushi rolls (think shiitake-avocado, spicy tuna, and salmon california roll), plus a huge menu on the wall with choices ranging from huge salads to amazing wraps--I have a hard time choosing just one thing when I come here!
What to Order: The M Chopped Salad; Kale with Spicy Peanut Dressing; Bento Box; Mixed Sushi Combo
Where: La Provence Patisserie [laprovencecafe.com]; 8950 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (310) 888-8833 / 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049; (310) 442-1144
Okay so this is either the worst or best idea to share on my blog, but this place is BY FAR my favorite hidden lunch spot. Don't come here for celebrity sightings or fancy outfits--or the parking availability for that matter--but come for the delicious food, friendly service, and mom-and-pop type bakery/cafe you've always hoped of finding in LA. Once you come here, it will be hard to eat another salad or macaroon anywhere else. They just opened another location in Brentwood too.
What to Order: Chopped Salad; Chicken Pesto Panini; Country Vegetable Puree; Macaroons (I LOVE their vanilla and hazelnut, and their chocolate one tastes like a fudge brownie...its unreal if you love chocolate you must try it)
DINNER:
Where: The Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya [katsu-yagroup.com/izakaya.html]; 8420 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048; (323) 782-9536 / 1133 Highland Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; (310) 796-1888
Katsuya has its reputation in LA--and for good reason--but when I came across this place about 3 weeks after moving to LA full-time, I was obsessed. Perfect for a dinner out with friends (come dressed up or not, no one will really notice), or if you're just craving some good sushi without the Nobu price tag--this is your spot. Don't be mistaken, this place might look like a hole-in-the-wall, but its PACKED at night. Here's an important tip: the later you arrive, the longer you'll be waiting.
What to Order: Seared Tuna with Japanese Salsa (pictured below); Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna (pictured above); Red Snapper Sushi with Shiso Leaf; Black Miso Cod
Where: Terroni [terroni.ca]; 7605 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 954-0300
When I'm craving some yummy comforting Italian food with normal prices, this is where I head. The servers know the menu and suggest great things, and there's no pretentiousness when you walk in here. This is the perfect place to come with your best friend or significant other. Its not too dark, but not too light, and the crowd always seems happy. On the other hand, when I order a glass of wine at the bar while I wait for my table...a smile instantly appears on my face too. :)
What to Order: Lasagna (when they have it--a lot of times you have to ask them because they don't put it on the menu); Rigatoni Arcobaleno (pictured below); Thin crust pizza
Where: AOC [aocwinebar.com]; 8022 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048; (323) 653-6359
A cool place to go and grab a seat at the bar when you feel like a little wine & cheese (the real question being: "When do I NOT feel like a little wine and cheese?!"). Its a small restaurant, so try to make a reservation, but if you can sit at the bar and talk to the friendly bartenders you're in for a great night.
What to order: Prosciutto di Parma; Selection of Cheeses with Accompaniments; Bacon Wrapped Dates; Clams with Sherry and Garlic Toast (pictured below)
Where: Mucho Ultima Mexicana [muchomb.com]; 903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; (310) 374-4422
We stumbled across this restaurant after a long day in the sun--and I'm soooooo glad we did! Over the years, its become our FAVORITE mexican restaurant to eat at. No greasy chips, stomach aches, or the overloading of salt in this kitchen--its all fresh and made to order (even the chips which are seasoned with a spicy cinnamon-salt concoction that is addicting to say the least!). Whether your ordering a mojito, tequila tasting or handmade margarita, the bartenders don't cheat ya and you'll be sure to grab a seat and stay a while.
What to Order: Traditional Margarita (pictured below); Hand Hacked Guacamole (pictured above); Ceviche Especial; House Salad with Shrimp; Chicken Fajitas
TAKE-OUT SPOTS:
Where: XI'AN [xian90210.com]; 362 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (310) 275-3345
This place has a delicious menu plus a great restaurant scene--but I always end up taking out from here because its my favorite Chinese place in town & I want to enjoy it on my couch. However, If you're not sure whether you want to stay in or go out, this might meet both your needs! The bonus is that there are healthy choices marked on the menu so you don't have to guess. Delivery can be ordered through whycook.com (an LA delivery service).
What to Order: Won Ton Soup; Steamed Dumplings (pictured above); Chicken Broccoli; Lo Mein
Where: Cafe Talesai [cafetalesai.com]; 9198 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; (310) 271-9345
This is a great place for delivery on the westside if you're looking for great Thai food. Its a restaurant that is also great for a casual dinner or business meeting, but mostly I love to order this on the nights I don't feel like cooking... :)
What to Order: Tofu Soup; Chicken Satay (pictured above); Papaya Salad; That Chili Garlic; Pad Thai (pictured below)
Where: Vito's Pizza [vitopizza.com]; 846 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90069; (310) 652-6859
Delicious thin crust pizza for the pie lover! When I'm craving pizza and don't feel like movin' my butt from the couch, Vito's is on my list to call. These pizzas only come in one size--BIG--so make sure you're sharing with someone! ;)
What to Order: Margarita Pie (pictured below); Vegetarian Pie (pictured above)
What are some of your favorite LA spots?? I would love to hear yours too! ;)
I always get asked the same three questions from clients and those coming in from out of town: "Where do you eat out?" "What should I order?" "What about take-out places?" Being an LA foodie (okay...who are we kidding, and wino!), I love a good food spot. Even though there's ALWAYS new restaurants to try, I have my favorite routine spots that I love to go to depending on what I'm craving that day. Here is a comprised list of some of my favorite restaurants in LA (some hot, some not) and what I particularly love to order!
BREAKFAST SPOTS:
Where: BLD Restaurant [bldrestaurant.com]; 7450 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 930-9744
You can't beat BLD. Although they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (hence the name: BLD), the breakfast here is probably my favorite. I don't know if its the bar along the back with their enticing list of fresh bloody marys, or the delicious hot coffee press they give you when you order just a cup--but whenever I'm craving a yummy breakfast with the girls, this is my spot!
What to Order: House Made Turkey Sausage Scramble (I order it with egg whites & whole wheat toast); Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes (pictured below); Coffee; Bloody Mary
Where: Clementine [clementineonline.com]; 1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024; (310) 552-1080
This quant little bakery is one of the best hidden spots in LA. No matter what you're craving for breakfast--pastry, eggs, or a sandwich--they will either have it ready for you or make it on the spot. With a great espresso bar and adorable treats to buy for later, everyone here is super friendly and the servers never make you feel rushed. The lunch is delicious here too.
What to Order: Americano (my personal favorite coffee drink); Scrambled Eggs with Spinach & Cheese (pictured above); Pumpkin Bread; Eggs Benedict (pictured below; they only serve this on Saturdays; order the sauce on the side if you're watching the calories)
LUNCH SPOTS:
Where: M Cafe [mcafedechaya.com]; 9433 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (310) 858-8459 / 7119 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90046; (323) 525-0588
Known for their "Contemporary Macrobiotic Cuisine," M Cafe is far from the ordinary health-obsessed hot spot. With a deli case filled with fresh organic salads and high-quality sushi rolls (think shiitake-avocado, spicy tuna, and salmon california roll), plus a huge menu on the wall with choices ranging from huge salads to amazing wraps--I have a hard time choosing just one thing when I come here!
What to Order: The M Chopped Salad; Kale with Spicy Peanut Dressing; Bento Box; Mixed Sushi Combo
Where: La Provence Patisserie [laprovencecafe.com]; 8950 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (310) 888-8833 / 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049; (310) 442-1144
Okay so this is either the worst or best idea to share on my blog, but this place is BY FAR my favorite hidden lunch spot. Don't come here for celebrity sightings or fancy outfits--or the parking availability for that matter--but come for the delicious food, friendly service, and mom-and-pop type bakery/cafe you've always hoped of finding in LA. Once you come here, it will be hard to eat another salad or macaroon anywhere else. They just opened another location in Brentwood too.
What to Order: Chopped Salad; Chicken Pesto Panini; Country Vegetable Puree; Macaroons (I LOVE their vanilla and hazelnut, and their chocolate one tastes like a fudge brownie...its unreal if you love chocolate you must try it)
DINNER:
Where: The Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya [katsu-yagroup.com/izakaya.html]; 8420 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048; (323) 782-9536 / 1133 Highland Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; (310) 796-1888
Katsuya has its reputation in LA--and for good reason--but when I came across this place about 3 weeks after moving to LA full-time, I was obsessed. Perfect for a dinner out with friends (come dressed up or not, no one will really notice), or if you're just craving some good sushi without the Nobu price tag--this is your spot. Don't be mistaken, this place might look like a hole-in-the-wall, but its PACKED at night. Here's an important tip: the later you arrive, the longer you'll be waiting.
What to Order: Seared Tuna with Japanese Salsa (pictured below); Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna (pictured above); Red Snapper Sushi with Shiso Leaf; Black Miso Cod
Where: Terroni [terroni.ca]; 7605 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 954-0300
When I'm craving some yummy comforting Italian food with normal prices, this is where I head. The servers know the menu and suggest great things, and there's no pretentiousness when you walk in here. This is the perfect place to come with your best friend or significant other. Its not too dark, but not too light, and the crowd always seems happy. On the other hand, when I order a glass of wine at the bar while I wait for my table...a smile instantly appears on my face too. :)
What to Order: Lasagna (when they have it--a lot of times you have to ask them because they don't put it on the menu); Rigatoni Arcobaleno (pictured below); Thin crust pizza
Where: AOC [aocwinebar.com]; 8022 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048; (323) 653-6359
A cool place to go and grab a seat at the bar when you feel like a little wine & cheese (the real question being: "When do I NOT feel like a little wine and cheese?!"). Its a small restaurant, so try to make a reservation, but if you can sit at the bar and talk to the friendly bartenders you're in for a great night.
What to order: Prosciutto di Parma; Selection of Cheeses with Accompaniments; Bacon Wrapped Dates; Clams with Sherry and Garlic Toast (pictured below)
Where: Mucho Ultima Mexicana [muchomb.com]; 903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; (310) 374-4422
We stumbled across this restaurant after a long day in the sun--and I'm soooooo glad we did! Over the years, its become our FAVORITE mexican restaurant to eat at. No greasy chips, stomach aches, or the overloading of salt in this kitchen--its all fresh and made to order (even the chips which are seasoned with a spicy cinnamon-salt concoction that is addicting to say the least!). Whether your ordering a mojito, tequila tasting or handmade margarita, the bartenders don't cheat ya and you'll be sure to grab a seat and stay a while.
What to Order: Traditional Margarita (pictured below); Hand Hacked Guacamole (pictured above); Ceviche Especial; House Salad with Shrimp; Chicken Fajitas
TAKE-OUT SPOTS:
Where: XI'AN [xian90210.com]; 362 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; (310) 275-3345
This place has a delicious menu plus a great restaurant scene--but I always end up taking out from here because its my favorite Chinese place in town & I want to enjoy it on my couch. However, If you're not sure whether you want to stay in or go out, this might meet both your needs! The bonus is that there are healthy choices marked on the menu so you don't have to guess. Delivery can be ordered through whycook.com (an LA delivery service).
What to Order: Won Ton Soup; Steamed Dumplings (pictured above); Chicken Broccoli; Lo Mein
Where: Cafe Talesai [cafetalesai.com]; 9198 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; (310) 271-9345
This is a great place for delivery on the westside if you're looking for great Thai food. Its a restaurant that is also great for a casual dinner or business meeting, but mostly I love to order this on the nights I don't feel like cooking... :)
What to Order: Tofu Soup; Chicken Satay (pictured above); Papaya Salad; That Chili Garlic; Pad Thai (pictured below)
Where: Vito's Pizza [vitopizza.com]; 846 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90069; (310) 652-6859
Delicious thin crust pizza for the pie lover! When I'm craving pizza and don't feel like movin' my butt from the couch, Vito's is on my list to call. These pizzas only come in one size--BIG--so make sure you're sharing with someone! ;)
What to Order: Margarita Pie (pictured below); Vegetarian Pie (pictured above)
What are some of your favorite LA spots?? I would love to hear yours too! ;)
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