come to la for these dishes alone
Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Study up, because these dishes alone warrant a visit.
Duck ‘Nduja Hummus at Bavel
arts district
Bavel is the best new restaurant of 2018 (we all know it), and IMO, the absolute winner here is the Duck ‘Nduja Hummus. Ori Menashe’s pita is out of this world, but the real pro move is to order the Malawach and dip that buttery, crispy bread into the hummus, letting the hummus seep into each and every flaky layer of the Malawach for the most ideal bite.
Lasagna Verde “Omaggio Nonna Elvira” at Angelini Osteria
beverly grove
It just doesn’t get better than Gino Angelini’s lasagna. Layered with beef and veal ragù, house-made spinach lasagna and just the right amount of bubbly cheese, and then topped with fried spinach leaves, I couldn’t imagine LA without this dish, let alone all of Gino’s insane Italian cooking. By the way, I don’t even really like lasagna! Pro tip: If you’re not feeling like a sit-down experience, Angelini Osteria has their all-day spot, Angelini Alimentari, directly next door, and you bet you can get the lasagna there (and some of the best gelato in the city!
“Build Your Own Fish Sandwich” Section at Gjusta
venice
Bottom line, Gjusta just wins at everything. The fish is cured and smoked in house, and the breads and pastries are baked fresh daily. You really can’t go wrong, but I always find myself doing the classic lox on a sesame bagel with scallion labneh. Make sure to get it “loaded”, which involves tomatoes, pickled red onion, salted cukes and radish, herbs, sprouts and capers.
Omelette Petit Trois at Petit Trois
hollywood & sherman oaks
If you didn’t get the Omelette Petit Trois from Petit Trois, did you really eat at Petit Trois (how many times can I say Petit Trois?)? The decadent French omelette is filled with just two things, Boursin pepper cheese and chives (plus a whole lot of butter), and comes with a side of Boston lettuce salad, because, health. This omelette’s so good that it’s even on the dinner menu.
#19 at Langer’s
westlake
There’s a reason everyone orders the #19 at Langer’s. Stacked with pastrami, Swiss cheese, slaw and Russian dressing, the #19 is the best pastrami sandwich in LA. FACT. Also, while I’m on the topic of pastrami sandwiches, Katz’s just doesn’t do it for me. Not even sorry about it, New Yorkers.
Literally Any Sandwich at Bay Cities
santa monica
This old-school Italian deli and marketplace is an institution in Santa Monica. The Godmother is what they’re known for and what you’ll see all over their geotag, but I usually opt to build my own sandwich. I love doing ovengold turkey, hot soppresata and provolone on their Italian roll, always with “the works” with mild peppers. I know you already know about “the works”, but for anyone who’s been living under a rock, that includes mayo, mustard, Italian dressing, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and either spicy or mild peppers.
Thousand Layer Pancake at Joy
highland park
This flaky Taiwanese pancake stuffed with egg, cheese, chili sauce and basil is the breakfast burrito you didn’t know you were missing. While you’re there, make sure to get the Dan Dan Noodles, too.
Spaghettini with Abalone at n/naka
culver city
If you’re somehow able to snag a reservation at n/naka, you bet you’re hopping on the first plane to LA. This was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had, and while the entire 13-course Kaiseki menu essentially left me in tears of joy, the Spaghettini with Abalone and pickled cod roe and Burgundy truffles was the star. Chef Niki Nakayama is uber talented, and she even greets each table personally – such a sweetheart.
Jade Noodles at Sapp Coffee Shop
east hollywood
Sapp has some of the most interesting Thai food in the city. The stunning green noodles are topped with succulent BBQ pork, roast duck and crabmeat, plus crushed peanuts, lime, cilantro and scallions. You get the choice of having the noodles dry or in a soup. I always go dry, but have heard the soup version is rad, too!
Quesatacos at Tacos y Birria La Unica
boyle heights
Birria is the name of the game at this taco truck in Boyle Heights, but whatever you do, make sure you’re getting that taco as a quesataco, which is their handmade tortilla fried to a golden crisp with cheese melted on the outside of it. It’s chewy and crispy all at the same time, and the ideal vessel for soaking up those birria juices. Try all the salsas. They’re delish.
Koda Farms Chickpea Curry at Cassia
santa monica
Cassia’s one of my absolute favorite restaurants in LA, and this coconut-based curry is a necessity at the table. Served alongside a fantastically-chewy clay oven-baked flatbread with accoutrements of cilantro, Thai basil and lime, the dish is harmonious and you won’t be able to stop eating it.
Focaccia di Recco at Chi Spacca
hancock park
Throw everything you think you know about focaccia out the window, because the Focaccia di Recco is not what you think it’s going to be. Stracchino cheese and olive oil are sandwiched between two paper-thin pieces of dough and baked in a large, circular pan to an ooey gooey, blistery, crisp perfection. Nancy Silverton spent years nailing the recipe, and you can absolutely tell.