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Antonio’s
This family-operated Mexican retreat serves authentic Oaxaca and Monterrey cuisine in a festive atmosphere. Owner Antonio Gutierrez will greet you at the door when you visit. Mariachis serenade on weekends.
7470 Melrose Ave., 323-658-9060. Open Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Closed Mon.
Chan Dara
Fresh California-Thai food suitable for the American palate. Other nods to western dining include a classy bistro setting, a good wine selection, outdoor patios and valet parking.
310 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-467-1052. Open 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. every day.
Dresden
An extensive menu selection has something for everyone. Its American–continental cuisine includes pasta specialties, seafood and prime Angus beef. Marty and Elaine sing classics in the bar, which draws a hip crowd.
1760 N. Vermont Ave., 323- 665-4294. Lunch, Mon.–Sat., 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Dinner, Mon.-Sat., 4 p.m.– 11 p.m., Sun., 4 - 10 p.m.
Du-pars
This family-owned institution prides itself on fresh ingredients daily and classic coffee shop fare like roast beef sandwiches and tuna melts. The new outdoor café adds a Parisian atmosphere. The menu includes veggie burgers.
Farmers Market, 323-933-8446. Mon.-Sun., 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Eat on Sunset
California fusion cuisine gets comfy with dishes like wild salmon with melted leeks and beet salad with Point Reyes blue cheese. Ideal for business lunches, family dinners and casual dining on the patio.
1448 N. Gower, 323–461–8800. Lunch, Mon.–Fri. 12 p.m.– 3 p.m. Dinner, Mon.–Wed., 5:30–9 p.m., Thu. 5:30–10 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 5:30-11 p.m. Closed Sunday.
El Coyote
A Los Angeles institution known for its margaritas, this popular family-owned Mexican restaurant has a covered patio for parties. Take–out available.
7312 Beverly Blvd., 323- 9392255. Mon.–Thurs. & Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Fabiolus Cafe
Italian country cuisine served in a cozy, friendly atmosphere that includes a charming patio. A great selection of Italian wines rounds out any meal. Close to many Hollywood theaters.
6270 Sunset Blvd., 323-467-2882. Mon., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sa., 4.-10:30 p.m., Sun., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
French Crepe Co.
In the heart of L.A.’s original Farmers Market, this café specializes in creating delicious combinations for its loyal patrons. Choose your own ingredients or let them work their magic for you.
6333 W. 3rd St. Mon.–Sat., 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun., 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Girasole
A family-owned Larchmont Village trattoria serving savory dishes that melt in your mouth. Follow the farfalle with smoked salmon with their phenomenal chocolate torte. No liquor license, but you won’t be charged a corkage fee for purchasing wine next door.
251 ½ N. Larchmont Blvd., 323–464-6978. Open Tues. – Sat. Call for hours.
HMS Bounty
The Bounty serves anything from the captain’s table: broiled halibut, fish n’ chips, crab cakes and the like. They also make wonderfully bountiful burgers. Open every day of the year for lunch and dinner.
3357 Wilshire Blvd., 213-385-7275. Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Bar open until 2 a.m.
Kiku
This popular neighborhood restaurant serves, among other things, the famous “Larchmont roll”: a tempura-fried California roll topped with spicy sauce. Great service, relaxed atmosphere, delicious food.
246 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-464–1200. Open daily, 10:30a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Larchmont Deli
This neighborhood fixture has it all: generous-sized sandwiches, soups, salads, delicacies and catering, all with a Greek touch. Supper specialties, too. Fast delivery available.
5210 W. Beverly Blvd., 323-466-1193/4. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Larchmont Grill
A classic American restaurant with an edge. The menu includes pan roasted trout, ahi tuna tartar and mac & cheese. Cozy atmosphere plus a Saturday and Sunday brunch make this a welcome neighborhood addition.
5750 Melrose Ave. 323– 464–4277. Mon.–Sat., 11:30a.m.–2:30p.m., 5:30p.m.–10p.m., Fri. & Sat., 5:30p.m.-11p.m., Sun., 10a.m.-2p.m.
Le Petit Bistro
This romantic French restaurant will make you feel as if you’re on the Left Bank. Traditional bistro fare includes eggplant and tomato tart or roast chicken with pomme frittes. Bread pudding or classic crème caramel for dessert.
631 N. La Cienega, 310–289–9797. Lunch, Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Dinner, 5p.m.–11 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 5 p.m.–12 a.m., Sun., 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Le Petit Greek
Authentic Greek cuisine plus sidewalk tables and Bouzouki-style music. What more could you ask for? Plenty to choose from on the menu, including lamb and fish specialties. Good selection of wines and kid friendly.
127 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323–464–5160. Open daily. Lunch, 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Dinner, 5:30 p.m.–1 0p.m.
Little Bar
Located in the i popular Miracle Mile district, this friendly spot serves beer on tap and encourages patrons to have food delivered from nearby restaurants. You can also order drinks with the vodka substitute Soju. Low-key and hip.
757 S. La Brea Ave., 323-937-9210. Sun.-Wed., 5:30p.m.-12:30a.m., Thur.-Sat.5:30p.m.-2a.m.
Louise’s
Large, delicious portions define the experience at this casual Italian trattoria. Freshly-made pastas, pizzas and inventive salads should be followed by the tasty desserts. Take-out and delivery are also available.
232 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-962-9510. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Lola’s
Classic comfort food like meat loaf is served with an impressively large menu of vodkas at this bar/restaurant famous for launching the apple martini. Fill your stomach with Seafood Jambalaya as you sample one of the 50 concoctions from their bar.
945 N. Fairfax Ave. 213–736–5652. Open 7 days 5:30 pm –2 am, kitchen serves full menu until 1:30 am.
Lou on Vine
A wine bar focused on pouring family-produced wines from regional vineyards, this cozy spot also serves rustic food like apple-almond tarts and Artisan cheeses. House–made salami (pig candy) rounds out an exceptional experience.
724 N. Vine St., 323–962–6369. Mon.–Thurs. 5p.m.–11 pm, Fri. & Sat. 5p.m.–midnight.
Magee’s
Corned beef and roast beef are the specialty at this classic Los Angeles deli. Sandwiches and mid–sized plates are also available for the lunch and dinner crowd.
Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., 323–938–4127. Daily, 9a.m-9p.m.
Marino’s Ristorante
A dozen nightly specials are the highlight at this classic, family-run Italian eatery. An extensive menu offers delicious options should the specials not hit the spot. Interesting selection of Italian and California reds.
6001 Melrose Ave., 323-466-8812. Lunch, Mon.-Fri., 11a.m.-3p.m., Dinner, Mon.-Sat. 5p.m.-11p.m.
Mexican Village
Live music, dance lessons and lard–free Mexican cuisine have been the specialty at this family–run hacienda for 40 years. Happy hour Tue.–Sat., 4p.m.–8p.m. with free appetizers.
3688 Beverly Blvd., 213–385–0479. Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sat., 6 p.m.–2 a.m. Closed Sun. and Mon.
Musso and Frank Grill
A classic. Old Hollywood never looked or tasted so good. It still draws the A-list, and, if only the walls could talk! As famous for its steak and chips as it is for its martinis and fifties decor. Enter from the rear parking lot.
6667 Hollywood Blvd., 323-467-7788. Tue.-Sat., 11a.m.- 11p.m. Closed Sun. and Mon.
Piper’s
This family-run restaurant has been around since 1964 and proudly boasts of its medieval décor. A new beer garden serves 18 kinds of beer until 2 a.m. but patrons come back for the solid, delicious food (from club sandwiches to veggie quesadillas) and friendly service.
222 N. Western Ave., 323-465-7701. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Prado
Noted for its eclectic décor and good service, it has been named the best Caribbean cuisine in Southern California, Prado offers spicy and “adventurous Pan-American” dishes. Superb salad selection and inventive chicken recipes. Indoor and al fresco. Delivery.
244 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-467-3871. Lunch, Mon.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 4.-10:30 p.m., Sun. 4:30-10 p.m.
Pueblo Viejo
Serving authentic Mexican dishes for 19 years and still going strong, this neighborhood favorite loads on all the trimmings. Happy hour runs from 4p.m.–7p.m. Full bar and wide range of margaritas.
5722 Melrose Ave., 323–464–0624. Mon.–Thur., 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat., 4 p.m.–11 p.m, Sun., 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Quality Food
& Beverage
Known for their homemade biscuits, this is a popular spot for breakfast, since their challah French toast is also famous. Tables outside or take a seat inside this homey, cozy at-home spot.
8030 3rd St., 323–658-5959. Weekdays 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Weekends, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Renaissance
Located in the Manor Hotel, this elegant eatery offers a generous and delicious brunch. Also creative is their regular menu, in which they offer dishes like basil soup and grilled sea bass with white asparagus. Breakfast is also served.
5930 Franklin Ave., 323-960–3222. Breakfast, 8 a.m.–10:30 a.m. except Tues., Dinner, 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Sun. Brunch 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Sonora Café
One of the original Southwestern restaurants in Los Angeles, this perennial favorite serves dishes like its Texas Barbecue pork chop alongside sweet potato tamales. It is equally famous, of course, for its hand-shaken 1800 and Cointreau margaritas.
180 S. La Brea Ave., 323-857-1800. Tues.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-10p.m., Fri. & Sat., 5-11p.m., Sun., 5-9p.m.
Taylor’s Steak House
Red Naugahyde booths, veteran waitresses, strong cocktails and steaks that have been voted the best in Los Angeles make Taylor’s a perfect destination. Try the Kansas City sirloin or the jumbo bacon-wrapped scallops to push it over the top.
3361 W. Eighth St., 213-382-8447. Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., Sun., 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat., 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Tom Bergin’s
The “Horseshoe Bar” at Bergin’s is deservedly famous, and when you sit there, you can order anything from a pint of Guinness to one of their famous Irish coffees. This is the oldest Irish saloon in Los Angeles and their Gaellic Beef and celebrated garlic cheese toast are worth the trip.
840 S. Fairfax Ave., 323– 936–7151. Lunch daily, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Weekends, 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Dinner weeknights, 5-10 p.m., weekends, 5 p.m.–midnight.
Ulysses Voyage
The owners of this charming bistro don’t use preservatives in their delicious and traditional Greek Meze cuisine. A patio allows you to people-watch as you browse the wine list full of Greek and California wines, full bar. Live music nightly.
Farmers Market, 3rd and Fairfax, 323-939-9728. Sun.-Thurs., 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Village Pizzeria
Since 1979 this Larchmont favorite has been serving New York-style pizza to a growing number of addicted patrons.. Offering, pasta and salads in addition to letting customers build their own slices, free delivery makes this friendly, busy spot almost too good to be true.
131 N. Larchmont Blvd., 323-465-5566. Tues.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun., 2-9:30 p.m.
Wild Oats Cafe
Popular neighborhood café that features healthy eating, inside or out. Go for the eggless Cobb or other generously portioned salads, rib-sticking breakfasts and lunches, wicked pastries and friendly, efficient service. Very vegetarian-friendly and always busy.
5630 Melrose Ave., 323-462-0862. Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Zekes’s Smokehouse
A Memphis Barbecue restaurant right here in Los Angeles. Baby-back ribs, 4-bone pork ribs, meatloaf, smokehouse chili, and a variety of sauces round out a menu to make meat lovers come back time and time again. Take-out, delivery and catering.
7100 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-850-9353. Open seven days from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
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