Every Friday, our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here now are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.
For a great pizza (practically) anywhere in LA: Prime Pizza
For a great pizza (practically) anywhere in LA: Prime Pizza.
Prime Pizza
LA’s pizza scene has grown substantially in recent years, with shops around town serving New York-style slices, square pies, New Haven-style pizza, and practically every other style under the sun. However, many LA pizza shops have only a single location, making them more of a neighborhood destination than a widely accessible option for pizza night takeout or delivery. Prime is among those outstanding pizza parlors in LA, but it has locations across the city, making it easy to grab a slice no matter what part of town one is in. The vodka pizza is a standout among the round pies, topped with mozzarella, basil, and Parmesan. Square pies consist of a simple grandma pie, a Sicilian, a spicy pepperoni, and a meat lover’s. Prime even offers gluten-free crusts for those avoiding wheat. 1900 Allen Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Southern California/Southwest
For a gorgeous Italian patio vibe in the middle of residential Mar Vista: Beethoven Market
For a gorgeous Italian patio vibe in the middle of residential Mar Vista: Beethoven Market.
Matthew Kang
One of the loveliest dinners I’ve had in recent memory, at least in terms of pure ambience, was at Beethoven Market, a neighborhood gem right in Mar Vista’s residential expanse. Restaurateur Jeremy Adler has made a name overseeing some of the Westside’s busiest spots, like Santa Monica’s Cobi’s, working for years to transform this former bodega into a community hub. On this front, Beethoven is overwhelmingly successful, perhaps to the chagrin of some neighbors who were happy to park their cars in our spots upon departing. But the benefit of a breezy, casual hangout like this must surely compensate for the traffic. Chef Michael Leonard serves a familiar California Italian menu of fried squash blossoms, blimp-shaped fried arancini, personal-sized pizzas, and medium-sized pastas. Evan Funke fans will find a lot of similar dishes here, such as grilled prawns in salsa verde, linguini al limone, burrata panzanella, and pesto-laden foglie d’Ulivo. Beethoven does venture in a different direction with the pizzas, sporting pillowy soft New York-esque crusts that offer a sweet fragrance, and the grilled sea bass over an herbaceous Sicilian tarragon sauce doesn’t have a tangle of shredded fennel slices like at Mother Wolf. For dessert, be sure to share the excellent housemade gelati. Most people coming to Beethoven probably won’t mind the similarities, and there’s something to be said about the very reasonable pricing here (pastas are all under $20, pizzas max out at $23, a good meal can be had for under $75 a person before drinks). And LA has never been a city to ever tire of California-Italian food. 12904 Palms Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA, 90066. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For an easy breakfast in Virgil Village: Virgil Cafe
For an easy breakfast in Virgil Village: Virgil Cafe.
Rebecca Roland
Lines at Courage and Sqirl may never truly die down, but Virgil Village now has another option for a more easygoing breakfast or brunch. Virgil Cafe is an unassuming breakfast spot near the intersection of Virgil and Melrose, serving all the classics like French toast, pancakes, and eggs, alongside huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and breakfast burritos. The interior is no-frills, but service is warm and quick, and the portion sizes are very generous. Fresh-pressed juices and smoothies are also available, like a green juice and a peanut butter and banana smoothie. During the daytime, Virgil Cafe serves more lunch-y dishes, including a tlayuda, a mushroom burger, and fajitas. 709 Virgil Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Southern California/Southwest
For killer arroz chaufa and a la brasa chicken: Rosty Peruvian
For killer arroz chaufa and a la brasa chicken: Rosty Peruvian.
Mona Holmes
Rosty Peruvian owner Maritza Gomez hails from Peruvian restaurant royalty. Gomez’s mother, Alis Reañ, owned two notable Lima restaurants called Listo de Pollo. Listo de Pollo opened in 1969 and closed permanently in 1993, while a young Gomez and her sisters (Carmen and Flor Bermudez also operate Rosty) learned the inner workings of a restaurant. The family debuted their Highland Park restaurant in 2018, which has some of the best Peruvian food in the city. It’s a casual and friendly spot that serves lunch through dinner with an incredible arroz chaufa, a Peruvian fried rice that takes fairly uninteresting vegetables and makes them sing in a saucy, hearty mixture of herbs, tomatoes, and a healthy dose of onions. The addition of chicken makes it an incredibly filling meal, but it is absolutely stunning, even without protein. Traditional la brasa rotisserie chicken is available, but go beyond and try everything, especially the fried yucca, lomo saltado, and incredible ceviche that packs heat. The pescado frito is a filet that’s deep-fried and served simply with salsa criolla, rice, and plantains. The best strategy is to go with a group, share, and enjoy every bite. 5511 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
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