Are you one of the few Los Angelinos who likes to eat food? Well, if you are, you’ve come to the right place– West Hollywood. Home to more than just beautiful people and way too many American Apparels, Weho also backs its fair share of delicious restaurants that fills the entire price gamut, so even broke actors (like me) can eat once in a while! These delicious and trendy restaurants are so good, you won’t mind paying the 20% APR on your credit card, I promise!
1. Luna Park $$
672 S La Brea Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-2110
www.lunaparkla.com
This is one of my favorite date spots/hang out spots in LA. The decor is drapey, dark, and sexy. Get yourself a private Cabana and know that everyone will be jealous. Lunchtime is less busy, and still sells decent priced sandwiches, comparable to “Toast.” However for food and ambiance, dinner is where it’s at.
Food is pretty pretty good. Favorites include Warm Goat Cheese Fondue($8.25), El Chapulin Pizza ($12.50). And for dessert, you have to get the Make your own S’mores ($8.25). So yummy and nostalgic!
The website claims that the bar is the “place to meet singles,” but it’s a pretty tight bar amidst a smallish restaurant, so I don’t think this is really the ideal drink place, unless you don’t mind being smashed up against a corner.
If your in desperate need to go out, get some good grub, and not pay an arm and a leg, then this is the place!
Try Luna Park instead of: Toast, Doughboys (been there, done it to death!)
2. Star of India $$
7212 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 939-6815
My love affair with good Indian food began when I went to college and tried it for the first time. The flavors, the zest, the curries. Holy Crap, I never wanted to stop eating it. However, it’s been a real uphill struggle finding the best Indian food in Los Angeles. Sure there are those amazing hole in the walls like Sweet India Place on Pico and Samosa House in Culver City, but if you wanna find something dependable in the West Hollywood area, you’re a little pressed for luck. That’s why when I found Star of India, I was overjoyed. Seriously. Sure, it’s a little ways from Weho, located on the uber trendy Melrose shopping district, but it’s worth the extra mile.
Decor is simple, but when have Indian restaurants ever focused on decor anyway? The food is amazing! Great lunch buffet ($10), great dinner for two, and mediocre service. (Sadly, from experience, I find nobody enjoys working at Indian restaurants) My favorites are the Saag Paneer, which I can happily admit is probably one of my favorite foods on earth. The curries aren’t too shabby at all, and they get praise for using dark meat in their chicken dishes, which a lot of other restaurants don’t do.
If you love or want to begin a new relationship with exotic foods, start here!
Try Star of India instead of: India’s Oven
3. Gardens of Taxco $$
1113 N Harper Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-1746
www.whycookla.com/BeverlyHills/G…
Gardens of Taxco is the place to be for any celebration. If it’s a job promotion, a fantastic first date, becoming a woman, whatever! They have the best margaritas and probably offer the best, homey, wonderful dining experience I’ve ever had. An adorable pudgy old man recites a very long menu with a list of delectable offerings that are “not hot, but spicy” and basically you pick whatever it is you remember. Food comes in 4 courses + dessert while entertainers and musicians visit table to table serenading you to add to the pretty authentic Mexico City experience.
Truthfully, I don’t know if the food warrants the price. (2 people, about $70 + one drink) However, it’s not bad, and if you get pitchers of margaritas– all you’re worries will be gone. Also, keep in mind that you’re paying for the entertainment and the experience, which will is totally worth it. So fun!
Try Gardens of Taxco instead of: Cobras and Matadors
4. Animal $$$
435 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9225
www.animalrestaurant.com
When my sister dragged me to Animal a few weeks ago, I was a little apprehensive. I thought any restaurant that would be blatant about using animals in their food might not be the wisest choice for a struggling vegetarian like me. Yep, it was a bad decision. I had never eaten so much meat before (albeit, in teeny portions).
The food was excellent! The food dudes are like totally excellent! The service was frighteningly good as well. We practically had our own personal server, who was attentive without being overbearing.
The place is a very simple, almost barren, and can get really loud, cuz everyone is having food orgasms when they eat. Trust me, you will too!
Everything’s a must have. Shaved asparagus with bacon, ($12), Bone in Ribeye for 2 ($70), and Melted Basque appetizers are favorites. The menu changes everyday, depending on what’s available at the Farmers Market down the street (meaning, super fresh food!) However, one staple is the infamous signature Bacon Chocolate dessert, which is very very interesting. Not bad, but definitely unique. It’s cool to try once, but I realize now, I probably would have preferred a Pinkberry. I can’t wait to go back and see what new creations the dudes have developed.
Excellent for dates, foodies, winos, and small groups. Easy to miss, because there’s no sign outside.
Try Animal instead of Ketchup.
5. Mao’s Kitchen $
7315 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 932-9681
www.maoskitchen.com
Sure he’s one of the most notorious men in history, killing millions of his own country men, so that he wouldn’t have to admit that he had some bad ideas in the past, but there’s something about Mao that we just can’t seem to let go. Perhaps it’s this restaurant, which offers some of the best chinese food in Los Angeles.
A convenient location on the Melrose shopping strip allows for easy access for both lunch, dinner, or delivery. Food is fresh, healthy, and NOT oily, which is the most important factor when I’m eating chinese.
Decor is very minimal with some interesting chinese/Mao tribute art which is probably kind of offensive to the survivors of his genocide, but trendiness trumps tragedy, it seems, at least in LA.
Get anything eggplant, all the curries, and Singaporean noodles. Best meal ever. Price is also pretty comparable to other chinese food places; however, other places probably don’t boast as many celebrity sitings.
Portions are medium sized, but you won’t be leaving hungry or with an empty wallet.
Cool for dates, especially if you’re going to a show on Melrose afterwards.
