Best in LA, Food & Drink

11 Best Restaurants in Westwood for Lunch

John Diep
11 Best Restaurants in Westwood for Lunch

There are tons of good restaurants to eat in Westwood, California – so how do you choose the best ones to head to? Here are some of our top picks that might just point you in the right direction.

Westwood may not exactly be a foodie hotspot but if you’ve never tried eating at a local eatery, you might just be missing out. Thanks to its university town character, there are tons of options available.

What’s even better is the fact that there are tons of very affordable and food-to-go options. So if you’re in the area and hankering for something different without hurting your budget, here are some good places you should head to:

1. CAVA

Location: 1073 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

The build-you-own-bowl trend may already be a thing of the past but with CAVA’s offerings, it’s certainly worth reconsidering. Their seemingly endless Mediterranean options make the tired concept seem fresh, especially since this joint offers local ingredients, so they also taste fresh.

The best part? The bowls are huge and the prices are very friendly. They also have seasonal items so you definitely won’t run out of options here.

What to Eat

  • Seasonal items
  • Spicy Lamb Meatballs
  • Falafel

2. Ramayani

Location: 5607, 1777 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Offering authentic Indonesian cuisine for nearly 40 years now, Ramayani is perfect for different kinds of meals. You can go here if you’re already tired of normal fast-casual chains or you want to be adventurous on your next date night. Students can also afford to eat here and get great value for their limited budget.

What to Eat

  • Soto Madura
  • Dinner Sets
  • Nasi Uduk
  • Ikan Balado

3. Saffron & Rose

Location: 1387 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Love ice cream? Then you shouldn’t miss this place, Saffron & Rose when you’re in Westwood. This Persian ice cream joint almost always has a line of people waiting to be served, so you can be guaranteed that you’ll get a popular treat here.

What makes their ice cream different is their thick and gooey consistency. They use organic whole milk mixed with salep or ground orchid roots to achieve this. As a result, it can really feel and taste like a whole different dessert from the regular ice cream that you know.

What to Eat

  • Faloodeh
  • Golo bol bol

4. STK 

Location: 930 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

As mentioned above, this neighborhood isn’t a fancy food destination so STK tends to stand out in the area. It offers a high-end modern steakhouse experience which can give you a break from all of the casual eateries around.

To cater to the locals, however, this joint is not just about being sleek and posh. They also have social hours when drinks are half off.

What to Eat

  • Wagyu
  • Alaskan King Crab
  • Lobster Ravioli
  • Porterhouse Steak

5. TLT 

Location: 1116 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

What used to be a widely popular taco truck has now found its permanent home in Westwood. It still offers the same ‘California crisp’, though, so if you’re worried that they’ve abandoned their roots, you can relax. TLT will still serve you the same Mexican-Asian fusion food with a Californian twist.

Their menu definitely expanded, though. Aside from tacos, they now also offer rice bowls, poke bowls and noodle bowls. You can also enjoy some boozing here.

What to Eat

  • Orange Chicken Tacos
  • Braised Pork Belly Nachos
  • Carnitas Fries

6. Fundamental LA 

Location: 1303 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Again, because of its proximity to UCLA, the neighborhood is also home to a lot of amazing sandwich shops. However, Fundamental takes things up a notch. You can argue that this should just be expected since it is one of Westwood’s best modern restaurants but the quality of this eatery’s sandwiches is seriously noteworthy.

This makes this spot one of the best places to go for lunch, especially if you want a bite of a more serious sandwich than the to-go kind. It also has a nice wine bar so it can easily take your meal to the next level.

What to Eat

  • Power Lunch Special
  • Tempura Avocado and Melon Soup
  • Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • BLT with Tomato Jam

7. 800 Degrees

Location: 10889 Lindbrook Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Hankering for some high-quality pizzas? 800 Degrees can take care of you with their Neapolitan-style pizzas made from flour imported directly from Naples.

As they are named after the cooking temperature required to bake traditional pizzas, it’s easy to see that they like their customs around here. However, they also make space for innovation since diners are allowed to customize their pies.

What to Eat

  •  American Wagyu French Dip
  • Doppio Pepperoni Pizza
  • Prosciutto & Burrata Pizza

8. In-N-Out Westwood

Location: 922 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

In-N-Outs may be widely available in L.A. but it’s still worth noting that you can get some of their sumptuous offerings in Westwood. This cult-favorite fast food chain definitely deserves a spot on this list because of how awesome their offerings are. The long line on their drive-thru counter on Saturday evenings clearly proves that they’re still among the top picks for some great grub in the area.

What to Eat

  • Double-Double
  • Animal Fries
  • Veggie Grilled Cheese

9. Attari Sandwich Shop 

Location: 1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

It’s no secret that Westwood is best known for Persian food. So much so that it’s also referred to as ‘Tehrangeles’ by many. This is why it would be wrong not to include one of the most popular places that offer the best of such in the neighborhood.

The Attari Sandwich Shop is a locally famous soup and sandwich shop that will fill you up with good food without making you spend an arm and a leg. Just be ready for long lines.

What to Eat

  • Tongue Sandwich
  • Osh Soup

10. Hamasaku 

Location: 11043 CA-2, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Since L.A. is a sushi-obsessed city, you should already expect sushi joints to be present in every list of top neighborhood restaurants. In the case of Westwood, it would be the Hamasaku.

Located inside a strip mall, this joint offers decent sushi at a very decent price. It might not say much on the outside, but once you step inside, you can see that it’s totally worth a visit. With their non-traditional sushis and expansive sashimi selection, you can certainly get your fix here.

What to Eat

  • Omakase menu
  • Sashimi
  • Seasonal specials

View this post on Instagram

🍣🍣🍣

A post shared by Hamasaku (@hamasakula) on

11. Tacos Tu Madre 

Location: 1945 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Tacos Tu Madre may be a teeny-tiny joint but it offers a lot of flavor and excitement. It’s best known for its unique taco fillings which sets it apart from its competition.

What to Eat

  • Korean Barbeque Taco
  • Red Velvet Churros
  • All-Day Breakfast Burrito
  • Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
×
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
Latest Posts
  • Living And Working In Long Beach, California
  • 4 Ways to Stop Overthinking And Start Doing
  • 9 Best Restaurants in Beverly Hills for Lunch
  • 5 Mindful Ways Manage Workplace Email

Living And Working in Huntington Beach, California

LA Startups Crew
Living And Working In Huntington Beach, California

Southern California has a number of seaside cities, but Huntington Beach is one of the most famous. Named after Henry E. Huntington, an American businessman, Huntington Beach is the 4th largest city in Orange County by population. With a population of 200,809 and 22,860 registered businesses, Huntington Beach is without a doubt a thriving community that also happens to be very scenic. Because of this, it’s not only popular for potential residents and employees but also for tourists.

Huntington Beach attracts more than 16 million beach visitors annually. This comes as no surprise because Huntington Beach has in fact also earned several accolades from the 2013 Orange Country Register Annual Reader Survey, including “Best Beach” and “Best Surf Spot”. With its stunning views, vibrant local atmosphere, and diverse population, many see the City of Huntington Beach not just as a great tourist destination but also as an area ripe for investment, with enough resources to support several industries.

Fun Things To Do

What welcomes you when you visit Huntington Beach is an almost 10-mile stretch of sandy beaches. This alone gives you a score of things to do, from surfing its world-famous waters to playing beach volleyball, swimming, and just sitting back to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. Surf City USA is known for its breathtaking beaches, so if the sun, sand, and sea are what you’re after, you’ll find much of that in Huntington Beach.

That said, there are other forms of recreation and entertainment for those who are not necessarily looking for a good time at the beach. Those who love exploring the outdoors will enjoy the green spaces in Huntington Beach, which is a city that has a commitment to the environment. From the 365 acres of Huntington Central Park (where you can go horseback riding!) to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, you won’t run out of places to explore. You can also visit the restored Huntington Beach Wetlands.

While Huntington Beach is definitely a nature lover’s dream, the downtown also welcomes those who just want to chill and relax. The downtown has so many options for dining and shopping, as well as a laid-back vibe that just makes you want to stroll around. As chill as the atmosphere is during the day, when nighttime comes, you get one of the most famous nightlife locations in Orange County. You’ll have several bars and lounges to choose from, offering specialty cocktails, live entertainment, and good laughs.

Another thing about Huntington is that its location makes it ideal as a base camp if you plan to go to theme parks like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, San Diego Zoo, or even Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Education

Huntington Beach is home to many schools. Golden West College offers 2-year courses and has one of the most stunning campuses in Southern California, sprawled over 122 acres and serving 15,000 students. This The Huntington Beach Union High School District serves the area and is comprised of many schools, including Huntington Beach High School.

Notable companies

Huntington Beach is a growing city, and this means that employment opportunities also abound. Many companies have chosen Huntington Beach as their home, but the economy of this city is actually dependent on several key industries.

  • Technology is one of the leading industries in Huntington Beach, which is where you can find more than 650 industrial businesses. 2013 data shows that there are a total of 12,072 technology jobs spread across 424 firms in Huntington Beach, with 9,848 in tech manufacturing firms and 2,224 in tech services firms. This shows that there’s a lot of room for growth in the tech industry. This even includes tech services like data processing, scientific research and development, software publishing, and internet service providers or ISPs.
  • The warm and sunny climate that Huntington Beach enjoys throughout the year makes it a magnet for tourists. Being known as Surf City USA, there is definitely a lot of room for the tourism industry to thrive and continue to grow. In Huntington Beach, there are so many activities that can keep you entertained but it’s also centrally located in Orange County, so chances are it will never run out of tourists. This also means there are many job opportunities within the industry, from restaurants and hotels to resorts and retail shops.
  • Huntington Beach is not just about the pretty sights, because it has an industrial district in the northwest. Big names like Boeing, C & D Aerospace, Cambro Manufacturing, and Quicksilver have found their home here, and what this means is that you have an aerospace company, a food service equipment manufacturer, and a giant clothing manufacturer all sharing the same space. This makes Huntington Beach quite diversified, which is good because it also means that job opportunities abound and there’s room for everyone.
  • Tech Startups in the Area: ShiftMe, MailPix, AnyMeeting.com

Economic – Why You’d Want a JOB Here

There’s something appealing about building a career in a growing industrial space that also happens to be a picturesque beach city. Huntington Beach is a place where there’s so much room for professional growth, but there’s also a lot of space for you to grow personally. The central location of this beach city makes it ideal, as it is easily accessible from anywhere in Orange County and the rest of Southern California. But once you want to wind down and enjoy the laid back atmosphere, you can easily do so as there are countless places in Huntington Beach to do that.

Huntington Beach is the perfect place to begin anew, and the growing population and thriving economy is proof that more and more people are taking notice. So if you’re looking for something different and you want your career to thrive in a place as beautiful as Huntington Beach, then the first step is to know where to look for the coolest jobs available. Check our Job page regularly for available opportunities that can match your background and qualifications. As you get a glimpse of what’s available in the area, you can now jumpstart your Huntington Beach journey.

  • Los Angeles Startups
LA Startups Crew
Los Angeles Startups
LA Startups Crew
Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, Hollywood, and beyond
LAStartups.com is a digital lifestyle publication that covers the culture of startups and technology companies in Los Angeles. It is the go-to site for people who want to keep up with what matters in Los Angeles’ tech and startups from those who know the city best.
https://lastartups.com
×
LA Startups Crew
LA Startups Crew
Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, Hollywood, and beyond
LAStartups.com is a digital lifestyle publication that covers the culture of startups and technology companies in Los Angeles. It is the go-to site for people who want to keep up with what matters in Los Angeles’ tech and startups from those who know the city best.
https://lastartups.com
Latest Posts
  • Living And Working In Los Angeles, California
  • 10 Common Pantry Foods with Healing Powers
  • 4 Tips For Building A Personal Brand
  • Best Project Management Practice For Complex Projects

13 Best Restaurants To Eat On a Startup Budget in LA

John Diep
Best Affordable Foodie Places in Los Angeles

With all the Hollywood glamor in LA, it’s not surprising that there are plenty of great restaurants in the city for the movers and shakers. But what about for the rest of us, who don’t have the millions per episode or movie? Or, the million dollars in funding from a VC? The truth is that LA does have great restaurants who don’t charge outlandish prices. You only need to find them, and lucky for you we have the guide to get you there. It’s not quite like the maps to celebrities’ homes, but at least they’re authentic!

Simply good food at lunch or dinner, any time of the day.

1. Mason’s Dumpling Shop

Location: 5803 N Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90042

If you’re already in Highland Park, then you owe it to yourself to visit Mason’s Dumpling Shop. You can tell from its no-frills simplicity that everything’s casual and affordable, and you have to order at the counter. But the dishes here are terrific, especially the xiao long bao and the family’s signature fried pork dumplings. The fact that they’re all available for less than ten bucks each means that you can afford to order both!

2. Tel Aviv Kosher Grill

Location: 2450b Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607

If you and your buddies are looking to reenact the final bit of the Avengers movie, then here’s the place to get shawarma, the Tel Aviv Kosher Grill. Get your meats and match them with a baguette, laffa, or pita bread. Your taste buds will thank you and your wallet too.

3. Tatang

Location: 10829 Oxnard St, North Hollywood, CA 91606

The late great Anthony Bourdain once proclaimed his love for Filipino food, and this place can help you understand why. Tatang changes some of the ingredients so that you don’t have to feel so guilty, which explains the use of chopped chicken for the sisig instead of pork and all that fat. Here, the food is nice and affordable and it goes great with a bottle of cold beer.

4. Joy

Location: 5100 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042

Highland Park also features this always busy Taiwanese restaurant JOY, but it’s not just the reasonable prices that are the only reasons for its popularity. The offerings are scrumptious, especially the spicy shrimp wonton and the dan dan noodles. You can start your meal first with an order of sautéed greens, which are definitely fresh as they come from the restaurant’s own gardens. Finish the meal with milk tea with boba, or you can have some fun with shaved ice.

5. Takasan

Location: 225 W 7th St Los Angeles, CA 90014

You’d think that with the prices of dishes in trendy restaurants these days, your ten bucks won’t get you much. But at Takasan, it gets you a bowl of tender chicken chunks with a soft-cooked omelet over rice. Try the oyakodon too, as the price is great as well. It’s a warm and friendly place, and it’s also friendly for your credit card.

6. Tasty Noodle House

Location: 8054 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048

You may find other locations of Tasty Noodle House in other spots in LA, but it’s this original location on West Third Street that made the brand popular in the first place. This is the ultimate spot for pan-fried bao, though you can find just about any traditional Chinese dish here as well.

7. L Fish

Location: 3205 1/2 4th St Los Angeles, CA 90063

Now if you’re in the Boyle Heights area, you may as well go to this legendary fried fish taco restaurant, L Fish. The price per taco is about $2.50 at the most, and you get to enjoy dense batter with mustard and herb fried in vegetable oil with shrimp, dogfish, and angelfish. It’s the same recipe as the tacos in Ensenada, but thankfully these tacos are much more affordable.

8. South City Fried Chicken

Location: 24 S Spring St Los Angeles, CA 90014

While there are lots of exotic food items available in diverse LA, the love for fried chicken doesn’t end. In fact, even if you don’t like fried chicken there’s a very big chance you’ll change your mind when you get a taste of the fried chicken sandwiches from this stall in Corporation Food Hall Downtown. One version comes from Miami with jerk spice and lemongrass remoulade, while another version copies the hot chicken in Nashville. It’s like a foodie exploration of the fried chicken you’ll find in the cities of the American South. Check out South City Fried Chicken today.

9. Phat Birds

Location: 4701 E 3rd St, East Los Angeles, CA 90022

Here’s another fried chicken joint, this time in East LA, meet Phat Birds. The combo meals here are so filling those entire families can be sated, yet the total bill may not go much over twenty bucks. You can go with hot chicken a la Nashville, and the side dishes are terrific as well.

10. Smorgasburg

Location: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

This is the huge Sunday festival plaza in downtown LA, where you can try lots of new street food option. Bring your appetite even if you don’t bring a lot of money since they’re all reasonably priced. You get Chinese noodles, garlic shrimp cooked Hawaiian-style, and even BBQ too. Just get there from 10 AM to 4 PM and enjoy an extended lunch break.

11. Lokal Sandwich Shop

Location: 10433 National Blvd #1A, Los Angeles, CA 90034

This corner marketplace at Simpang Asia in Palms gives you a nice casual place where you can enjoy a great sandwich at a reasonable price, meet the Lokal Sandwich Shop. None of these sandwiches cost more than 10 bucks, and they’re much better (and much bigger) than what you get at your local Subway. Try the steak sandwiches if you’re a traditionalist, though you really should consider their banh mi and the avocado and turkey sandwich.

12. Pasta Sisters

Location: 3280 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

In many places around LA, good Italian restaurants can charge up to $25 per bowl of pasta. The quality and the quantity of the dishes here at Pasta Sisters are just as good and as filling, but this time each dish will cost you less than $15. Do the math!

13. The Chori-Man

Location: 2309 S Alma St, San Pedro, CA 90731

On weekdays, the locals come here regularly for the exquisite chorizos, which are so good they’re not just for breakfast. On weekends, people from outside the neighborhood make their regular pilgrimage for the tacos and the breakfast burritos too. Check out The Chori-Man spot here.

Also, check out these 11 Best Restaurants in West Hollywood for Lunch

  • Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
×
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
Latest Posts
  • Living And Working In Long Beach, California
  • 4 Ways to Stop Overthinking And Start Doing
  • 9 Best Restaurants in Beverly Hills for Lunch
  • 5 Mindful Ways Manage Workplace Email

Living And Working in El Segundo, California

LA Startups Crew
Living And Working in El Segundo, California

El Segundo is one of the oldest cities in the Los Angeles area. Conveniently located in Santa Monica Bay, the original settlers of El Segundo were the Tongva and Chumash Native American tribes. Today, El Segundo’s coastal location has made it the ideal home of 16,000 people and several Fortune 500 corporate companies. Its population statistics reveal that El Segundo residents are 66% Caucasian but there’s also quite a number of Hispanics (18%), Asians (7%), and mixed races (5%). Through the years, El Segundo has become a popular business, residential, and tourist destination.

Officially incorporated in 1917, El Segundo is also home to many industrial facilities. The name El Segundo is actually Spanish and translates to “The Second” in English, and the city got this name in 1911 because it is the site of the second oil refinery of Standard Oil in the entire West Coast. Even with its beginnings in oil refinery, the post-war boom in 1956 brought many other industries to El Segundo, from aerospace and aviation to manufacturing and creative media. It is also widely known as the “Aerospace Capital of the World.”

Fun Things To Do

El Segundo may be a big business city with a lot of industrial space, but it also has quite a number of attractions for play and recreation. The historic downtown is the heart and soul of the community, where you can find El Segundo’s most unique shops, dining spots, galleries, and museums. This historic downtown is also a great place to just walk around, as it is quite conducive to strolling and gives off an almost nostalgic feel especially when you put it in contrast to the highly industrial space of the rest of El Segundo.

Another area that you can explore in El Segundo is, of course, the beach. Being a coastal city, you can stroll along the whole expanse of the sandy beach, and there are also some beach cafes that you can patronize. This whole South Bay vibe gives people the classic California breeze and outdoor experience, which includes swimming and all the other activities you can do in the water. You must also explore the mile-long beach between Dockweiler and El Porto.

For those who are looking for an unforgettable experience, El Segundo is also an arts and culture playground, with the El Segundo Museum of Art as well as the Automobile Driving Museum. Apart from that, you’ll be happy to know that El Segundo has become a sports and entertainment hub, given that it houses the practice facilities for world-famous sports teams Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Lakers.

For retail and food, there are also a lot of stores that you can go to, especially in Plaza El Segundo where you can stroll, shop, and dine. There are many contemporary boutiques and specialty stores, as well as restaurants that will suit delicate tastes.

If you’re the type who’s looking for green and open spaces, you can also go to the Recreation Park near the downtown area, where there are tennis and basketball courts as well as lots of recreational areas. The Library Park is another place where you can do this.

Education

Aside from offices and the social scene, El Segundo is also home to many schools and universities, so educational opportunities abound. You won’t have to travel far just to go to school, because in El Segundo itself you’ll find Girvan Institute, Webster University, and Defense Acquisition University. If you’re interested in the grade school and high school levels, the El Segundo Unified School District serves the area, and it’s good to know that this is also listed as one of California’s academic outperformers.

Notable Companies

El Segundo has been awarded time and time again as the most business-friendly city, which gives you an idea that it’s a place that’s overflowing with business and employment opportunities. The city itself has instituted policies and a long-term strategy to “promote business retention, expansion, and attraction,” which makes economic prospects promising. The biggest industries that operate in El Segundo are:

  • Thanks to El Segundo’s proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport, many airline offices have made this city their home. Large aerospace companies, as well as the Los Angeles Air Force Base and Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), are also headquartered here. It’s also home to Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, The Aerospace Corporation, and Boeing. Aside from having the largest firms in aerospace defense, El Segundo is also the manufacturing home of over half of the nation’s space vehicles and satellites.
  • Tech Companies – A number of tech startups (TechStyle, Internet Brands Inc., CarsDirect, etc.) have set up shop and found a home in El Segundo, from data systems and high-tech engineering to information technology and digital media. Leading tech and engineering firms are taking advantage of El Segundo’s skilled workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and strong fiber-optic network. As we are now in the digital age, the demand for skilled professionals in this industry is only bound to increase.
  • Manufacturing – El Segundo is also home to many industrial manufacturing jobs, including the largest toy manufacturer in the world (Mattel). “Made in El Segundo” has been synonymous to quality, and this label can be placed on a range of items, from toys and planes to semi-conductors and satellites.

Economic – Why You’d Want a JOB Here

Next, to San Francisco, El Segundo has the highest concentration of Fortune 500s in the whole of California. It’s a business-friendly city that’s ripe with job opportunities, but its location also makes it a great alternative to the denser and more expensive cities of Downtown LA and West Los Angeles. The lease rates for both commercial and residential spaces in El Segundo are also more affordable.

  • Los Angeles Startups
LA Startups Crew
Los Angeles Startups
LA Startups Crew
Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, Hollywood, and beyond
LAStartups.com is a digital lifestyle publication that covers the culture of startups and technology companies in Los Angeles. It is the go-to site for people who want to keep up with what matters in Los Angeles’ tech and startups from those who know the city best.
https://lastartups.com
×
LA Startups Crew
LA Startups Crew
Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, Hollywood, and beyond
LAStartups.com is a digital lifestyle publication that covers the culture of startups and technology companies in Los Angeles. It is the go-to site for people who want to keep up with what matters in Los Angeles’ tech and startups from those who know the city best.
https://lastartups.com
Latest Posts
  • Living And Working In Los Angeles, California
  • 10 Common Pantry Foods with Healing Powers
  • 4 Tips For Building A Personal Brand
  • Best Project Management Practice For Complex Projects

11 Best Restaurants in West Hollywood for Lunch

John Diep
Best Restaurants in West Hollywood for Lunch

Where should you eat for lunch in West Hollywood? Here’s a list of the top places everyone is raving about.

West Hollywood might only measure 2 square miles big but it doesn’t mean that you’ll be stuck with just a handful of dining options when you’re in the area. In fact, this neighborhood is actually teeming with amazing restaurants. You can take a pick from long-running establishments to the hippest eateries that offer different kinds of cuisines.

Favored by celebrities and foodies alike, there are really lots of reasons why you should head to WeHo to grab a bite. And if you do, make sure to consider these places as they’re definitely well worth the calories.

1. Night + Market

Location: 9043 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Even the biggest foodies will agree that Chef Kris Yenbamroong’s Night+Market is possibly the best modern Thai restaurant around. So instead of making your way to Thai Town, you can just head here if you’re craving for some Southeast Asian fare.

As mentioned above, however, it’s important to note that this is a modern Thai eatery so expect that they offer different stuff from what you’ll get at Thai Town. Their fusion cuisine is exceptionally good with drinks, though. So if you’re up for an evening of good food and drinks, this can be a great destination.

What to Eat

  • Pork Toro
  • Moo Sadoong
  • Crab Fried Rice
  • Fried Pig Tails
  • Spicy Duck Rolls
  • Golden Triangles

2. Rosaline

Location: 8479 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hailed as the best brunch spot in WeHo, Rosaline is out to tickle your taste buds with its modern take on Peruvian cuisine. As this place is considered as the wildly successful comeback of chef Ricardo Zarate into the LA dining scene, you can certainly get your hopes up when planning your visit.

What to Eat

  • Salchipapa
  • Traditional brunch items
  • Ceviche Crocante
  • Chaufa Paella
  • Cocktails

3. Sushi Park 

Location: 8539 Sunset Blvd #20, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Strip-mall sushi is one of the best things L.A. can offer as it certainly has a lot of great ones around town. However, Sushi Park is deemed as the best of the best by normies and celebs alike. It also means serious business despite its location and it won’t hesitate to let you know that.

Right at the door, Sushi Park says that there is no trendy sushi in this joint. So prepare for some serious sushi sampling here. Just be ready if you’re thinking of trying the omakase menu as it comes with a pretty steep price tag. If you’re lucky, however, it might just come with a celebrity spotting since this joint is also a top pick by the rich and famous.

What to Eat

  • Red Snapper, Halibut sushi
  • Sea Bass sushi
  • Baked Abalone with Shitake Mushrooms
  • Blue Fin Tuna

4. Aburiya Raku 

Location: 521 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

If you fell in love with Vegas’ Aburiya Raku just like tons of other chefs and industry experts, then you don’t have to go far just to have your fill. This WeHo location of the well-loved izakaya is just as tasty as its original location. It offers the same flavors and food, so if you can’t go back to Vegas anytime soon, this will still give you a great fill.

What to Eat

  • Kobe Beef with Wasabi
  • Asparagus with Bacon
  • Foie Gras Bowl
  • Blue Fin Tuna

5. Guisados 

Location: 8935 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Mexican dishes already feels native to Los Angeles but there are still quite a number of places that stand out for their delicious offerings. Guisados is one of them that it grew from a small casual dining joint to a full-on chain with locations all around the city. This WeHo spot is one of them and is still a great destination to go to if you’re after some good tacos.

What to Eat

  • Bistek en Salsa Roja – Flank steak simmered with red bell peppers and tomatoes. Served with chile de arbol and avocado above black beans.
  • Mole Poblano – Shredded chicken breast in a nutty Poblano style Mole. Served with sour cream, queso fresco, red onion and dried chile.
  • Chicharron – Pork rinds simmered in chile verde. Served with green serrano chile, atop black beans.
  • Calabacitas – Squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, and onions. Served with queso fresco and a mild chipotle sour cream.
  • Camarones – Fajita-style shrimp, onions and bell peppers served with a mild chipotle sour cream.

6. Lucques

Location: 8474 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Lucques is one of the long-running dining establishments in WeHo that some folks already consider them as institutions in the area. They have just celebrated their 20 years but their Californian Mediterranean French offerings continue to wow and impress diners. They’re deemed as the best prix-fixe eatery in the area, so if you want to dine out on a budget, they can be a great place to call for a reservation.

What to Eat

  • Roasted kabocha squash with freekeh, chickpeas, charmoula and pomegranate
  • Spanish grilled cheese with mahon, chorizo, and caramelized shallots
  • Grilled chicken paillard with fava bean toast, marsala, green olives, and golden raisins
  • Falafel burger with cucumber, carrots, jalapeño and crème fraîche on a whole wheat bun

Note: Their menu changes regularly but you can be sure to find great options all the time.

LA Startups - West Hollywood - LUCQUES Restaurant

7. Dan Tana’s 

Location: 9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

When it comes to industry classics in WeHo, Dan Tana’s would be hard to beat. This place has been around since 1964 and it’s safe to say that it remained faithful to its roots. You can tell with its nostalgic atmosphere that it’s one of those places that locals go to because they practically grew up there.

To be fair, however, the food is also very good. It’s also a celebrity favorite but if you’re hoping to rub elbows with the rich and famous, you might want to try hard as booking a table here can be a challenge.

What to Eat

  • Spaghetti, Carbonara
  • Homemade Lasagna
  • Ravioli, with Meat Sauce
  • Ravioli, Spinach with Cheese
  • Eggplant, Romana Parmigiana
  • Linguini, Pescatore, Mike Gotovac

8. Irv’s Burgers 

Location: 7998 Santa Monica Blvd unit c, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Another West Hollywood staple is Irv’s Burgers. They’ve been around since the ‘50s and has fought hard to survive until today. One of its biggest charms is that it managed to retain its classic flavor through the years despite changing ownership. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best deals in town since the food is very affordable here.

What to Eat

  • All of the burgers

9. Jones

Location: 7205 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Also known as Jones Hollywood, this place is best known and loved for its quite cool. It’s often described to have a “rock-and-roll sensibility” and a “genuine Hollywood” vibe, so if you’re after such, you should definitely drop by.

The food is also great here which makes it extra special since its open until late. Anything will satiate the hunger of someone tired from partying but it deserves all the praise it has been getting because the grub is good.

What to Eat

  • Braised Short Rib, with brussels sprouts slaw
  • Caprese Panini burrata, with oven-roasted tomato, basil, olive oil
  • Jones Burger, classic style
  • Spicy Sausage pizza with onion, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomato sauce (yum!)

10. Eveleigh 

Location: 8752 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Eveleigh might be located in a tourist spot but it doesn’t mean that you should shy away from it entirely. Besides, they have a magnificent space that will let you enjoy a unique taste of West Hollywood dining and a large menu that has something for everyone.

What to Eat

  • Duck Confit with Lentils
  • Jidori Chicken
  • Pinzimonio
  • Pappardelle with Pork Ragu
  • Hanger Steak with Romesco Sauce

West Hollywood - Eveleigh Restaurant

11. Cecconi’s 

Location: 8764 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

There are tons of great places to spend happy hour in WeHo but Cecconi’s tend to outshine them all with its amazing Cicchetti or Italian tapas. While it is a classic Italian spot, it mainly offers Northern Italian cuisine so it can be a bit different from the other pizza and pasta places on this list.

What to Eat

  • Pasta
    • Garganelli Bolognese
    • Cavatelli, lamb ragù, artichoke”
  • Pizza
    • Beyond ‘sausage’ pizza, tomato, mushroom
    • Porchetta, artichoke, olives, mushroom, fontina
  • Salad
    • Tuscan kale, almond, apple, Parmigiano, seeds
    • Red quinoa, avocado, artichokes, chia seeds

Also, check out these 9 Best Restaurants To Eat In Marina Del Rey

 

  • Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
×
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
Latest Posts
  • Living And Working In Long Beach, California
  • 4 Ways to Stop Overthinking And Start Doing
  • 9 Best Restaurants in Beverly Hills for Lunch
  • 5 Mindful Ways Manage Workplace Email

13 Best Restaurants in Manhattan Beach For Lunch

John Diep
13 Best Restaurants in Manhattan Beach For Lunch

Meta description: Here are a few great restaurants that will convince you to drive out more often to Manhattan Beach.

Want to fill your tummy with some great food while getting some vitamin sea? Manhattan Beach would be an excellent destination for you, then. Not only is this L.A. destination a great spot to take a dip in the water but it’s also a foodie magnet. Home to some of the best restaurants in the city, you won’t regret driving down the coast for what this neighborhood can offer.

What exactly are the dining options that it can offer? Here are 13 great places that you should try on your next visit:

1. Fishing with Dynamite

Every roundup of the best restaurants in Manhattan Beach will include FWD for its spectacular seafood dishes. Some foodies even consider it as one of the best places in all of L.A., so you definitely have to give this place a go when you’re in the neighborhood.

Location: 1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Oyster Sampler Platter
  • Grilled Octopus
  • Fish And Chips
  • Koshihikari Rice with Blue Crab
  • Yellowfin Tuna Crudo
  • Key Lime Pie

2. Little Sister

Offering a lively atmosphere and unique Asian cuisine, Little Sister is one of the most popular dining destinations in MB. Some say that it feels out of place in the neighborhood but to be fair, it might just really be because everything about this place stands out from the crowd.

Location: 1131 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Shaky Shaky Beef
  • Beef Tartare
  • Gai Cuon
  • Pan Fried E-Fu Noodles
  • Imperial Rolls

3. Simmzy’s

While you might be able to spot a few locations of these Simmzy’s on your way to Manhattan Beach, there’s a very good reason why you should visit the one in this seaside neighborhood. Its beach-theme just seems to work best by the sea, for one. Its lively atmosphere is also great if you’re after some great time and food.

Location: 229 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Craft Beers
  • Blue Cheese Fries
  • Burgers
  • Grilled Corn

4. The Strand House

With the sweeping beach vistas that you can enjoy at the Strand House, it’s not surprising that some folks decide to dine there without knowing anything about the food. Luckily, just like the view, the food here is good. These make it an excellent date spot but you can also go there for some after-work drinks or brunch since the place is just a great spot to relax and unwind.

Location: 117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Stuffed French Toast
  • Hamachi Crudo
  • Chili-dusted Avocado
  • Black Truffle Risotto and Dayboat Scallops

5. Love & Salt

There are tons of Italian places in the area but Love & Salt is undoubtedly the best among the rest with its good food and cool setting. Helmed by Chef Michel Fiorrelli, their pizzas are considered as their main attractions. With their light as air crust, they can certainly give you a whole new pizza experience.

Location: 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Corned Lamb Tongue Panini
  • Crispy Chicken Oysters
  • English Muffins
  • Duck Egg Pizza
  • Rabbit Porchetta
  • Trotolle

6. Manhattan Beach Post

A lot of experts believe that the opening of the MB Post ushered in the casual dining wave that made the neighborhood a great place to eat at. Before them, there weren’t a lot of good casual dining options in the area. While this isn’t necessarily the case anymore, the Manhattan Beach Post is still a great place to grab a bite at if you want to ensure that you’ll eat good food.

Location:  1142 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
  • Truffle Honey Laced Fried Chicken
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • General Tso’s Sweetbreads
  • Scallops
  • BBQ Moroccan Lamb Belly

7. FishBar

FishBar takes the themed sports bar concept to the next level with its unique and sophisticated, seafood-packed menu. So don’t be put off by their nautical kitsch decor and themed days because this spot is definitely well worth its salt.

Location:  3801 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Mesquite-grilled Scallop Skewers
  • Fishbar Fish Tacos
  • Handmade cocktails
  • Spinach And Shrimp Salad
  • Fish And Chips
  • Lobster Mac & Cheese
  • Fishbar Brew

8. SunLife Organics

Fresh fruit juices are practically a must if you’re spending time by the beach. This is why SunLife Organics fits in so well in Manhattan Beach. But aside from its tasty beverages, you can also grab a healthy bite here.

Location:  451 Manhattan Beach Blvd #124, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Fresh fruit juices
  • Protein shakes
  • Bowls

View this post on Instagram

All hands on deck👌🏻 #sunlifeorganics

A post shared by SunLife Organics (@sunlifeorganics) on

9. JUTE Coastal Bar + Kitchen

Perfectly complimenting the ultra sleek Westdrift hotel, the JUTE Coastal Bar + Kitchen is certainly another great place for some drinks and bites. They have a bi-coastal motif going on, so everything feels quite cosmopolitan. Both the food and space are impressive, so you should certainly consider dropping by.

Location:  1400 Parkview Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Wagyu Beef Cheeks
  • Lamb Sliders
  • Kimchee Ravioli
  • Caviar-Topped Avocado Toast
  • Cocktails

10. Nick’s

Despite being located in a high-end mall, Nick’s is definitely a few leagues beyond your regular mall restaurant. Sure, it’s a part of a chainlet but its upscale setting, posh interiors, and stellar menu items will convince you that it’s worth a second look.

Location:  451 Manhattan Beach Blvd D, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Filet and Lobster Benedict
  • El Jefe Breakfast Burrito
  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken
  • Chilean Sea Bass
  • Sweet Slaw

11. The Arthur J

This sleek steakhouse is one of the more ‘traditional’ offerings of Manhattan Beach. The Arthur J‘s retro vibe and the fact that it’s a steakhouse makes it appear tamer than the fusion and modern cuisines its neighbors offer. But don’t think that it’s a basic food destination because it’s not. Its wide range of meats will surely offer you a whole new dining experience.

Location:  903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Japanese Wagyu
  • Rib Eye Steak
  • Shrimp Cocktail
  • Vinegary Beef Fat Fries
  • Cake of the Month

12. The Kettle

Despite the general sleepiness of MB, you’ll still be able to eat great food around here during your late night outings. What makes The Kettle a very good post-party food destination is its massive menu. You can even customize their dishes as you wish, letting you get your very own comfort food without having to cook it yourself.

Location:  1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Crispy Breakfast Potato Nachos
  • Crab Cake Po’ Boy Sandwich
  • Spicy Chicken Parmesan
  • Homemade Muffins

13. North End Caffe

Not in the mood for the sleek and modern places around MB? Then head to the North End Caffe. This homey diner offers a wide selection of stellar sandwiches so it can be as laid back as you’d want it to be. They also have a lot of tasty salad options if you’re in the mood for something healthy.

Location:  3421 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

What to order:

  • Hermana
  • Guapo
  • Huevos Divorciados
  • Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
×
John Diep
LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com
A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.
http://www.lastartups.com
[email protected]
(213) 222-6671
Latest Posts
  • Living And Working In Long Beach, California
  • 4 Ways to Stop Overthinking And Start Doing
  • 9 Best Restaurants in Beverly Hills for Lunch
  • 5 Mindful Ways Manage Workplace Email

Fear Of Missing Out?

Get our Newsletter Today!  

We'll let you know who's hiring (shhh), great deals on tools and services, upcoming events, which startup got funded, which investor to connect ...  
SUBSCRIBE
close-link