4 Restaurants to Try This Weekend in Los Angeles

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Your handy guide on where to eat from the editors at Eater LA

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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.

Los Angeles is a seafood town at every level, with countless ceviche shops, fish sandwich pop-ups, and high-end restaurants like the vaunted Providence. There’s room for everyone to slurp oysters, down tostadas, and enjoy towering platters of seafood on ice — which makes Dear Jane’s all the more special because the Marina del Rey restaurant nails the other stuff, too. The ambiance is charming and unstuffy, while the views out to the water are a kind reminder of LA’s coastline dominance. Dear Jane’s is not the boxy, retro Dear John’s steakhouse (and it’s not trying to be), it’s something else: An adult restaurant that loves to have fun, spinning plates of seafood to attentive diners in an often underwhelming culinary landscape by the water. What could be better than that? 13950 Panay Way, Los Angeles, CA 90292. — Farley Elliott, senior editor

Going to the movie theater in the middle of a boiling afternoon is a cure-all. And for those going to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the Bloc Downtown, it’s an adventure too. Start by driving up that seemingly endless, windy DTLA parking structure and into Bloc’s maze of retail shops and restaurants. The assigned seating helps bring civility in any darkened theater, but Alamo’s does better with cocktails and food that’s brought right to your seat. One can’t go wrong with bottomless popcorn, or the churro popcorn with fried churro pieces tossed in cinnamon, sugar, maple, and vanilla. Opt for fish and chips, pizza, burgers, and loaded fries with Hatch green chile queso, cotija, bacon, cilantro, scallions, and Sriracha sour cream. Of course, there are Sour Patch Kids and anything one could possibly want in the candy genre, along with milkshakes, cold brew, beer, wines, and an Alamo Old Fashioned. Any and all of the aforementioned comes right to your seat — just the way the movie gods intended. 700 West 7th Street, Suite U240, Downtown, CA 90017. — Mona Holmes, reporter

Ai Wei Ju, which opened this past May in the former Five Stars Hue space in Alhambra, is here to serve folks itching for a taste of Beijing street food. Step inside the restaurant to find the proprietress standing over a circular griddle preparing the restaurant’s signature jian bing. While the egg-battered pancake parcels taste good with just green onions and a slathering of fermented black bean sauce, the addition of beef, tripe, or even pigs ears makes for a more substantial dish. The slippery cold noodles slicked with vinegar and chile oil, along with the chilled seaweed and pan-seared dumplings, rounds out any meal well. 31 E. Valley Boulevard, Alhambra, CA 91801. — Cathy Chaplin, senior reporter/editor

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Melrose bar APB, or All Plant Based, serves a range of cocktails along with vegan fare, including plant-based sushi from Niku Nashi, Japanese fried chicken, vegetable spring rolls, and more. While dishes like the spicy tuna with crispy rice and matcha cheesecake are worth trying, the true star of the show is the crispy shoestring fries. Served with a range of dipping sauces upon request, the fries have the perfect crunch and amount of salt. They also go down easy when accompanied by a solid cocktail, like the lychee martini. 7302 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036. — Virali Dave, editor

Walk into Funke in Beverly Hills and the gleaming pasta laboratory is front and center just beyond the host stand. It’s supposed to be a marvel but feels more like a zoo exhibit, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for those who need to be reminded of the exemplary handmade pasta at Evan Funke’s glorious new Italian restaurant. The whole space feels like a ’90s art gallery in the best way. A sweeping open dining room on the first floor is so well sound attenuated that people can have normal conversations in the bustling booths lining the wall. A front bar works as an aperitivo stand while folks wait to be seated. Upstairs on the mezzanine, things are boisterous, if not crushingly loud compared to downstairs. A second bar upstairs has two televisions showing live camera feeds of the pasta-making from a sky-high perspective. I think the point has been made: order the pasta. The $48 tagliatelle Bolognese is delightful and generously plated — tiny ragu morsels nestled amid paper-thin noodles that melt away with tenderness on the palate. Rolled busiate pasta comes like spiraled straws coated lightly in a stew of pesto and cherry tomatoes, a reminder that summer’s freshness is winding down. I especially loved the fennel salad with blistered artichokes and shaved pecorino Romano, dressed to perfection and difficult to not wolf down. As expected, Shannon Swindle’s desserts are swoon-worthy, so order as many as your stomach can handle. 9388 S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. —Matthew Kang, lead editor

Culver City’s Industry Cafe and Jazz has been in the neighborhood for 18 years, serving as a hub for local musicians who perform at open jam nights every Wednesday and playing host to jazz performances Thursday through Sunday. The vibes are communal and convivial, and as lovely as the music-filled evenings at Industry Cafe and Jazz are, the food is far from an afterthought. The soup is expertly seasoned, and the hummus is made extra special with bits of tomato, basil, and feta. The veggie platter is also abundant, filled with generous portions of veggies and lentils, and enough injera for two to share. 6039 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232. — Virali Dave, editor

It’s hard to think of a better place for food-obsessed parents dining out with their kids than Poltergeist at Button Mash in Echo Park. The adults will enjoy chef Diego Argoti’s wildly creative cooking. Start with the Thai Caesar salad with crispy rice crackers, followed by the yellow curry bucatino topped with popcorn and corn ribs. For the children on deck, the kitchen serves a special menu chock-full of classic kid fare including buttered noodles with Parmesan, perfectly crisp steak fries, and chocolate cake. Post-dinner arcade games, skeeball, and whack-a-mole make for a great night out where everyone leaves sated and happy. 1391 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026. —Cathy Chaplin, senior editor/reporter

Bar Flores might be the most LA bar in the entire city. Situated directly above Lowboy and directly next door to the new Italian spot Donna, Bar Flores requires a one-flight walk up and into a stunning space. It’s a personal spot for Karla Flores-Mercado, whose touches are everywhere, including a portrait of her grandmother on the bar. The arched windows make it easy to watch this busy stretch of Echo Park while drinking cocktails. Walk downstairs to order the gator fries, fish and chips, or burger while a companion nabs a pitcher of bright pink margaritas for all. Get there early to secure a seat on the rear patio, which feels like a friend’s backyard deck — or at one of the comfy banquettes and high-top tables. Required drinking is the garden spritz, a summery cocktail shaken with pisco, sweet vermouth, Cocchi Rosa aperitif, jasmine, rose, jamaica, raspberries, rhubarb, lemon, bougainvillea, and a packet of wildflowers to take home. 1542 Sunset Boulevard, Echo Park, CA, 90026. — Mona Holmes, reporter

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We are indeed lucky as Southern Californians. Our options for day trips can easily put us in some of the country’s most beautiful destinations, whether natural wonders or cultural spaces. One can even get both at the Madonna Inn. Always start early for the three-hour drive from LA and enjoy the expansive hills that are one of the Central Coast’s wonders. When arriving at the Madonna Inn, take in this kitschy, perfect stop. Time it to dine at Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, but if it’s too full, meals are available at the Madonna Inn Copper Cafe. It’s such a joyful spot, and though last-minute room reservations are often sold out, secure a table beforehand to make sure one can try a rib eye, broiled lobster tail at the steakhouse with ample cocktails, or a visit to the cafe for a short stack, massive shrimp Louis salad, or the stunning bright pink champagne cake. 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. — Mona Holmes, reporter

It was always going to be a hard sell for the food enthusiast to buy into Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Kitchen. With so many branded food delivery/takeout spots like Mr. Beast that seem to only have a thin veil of influence from the creator or celebrity, one would think the recipe was going to be the same with Paltrow’s lifestyle brand. In conversations with Goop Kitchen’s chef Kim Floresca, Paltrow actively participates in the creation and tweaking of dishes. The notable thing at Goop Kitchen is a balanced approach to things like salt and fat while eschewing preservatives or factory farm meats whenever possible. The surprising thing about Goop Kitchen and Goop Superfina (the sister brand that serves Italian American dishes) is the focus on balanced flavor: nothing is overseasoned, everything is fresh, and the sauces are paired well with salads or bowls. My favorites were the teriyaki chicken bowl, the spicy tofu lettuce wraps, and the pesto pizza topped with salad. Before you try and revoke my food editor card, just know that on the next visit, I’ll separate the gluten-free grandma-style pizza from the salad completely and just eat them side-by-side. The pizza’s crust has a half-inch thickness and plays well with the loaded cheese and herbaceous pesto. It’s a pizza that might fool some folks who are hesitant to try anything gluten-free. Goop Kitchen/Superfina’s food might not surpass places that can go full-on with flavor, but it works really well for a healthy meal that won’t weigh you down after lunch, and for that reason, I endorse it. Various locations via delivery or takeout. — Matthew Kang, lead editor

LA’s Grain Cafe has five locations spread across Van Nuys, Mid-City, Culver City, Redondo Beach, and Long Beach, making for easy access for those heading to the beach from different parts of the Southland. There are plenty of Mexican dishes, including huevos rancheros, tacos, and enchiladas, along with bagels, sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies. And everything is vegan and organic, with plenty of options for those looking for balanced meals. Before making the most of this weekend’s scorching temperatures by wading in the waves, I’ll be stopping by Grain Cafe to stock up on some beach eats that won’t be too filling but will hit just right during swim breaks. Various locations — Virali Dave, editor

Arriving early and sitting at a bar to watch the restaurant come to life is a joyful practice, especially at a barely two-week-old restaurant. The South Carolina-inspired Queen St. debuted on July 6 as a seafood grill and raw bar that resides in a transformed auto repair station from the 1940s. This is the latest from the Found Oyster, Barra Santos, and Nossa Caipirinha Bar crew, who have vast experience with crustaceans, fish, and other pickings from the water. The interior is bright and friendly, with a menu that’s geared toward any kind of diner, whether single or a group. Order the seafood tower, chargrilled oysters, Carolina gold crab rice, fried flounder, or the barbecue gulf shrimp while sipping on the very European-leaning wine list, though there are California selections too. Reservations are filling up, but there’s always the aforementioned strategy of starting early at the bar. 4701 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90042. — Mona Holmes, reporter

Compared to the more utilitarian digs of Sichuan Impression or Chengdu Taste, Mountain House’s interior is frankly, stunning. With dramatic lighting, palatial layouts, and enough visual interest at every angle, the decor from this Flushing transplant is so overwhelming that it almost detracts from the food. But Mountain House lays down its approach from the first sample bowl of pickled cabbage laced with chile oil: the arresting spice dominates everything, and that little bowl of spicy pickles will have you reaching for ice water very quickly. Who knew Rowland Heights would land such a restaurant? The “swing” pork belly and cucumber appetizer come with a mellower chile oil and garlic paste, and it’s both terrific and Instagram-worthy. Every table seems to have a metal tray of fried pork intestines with dried chiles, and the crisp offal rounds will impress anyone.

Mapo tofu and Yibin-style noodles help round out each order, and both are as good but not necessarily better than the versions at Sichuan Impression or Chengdu Taste. The only miss might’ve been the pickled pepper whole fish, whose tangy, spicy, and sweet sauce was delicious but didn’t do enough to mask the swampiness of the whole tilapia. One wishes they offered sea bass or red snapper or another more luxurious fish, and maybe that will be a future offering. But for now, New York City’s finest Sichuan spot is a worthy addition to LA’s Chinese restaurant scene. 18888 Labin Court C101, Rowland Heights, CA 91748. — Matthew Kang, lead editor

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For those looking to get away for the weekend, a trip to Idyllwild is relaxing and grounding, with many good food options. The village center has plenty of restaurants, along with some coffee shops, tea houses, and wine bars; some of our favorites are here. Spots like the Wine Finch offer a large selection of natural wines, and popular dinner destinations Ferro and Cafe Aroma offer a selection of bottles and glasses to go along with a meal. The Cafe especially is a wonderful spot to spend an evening; grab a seat outside, order a salad and pasta, and enjoy a meal in this charming forest cabin. And remember that the town is about 6,000 feet above sea level and that one glass goes a long way. The town has much to offer in between meals too, including hikes, art tours, and shopping, plus the occasional sighting of its charming, handsome, and goodest boy mayor. 54750 N. Circle Drive, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549. — Virali Dave, editor

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Summer weekends were made for gathering around a table with friends, family, and loads of Vietnamese-style seafood, and Biển Hẹn Seafood & Lẩu in Little Saigon does it right. Snails steamed in coconut milk with fresh basil, grilled squid, and soft shell crabs sauteed in tamarind make for tremendous starters before sharing a whole roasted catfish with all the fixings. The catfish comes in sizes small to XXL which works for groups large and small. The accompanying sauce made of fermented shrimp paste and pineapple is wonderfully pungent. Vietnamese-style seafood never fails to deliver an easy balance between bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and a lot of bang for not too many bucks. 14092 Magnolia Street, Westminster, CA 92683. — Cathy Chaplin, senior reporter/editor

While a proper table at Funke takes some advance planning these days, snagging a seat at Bar Funke is infinitely easier, especially for an impromptu nightcap. The best seats are along the impossibly smooth pink quartz bar, but it’s hard to go wrong with any of the moonlit tables on the rooftop offering panoramic views of Beverly Hills. It’s possible to order caviar, pizza, and focaccia, but the move this time of night is getting all the desserts and a cocktail too. It’s impossible to go wrong with any of the sweets on pastry chef Shannon Swindle’s lineup, but the meringata with mandarin granita is especially refreshing, while the chocolate tart is as rich as it is satisfying. And truth be told, one can’t go wrong with the cannoli. 9388 S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. — Cathy Chaplin, senior reporter/editor

Easily the most impressive French bakery in the South Bay, Sweet Wheat serves a wide array of pastries, viennoiserie, salads, sandwiches, and other baked goods to a hungry Redondo Beach crowd from morning to mid-afternoon. The move is to get one of the three combination deals: There’s a breakfast special that includes coffee, orange juice, and a pastry for $12; a brunch special that includes a pastry, drink, and savory sandwich or quiche for $15; and a lunch special that includes a larger savory dish (like a mini pizza), drink, and a choice of composed dessert for $20. Dining here with a group is especially fun, as patrons can fully mix and match their selections across dozens of items. As for execution, well, the pastries aren’t quite Tartine or Proof Bakery level, but they are fantastic — buttery, tender, and flaky where it needs to be, and definitely not too sweet (which this Asian palate appreciates). I can’t think of a more delightful daytime destination, and the fact that it’s just a short walk from the beach makes it even more appealing for those venturing to the coast during the dog days of summer. (Pro tip: tell them it’s your first time, and they might hook up a free baguette to take home.) 1430 S Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. — Matthew Kang, editor

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At first glance, Quality Seafood seems like the ultimate tourist haunt. It’s surrounded by shops to buy cheap sunglasses and tchotchkes on a dated pier that could seriously use an update. But Quality Seafood is one of LA’s most beloved spots for good reason. It’s a seafood restaurant and market that’s fantastic, loud, and thoroughly enjoyable. If in need of fish and chips, Quality Seafood has you covered. Staff will crack open a giant uni for quick consumption, grill a spiny lobster tail, pour clam chowder into a bread bowl, shuck oysters, serve paella, or spoon a healthy serving of ceviche and some outstanding poke into a to-go container. This is group dining, so assign duties accordingly: one person should stand in line for beer on tap; another takes care of the food order; while the third keeps a lookout for an open table. Get there early, as this 70-year-old family-owned spot gets incredibly busy. 130 S. International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach CA, 90277. — Mona Holmes, reporter

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Located on the rooftop at Culver City’s Platform, Margot is a great place to catch the sunset with a Negroni in hand. The restaurant’s menu boasts four types of the popular cocktail: the traditional, a white version, the sbagliatto (with a bit of prosecco in it), and one that swaps gin for mezcal. There are also various small bites at this coastal Mediterranean spot, including patatas bravas, crudos, salads, and the comforting and surprisingly complex grilled asparagus served with potato crema and charred leeks. 8820 Washington Boulevard, Suite 301, Culver City, CA 90232. — Virali Dave, editor