DineLA might be over again until June, but we’ve scoured the city to find the best new spots in and around West Hollywood.
Here are the top tables and some new updates for 2019 – so far.
The Shelby
What we love about the Shelby most is that it’s a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, drink with friends or a business meeting – not an easy feat. Josh Goldman is behind the drinks and Sascha Lyon behind the stove, so it’s a winning combination and you won’t recognize the old Sushi Roku space. (pictured above)
MUST ORDER: mac-n-cheese with bacon
https://www.instagram.com/theshelbyla/
Blackship
We are so fortunate in West Hollywood to have the talents of Executive Chef Keiichi Kurobe who hails from Hinoki & The Bird, is now concocting a Japanese-Italian mash-up next door to Shake Shack, that should be your new go-to place. Featuring a great patio, bar, and cozy dining room, this spot is perfect for a mid-week tryst or weekend blow-out.
MUST ORDER: Karaage Tortellini
Fiona
The food industry knows that former Gjelina baker Nicole Rucker is a genius at pies, but who knew she also had the skills to open a delicious casual breakfast, lunch and dinner cafe on Fairfax south of her other spot Cofax Coffee? Now you know.
MUST ORDER: The big buzz is around the black sesame toast
Spoonfed & Bar Joe
When you crave down-home comfort food and maybe a meeting at one of the Hollywood Studios, Spoonfed is the ‘commissary’ of your dreams. You can shop in the front area, grab a bowl of granola in the morning, sandwich or salad for lunch and sit on the patio, or head to Bar Joe in the back and grab a banquette table for dinner.
MUST ORDER: House-made potato chips and clam-onion dip
Le Petit Marché
When in Larchmont you must visit LPM which is not just a fantastic French bistro style all-day gourmet market place and eatery, but they are also supplying the local community with the best producers of coffee, meats (Gwen), cheeses, bread, pastries, wine (Lou) and spirits all under one roof – which happens to be the ground floor of a luxury apartment building.
MUST ORDER: Niçoise salad and a croque madame
ALTA
We never thought West Adams (now considered ‘mid-city’) would be a dining destination, but lo and behold, this Southern-themed casual spot by Daniel Patterson with a full-service restaurant, bar and also an adjoining coffee shop, has become one. Happy hour just started so you could literally go from breakfast to lunch, drinks and dinner without leaving the block – and we highly recommend doing just that with Chef Keith Corbin’s soulful cooking.
MUST ORDER: Shrimp and grits plus the Lunchbox cocktail (tastes just like a PB&J)
West Hollywood in Culver City
Palihotel
Avi Brosh who brought Weho (along with Santa Monica) the beloved Palihouse and Palihotels concept, has expanded his eclectic brand to Culver City. Tucked away on a charming side street behind the Culver Street fray, French bistro food is the theme at indoor-outdoor Simonette with classic moules or steak frites and cocktails that include a smoked Wild Turkey rye with maple, walnut bitters and sea salt. After a long, lingering meal, head upstairs to your chintz and plaid filled room for a snooze.
MUST ORDER: Farmer’s Board and a Marquee Moon cocktail
www.palisociety.com/
Margot
As if the Platform could not get any better with Hayden, Roberta’s Pizza, and Loqui, there is now a bit more formal Mediterranean restaurant upstairs with a massive patio and West Hollywood’s own Thomas Schoos (Norah) is behind the open air modern design.
MUST ORDER: Bombolotti pasta or kampachi crudo
Mrs. Chi
While we are waiting for restauranteur Stephane Bombet to reveal what is going into his old Ponte space on Beverly, you can try his latest entertaining Asian spot in his old Hanjip space now with Top Chef Shirley Chi.
MUST ORDER: Hamburger dumplings
West Hollywood in The Valley
Los Balcones
Chef Ricardo Zarate - who wowed us with Rosaline on Melrose - is lending his talents as Creative Director to the old Girasol space in Studio City, now called Los Balcones by the same Rodriguez family as the Vine Street location. The modern Peruvian meets Spanish food here is outstanding and brings the culturally diverse Mestizo cuisine to the valley with an excellent staff who know how to make everything from a Pisco Sour to an apple pie. Another West Hollywood celebrated talent, designer Gulla Jónsdóttir, is behind the sexy curvy design.
MUST ORDER: Salmon and roasted beets in orange miso; quinoa risotto with mushroom; octopus anticucho BBQ, short ribs with beer tomato panca
Sushi Note
While you are over in the valley, do drop into the best new sushi place around. We particularity love the happy hour from 5:30-6:30 weekdays where you can get a sampling of the sushi for under $50 or individual hand rolls for $7 bucks. The quality and price point will lure you but the low-key vibe at the bar will make you want to stay for dinner.
MUST ORDER: Spicy albacore biscotti with crispy rice and any of the handrolls
