Every Friday, our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here 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 flavor-packed Pakistani food one block from the ocean: Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen in Santa Monica
This week’s scorching temperatures have brought Southern California to its knees. If there were ever a weekend to pack up and head to the beach, this is the one. The Pacific Ocean breeze will provide some relief, so saddle up for sustenance at Pakistani restaurant Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen. A restaurant like this one feels rare to find on the Westside, with most competing destinations in the South Bay or Artesia (the original location lives in Fullerton with another in Hawaiian Gardens). Chef Imran Ali Mookhi keeps the halal menu fresh by adding new dishes that might lean Pakistani, Indian, or even Afghani, like the classic eggplant baingan, which is chock-full of ginger, Roma tomatoes, and coriander. After topping it with garlic yogurt, chili oil, and micro radishes, sop the sauce up with naan while watching the crowds walk by, less than a block away from Palisades Park overlooking the water. 115 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, 90401. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For an Afro-Latin dinner that doesn’t take itself too seriously: Amiguita in Silver Lake
The space where Amiguita resides in Silver Lake has cycled through a few restaurants in the last decade with no particular one achieving longevity. The newish Caribbean diasporic restaurant, born after the dissolution of the Ruby Fruit, still seems to be getting its sea legs but has some high points: a fun, well-priced menu; a small, intimate dining room with perfect conversation nooks; and actually good food. Skip the “frio” cold bar section (it underwhelms) and head right the yuca latkes, which arrive hot and crackling crisp alongside homemade applesauce and chive-pocked lemon creme fraiche. Sweet corn pudding roped with spicy shredded chicken feels homemade in the best way (is this from granny’s house or a restaurant on Sunset?); a confit duck leg smothered in heady jerk sauce gives a more chef-driven approach. Ample parking in the lot that foregrounds it makes this an easier weekend decision than many other places in always-packed Silver Lake. 3510 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026. — Nicole Fellah, Eater editorial manager
For Peruvian rotisserie chicken and a cute market to go with it: Loli Farms in Pasadena
Rotisserie chicken is a unifying dish: it brings people of all walks together as fundamentally something we all get. What could be more mesmerizing than seeing a chicken spin hypnotically against the flames kissing it, fat rendering off to leave the meat juicy and glistening? The version at Loli Farms in Pasadena remains top tier — not heavily spiced though the flavors of garlic and cumin sing. Pairing the chicken with the restaurant’s spicy, cilantro-forward aji verde adds brightness that enlivens each bite. Be sure to tack on an order of the garlic fries to nibble on and passionfruit juice to sip. When you’ve finished your meal, peruse the market goods and take a couple coconut crusted alfajores home for dessert. 885 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106. — Kat Thompson, audience editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For a hand roll lunch in the Valley: Uoichiba in Sherman Oaks
In the height of summer, I find myself reaching for a chilled mid-day meal more often than not. When I’m feeling a little fancier than a packaged Trader Joe’s salad or some creation born of leftovers in my fridge, I head to hand roll bar Uoichiba, which operates locations in Sherman Oaks and Downtown. Hand rolls like fatty tuna, prawn, and crunchy crab are available a la carte or in a set ranging in size from three to 12 rolls. Or go for something less traditional like the Toasted Lox Bagel stuffed with lox schmear, steelhead, scallions, and pickled onions. At both locations, Uoichiba is attached to fish market the Joint, which sells dry-aged, fresh, and smoked cuts of fish, along with pantry items such as sushi rice and furikake. The Joint’s hand rolls sets are also available to go for an at-home sushi night. 13722 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
