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 hot dogs and The Odyssey on 70mm: The Vista Theatre in Los Feliz
It’s been an odyssey of its own trying to secure tickets to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, especially if you’re trying to see it on 70mm (or even tougher, IMAX 70mm). Luckily, the Vista is not entirely sold out, and the theater has one of my favorite concession counters in Los Angeles. Prime yourself for the near three-hour movie with Hebrew National hot dogs tucked between warm, plush buns, then kissed with smears of ketchup and mustard. The scent of fresh, hot popcorn with real butter drifts through the lobby, singing a salty siren song of its own. Plus, the Vista has some of the most affordable concessions in town — two hot dogs, two drinks (a beer and a Topo Chico for me), and a medium popcorn still comes out to less than $35. Just be sure to arrive with enough time to find parking and wait in the inevitable line. 4473 Sunset Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For a fried seafood platter with a shimmery ocean view: Neptune’s Net in Malibu
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My partner and I stopped by Neptune’s Net on a recent drive up Pacific Coast Highway and agreed we would share something small since we had already devoured a pair of onigiri on the beach earlier. Upon scanning the menu, we immediately broke our vows and ordered the Neptune’s Net sampler, a platter of fried seafood for two to three people that includes scallops, clam strips, fish, shrimp, calamari, and a single crab cake all piled onto a mountain of fries. Our favorite was the scallops — soft and delicate underneath a fried, panko-crumbed outer shell — but I also loved popping the bouncy clam strips in my mouth like it was popcorn chicken. The best part about Neptune’s Net, besides the boundless fried seafood, is the panoramic ocean view from the patio that you can admire while enjoying your feast. 42505 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265. — Kat Thompson, audience editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For date cream-top lattes and space to linger: Inara in Venice
Los Angeles’s new Palestinian-owned cafe has not missed a beat in its neighborhood since its early July opening: each morning, dozens of Venice dwellers stroll through Inara’s doors toting Aviator Nation hoodies or designer-breed dogs, curious to try what the latest coffee shop on the block has to offer. But it has also attracted those in diaspora who recognize an inclusive community space (the cafe’s upstairs doubles as a yoga or events space and tea room). The coffees deliver: I’ve tried a range and particularly like the Seraya, a smoked vanilla latte deepened with wisps of cocoa, and the Mira, a shaken hazelnut iced latte that comes with a stiff date cream top and sifted camel-shaped art. Pastries from Sweet Lily Bakery in Studio City fill the glass case near the front of the shop (gluten-free options may be forthcoming). Grab a matcha, tea, or espresso drink and choose between sitting in the main room where light pours in from its apex position on Main Street and Venice Way, the upstairs balcony draped with plants, or the rug- and cushion-seating only tea room (shoes off, preferably). 1720 Main Street, Venice, CA 90291. — Nicole Fellah, Eater editorial manager
For an unfussy trip to the south of France: Azur in Beverly Hills
There’s something to be said about the French Riviera’s enduring allure as the aspirational vacation spot of the rich around the world (and the next setting of HBO’s The White Lotus). Newish Beverly Hills restaurant Azur attempts to capture that appeal with a vibey space in the Golden Triangle on north Canon, where it serves some surprisingly deftly made coastal fare that mellows its tackier aspects (faux greenery on the ceiling, neon signs, bottle service, DJ booth). Nosh on large grilled artichokes, chopped heirloom tomatoes topped with a whole burrata ball, and textbook steak tartare before venturing into a polished lobster spaghetti that I liked even more than the version at neighboring restaurant Bad Roman. Studded with plump lobster bits and twirled into a well-sauced log of pasta, my son couldn’t stop eating it. Skip the standard-issue steak frites, and get the pan-seared loup de mer with whipped potatoes and Nice-style stuffed vegetables packed with ground meat and rice pilaf — they’re both delightful. To finish, order the warm apple tart topped with vanilla gelato — and make sure your financial advisor or talent agent is the one picking up the check. 453 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210. — Matthew Kang, correspondent, Eater
