Hi all. My friend from Osaka is coming to Los Angeles (and the U.S.) for the first time and I wanted to arrange a welcome dinner to celebrate her arrival. We are staying in West L.A., but the guests who may join us are scattered from mid-city to the north-east. Some parameters:
Location: Likely mid-city/downtown will be the most convenient (preferably with easy freeway access).
Atmosphere: Casual (she will likely be jet lagged)
Price: Affordable (mains $15 and under)
Cuisine: Any, though I’m thinking California cuisine or American for her first meal, or Mexican. She has no dietary restrictions, though others in the party are vegetarian and avoid wheat.
Etc: Either reservations accepted or not difficult to grab a table for about 6 people with minimal wait on a Saturday. Open until 10p.m. would be a bonus.
I think that’s about it. I moved away from L.A. a few years ago, back for a few months here and there, so I’m a little out of the loop with current options. Thanks in advance!
If your friends coming from the NE don’t mind the drive, something like Javan (Persian) might be a good option. The entrees are more expensive than your posted budget, but the portions are REALLY big (and easily shared).
I don’t know how Japanese folks feel about (or physically react to) Mexican food, but my Chinese relatives might find Mexican food a little challenging…
Oh, another thought. Would Maccheroni Republic work for you? I had a very good visit but only went once. I think someone here posted a more recent visit and only had a meh experience. Meat entrees are again a bit more expensive than what you’re looking for, but I think the pasta dishes should be fine (aside from your wheat-avoiding friend). Definitely need a reservation for Saturday, though (when I went, it was SWAMPED). I think it’s w/i walking distance of at least one Metro stop.
I don’t think Javan will be quite central enough (and a family member works at another Persian restaurant so she’ll have the chance to try Persian food while she’s here).
I’ve never eaten at La Fonda. I’ll look into it. A mariachi performance would help create a memorable first dinner, I’m sure.
Maccheroni Republic is a good idea. I’ve wanted to try it out I’ll see what their availability is for Saturday once I get a solid head count. Thanks again!
Thanks all for the great ideas. I’ll begin to look at menus and prices and make a decision.
I love Baco Mercat the times I’ve been, but I don’t remember it being a cheaper option (will revisit their menu). Wood Spoon has been on my radar for quite awhile yet I still haven’t had the opportunity to try it out. Maybe this weekend will be the time
That said, it will likely be easier to go to a spot where I won’t have to make a reservation to be guaranteed a table without a painfully long wait, as my friends are sometimes hard to pin down until the last minute.
[quote=“chinchi, post:11, topic:5393”]
it will likely be easier to go to a spot where I won’t have to make a reservation to be guaranteed a table without a painfully long wait, as my friends are sometimes hard to pin down until the last minute.
[/quote]@paranoidgarliclover’s idea of Maccheroni Republic in DTLA is a good one - if you go early (no reservations). It’s kinda’ in your price-range. A little gem surrounded by the urban-ity that is L.A. If you go, check out the Biddy Mason memorial, between parking lot and restaurant… just a little historical tidbit.
In the Mid-City / Beverly Grove area, Little Ethiopia and Farmers Market Fairfax could be fun and economical. Both good for vegetarians.
[quote=“chinchi, post:5, topic:5393”]
Maccheroni Republic
[/quote]They don’t take reservations at all and it can be swamped. But if you go at opening or more toward closing it’s easier to get seated.
Little Ethiopia crossed my mind, though the location is a little tricky for those coming from North East L.A. I think taking her to the Farmer’s Market at some point while she’s here is a great idea
one time he even jumped in with the band singing in Spanish.
I’ll see what their availability is for Saturday once I get a solid head count. Thanks again!