I’m going to be going to LA for Memorial Day weekend, staying in Koreatown. I’ve got a couple things planned thus far but would love help with the rest. LA is so broad it’s hard for me to pin down where to go. Thus far we have:
Friday night: Bestia
Saturday night: Here’s Looking at You
I’d like to get one place for a Sunday midday feast (somewhere we can show up around 1-2 and stay till 5-6), preferably a place with seafood and oysters.
Other than that, I was thinking of checking out Gjusta for brunch and maybe Animal if we have time. If you guys have any brunch/ lunch/ creative cocktail places you recommend that would be awesome. We’ll probably also want to go to a taco truck or laid back Mexican restaurant so anywhere near me you recommend for that would be helpful too.
I love baked goods and would like to see if there are any great bakeries I should check out in the LA area that maybe won’t have a crazy line…
Thank you for any and all help you can give me! I know I’ve got a broad request, I’ve found it hard to narrow down the LA food scene.
As @PorkyBelly said, definitely consider Animal for Saturday night dinner instead of HLAY, especially since you want to visit it (don’t miss out on the amazing Foie Gras Loco Moco).
Sunday Brunch? Gjusta is pretty amazing, but it has limited seating and isn’t a place you can hang for a few hours like you’re asking about.
I second @PorkyBelly’s rec for Connie & Ted’s, since you’re asking about a place with seafood & oysters, and Connie & Ted’s does it well. Here’s a post with some pics from a few visits we had if it helps - Connie & Ted’s.
But Nobu Malibu seems like a swell way to spend the afternoon as well.
Bakeries: Republique, Sycamore Kitchen (on the same street!). If you just want to experience fantastic plain Croissants (and Almond Croissants) consider Chaumont.
Yes! 100%. I’m going to a Korean barbecue place (Hae Jang Chon) with my cousin during the portion of the trip where I make no food decisions. If there are any other places you recommend please let me know!
Nice thing about Smorgasburg is in addition to having a bunch of solid food options to choose from, there’s a beer garden and live music. Not a bad way to spend the mid-afternoon.
@skramzlife Salt’s Cure looks incredible, maybe will try to hit that Saturday morning (and then walk a ton to be able to handle Animal at night). Do you think you need reservations? Will be one or two of us.
@Chowseeker1999 (also at porkbelly but for some reason I can only @ two users in a post ) I will definitely be checking out Republique on the Friday morning! And maybe Sycamore Kitchen too… And thank you so much for the Animal over HLAY rec. I’ve wanted to go to Animal for about 5 years, but my friend’s weren’t as intrigued. Now I have local recs I can convince em :). Plus I love sweetbreads!
@Chowseeker1999 the problem is I’m really open. I’d love recs for some really great Mexican street food.
I’m coming from New York, so Chinese and Thai food I can generally get here. But Japanese is often pretty expensive here, so that could be good. I’m also open to whatever you guys this is great (see it’s an issue). I eat most things and am pretty adventurous.
Al Pastor Tacos: Leo’s Tacos (only in the evenings when you see the Trompo (the vertical BBQ spit) out and cooking. (During slow hours, they just cook meat on the flattop grill so it’s not as good.).
1515 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Amazing Carnitas (10 different types!): Villa Moreliana (at Grand Central Market).
317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Creative / Gourmet (Delicious) Tacos Elevated: Guerilla Tacos Truck (varies by day see their website): www.guerrillatacos.com
The best Lamb and Goat Tacos we’ve had are in a very casual setting (think, pop-up kitchen inside of an auto shop only on Sat and Sun) which might be too hard to find, so maybe next time.
Lots of other places for great tacos in the Taco Thread:
For Japanese, you might consider:
Aburiya Raku: Our favorite Izakaya in the city. Top quality ingredients and execution, fantastic Sake list as well. So good! Pics and thoughts here.
Mori Sushi: Arguably the best Sushi in the city, ask to sit in front of Chef-Owner Maru-san for omakase and enjoy. Pics and thoughts here.
Shunji: Perhaps more variety and also quite enjoyable for Sushi, ask to sit in front of Shunji-san for a great omakase experience. Pics and thoughts.
Inaba: Affordable, excellent Tempura specialist. There is a Tempura Bar (like a Sushi Bar) and you can sit and order by the piece and they will fresh fry it for you per order! Don’t miss out on the Handmade Soba Noodles as well. Pics and thoughts.
Kagura: If you love Tonkatsu (Deep Fried Pork Cutlets) and Chicken Katsu (Cutlets), Kagura might be for you. Specialist in all things Katsu. Pics and thoughts.
) I will definitely be checking out Republique on the Friday morning! And maybe Sycamore Kitchen too… And thank you so much for the Animal over HLAY rec. I’ve wanted to go to Animal for about 5 years, but my friend’s weren’t as intrigued. Now I have local recs I can convince em :). Plus I love sweetbreads!
