Yujean Kang’s

67 N Raymond Ave, Old Pasadena Plaza, Pasadena, CA 91103 626-585-0855

Description: PASADENA. While Yujean Kang's signature dishes (e.g., tea-smoked duck and steamed pork dumplings) have definitively Asian roots, the restaurant's incorporation of ingredients most often found at Italian and Mediterranean eateries creates above-average fusion fare and keeps diners eager for more. Calamari, parma ham, risotto, and minestrone soup share the table with chicken in plum wine, crispy beef, and dim sum samplers. Kids love the variety, and more sophisticated palates appreciate the melding of flavors.
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Tlapazola Grill

11676 Gateway Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-477-1577

Description: WEST LOS ANGELES. Grilled pork tenderloin with mole amarillo or chicken with mole negro ­ Tlapazola brings unique Oaxacan-style to LA. The restaurant combines dozens of herbs, different types of chocolate, and a number of chiles in their recipes, a lush culinary practice that keeps regulars coming back for delicious lamb, chicken, and pork dishes. The ambience is cool and casual, and when you're not checking out what other diners have ordered, you'll want to commit to trying some dish you've never encountered before.
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Tito’s Tacos

11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230 310-391-5780

Description: CULVER CITY. This "real" taco stand has been dishing out addictive burritos and tacos since 1959. You queue up, give your order, then stand back. Be sure to ask for it "to go," even if you are eating in ­ with a "to go" you get extra chips. You can choose from bean or beef only, as there are no chickens in sight. Two tacos with cheese will set you back less than $5. The lines are usually long, but they move fast. Cash only.
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Radhika’s

140 Shoppers Ln, Pasadena, CA 91101 626-744-0994

Description: PASADENA. Blessed with a wonderful patio and food described by expatriate regulars as "the best we've had in the states," Radhika's is one of the best places in Pasadena to enjoy lush, fragrant Indian cuisine. The sounds of a trickling fountain provide a soothing backdrop as you enjoy chicken tikka masala, lamb dhansak, or chicken dopiaza with its thick, spicy tomato-and-onion sauce. The lunch buffet is a great deal, so be prepared to encounter a fairly large crowd. On weekend nights, belly dancers and traditional Indian folk music add even more flavor to the experience.
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Papa Cristo’s

2771 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006 323-737-2970

Description: KOREATOWN. First appearances are deceiving here ­ the storefront does nothing to indicate the incredible Greek food and imported goods that inhabit this unassuming place. But the rack of lamb is near legendary, and gyros, Greek salads, and spanakopita are sublime. And with warm, friendly service and great prices, the place is tempting enough to provoke folks to eat here every day! Adjacent to the dining room is a shop with shelves of imported olive oils, cheeses, wines, and liquors.
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Marston’s

151 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103 626-796-2459

Description: PASADENA. This cottage-like eatery offers the best breakfast and brunch options in Pasadena. Delight in sourdough French toast rolled in corn flakes, spinach-and-bacon omelets, macadamia-nut pancakes, and chicken-cilantro sausage while taking comfort in the pleasant Western-themed decor and friendly service. There may be a wait on weekends, but the rewards are handsome.
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Il Capriccio on Vermont

1757 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 323-662-5900

Description: EAST HOLLYWOOD. Sporting a casual, friendly mood, this Italian eatery brings diners back again and again with traditional, homemade Italian dishes. Start out with a fresh salad drizzled with zesty Caesar dressing and topped with grated cheese. For your main course, feast on lasagna, rigatoni, or a New York steak ­ everything's good. Finish up with divine tiramisu or a perfectly carmelized crème brûlée. A great value for your money.
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Fish Grill

7226 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90036 323-937-7162

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. This casual, kosher spot is popular with the lunch crowd, who mainly carry out delicious, simply-grilled fish dishes. Generous portions of tuna, trout, and salmon arrive with hot, fresh fries on the side (or rice pilaf, for a healthier choice). Salads topped with grilled fish filets come with a sweet honey-dijon dressing. Sides include cole slaw and baked potatoes. A great choice for a quick, healthy, and cheap meal.
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Casa Bianca

1650 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041 323-256-9617

Description: EAGLE ROCK. In existence for over five decades, this local legend is renowned for its old-fashioned pizza pies ­ crispy, thin-crusted, and topped with plenty of garlic. Red-checkered tablecloths and shakers full of pepper flakes and grated parmesan add priceless retro atmosphere to an already fantastic meal. While pizza is unquestionably the star of the show, several pasta dishes are also on offer, including spaghetti carbonara, linguini with pesto, and vegetarian lasagna. Take note ­ the wait can be long, and only cash is accepted.
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Brent’s Deli

19565 Parthenia Ave, Northridge, CA 91324 818-886-5679

Description: NORTHRIDGE. Although the location is unassuming, this is the deli in Los Angeles, according to aficionados. If plain brick walls, green booths, and framed pictures don't wow you, the food certainly will. Sky-high reuben sandwiches are rumored to be the best this side of New York, and eggs Benedict at breakfast and meatloaf at dinner win raves as well. Brent's doesn't serve alcohol, but if you desire a frosty brew, just eat in the pub next door ­ your food will be passed to you through the "beer window."
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Beacon

3280 Helms Ave, Helms Building, Culver City, CA 90034 310-838-7500

Description: CULVER CITY. With a dining area that's on the small side, Beacon makes the most of its limited space with modern, Zen-inspired decor and two streetside patios. The pan-Asian spot keeps busy thanks to upscale fare and friendly prices. Try a small plate of black edamame before sampling dishes like chicken pad thai (which arrives with rice noodles and tofu) and yaki udon, both quite affordable. Should you choose to indulge, a decent by-the-glass wine selection gets raves for the way it enhances the food.
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Sweet Lady Jane

8360 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 323-653-7145

Description: WEST HOLLYWOOD. Devoted diners flock to this 18-seat cafe for exceptionally creative desserts. Although triple berry cake is a local favorite, choices are extensive. Try a lemon tart, chocolate fudge blackout cake, or one of the many delectable cheesecakes or pastries. A real dessert-lover's paradise, Sweet Lady Jane also serves light lunches ­ soups, salads, and sandwiches. Whole cakes begin at $35 for a 6" round.
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Poquito Más

2215 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-474-1998

Description: WEST LOS ANGELES. For a quick, healthy, inexpensive Cali-Mexican meal, this mini-chain is one of the best options around. Favorite menu items include ahi tacos, vegetarian burritos, huge quesadillas, and famous tostadas, all of which include fresh, house-made tortillas. Don't forget to complement your choice with a freshly prepared salsa from the salsa bar. Tortilla soup is in high demand on cooler days, and there's a special children's menu, too.
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Abbot’s Pizza

1407 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 310-396-7334

Description: VENICE. There aren't a lot of frills at this pizza place, which locals declare serves up some of the best pizza they've ever eaten. Enjoy oven-fresh pies topped with classic toppings or more interesting pizzas with pesto sauce and an assortment of mushrooms or tequila-marinated chicken. Although toppings get their due, the bagel-like crust is what really puts these pizzas over the edge on the tastiness scale. Casual dress and friendly atmosphere.
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