The Hit List Los Angeles: Gracias Gjusta

By

terrine

Welcome to the Resy Hit List for Los Angeles, our monthly rundown of where to eat and drink in these parts. Expect a combination of new, newish and classic joints to populate this list, because you are where you eat. Hey, Katy, post Super Bowl michelada at Gracias Madre with the sharks? Let’s get to it. Here are the places we’re recommending for February.

1/GJUSTA
2/ODYS + PENELOPE
3/PALM BEVERY HILLS
4/PETIT TROIS
5/REDBIRD
6/TERRINE
7/SMOKE.OIL.SALT.
8/GRACIAS MADRE
9/CADET
10/MURUGAME MONZO

1/GJUSTA
Because Gjelina’s new cafe and bakery cuts out the middleman. It’s so LA-of-the-moment that feels a little bit like it’s from the future. A commissary with a counter, you order from anywhere and sit on milk crates in the parking lot like part of the crew. Also, porchetta melt. // Venice. Walk-up counter.

2/ODYS + PENELOPE
Because Karen and Quinn Hatfield’s new place is a barbecue you want to be invited to. It’s open fire, with four kinds of wood, for all you smoke connoisseurs. // Hollywood. Call (323) 935-2977 for a reservation

3/PALM BEVERY HILLS
Because it’s Los Angeles and a facelift is good for business. We start from scratch with the celebrity illustrations, so now’s the time to come in hot. Where they’re not starting from scratch: the Monday Night salad, chicken parm and those sweet 35-day aged prime steaks. // Beverly Hills. Call (310) 550-8811 for a reservation.

4/PETIT TROIS
Because Jonathan Gold says there is “no better plate of escargot in town” and Ludo Lefebvre’s food deserves to be served seven days a week. // Hollywood. No reservations but more accessible than Trois Mec

5/REDBIRD
Because the restaurant based in the landmark Vibiana Cathedral is chef Neal Fraser’s pièce de résistance. The space has four kitchens, a marble bar lounge and a dining room with views of the bell tower. The food matches the drapes and Fraser’s rabbitchetta delivers. Talking Point: Redbird is an ode to the cathedral’s past cardinal. // Downtown. Call (213) 788-1191 for a reservation.

6/TERRINE
Because French cuisine meets California seasonal is the pulse. True to its brasserie roots, the banquettes are oxblood leather and dishes include paté, house-made boudin noir and, non-twist alert, terrine. Chef Kris Morningstar balances the menu with lighter side dishes and a cocktail menu mixed up by Ryan Wainwright from the Tasting Kitchen. // West Hollywood. Click here to book.

7/SMOKE.OIL.SALT
Because third generation pealla master, Perfecto Rocher, casts spells of soccarat. How is the pa amb tomaca this good? // Mid-city West. Call (323) 930-7900 for reservations.

8/GRACIAS MADRE
Because vegan Mexican comfort food means gorditas, chilaquiles and sweet potato flautas without the food coma. Plus, what’s better to stave of the LA winter heat than a mezcal popsicle. Here’s looking at you, New York. // West Hollywood. Call (323) 978-2170 for reservations.

9/CADET
Because chef Kris Tominaga’s first solo pursuit is solid, rustic French fare. It’s heavy on the wood-fire, smoked flavor profile. // Call (310) 828-3300 for a reservation.

10/MURUGAME MONZO
Because noodles made in house. There’s even an Italian fusion of udon carbonara. When in Rome, use chopsticks. // Downtown. No reservations and long waits.

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