New on Resy: Birdie G’s, Pizzana West Hollywood, Jaffa Palms

A lot of love went into Birdie G’s, the latest venture from the The Rustic Canyon Family. The Santa Monica newcomer is a tribute to acclaimed chef Jeremy Fox’s grandmother (with a wink to his daughter), and the recipes he grew up eating at her side. Prepare to wax poetic about homestyle dishes like cast-iron cornbread, noodle kugel, chicken scaloppine, and wood-grilled chicken. It’s plated nostalgia with a twist, and an ode to LA’s bountiful produce.

It takes a master to break the rules. And that’s what you’re getting at Pizzana West Hollywood, where Napoli meets LA. Naples-born pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi honed his pie-slinging craft under the very best before reimagining his pies for the SoCal crowd. Get ready for pasta-themed pizzas (look for the cacio e pepe and carbonara), locally-sourced toppings (get the squash blossom corbarina), and a neo-Margherita, topped with basil crumb.

With patio season in full swing, we can’t think of a better spot to dine in the sun. Jaffa Palms, the second location of the Israeli eatery, delights with a sun-drenched terrace and flavor-rich, spice-flecked fare. Highlights include velvety labneh, lamb couscous, salmon shawarma, and the most refreshing fattoush.

You can trust Vibrato Grill & Jazz to know its music; after all, jazz icon Herb Alpert owns this Bel Air gem. Settle into the dim space, aglow with flickering candles, and indulge in old-school American dining at its finest, with world-class live jazz acts enlivening the night—think lamb lollipops, Maryland crabcakes, classic Caesar, and roasted lobster tails.

In an enclosed wooden space that reads like a futuristic hut, Roy Choi explores Hawaiian soul food in all its glory. A-Frame goes full on luau through an LA lens, doling out Flamin’ Hot Cheetos elote, spam-and-kimchi ramen, cracklin’ beer can chicken (which resonates with every bite), and what might be Culver City’s best loco moco. Aloha indeed.

Nestled in a greenhouse-like space hidden off the Sunset Strip, Eveleigh is a true oasis. Patrons sling back stiff drinks at the rustic reclaimed bar and friends chatter over cocktails on the patio, but you’ll want to be in the light-filled dining room, with twinkly LA and a delightfully simple menu before you. Burrata matched with garlicky greens and lamb meatballs aren’t to be missed.

Flashback to 1999. Three friends have just left their native Bangkok for Southern California, and have quickly discovered that the Thai eateries aren’t up to snuff. Flash-forward to 2006 and you have Gindi Thai– a bona fide spot for rich and fiery delights, from short ribs braised in green curry to Chilean sea bass in tamarind sauce. Throw in a fresh sushi bar and whimsical libations, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

A cozy little nook of a place in Westwood, fundamental LA stands as a true neighborhood gem. The market-driven bistro takes the basics and spruces them up, from steak tartare laced with black garlic aioli to smoked duck breast drizzled in cherry XO sauce. Lunch calls for a more casual affair (sandwiches and salads), but no matter the time, the wine list hides a treasure trove of the natural varieties.

Creative types flock to this family-owned, warehouse-like space for its curated gift shop and dance classes. But also to grab a bite at the casual Paper or Plastik Cafe, which boasts seasonally-driven plates that are bound to satisfy. We’re talking beer-braised pork shoulder with buttermilk sopes, kimchi chicken and pancakes, and local yellowtail toast.

At this Venice locale, you’re on island time. Sunny Spot fires up tasty finger food that practically begs for a cocktail, with a beachy vibe to match. Think blistered shishito peppers, chili cheeseburgers, and tacos, with your choice of libation—we like the frozen piña colada and sunny Old Fashioned, best sipped on the patio among the electric blue chairs.

A cocktail destination for Great Gatsby devotees, Bibo Ergo Sum drips with 1920s swank and serious craft. The next-level libations promise something for everyone, from non-alcoholic concoctions to complex and boozy delights.

Owned and operated by the same team behind fiery favorite Gindi Thai, Summer Fish & Rice veers towards the seafaring offerings of Japan. Indeed, the sleek and elegant locale doles out sushi, from signature rolls (try the spicy tuna killer roll) to summer sashimi specials (order the seared albacore carpaccio).

Perched atop the Hollywood Hills, and with a sprawling panoramic view, Yamashiro Hollywood pairs Asian-inspired dishes with craft cocktails and artisanal sakes. And though sushi rolls and house sashimi have the locals streaming in, you’d be remiss to overlook the melty Wagyu burger with furikake fries.