The Los Angeles Restaurants We Loved This Month

Just a reminder to L.A. diners…

… that although the Downtown curfew is no longer in effect, restaurants in DTLA, the Arts District, Chinatown, and the vicinity are still hurting from the drop in business over the last several weeks. We’ve got multiple guides dedicated to the area, but I’ll call out a few personal faves: Lasita for a Filipino-style rotisserie chicken that makes me actually want to order chicken in a restaurant; Camélia for sophisticated Japanese-French fusion fare and an excellent sake selection; Pine and Crane for some of the best Taiwanese food outside of SGV, and Sonoratown for my favorite flour tortillas in the country — all excellent in distinct ways, and all proof positives of the benefits of multiculturalism in our great city.

— Jamie Feldmar, Resy Los Angeles Editor

I’ve known chef Adam Leonti…

… for almost 20 years across our times in Philly, New York, and now, L.A. It’s been so amazing to see his cooking evolve. The Alba space in West Hollywood is gorgeous, and the experience was made even more complete by a celebrity (clad in a velvet blazer) sighting. The “fancy mozzarella sticks” (his own words) are a must, as is the tableside Bolognese. At the end, Adam brought us a chocolate mousse that wasn’t fully formed — the way they do it in some town in Italy, apparently — and it was amazing.

— Pete Schaaf, Data Manager

One of the Westside’s loveliest patio experiences…

… can be had at the Great White location in Venice, come brunch or dinner. But if you’re here at night, don’t miss any of their pizzas (it’s always the Margherita for me), the sandwiches (especially the crispy chicken sandwich), and the salads (we love the Caesar and market chop salad).

— Nic Mercure, Senior Implementation Specialist, Global Dining Access

We came in not knowing much about the restaurant…

… (it was everyone’s first time at Si! Mon) and we were blown away. What a delightful mix of dishes in a beautiful and buzzy space. The smoked fish dip was great to share over cocktails. The sweet corn bollo was so good, we wish we’d ordered a second. Best bite was a tie between the Afro-Caribbean shrimp dumplings and the potato cream that’s served with the tasajo-style hanger steak. And the cocktails and wine program are stars.

Pro tip: If you get scared of finding parking so close to the beach — like I do — don’t worry, there are two giant public lots on either side of the restaurant.

— Brett Luevanos-Elms, Restaurant Success Manager

As one of the toughest tables to get in L.A.*…

… I was thrilled to snag a last-minute, day-of reservation at Dudley Market. The menu is short and to the point — the point being to highlight the very fresh, very local seafood that co-owner Conner Mitchell regularly catches himself. Much of it is served raw, in crudo, or sashimi form, including a kanpachi dressed simply with tamari and yuzu kosho, and striped bass with pepper ponzu and charred scallion oil. Although I’m partial to the raw fish and the cooked vegetables (the charred broccolini is a sleeper hit), they also serve a legendary burger, too, with bacon jam and cheddar, which I’ll have to try next time, if I’m lucky enough to have a Notify come through again.

*(Don’t believe me? Check out the throngs of hopeful diners crowding the adjacent alleyway, sipping natural wine while waiting two-plus hours for a seat in the breezy, beach-adjacent dining room.)

— Jamie Feldmar, Resy Los Angeles Editor

I was killing time in Studio City…

… when I decided to pop into Cosette Wine Bar, the semi-hidden wine bar and bottle shop above Rolling Greens. It was a peaceful hideaway from the hordes of the Sportman’s Lodge shopping center, where it’s located. I ordered a glass of Raventós rosé cava and some light bar snacks while admiring the greenery and golden hour light through the soaring windows. I’m already planning to head back soon, hopefully on a Wednesday night to enjoy 40% off bottles from its impressive list.

— Sara Ventiera, Los Angeles Writer, Resy Editorial

It’s hard to nail the sweet spot between…

… being a neighborhood hangout joint and a total destination spot, but Quarter Sheets is just that. Plus, the warm service makes for a perfect setting to take friends or family out to, for any and all occasions. The pan pies are hands down the best I’ve tasted in L.A. — soft in the middle, crispy yet light, and loaded with layers of cheesy goodness — also, do not pass on the salad. We ran the full gamut and got all of the desserts, but you absolutely cannot skip the princess cake. You simply must go.

— Cody Goetze, Restaurant Success Manager

More Los Angeles staff picks, right this way.