The June Hit List: Mon Ami, Bar Monette, Damon’s, and More

This loungey courtyard restaurant, situated a few blocks from the Santa Monica Pier, opened just in time for leisurely summer nights. The food, from former Rustic Canyon and E.P. & L.P. chefs Samir Mohajer and Sabel Braganza, pulls from across the Mediterranean, with dishes like Greek salad with whipped feta, cauliflower shawarma, and Jidori chicken tagine, plus loukoumades with cardamom chantilly cream for dessert. Cocktails, like the El Rey with mozzarella-washed vodka and clarified tomato-basil cordial, are particularly creative.

The latest addition to L.A.’s ever-growing pizza scene is Santa Monica’s buzzy new Bar Monette. Here, chef Sean MacDonald makes wood-fired pizzas with fluffy, leopard-spotted crusts and luxe toppings like truffle and aged cheese or pesto and Dungeness crab, in addition to seasonal “tapas” such as potato agnolotti with cultured butter and chive oil and charcoal-grilled prawns in a saffron bisque. It’s a casual spot with just the right amount of fancy.

Do you ever feel like you need an escape, just for an evening, without actually leaving L.A.? Enter Damon’s, a thatched-roof oasis that’s been serving up thick steaks and tropical drinks in Glendale since 1937. From the delicious (and strong) mai tais and Chi Chis to the bone-in steak with crispy onion strings, this old-school steakhouse, with its immersive tiki decor, is a world unto itself. Come for the prime rib, stay for the Dole Whips, and don’t expect any windows in the joint.

There’s a new wine bar in town, this time in the heart of Fairfax, on Melrose. Stir Crazy took over the longstanding Melrose Ave coffee shop of the same name, gave it a handsome makeover, and now features a nicely compiled wine list alongside seasonal small plates. Order a bottle or two, enjoy ribbony slices of ham and zucchini galettes, and hang for a while. The revamp has only been open for a few weeks, but it’s already a bona fide summer hot spot.

No reservations. More info here.

The best kind of drink is a perfectly made classic cocktail, and since we’re feeling a vibe for classic joints this month, let’s note that the bartenders at century-old classic Musso & Frank are experts in the form. Here’s the move: slide up to the bar, order a martini or a Manhattan, then watch the tuxedo-clad staff work their magic as you breathe in the timeworn Hollywood vibe. Old-school snacks like shrimp Louie, Roquefort-stuffed celery sticks, and, of course, French fries are available at the bar, making a pit stop at M&F the perfect move before (or after) a night out elsewhere. 

Call (323) 467-7788 for reservations. More info here.

Horchata French toast with caramelized pineapple and birria-stuffed breakfast burritos are some of the latest additions at Ka’Teen. That’s right, chef Wes Avila’s always-packed Yucatán-inspired  destination in Hollywood is now doing weekend brunch. And given the restaurant’s lush al fresco digs, it’s a very nice place to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon sipping on passionfruit and guava margaritas.

An afternoon at Steep, a teahouse on the ground floor of a Chinatown plaza, is simply restorative. The quiet, natural-toned café specializes in premium teas sourced from China and Taiwan, like steeped lapsang souchong black tea and cold-brewed green tea with jasmine flowers. Best of all, they serve delicious noodles, vegetarian or with pork, with chili crisp and a delightfully nutty sesame sauce.

No reservations. More info here.

Having a go-to for laid-back, everyday sushi is a smart addition to your dining playbook. Sogo is exactly this. Perched on a patio in the Los Feliz stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, it’s a compact, friendly spot for solid handrolls that won’t break the bank. Highlights from the tight, crowd-pleasing menu include the salmon with yuzu pepper sauce and blue crab with Kewpie mayo and lemon juice.

Living in Los Angeles means it’s necessary to have at least one breakfast burrito a month. Right?

Right. For your next one, head to La Azteca Tortilleria in East L.A., where they’re wrapped in the restaurant’s fantastic handmade tortillas. Choose from carna asada and eggs, bacon and potato, nopales and eggs, and more—there are no bad choices at this longstanding neighborhood favorite.

No reservations. More info here.

Summer is here; cue the lobster roll craving. Son of a Gun’s iteration — served in a buttered brioche bun, sprinkled with chives, and garnished with potato chips — is an L.A. classic. Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s tried-and-true, nautically-themed restaurant is also known for its big eye tuna carpaccio draped over avocado and tortilla chips and swimming in leche de tigre, its hush puppies with country ham, and a shrimp toast sandwich with hoisin and sriracha mayo. Bonus points for the fully stocked bar.

The chef David Kuo of popular Mar Vista Taiwanese spot Little Fatty recently unveiled a sprawling grocery store with everything from hot food to bento boxes, Asian pantry items, fresh produce, and beverages galore. Even for those who live across town, it’s worthy of a visit—and promises plenty of snacks for your ride home. 

No reservations. More info here.