Who says there are no good places for foodies in West Los Angeles? These restaurants prove that if you’re in West LA, there’s good food near you.
Ask a foodie for the LA neighborhood with the best restaurants, and chances are they won’t say “West LA”. But that doesn’t mean you have to go far for your foodie hankerings if you live in West Los Angeles. Mark down these restaurants and their locations instead:
Big Boi
Address: 2027 Sawtelle Blvd
Barb Batiste who founded B Sweet Dessert Bar also came up with this place. Unsurprisingly, you can again find the very best of Filipino desserts at Big Boi. If you’re a Pinoy or you’re curious as to what Filipinos like for dessert, you can now try the legendary halo-halo and ube cakes. Who knew blue food can be so tasty?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1uDyyXFlJE/
Shunji Japanese Cuisine
Address: 12244 W Pico Blvd
The place used to serve BBQ and chili, but now it serves sushi. The focus is more on veggies, and the fans of fish and produce won’t be disappointed. Check out Shunji, a great place for lunch on the weekday or weekend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlZE7Jeh4am/
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle
Address: 2057 Sawtelle Blvd
The bad news here is that it’s so popular that you’re in for a long wait before you get to enjoy the noodles you’re hankering for. (This may tempt you to just go to the ANNEX ramen shop right across the street. But since it’s a sister shop of Tsujita’s, maybe that’s the point.)
But even after an hour (at least) of waiting, somehow the dip ramen (aka the tsukemen) makes everything worthwhile. You just find yourself automatically dunking the noodles into the fatty broth like some sort of meditation process. Check out Tsujita today.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJ9l3Mhz22/
Necco
Address: 1929 Westwood Blvd
Although this place focuses on fancy kaiseki cuisine, it’s a lot more casual than you might expect and the prices aren’t all that high. If your party has both meat-eaters and vegetarians, Necco is where everyone’s palate will be satisfied.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVm7yNBA9z/
Killer Noodle
Address: 2030 Sawtelle Blvd
Come to Killer Noodle and try the Tokyo Bowl, which is a type of Chinese-style dan dan noodles done a lot spicier. The soup is based on pork with lots of sesame paste, along with hot Sichuan peppercorn chili oil. Yep, it’s a killer alright.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdltTbLl50M/?hl=en
Nanbankan
Address: 11330 Santa Monica Blvd
This yakiniku place in Little Osaka is brightly lit, so you can’t miss the daily grilled specials specified on the markerboard. Order a chicken meatball skewer called a tsukune with one of the draft sakes and you’re good to go. Do try to come in early, since the popular skewer options tend to disappear quickly. Check out Nanbankan today.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtC7J2PjnfG/
Taste of Tehran
Address: 1915 Westwood Blvd
This has long been a favorite restaurant for many here in South Westwood. That’s because of the homey nature of the food, it’s like how grandma makes them if she’s Iranian. Come to Taste of Tehran for lunch and get kebab plates with grilled tomato, but you also have to try the ghormeh sabzi stew.
https://www.instagram.com/p/w8Bcvihmqd/
The Apple Pan
Address: 10801 W Pico Blvd
Just about every foodie in the area knows about The Apple Pan restaurant, as it’s been around since 1947. When you visit, you must order the Hickory Burger, which is dressed in their secret BBQ sauce. But the patty melt is terrific too. After that, finish the meal off with classic slices of pie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Nk0HMDLYa/
Kato
11925 Santa Monica Blvd
The place itself isn’t exactly a visual masterpiece, but the stark surroundings just emphasize the fantastic taste of the fabulous food. What’s more, the prices are surprisingly reasonable, which does explain the lack of fancy décor. Check out Kato restaurant for yourself.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoPS8LdHJl8/?hl=en
Kiriko Sushi
Address: 11301 W Olympic Blvd, Sawtelle
Plenty of people say this is the best of the sushi joints in Sawtelle, and you can believe there are lots of sushi shops in the neighborhood. Check out Kiriko Sushi, this restaurant offers both classics and innovative dishes, so you can enjoy sushi regardless of how adventurous you are.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgfFLVBnCVP/
Sichuan Impression
Address: 11057 Santa Monica Blvd
Are you looking for a rabbit, toothpick cumin mutton, or even bullfrog? You’ll find them all on Sichuan Impression‘s menu. Other options you should consider include cold steamed chicken in chili sauce, mapo tofu with lots of spices, and special saucy noodles that look like spaghetti. In other words, all the Sichuan classics are here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzn3QFtBjvC/
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