Quick Bite Restaurants

Located in a Greek Market that has been open since the 1940’s, Papa Cristo’s Greek Restaurant has been serving South Los Angeles authentic culinary delicacies for more than 20 years. Using imported seasonings, cheeses, olives, olive oils, as well as other ingredients to prepare the culturally true plates featured at Papa Cristo’s, it is no wonder people rave that this is some of the best Greek food available in Los Angeles. A full menu with items like Sizzling Feta & Tomato, Dolmades, Tabouli, Gyro, and Rack of Lamb just to mention a few, will satiate any desire for tasty Greek …

Rogelio and Janet Huidobro opened the first Café Sevilla in 1987, honoring their homeland with a Spanish restaurant in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. After finding additional success in Riverside, they launched in downtown Long Beach in 2006. Mid week, the old-world setting draws business types. Weekends attract a younger crowd for upstairs dancing and dinner shows. Café Sevilla specializes in pans of paella and traditional Spanish tapas. The reasonably priced wine list is especially strong on full-bodied Spanish reds like Tempranillo and Torre Oria.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, those in Simi Valley can head to Greek House Cafe. Although the archetypal exterior reflects its surrounding strip mall, Greek House Café is a break from the norm. Featuring classic dishes such as Kabobs, Hummus, and Spanakopita, the menu lets diners choose their favorite Greek delights. What keeps guests returning for more are the Pita bread sandwiches and entrees. The sandwiches offer a selection of Gyro, Chicken, Lamb, or Falafel wrapped in warm pita smothered under tzatziki sauce and onions. The dinner plates come complete with Roast Potatoes or Rice, Green Veggies, Soup or …

Whether you are out on the town for a lively night of entertainment or you’re settling in for a lazy Sunday with the morning paper, Café Montana is eager to suit the occasion with its subtle SoCal charm and distinguished California cuisine menu. Weekend visitors may savor the thoughtful brunch menu that caters to multiple palates and diets. Dishes like the Lox Benedict and the Montana Angus Beef Burger are worth getting out of bed for. The evening menu is equally eclectic and satisfying with highlights like the Seared Scallops, the Pumpkin Ravioli, and the Blackened Prime Rib. And did …

Your senses may revel in the stunningly engaging décor and modern Japanese cuisine menu presented at Katsuya. Executive Chef Katsuya masterfully crafts traditional sushi rolls and distinctive specialty dishes to please more seasoned and fresh palates alike. Dishes like the Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna and the Kobe Filet with Foie Gras have developed their own loyal following. Chef Katsuya’s artful menu is complemented and heightened by the truly innovative and equally satisfying décor of designer Philippe Starck. Striking contrasts of black and white capture snippets of moments for patrons to muse over as they dine in the appetizing “wooden …

Executive Chef and Owner Akasha Richmond maintains the highest standards for both her culinary skills and the quality of ingredients she uses. Her distinctive New American cuisine menu highlights bold flavored comfort food that prizes sustainable and organic produce and meats. Many local purveyors throughout the region source the kitchen, and help to fuel visitors’ passions for thoughtful food. Small plates like the Niman Ranch Lamb Sliders invite guests to mingle around savory delights, while entrée selections like the Star Anise Braised Short Ribs and the Meatloaf may insist on not being shared. The unique specialty drink menu and fresh …

Composing a colorful mosaic of Italian small plates, or enotecas, Master Chef Celestino Drago brings the heart of Italy to his aptly named Beverly Hills restaurant, Enoteca Drago. Rustic authenticity is the key to this regional Italian cuisine menu, and seasonal and artisanal ingredients bring the flavors to life. Before one takes a single bite, he or she may gain insight into Chef Drago’s vision by noticing the décor – the cherry wood communal dining table set center stage hopes to encourage a shared dining experience, while the use of weathered stone and touches of terra cotta transport us far …

Adopting the iconic canary-colored building familiar to many Venice locals is Ado Ristorante, the brainchild of Co-owner Paulo Cesaro and Chef Antonio Mure’. This rustic Italian cuisine eatery marries the understated sophistication of its earthy décor of exposed wood beams and simple wood seating with a welcoming menu of unpretentious authentic fare. The Taagliolini Rossi is a rich dish of homemade red beets pasta in a Marsala quail egg ragu, and the Tagliata di Cinghiale is a savory delight of grilled wild boar tenderloin served with a white port and raspberry sauce.

Beacon stands as a go-to destination for innovative Asian cuisine that seamlessly marries traditional technique with visionary flavors. Chef Matsusaka utilizes years of experience as both a classic and avant-garde chef to create a menu that is equally inviting as it is adventurous. Dishes like the Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad and the Miso Braised Shortribs shine in the stark yet comforting décor of the restaurant’s main dining space. Bare cement walls stand tall along floor-to-ceiling windows that wash the entire space in warm light, while the outdoor patio provides a relaxed and lively spot to savor the fine Asian …

Famed Chef Todd English pairs up with Hollywood darling Eva Longoria Parker to introduce us to Beso, a glamorous and refined restaurant serving up fine fusion cuisine with a side of glitz nightly. Step into Beso and be seduced by the lush and invocative palette of deep crimsons, rich wood tones, and alluring leather upholstery. The menu infuses Latin-inspired flavors with Middle-Eastern flare for a tantalizing array of meat and seafood selections. Eva’s Tortilla Soup is a comforting bowl of spice and the Beso Paella is an invigorating melding of surf and turf. Every bite glistens like the crystal chandelier …

Bloom Café was born from the vision and inspiration of Arnaud Palatan and Jean Louis Bartoli. Answering the call for inviting local organic fare, Bloom Café offers an airy and calming space to savor a menu created around locally grown ingredients and invigorating flavors. Cool your head with one of the many fresh smoothies blended daily, and satisfy your taste buds with a crunchy sandwich, comforting bowl of pasta, or steaming pizza. Breakfast diners may be drawn to the Simple Tofu Scramble, the Chicken Chorizo Burrito, or the Fresh Blueberry French Toast. Other favorites include the Greek Lamb Burger and …

Gaze out over the waters of Marina Del Rey, and nestle in for a rousing seafood-inspired dining experience at Shanghai Red’s. The restaurant’s Polynesian, Victorian, and contemporary architectural elements complement the similarly diverse and refined menu, and the welcoming lounge and cocktail patios invite guests to linger a while and truly savor the reprieve. Weekends are reserved for an award-winning champagne brunch that boasts both traditional brunch items and a selection of ethnic specialties; nightly delights include dishes like the Spicy Ratatouille Pasta, the Blackened Swordfish Steak, and the Sizzling Top Sirloin.

Downtown receives a touch of dining genius with the establishment of Bottega Louie. This traditional Italian café and gourmet market invites visitors to linger a while over hand-crafted pastries, specially coordinated entrée dishes, and stone oven pizzas; then they may humor their own culinary inspirations by perusing the market’s selection of artisanal cheeses, infused oils, pastas, meats, and other hard-to-find items. Head Chef Sam Marvin takes care to ensure his menu pleases the most discerning palates: Pasta dishes are served in slightly more petite portions to encourage patrons to sample any of the many tasty side dishes.

Barbrix Restaurant and Wine Bar is a new venue in Silver Lake serving fusion dishes consisting of Italian and Spanish cuisine with a Californian flare. The menu and décor are creative, modern, and eclectic with an ambiance that is intimate and friendly. This unique venue offers cooking classes, and a wine list that nicely complements their menu. Try such dishes as Pamplona and steak frites. Barbrix also prepares delectable desserts, such as their nutella crème brulee. Whether you’re interested in a quick bite or a gathering of friends to enjoy good food and a few glasses of wine, Barbrix is …

BottleRock’s philosophy is simple: “passion about wine, beer, food, and the subtle intermingling and fusion of tastes.” This idea pervades the entirety of the wine bar’s menu. Bottle Rock presents an extensive wine list alongside an inventive selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and cheeses. The Los Angeles hotspot has two locations: one in Downtown and the other in Culver City. Both locations are part tasting room, part wine retailer, and part quick bites. BottleRock also carries handcrafted beers and sake, and the venue encourages guests to explore new flavors and combinations. Their food menu changes seasonally and is presented to …

If you’re in the valley and searching for a trendy and sophisticated hangout for the evening, head to Rocco’s Tavern in Studio City. This rapidly expanding Los Angeles rendezvous is located on Ventura Boulevard at Whitsett Avenue. Rocco’s Tavern is open for lunch, dinner, drinks, and late night fare daily. Their menu is full of Italian favorites and they have a full bar along with 20 beers on tap, more in bottles, and a respectable wine list. Rocco’s has both indoor and outdoor patio seating accompanied by a mixture of bar stools, booths, and tables. The décor is simple yet …

Combine custom pool tables, a full bar and kitchen, plush couches, and a mural with unique lighting and you’ve just entered The Rack. The Rack is situated in the heart of Woodland Hills at the Promenade shopping center. This hip venue is open daily and serves everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to brunch, cocktails, drink specials, and late night snacks. The Rack’s executive chef stirs up creative dishes and drinks that are an innovative fusion of Californian and European flavors and cuisines. In addition, on the last Thursday of every month, The Rack hosts an event known as The …

Situated at the cross roads of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, is a quaint corner eatery called Toast Bakery & Café. This Los Angeles hotspot, often frequented by celebrities, offers a wide variety of menu options. Open from early in the morning to relatively late at night, this café provides a hearty breakfast, a relaxing get away from work for lunch break, or for simply a light cup of coffee when a pick me up is needed. Toast is a phenomenal venue for a Sunday brunch as well as a date. Their menu showcases pastries, eggs, salads, soups, sandwiches, and …

Inspired by their Studio City strategic partners, Alcove Café & Bakery is located in Silver Lake on Hillhurst Avenue over by Griffith Park. This café and bakery offers scrumptious meals and their menu boasts a huge variety of options. The Alcove constantly uses the freshest ingredients, opens early, and closes late. They serve everything from breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner, mimosas, and pastries and coffee. Enjoy a chill afternoon, a late night bite or just a cup of tea and a scone at this hidden Los Angeles gem.

A local favorite known for its relaxed urban style, Tender Greens, remains committed to locally grown organic ingredients of the finest caliber. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastries that bring a little taste of home to their guests. Food is prepared fresh daily in house and is always refreshingly satisfying and delicious. Tender Greens has multiple locations throughout California and provides patrons with a casual, comfortable, and cozy eatery in which they can grab a bite before a movie or after a show or simply go out on a nice date. The ambiance is …