Los Angeles Restaurant Tips by marinarena Top 5 Page for this destination

Oreno Yakiniku Japanese Barbeque: Cheap AND Great Sushi & Slushy $1 Sapporo!

Here's a great, somewhat hidden Japanese delight within Little Tokyo. Oreno Yakiniku adopts the "grill at the table" approach to the BBQ experience. The plated are well-portioned plates, as well as the common craving favorite of sushi- authentically Japanese. This means that the ingredients are delicate and the roll actually melts in your mouth.

BBQ is the principal menu item, served up on plates of Jidori (poultry) that is free-range, beef or shrimp with mixed vegetables. Also highly recommendable are the sashimi bowl of beef or Ikura (salmon) and the basic miso soup.

The best deal here? Of course, Happy Hour! Come in between 5:30 PM- 7:30 PM.
This is a particularly generous HH menu. I mean, $1 for a huge jug of Sapporo?
Even as a non beer lush, that's considerably the deal of all time to me.

With a sharp eye to detail in a romantic, sleek black and red decor, OY is good for a date with that special someone. Also the restaurant does cater to groups with the large seating arrangements conducive to the table-side grilling show.

The restaurant staff on my visit were friendly, fast and accommodating to Americans and others not exposed to ethnic Japanese/Pan-Asian restaurants/customs. Thankfully, no feeling of staff being aloof to "outsiders" as one can tend to experience at ethnic cuisine eateries.

Prices are fairly reasonable. Dinner plates can go as high as about $23 but most items are around $15 and much less for lunch and sushi /sashimi menu items.
Lunch, Dinner and Happy Hour served every day of the week!

Favorite Dish: Fora non adventurous but good bite, have the California or Spicy Tuna Roll.
If more adventurous, try the fried beef motsu (intestine)

Address: 123 S Onizuka St, Ste 308

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Little Tokyo

Phone: 213-680-0829

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Website: http://www.oreno-yakiniku.com

Mendocino Farms: Get Gourmet North Cali taste in L.A.

You are in for a treat at Mendocino Farms. Gourmet sandwiches and salads are the main feature on the menu. Expect the utmost quality of exquisite, exotic ingredients for the most common food of the American diet- the sandwich. I try many sandwiches, semi-gourmet and otherwise, but here-I was especially satisfied, no "buts" about it.

On the menu, there are several combinations based on typical deli meats- turkey and chicken are preferred. Basic vegetarian and vegans are addressed with different flavorful options, not just a few slabs of bread and lettuce with blah tofu.

With most always certain busy enviornment, the service manages to be fast and friendly. The downtown L.A location at the California Plaza is one that I've frequented. A cheerful greeter is always out to distribute menu flyers to the public, educating those interested about the concept of Mendocino Farms and the menu.

Sandwiches are not cheap here. Expect to pay at least $7 for one but you will be stuffed. Do take advantage of free samples of side dishes, which Mendocino crew gladly offer while waiting for the sandwich to be made.

Favorite Dish: Caprese (sandwich), very filling and healthy!

Address: 300 Grand Ave

Comparison: about average

Directions: California Plaza- 300 South Grand Ave; 444 S. Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Downtown)
175 S. Fairfax Ave Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (Miracle Mile)
7100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 195 (West Hollywood)
4724 Admiralty Way (Marina del Rey)

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Health Food

Website: http://mendocinofarms.com

Good Microbrew and Grill in Silverlake: Grub on Good!

Enjoy "Good" times at this Silverlake neighborhood haunt which features a variety of special spirits nights and upscale fast food. Off famous Sunset Blvd, the microbrew/grill is inviting for the locals, inclduing many of the hipster crowd, sports fans, couples and groups.

Decisions, decisions when it comes to selecting a beer at this joint. There are over 150 specialty brews, including kosher and gluten free (so L.A !) from which to choose. Whoa! If in doubt, ask the waiter for recommendation.

As far as the menu, there are savory upscale junk food favorites for appetizers, like buffalo wings, fried calamari and pot stickers. Additionally, the American classic, tater tots, are fancied "Good" style up here by adding parmesan and truffle oil. If you are craving mac and cheese, have it in a bite with gouda instead of cheddar.

For lunch or dinner, any of the gourmet burgers are worth chowing on-veggie, turkey and codfish ones included. The most creative one is the Mac and Cheese Bacon Bit.

For healthier food options, try my first entree meal here, the "Coachella Wrap", filled with grilled zucchini, guacamole, tomatoes, salsa, lettuce, red onions, along with pepper jack cheese in a spinach wrap. For sides, there is quinoa (a sort of rarity for fast food), brown rice, sauteed green beans, grilled veggies and the increasingly more common sweet potato fries, among others.

It gets fairly crowded at Good during the peak dinner hours, starting around 8 PM, but mostly likely, guests will be able to grab a decent table or bar seat. If arriving here for a sports game of choice, most of seating is good for TV viewing. Several projections cover half the bar/dining area.

Overall, Good, one of Silverlake's preferred joints since 2000, may not live up to its name.
It may just end up as great- in mine and many folks' book.

Notes:
Breakfast also served.
Hours(subject to change): Mon/Tues – 11am-10pm, Weds – 11am-11pm
Thurs/Fri/Sat – 11am-midnight
Sun – 9am-10pm.

Favorite Dish: Try the Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese bites! To die for!

Address: 3725 W Sunset Boulevard

Comparison: about average

Directions: off Sunset, Silverlake

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: American

Website: http://www.goodmicrobrew.com/

Big Mama's & Papa's Pizzeria: Prepare for 36 inches...

...of pizza in your pie holes, pizza partakers! :-O

Get "the world's largest pizza" around, at least the biggest you'll find in L.A.! At BMBP, a 36" pizza is not a pipe dream-it's reality, and a delicious one indeed! It'll cost ya $80 but for a more common size for 2-3 people, 13" medium, you'll be set back about $15.

Yes, it's quite indulgent but if you don't care about the calories, you'll be more than satisfied. The pizza alone is plenty but there are also sandwiches, famously the philly cheesesteaks, buffalo wings and more.

I have gone to the downtown L.A. location for gigantic slices a few times and haven't been disappointed. Cheesy and saucy enough, just right thin crust! Slices are from $5-$7. A variety of slices with specialty names are usually available during lunch, including a favorite, BBQ slice (grilled chicken) and the veggie. The downtown location is relatively close to the Metro stops and L.A . Live venues (Staples Center and Nokia Theater).

Note:
If you happen to be in a large group (50-70 or so) perhaps as part of a school or work group consider ordering the largest deliverable pizza of all- the whopping "Giant Sicilian" that is 54"by 54", 200 slices. Wowser! This special menu item can be order at limited locations (check website).

Check for coupons on website.

For something different, try...
gluten-free crust pizza
whole wheat crust pizza

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: By Figueroa and Flower St, Downtown Los Angeles, 657 S Flower St
Los Angeles, CA 90017

and many other locations countywide

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://bigmamaspizza.com/

Dresden: Experience Old Fashioned Simplicity in Los Feliz

Classy upscale joint Dresden is not only a restaurant but landmark Hollywood area landmark worth an evening out. Not only does the Dres deserve to be a restaurant- but also a nightlife tip.

Centered in modern hipster central Los Feliz, Dresden is a bit of an oddity in these parts, as an old fashioned establishment. However, it is arguably the premiere restaurant of the neighborhood, with steak and seafood as the main juicy entree features.

Dinner only is served up along with nightly musical performances. The main acts are Marty and Elayne, a jazz pop standard duo who has become a staple of the classic nightlife scene of Los Angeles. The two old-timers were featured satirically in Swingers but honestly, they are true talents.

Drop in Dresden even if just for admiring the interior design of the lounge and main dining area which is exquisite Mandarin-American continental.

Notes:
Hours: Daily from 4:00 PM-11PM (restaurant); nighttime entertainment from Marty and Elayne is Tues-Sun, 9PM-just after 1 AM;
Certified Angus beef served here

Average price range (entree and drink) is about $30 per person. A light appetizer with drink is $20 or less. However, if you are wanting to live it up Chateaubriand et vin style, expect to spend about $70 pp.

Favorite Dish: French onion soup--- creamy, delicious- plain and simple

Address: 1760 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

Comparison: about average

Directions: Los Feliz, on Vermont Ave between Hollywood Blvd and Franklin Ave

Phone: 323.665.4294

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: American

Website: http://www.thedresden.com/menu.html

ESPN Zone - L.A. Live: Eat ESPN Style

In a nutshell, ESPN Zone is a step above mediocrity as far as a casual restaurant experience. Centered between Staples Center/Nokia Arena and the convention center, the sports watching-centric joint is steadily busy nightly. However, wait time for a table is not too bad from what I've seen- usually a few minutes. Especially during the NBA and NHL season with co-Staples hosts Lakers, Clippers and Kings, expect a capacity crowd.

From what I tried thus far, the food is tasty but typical American fare of burgers, sandwiches, chicken entrees and pizza. Serving size- also very American (huge).

For the L.A.Live location , go for the patio seating to better capture the ambience. Feel the usual cool evening air breeze and watch the chic, fun center crowd.

Notes:
Seating is indoor, outdoor and bar
Hours--11 am - 12 am

Favorite Dish: Pizza Margherita, definitely plenty for one person. Good for 2 really. The crust is not super thin but not thick.

Address: B 101, 1011 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA

Comparison: about average

Directions: downtown LA, LA Live, off the 110 FWY, 11th /Figueroa

Phone: 213-765-7070

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: American

Website: http://espnzone.com

El Paseo: Don't Pass on Paseo on Olvera St

Though a bit typical menu and decor wise, El paseo is a good enough restaurant especially for visitors in the historic and charming tourist's trap that is Olvera St.
I must warn a potential diner: look out for the pigeons along the patio. Eat at your own risk! Well, the pigeons don't pose a real threat; just shew them away.

Enjoy the music of local musicians while dining. Tips are appreciated by them but a guest is not obligated to pay.

Favorite Dish: fajitas- done either with steak or chicken

These are marinated meat with green peppers and onions, and are commonly eaten with torillas, flour or corn.

Address: 11 E. Olvera St., 90012

Comparison: about average

Directions: Olvera St., across from Union Station, downtown Los Angeles

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Mexican

Cliftons Cafeteria: Come for Comfort Food/Calories at Clifton's Cliftons Cafeteria Review

UPDATE: Temporarily closed for renovations.
Expected to be reopened Fall 2012!!

Located in the Historic Core part of downtown, Clifton's is a staple of the neighborhood. I had first become aware of Clifton's as a child, having frequented its former locations in the LA suburbs of Lakewood and West Covina. Unfortunately, those saw their last day and gave way to shopping mall retail. Boo-hoo! At least, but the original has survived.

Come here for what can be called classic, hearty American food. Bring your appetite!! Choose from a great assortment of main and side dishes here-usually of the meat, potato/pasta and vegetable variety. Deciding on what to get can be a task - at least for "open-gusto" types like me. Overall, the service and attitude is expected to always friendly and casual- just like being at home (well, for those with good,non-dysfuctional homes). Servers always offer to cut off fresh beef,ham or turkey roast for you. I, try to lay off the heavy meat and get a combo of salads and pastas.

Favorite Dish: Pictured is the delicious turkey pot pie, with tres leches cake and a tamarindo (Mexican) drink. I had Chicken Chipotle with red potatoes and peppers. Very filling and delicious for $5. If it were at a full-scale restaurant, this would easily be $15 or more. Note that this is a unique dish that may not be offered everyday . Usually any chicken or similar main dish will be featured though, and will be just as excellent.

Address: 648 South Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90014

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Downtown Los Angeles off 7th street

Phone: 213.627.1673

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Mustard Cafe: Get Lots of Goodness in Los Feliz

The Mustard Seed Cafe is a small, cozy spot sure to satisfy everyone in small eaterie lovin' Los Feliz. Open throughout the day, diners can choose from a varied menu of semi-gourmet entrées--Chicken Chutney salad, Rosemary Turkey Burger, Spinach Mushroom Quiche or a "Penn Arrabbiata" dish anyone?

One gets plenty for the buck at the Hillhurst Ave establishment. Salads are quite ample. A regular sized order is seemingly meant for 2-4 people instead of one. Most entrees are under an amazing $16, even during dinner. Your palette will delight from the great taste and nutrition served up from each dish. Foe the especially health and fitness conscious, there is a special protein-heavy selection from which to choose.

Casual is the main quality of Mustard Seed. The atmosphere and service is distinctively laidback. Popular esp for breakfast and lunch, expect a challenge to get a table outdoors or indoor. However, coming here later in the afternoon, I was able to get a comfy spot inside.

Problem here? The parking, as usual for Los Feliz. On adjacent Clarissa Ave, there is immediate but very limited parking, metered but giving out only 15 minutes at a time!!! So, be prepared to park further or keep feeding the machines.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am - 10 pm; Sat-Sun 8:30 am - 10 pm
Vegetarian-friendly

Favorite Dish: Grilled Eggplant & Goat Cheese Sandwich : $9.95
- With grilled spinach, onions, shredded carrots, tomato pesto, and melted goat cheese, and herb mayonnaise.

The bread is toasted slightly to perfection, great fresh taste of veggies and cheese

Address: 1948 N. Hillhurst Avenue

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Los Feliz, off Vermont

Phone: (323) 660-0670

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.mslosfeliz.com/

Burrito King: Burritos in Los Feliz

Burrito King is a small L.A chain of basic Mex-American food, all in the modern hippie/yuppie Silverlake/Loz Feliz neighborhood. It seems like the public opinion of BK is quite split, judging from the locals- love it or hate it. So far, I'm ... liking it. The quality and service is good, not great- just good. BK is not expensive like many joints in the area, is quick and handy. Note: I have visited just the Hyperion/Rowena location, which has good parking in the rear lot. Nearby this joint is the Rowena reservoir park area, a rather peaceful place where you can catch a wonderful view of L.A.

The other BK location is at:

2109 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

(213) 484-9859

Favorite Dish: chile relleno burrito- oozes well cooked refried beans, perfect chile, very filling!

Address: 2827 Hyperion Ave

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Silverlake area, east of downtown L.A.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Local