Eat
ONA
A hacker’s guide to eating L.A.
Century City is not known as a destination for food and drink. But the L.A. Times Data Desk has your back. Our gift: free access to food critic Jonathan Gold’s 101 top restaurants and our own nearby favorites below. Patches? Fork us on GitHub.
The morning after a meal at Hinoki and the Bird, your memories tend to be complicated: steel-edged elegance and the fumbling of all the OK Cupid dates going on around you; wisps of cauliflower shaved over a coconut soup and the slightly gritty texture of the charcoal-infused buns used to make the lobster roll; the ethereal scent of cedar smoke on the salmon and the sour aftertaste of cocktailian overindulgence.
The morning after a meal at Hinoki and the Bird, your memories tend to be complicated: steel-edged elegance and the fumbling of all the OK Cupid dates going on around you; wisps of cauliflower shaved over a coconut soup and the slightly gritty texture of the charcoal-infused buns used to make the lobster roll; the ethereal scent of cedar smoke on the salmon and the sour aftertaste of cocktailian overindulgence.
This spot is a popular neighborhood place for breakfast and lunch. Just across Santa Monica Boulevard from the mall, it has a decidely different feel and a pleasant outdoor space.
This spot is a popular neighborhood place for breakfast and lunch. Just across Santa Monica Boulevard from the mall, it has a decidely different feel and a pleasant outdoor space.
If you aren't picky about beer, BJ's across from the hotel is fine. Otherwise, this is the closest tavern with interesting brews. Dozens of bottles and 29 taps with lots of Belgian and German options. Lots of whiskeys. Garden, above-average grub.
If you aren't picky about beer, BJ's across from the hotel is fine. Otherwise, this is the closest tavern with interesting brews. Dozens of bottles and 29 taps with lots of Belgian and German options. Lots of whiskeys. Garden, above-average grub.
Is it food or is it play? Some people are perfectly fine with waiting half an hour in line to order a cupcake from a machine. Not really my jam, but if it's yours, it's a short ride or a long walk from Century City.
Is it food or is it play? Some people are perfectly fine with waiting half an hour in line to order a cupcake from a machine. Not really my jam, but if it's yours, it's a short ride or a long walk from Century City.
Imagine if Nathan Myhrvold was moonlighting at your local Baskin Robbins, and you'd get something like Ice Cream Lab. The gimmick is they freeze the ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and they do this while you watch. This means the stuff is pricey — but a very fun show.
Imagine if Nathan Myhrvold was moonlighting at your local Baskin Robbins, and you'd get something like Ice Cream Lab. The gimmick is they freeze the ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and they do this while you watch. This means the stuff is pricey — but a very fun show.
L.A. has some of the few remaining classic Jewish delis in the country. Nate and Al's is the one closest to ONA 15. (It was in the "Deli Man" movie!)
L.A. has some of the few remaining classic Jewish delis in the country. Nate and Al's is the one closest to ONA 15. (It was in the "Deli Man" movie!)
You will not leave hungry. This Tehrangeles restaurant stands out among Persian restaurants lining Westwood Boulevard for its younger, hipper crowd. Order mast-o-khiar (yogurt and cucumber dip) or mast-o-moussir (yogurt and shallot dip) to start. For a homespun meal, go with ghormeh sabzi (herbs, kidney beans and dreid lime stew) or my personal favorite, fesenjoon - a walnut and pomegranate stew. After dinner? Persian chai and zoolbia.
You will not leave hungry. This Tehrangeles restaurant stands out among Persian restaurants lining Westwood Boulevard for its younger, hipper crowd. Order mast-o-khiar (yogurt and cucumber dip) or mast-o-moussir (yogurt and shallot dip) to start. For a homespun meal, go with ghormeh sabzi (herbs, kidney beans and dreid lime stew) or my personal favorite, fesenjoon - a walnut and pomegranate stew. After dinner? Persian chai and zoolbia.
Probably the best Lebanese restaurant I've ever been to outside of the Levant. Start simple with tabbouleh or fattoush. Add a couple of dips - I recommend the hummus kawarma, which comes topped with chopped beef and pine nuts. If you eat meat, go for the combo grill for a shish tawook if you want garlic-infused chicken
Probably the best Lebanese restaurant I've ever been to outside of the Levant. Start simple with tabbouleh or fattoush. Add a couple of dips - I recommend the hummus kawarma, which comes topped with chopped beef and pine nuts. If you eat meat, go for the combo grill for a shish tawook if you want garlic-infused chicken
Why not? It's so close. Consider sitting outdoors with pastries at Bouchon, happy hour at Via Alloro, martinis at Nic's, dinner at Il Pastaio, 150 wines by the glass at the new Wally's or sandwiches at Il Tramezzino. Need more 90210 ideas? Click the link.
Why not? It's so close. Consider sitting outdoors with pastries at Bouchon, happy hour at Via Alloro, martinis at Nic's, dinner at Il Pastaio, 150 wines by the glass at the new Wally's or sandwiches at Il Tramezzino. Need more 90210 ideas? Click the link.
This is some of the freshest sushi in L.A. and the warm rice is an added bonus. I always take out-of-towners here and I've yet to be disappointed.
This is some of the freshest sushi in L.A. and the warm rice is an added bonus. I always take out-of-towners here and I've yet to be disappointed.
Mark Cuban is among investors in this large space serving a broad, contemporary menu with veggie options. I often have a beer and sides before seeing a movie upstairs. Long bar, lots of wine and skilled bartenders.
Mark Cuban is among investors in this large space serving a broad, contemporary menu with veggie options. I often have a beer and sides before seeing a movie upstairs. Long bar, lots of wine and skilled bartenders.
Don't be fooled by its average appearance. This perfectly crafted Persian ice cream puts all others to shame.
Don't be fooled by its average appearance. This perfectly crafted Persian ice cream puts all others to shame.
Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
See Marilyn Monroe's grave. Hugh Hefner did when he bought the crypt next to her for $75,000 in 1992. "Spending eternity next to Marilyn is too sweet to pass up," he told The Times.
See Marilyn Monroe's grave. Hugh Hefner did when he bought the crypt next to her for $75,000 in 1992. "Spending eternity next to Marilyn is too sweet to pass up," he told The Times.
This family-owned chain is an L.A. tradition. [Beck even name-checks it in a song.] Even though "chicken" is in the title, Zankou has a tasty falafel and a garlic sauce and pickles you are guaranteed to crave.
This family-owned chain is an L.A. tradition. [Beck even name-checks it in a song.] Even though "chicken" is in the title, Zankou has a tasty falafel and a garlic sauce and pickles you are guaranteed to crave.
Open until 2 a.m., Bella Pita caters to the UCLA crowd with the wowshi, a crispy pita pocket stuffed with your choice of chicken, basterma, ground beef, an omelet or black beans. Load it up with lettuce, onions, cucumber and a rainbow of squeeze-bottle sauces, including tahini, garlic sauce, hummus and hot sauce.
Open until 2 a.m., Bella Pita caters to the UCLA crowd with the wowshi, a crispy pita pocket stuffed with your choice of chicken, basterma, ground beef, an omelet or black beans. Load it up with lettuce, onions, cucumber and a rainbow of squeeze-bottle sauces, including tahini, garlic sauce, hummus and hot sauce.
The annex has a slight edge over Tsujita L.A. that's right across the street. The Tsukemen with original negi is easily the best ramen experience I've had in Los Angeles. Perfect marriage or pork-based broth, sesame-infused negi onion and garlic.
The annex has a slight edge over Tsujita L.A. that's right across the street. The Tsukemen with original negi is easily the best ramen experience I've had in Los Angeles. Perfect marriage or pork-based broth, sesame-infused negi onion and garlic.
A short cab ride from the conference hotel sits Little Osaka, also known as Sawtelle Japantown. There you can find ramen, sushi, soba, sake and this quintessential example of L.A.'s latest food fad: Korean staples as greasy and Americanized as Chuck Norris' taekwondo. You can find galbi and bulgogi ground into burgers, rolled in sausages or, my recommendation, a hot mix mashed with Sriracha mayonnaise served in a deep-fried ball.
A short cab ride from the conference hotel sits Little Osaka, also known as Sawtelle Japantown. There you can find ramen, sushi, soba, sake and this quintessential example of L.A.'s latest food fad: Korean staples as greasy and Americanized as Chuck Norris' taekwondo. You can find galbi and bulgogi ground into burgers, rolled in sausages or, my recommendation, a hot mix mashed with Sriracha mayonnaise served in a deep-fried ball.
I'm here once a week for the vegetarian ramen. but it's all terrific. If the line is out the door, as it often is, there are 20 Asian food options within two blocks in "Sawtelle Japantown" aka "Little Osaka." Also on Melrose.
I'm here once a week for the vegetarian ramen. but it's all terrific. If the line is out the door, as it often is, there are 20 Asian food options within two blocks in "Sawtelle Japantown" aka "Little Osaka." Also on Melrose.
Sushi Tsujita is a version of a classic edomae-style sushi bar, intimate and stunningly expensive, specializing in fish prepared using century-old techniques developed to preserve seafood as much as to flavor it: curing with seaweed, salting, pickling. The menu is almost exclusively omakase, chef's choice, and costs $120, $150 or $180, with the addition of grilled A5 Miyazaki beef.
Sushi Tsujita is a version of a classic edomae-style sushi bar, intimate and stunningly expensive, specializing in fish prepared using century-old techniques developed to preserve seafood as much as to flavor it: curing with seaweed, salting, pickling. The menu is almost exclusively omakase, chef's choice, and costs $120, $150 or $180, with the addition of grilled A5 Miyazaki beef.
I'm not going to spoil anything for you. But if you're enticed by the fact that this might actually be as weird as it sounds, you should go.
I'm not going to spoil anything for you. But if you're enticed by the fact that this might actually be as weird as it sounds, you should go.
Located in the former Helms Bakery complex, this gastropub is perhaps best known for its burger: glazed with a sweet relish and packed with arugula. Wash it down with a beer from a selection as long as the comfortable outdoor patio is wide. Not the lightest on the wallet, but rarely disappointing.
Located in the former Helms Bakery complex, this gastropub is perhaps best known for its burger: glazed with a sweet relish and packed with arugula. Wash it down with a beer from a selection as long as the comfortable outdoor patio is wide. Not the lightest on the wallet, but rarely disappointing.
If you're in L.A. you have to try Guisados tacos. Trust us on this. [Megan and Armand always stop at the one in Boyle Heights before stocking up on drinks for our weekly meeting.] Of the three locations, the closest is in West Hollywood.
If you're in L.A. you have to try Guisados tacos. Trust us on this. [Megan and Armand always stop at the one in Boyle Heights before stocking up on drinks for our weekly meeting.] Of the three locations, the closest is in West Hollywood.
A (pricey) seafood lovers paradise. Get the linguine with clams.
A (pricey) seafood lovers paradise. Get the linguine with clams.
Grab a counter seat and watch your tortillas being made at the Loteria in the Original Farmers Market. Offering one of L.A.'s best potato tacos, the Loteria version is made with mashed potatoes with roasted poblanos and topped with a bit of cheese and cilantro. (Santa Monica location has a full bar.)
Grab a counter seat and watch your tortillas being made at the Loteria in the Original Farmers Market. Offering one of L.A.'s best potato tacos, the Loteria version is made with mashed potatoes with roasted poblanos and topped with a bit of cheese and cilantro. (Santa Monica location has a full bar.)
Lots of great art inside the museum, but don't miss the fun and excellent photo ops in the outdoor space: "Urban Light" — you've seen it in movies, a collection of 202 lamp posts, no two alike. "Levitated Mass" - yep, the big rock. "Penetrable" — twist yourself up in what look like hanging spaghetti noodles. Friday evening of conference is a free outdoor jazz concert.
Lots of great art inside the museum, but don't miss the fun and excellent photo ops in the outdoor space: "Urban Light" — you've seen it in movies, a collection of 202 lamp posts, no two alike. "Levitated Mass" - yep, the big rock. "Penetrable" — twist yourself up in what look like hanging spaghetti noodles. Friday evening of conference is a free outdoor jazz concert.
Original Farmers Market 3rd/Fairfax
Hard to believe that 80 years ago this was an intersection of fields where farmers gathered to sell produce out of the back of their trucks. Now the permanent market stalls offer a unique food court and plenty of good people watching.
Hard to believe that 80 years ago this was an intersection of fields where farmers gathered to sell produce out of the back of their trucks. Now the permanent market stalls offer a unique food court and plenty of good people watching.
Looking for a gay bar? We’ll help you out. The Abbey is probably the best known of West Hollywood’s gay bars, and tends to be a mecca for tourists. Head there if you're straight. Otherwise, Robertson (The Factory) is great for dancing, Revolver or Motherload are good for a strong drink, and Gym Bar is a great place to hang out.
Looking for a gay bar? We’ll help you out. The Abbey is probably the best known of West Hollywood’s gay bars, and tends to be a mecca for tourists. Head there if you're straight. Otherwise, Robertson (The Factory) is great for dancing, Revolver or Motherload are good for a strong drink, and Gym Bar is a great place to hang out.
Just look at the picture.
A fun, relatively short hike with some of the best views in the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way from the ocean past downtown. Parking is free and readily available on the nearby side streets.
A fun, relatively short hike with some of the best views in the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way from the ocean past downtown. Parking is free and readily available on the nearby side streets.
Both standard and highly creative vegan food and pizza, plus beers on tap, pleasant indoor and outdoor spaces. Open late.
Both standard and highly creative vegan food and pizza, plus beers on tap, pleasant indoor and outdoor spaces. Open late.
Lobster rolls two ways, three kinds of 'chowda,' and great WeHo people viewing. J. Gold advises that if you're doing it right, there will also be vast mountains of clams on your table.
Lobster rolls two ways, three kinds of 'chowda,' and great WeHo people viewing. J. Gold advises that if you're doing it right, there will also be vast mountains of clams on your table.
This weekly flea market is held every Sunday at Fairfax High School, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from furniture to vintage cameras to empanadas. It's $3 to get in, but all proceeds go toward Fairfax High.
This weekly flea market is held every Sunday at Fairfax High School, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from furniture to vintage cameras to empanadas. It's $3 to get in, but all proceeds go toward Fairfax High.
République is a super-bistro, a small-plates joint jacked up on steroids. But it may have the best French fries in Los Angeles --they're cut in long, perfect blocks from fresh potatoes, steamed, slightly dehydrated in a low-temperature oven and then finally boiled in a bath of beef suet and peanut oil until they are tawny and crisp.
République is a super-bistro, a small-plates joint jacked up on steroids. But it may have the best French fries in Los Angeles --they're cut in long, perfect blocks from fresh potatoes, steamed, slightly dehydrated in a low-temperature oven and then finally boiled in a bath of beef suet and peanut oil until they are tawny and crisp.
A great, inexpensive place to see laugh-out-loud comedy. Lots of famous comedians came out of here, including Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig. (Only one bad seat in the house in this tiny theatre: next to the (awesome but very loud) band.)
A great, inexpensive place to see laugh-out-loud comedy. Lots of famous comedians came out of here, including Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig. (Only one bad seat in the house in this tiny theatre: next to the (awesome but very loud) band.)
Think of it as Meat Camp but with cocktails — very, very good cocktails. Appetizers include mutton chops, grilled beef heart and a choice of hand-chopped tartares.
Think of it as Meat Camp but with cocktails — very, very good cocktails. Appetizers include mutton chops, grilled beef heart and a choice of hand-chopped tartares.
Grab your expense account and order the pozole verde, this place is so bleeping good. J. Gold calls the beets and berries "mind-blowing." Does it come with burrata? Get it.
Grab your expense account and order the pozole verde, this place is so bleeping good. J. Gold calls the beets and berries "mind-blowing." Does it come with burrata? Get it.
Before you hit the sands of Santa Monica Beach or the amusement park on the pier (which houses a carousel built in 1916), stop by for a freshly made sandwich. Step up to the old-fashioned deli counter and order one of the 30-plus sandwiches or a hot daily special. The "Godmother" is a local staple. Warning: order online to avoid the long lines. Limited outdoor seating.
Before you hit the sands of Santa Monica Beach or the amusement park on the pier (which houses a carousel built in 1916), stop by for a freshly made sandwich. Step up to the old-fashioned deli counter and order one of the 30-plus sandwiches or a hot daily special. The "Godmother" is a local staple. Warning: order online to avoid the long lines. Limited outdoor seating.
Silent screen legend Norma Talmadge broke ground for this famed theater in 1926 using a shovel presented by actress Anna May Wong. You can compare your hand and footprints to scores of Hollywood greats.
Silent screen legend Norma Talmadge broke ground for this famed theater in 1926 using a shovel presented by actress Anna May Wong. You can compare your hand and footprints to scores of Hollywood greats.
Old-school classic Hollywood vibe. You know how when you order a milkshake at Denny's, you get the extra on the side? M&F does that with martinis. Go for the bar, not the food.
Old-school classic Hollywood vibe. You know how when you order a milkshake at Denny's, you get the extra on the side? M&F does that with martinis. Go for the bar, not the food.
One of the best ice cream experiences in L.A. Unique flavor and texture combinations. friendly staff and limitless samples.
One of the best ice cream experiences in L.A. Unique flavor and texture combinations. friendly staff and limitless samples.
Pacific Ocean
It's Los Angeles. Stop looking at a computer and get some sand between your toes. So many beaches to choose from! Closest is Santa Monica's wide open beach.
It's Los Angeles. Stop looking at a computer and get some sand between your toes. So many beaches to choose from! Closest is Santa Monica's wide open beach.
Is it kitschy? Sure it is. But if you walk the streets of Hollywood with our handy database (2,967 entries and counting) you'll learn the history of the entertainment industry.
Is it kitschy? Sure it is. But if you walk the streets of Hollywood with our handy database (2,967 entries and counting) you'll learn the history of the entertainment industry.
"L.A. has a subway?" is the common refrain. No, it doesn't go very close to Century City, so it's a bit of a jaunt to get to. But once you're there you can ride from Hollywood, to Pasadena and even to Long Beach. And you can tell your friends you rode the subway in L.A.!
"L.A. has a subway?" is the common refrain. No, it doesn't go very close to Century City, so it's a bit of a jaunt to get to. But once you're there you can ride from Hollywood, to Pasadena and even to Long Beach. And you can tell your friends you rode the subway in L.A.!
Chef Kwang Uh's "experimental kitchen" turns out intricate and highly inventive dishes that combine the food of his Korean heritage with local ingredients, techniques he picked up at culinary school and in world-class kitchens, and what comes off the shelves that also decorate the restaurant -- loaded with fermenting vats and pickle jars.
Chef Kwang Uh's "experimental kitchen" turns out intricate and highly inventive dishes that combine the food of his Korean heritage with local ingredients, techniques he picked up at culinary school and in world-class kitchens, and what comes off the shelves that also decorate the restaurant -- loaded with fermenting vats and pickle jars.
This is a mom-and-mom hole in the wall with great Korean noodle soups and even greater banchan -- Korean side dishes. Service can be slow, but it's charming, and a unique taste of L.A.'s sprawling Koreatown.
This is a mom-and-mom hole in the wall with great Korean noodle soups and even greater banchan -- Korean side dishes. Service can be slow, but it's charming, and a unique taste of L.A.'s sprawling Koreatown.
All you can eat KBBQ, using a stone grill. Good meat selection and friendly service (they even cook the meat for you!) The only negative is wait times can get a little long during dinner hours. Just make sure you leave room for the kimchi fried rice at the end.
All you can eat KBBQ, using a stone grill. Good meat selection and friendly service (they even cook the meat for you!) The only negative is wait times can get a little long during dinner hours. Just make sure you leave room for the kimchi fried rice at the end.
With a website like ilovemole.com, you know what Guelaguetza is all about. Don't stop at the four different kinds of mole. Try out the giant Oaxacan pizzas called tlayudas. Wash it down with a smoky mezcal or a michelada, which I like to describe as a Bloody Mary with beer. Adventurous? Get the chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers).
With a website like ilovemole.com, you know what Guelaguetza is all about. Don't stop at the four different kinds of mole. Try out the giant Oaxacan pizzas called tlayudas. Wash it down with a smoky mezcal or a michelada, which I like to describe as a Bloody Mary with beer. Adventurous? Get the chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers).
Order the crying Tiger beef/pork and anything off special menu. Fair warning: this place cooks with some serious heat. You'll be treated like family. As the owner told The Times test kitchen chef: "The love is in the food."
Order the crying Tiger beef/pork and anything off special menu. Fair warning: this place cooks with some serious heat. You'll be treated like family. As the owner told The Times test kitchen chef: "The love is in the food."
Chef owner Farid Sadi, a French Algerian, runs a North African taqueria in Exposition Park. Your taco, quesadilla, bowl or burrito can be stuffed with roasted cauliflower, charred vegetables, shakshouka, duck hash and more.
Chef owner Farid Sadi, a French Algerian, runs a North African taqueria in Exposition Park. Your taco, quesadilla, bowl or burrito can be stuffed with roasted cauliflower, charred vegetables, shakshouka, duck hash and more.
One of the best views of L.A. (even better at night) and general entrance for inside the observatory is free.
One of the best views of L.A. (even better at night) and general entrance for inside the observatory is free.
Do you want an authentic fish taco truck experience? Go to this place. The Baja-style shrimp tacos are the bomb, made with Ricky's top-secret wonder batter.
Do you want an authentic fish taco truck experience? Go to this place. The Baja-style shrimp tacos are the bomb, made with Ricky's top-secret wonder batter.
Check out Central Park's wilder cousin. The killer view makes the hill worth it. Pack water and your camera.
Check out Central Park's wilder cousin. The killer view makes the hill worth it. Pack water and your camera.
At this new restaurant in downtown El Segundo (near LAX), the menu features grilled artichoke relleno; chicken and charred tomato tinga; beef and goat birria; pork pozole over hominy grits; prime New York steak; and a Sausalito burger topped with pepper Jack cheese, crushed avocado, cilantro and onion relish and bacon-infused Thousand Island dressing.
At this new restaurant in downtown El Segundo (near LAX), the menu features grilled artichoke relleno; chicken and charred tomato tinga; beef and goat birria; pork pozole over hominy grits; prime New York steak; and a Sausalito burger topped with pepper Jack cheese, crushed avocado, cilantro and onion relish and bacon-infused Thousand Island dressing.
Grand Central Market
An eclectic open-air market brimming with options. Ignore the massive line at Eggslut and grab a cheap, delicious lunch at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas.
An eclectic open-air market brimming with options. Ignore the massive line at Eggslut and grab a cheap, delicious lunch at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas.