Where to Eat in LA, May 2023
So many scrumptious restaurants, fresh spaces, and lush people-watching. Even as we move into Gray May days, the sun is still out and shining - and the weather is as perfect as it ever was. Let’s each, hang out, catch up, and luxuriate in all the yummy food and atmospheres that Los Angeles has to offer.
I will never tire of Los Angeles’s abundance of mouthwatering restaurants, unique spaces, with lots of people-watching opportunities. Even we move into Gray May (so close to June Gloom), the sun continues to shine, and the weather remains perfectly Californian. Let's relish in each other's company, savor scrumptious food, and immerse ourselves in all the atmospheres that this city has to offer. Here’s what I’m eyeing for May 2023!
Table of Contents
Loreto in Frogtown (Baja seafood)
Baar Baar in DTLA (Indian)
Bar Monette in Santa Monica
For Neapolitan Pizza, Spanish Tapas and Wine
Image from Bar Monette
Casual, cool pizzeria slash wine bar, sporting jewel-box jade walls, and marble high-tops pump out fire-blistered pizzas with a decadent option to add on truffles and cavier (pretty sure that’s unique to Bar Monette) so why not splurge.
Across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and occupying a compact 900 square foot space, it’s bar seating for all. Canadian Chef Sean MacDonald (named best 2016 Canadian chef), originally intended to only have walk-ins, but with an explosion of popularity, their reservations became booked (so recommend checking Resy ahead of time). Eater LA describes its interior as ultra-vibey and comfortable; not sure what that means but it can’t be bad! For sweet tooth lovers, I heard MacDonald is well-versed in excelling at desserts so don’t miss their rotating menu.
https://www.barmonette.com/, 109 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, California 90401
Loreto in Frogtown
Baja-style seafood, ceviches, tostadas, and an indoor-outdoor venue that screams Pacific Ocean
Pesca del Día Zarandeado at Loreto, image by @meetjakob
From the same group as Cha Cha Cha , comes Loreto tucked away in unpretentious Elysian Valley. The vibe is Baja California with an indoor-outdoor space and an unapologetic (authentic?) Spanish menu. Reviews highlight the fresh seafood, awesome drinks, and excellent ambiance. Menu has a fresh selection of ceviches, tostadas (like Tostada a la Joaquin with tuna, onion, avocado and yuzu), and botanas (appetizers) along with fish highlights (like Pesca del Día Zarandeado) or the Tostada.
Located steps from the LA River Bike Path, near other strongholds La Colombe Frogtown Cafe and Roastery and Wax Paper sandwich shop, its in my book for the perfect dinner spot in the neighborhood. For now, dinner service only.
https://www.loreto.la/ , 1991 BLAKE AVE, LOS ANGELES CA 90039
Baar Baar in DTLA
For Fine Dining, Indian Food and Cocktails Near Downtown’s LA Live and the Crypto.com Arena
Taking over the old Faith and Flower Space, a new Indian restaurant and bar imported from NYC. Fine dining, a hop-skip from the steps of LA Live and the Crypto.com Arena. Conveniently located for pre and post-game gatherings. True to the former tenant, the seats scream comfy with tufted banquettes and wide booths and the space retains lofted windows, elegant chandeliers and an exciting cocktail menu.
Menu standouts include Chicken Malai Tikka (with cheese and summer truffle!), Wild Shrim Ghee Roast (with Byadgi Chili, fennel, poi bread which is a whole wheat bun with wheat flour, all purpose flour and wheat bran), and a Paneer Pinwheel (literally paneer shaped as slim roll complete with gravy, red pepper chutney and pistachio).
https://www.baarbaarla.com/, 705 W 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
More Places to Try
Lingua Franca in Frogtown - Californian cuisine. Located next to the LA River, I’ll forever remember them as the restaurant with a white crane logo (as these cranes are seen often along the river). From the same crew as Wax Paper, they feature an eclectic menu with burgers, grilled salads, and Pork Collars on a bed of lentils. A generous patio with modern wood-slated pergola sets makes it a perfect place eat, to watch the sunset with your dog by your side.
Brinjal Gemelli.
Roasted eggplant sabzi and ricotta salata. Image by Pijja Palace IG
Pijja Palace - named Eater LA’s restaurant of the year as it captures the freewheeling, inventive, and rule-breaking spirit of Los Angeles in a modern, futuristic, Indian sports bar. The food is heavy, reservations are hard to find, but everyone says it’s worth it.
Isla - from the Crudo e Nudo team, comes their second fora in Santa Monica. Centered around wood stove mains (Kanpachi and Black Cod), charcoal skewers (Shrimp, Chanterelles); and a comprehensive wine list to round it off.