Every Friday, our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.
For the return of a cult-favorite tonkatsu: Kimukatsu in Torrance
Kimukatsu, a popular tonkatsu-ya in Japan, quietly reopened in Southern California after first arriving in Sawtelle Japantown back in 2013. While the West Los Angeles and eventual Culver City outposts closed, the restaurant has revived in the former Vanshow sushi in Torrance’s Tokyo Central Market on PCH serving a small but mighty menu of pork and chicken katsu sets. Kimukatsu earned its bones from the 25-year “millefeuille” pork katsu that carries the almost sweet fragrance of pork with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Coupled with its hefty panko crust, Kimukatsu is about as good as one can get at a mid-range tonkatsu spot in Japan. The curry option, served at a dense almost mole-like consistency, feels even more comforting during these chilly winter days. Right now, most sets are under $20, making this a relative bargain in the South Bay. Just know that since the opening was fairly recent, the fryers can be a little slow during peak times, so be patient. 3665 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite D, Torrance, CA 90505. — Matthew Kang, correspondent, Eater
For weekend pastries: Clark Street Bakery (multiple locations)
I cycle through a few bakeries whenever I’m in the market for a fresh baguette to pair with butter or a croissant, but Clark Street Bakery has remained in rotation for years. Although the bakery has expanded to four locations, and a Hollywood diner, across Los Angeles, it has managed to retain its consistency and quality. Most recently, I dropped by the pint-sized Larchmont location, more of a pastry case and espresso bar situation than a full cafe, to grab a cold brew and heavily spiced cardamom buns. If I need more of a meal, I tend to head toward Clark Street’s location on the border of Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown. There tends to be a good stock of pastries from morning to close, so even if you’re on a last minute monkey bread excursion, you probably won’t leave empty handed. Locations on the border of Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown, Larchmont, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For pristine regional Italian food: Rossoblu in Downtown Los Angeles
Rossoblu sits directly across from the popular South American restaurant Dama in the City Market South courtyard, where chef Steve Samson prepares food inspired by his childhood in Emilia-Romagna with his wife and co-founder, Dina Samson. It’s a gorgeous room with high ceilings, comfortable seats, and closely attentive service from a crew that’s been working in Los Angeles hospitality for years. Every dish feels personal. Order the bubbly focaccia, any of the homemade pastas (though you can’t go wrong with beef and pork ragu tagliatelle), and the hanger steak. Keep your eyes on the fries, which get triple-cooked, doused in balsamic, and nestled with sage leaves. The wine list remains stellar with mostly Italian bottles, plus a handful of French and Californian wines. Sit under the centerpiece mural to best take in every feature of this primally good restaurant. 1124 San Julian Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90015. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For coffee and light-as-air pancakes: Takagi Coffee in Beverly Grove
Watching a full stack of pancakes come to life at Takagi Coffee feels thrilling to witness. The Japanese souffle pancakes, already thicker than the average American flapjack, create a tower befitting a shower of pancake syrup and butter. They have very slight jiggle and aren’t too eggy, as some souffle pancakes tend to be. You can order the pancakes swiped with red bean and dusted with matcha, crowned with whipped cream and pocked with berries, or even a caramel apple version — but I find the simplicity of butter and syrup nostalgic and impossible to beat. Pair the pancakes with your favorite iteration of coffee (there’s plenty of matcha for tea drinkers, too) and skip the more savory dishes; souffle pancakes remain the true highlight. 8048 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048 — Kat Thompson, audience editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
