We knew you'd come through. A thought experiment, which started on Reddit, challenging you to name just three L.A. and O.C. eateries you could happily eat at for the rest of your life.
Last week, I shared responses from a call out to my social media followers. And then I asked you, LAist readers, to give me yours.
We received an onslaught of answers. And it seems several of you have the same palates (or frankly, constitutions).
I mean, steak and martinis from now to eternity at Musso and Franks? Apparently, yes. The Burrito 2.0 from Sonoroatown for the rest of your days? Bring it on, you said. To which I say, kudos — you have excellent taste.
We even heard from a few of you who now live out of state and long for some classic SoCal bites. (The Hat’s pastrami, anyone? I feel you.)
Here's a sampling of the next round:
- Saffy's, East Hollywood "I love this place for breakfast and lunch. Good coffee and food are a winning combination in my book."
- Holbox/ Chichen Itza, South L.A. "While I wait for Taco Maria to reopen — because I can't imagine living without seafood and tacos."
- Murakami, Melrose "A small Japanese restaurant on Melrose near our house, has been our casual go-to spot for many years.
- Julie Wolfson, Hollywood
- Destroyer, Culver City "Destroyer is the only place where you can walk in and have a beautifully presented delicious fine dining meal (my favorite tartare, btw) at a very affordable price at a fast-casual speed."
- Rustic Canyon, Santa Monica "One of the most thoughtful restaurants presented in a simple (but not necessarily easy) straightforward way. Their handling of vegetables is second to none."
- Aji, Long Beach "My local restaurant of choice, and I’d go at least once a month. Owners are so kind, and the food is some of the best in Long Beach."
And he adds.... "I can’t find anything here that comes close to these restaurants, even in New York!"
- Alex Ruperto, Cedar Grove, New Jersey
- Moulin, Newport Beach “Like a trip to Paris!!”
- Fratellinos, Brea “Voted #1 Italian in the OC"
- Madero 1899, Fullerton “Just THE best Mexican entrees”
- Kathy Trosko, Orange County
- The Hat (various locations)
- In-N-Out ( various locations): “I’m in TX now, and it's not the same here.”
- Chef's Kitchen, Rowland Heights
He adds, "But then there's Philippe (The Original, DTLA) and Round Table Pizza (various locations). There are too many to pick. Thanks for the nice article.”
- Robert Montoya, Beeville, Texas
