LA Food Crawl

(article by Kimiya Aframian and Nikka Arabestani) Do you have a hard time deciding where to eat and are interested in trying new places? This Los Angeles inspired Food Crawl itinerary of restaurants includes just a few locations you can try that will definitely leave you satisfied. Spring break is just around the corner, so take your friends and family to these mouth watering hot spots and indulge in some of the finest cuisine in LA.  Breakfast: 

• Bagel Nosh

Bagel Nosh is not the typical Jewish bagel shop on Wilshire. Well it is, but they serve outstanding flavors. The energy in the restaurant is exciting, with customers choosing their fresh bagel from the front display. In addition to regular spreads, one can top their bagel with vegetables or warm eggs. Not in the mood for a bagel? Then a must-try is the breakfast burrito. It goes great with brewed coffee and a group of enjoyable friends for breakfast, brunch or lunch.  

• Flake

Walking distance from many Venice hotspots, Flake makes a great breakfast or lunch destination where one can enjoy a meal in a hip, modern setting. They specialize in acai bowls, offering a variety of versions all customizable according to taste, and with a broad selection of toppings. They also serve endless breakfast style sandwiches and salads. A safe bet is to order the Sambazon Acai Bowl, which is ensured to surpass the standards for this contemporary treat. Lunch: 

• Nizam

Plan in advance before going to this all-you-can-eat Indian food buffet, offered weekdays from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. With its small storefront on Pico, this restaurant can easily be missed by the average passer-byer, however it will forever be referred to as one of the Indian food eateries in LA. The buffet menu usually changes daily and offers meals for customers with any type of dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. Strong recommendation for leaving substantial room to try the rice pudding dessert kheer. 

• R+D Kitchen

This trendy, popular lunch destination includes a mouthwatering menu that you won’t be able to resist. This spot is usually crowded; reservations are recommended but not mandatory. The menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options, along with many substitution opportunities. The spot is well known for their burgers and salads, along with their tasty desserts. Strong recommendation: order the burger or something from the specials, it’s called special for a reason.  

• Kye’s

This trendy, light restaurant on Montana is a hotspot for any typical Santa Monica resident and has a flexible, diverse menu applicable to almost all dietary restrictions. The menu has a section dedicated to their famous Kyritos, sandwich wraps with a choice of protein, grain and wrap style; nori, lettuce or both! In addition to the Kyritos, Kye’s serves a variety of other meals and special treats, like In-House Brewed Boba and special pastries. Vegan brownies for the win! 

• Tocaya Organica

As the restaurant name may suggest, Tocaya Organica serves great organic Mexican inspired dishes that are extremely photogenic. Many of the meals are packed with fresh vegetables, produce and grains, all blended together in great flavors and aesthetically pleasing designs. Although originally located in Venice, this up and coming restaurant has growing locations around Santa Monica and LA, for example on Wilshire and 5th Street. With their fluctuating menus and contructable dishes, this comfort food will please all customers. As a starter, try the Plantain Chips and Guacamole! Dinner: 

• Galbi King Korean BBQ

This all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant located near Sawtelle is the epitome of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, with one of the most famous meal plans being the $19.99 dinner special. Here, customers not only divulge on the endless rounds of meat and Korean style cuisine, but also prepare the food for themselves at a grill stationed in the center of the table. Plus, endless sides! To prepare for this great adventure, arrive ready to wait to be seated, as they do not take reservations, and be equipped to devour enough food to feed a village. 

• Rustic Kitchen

This modern, very new and healthy place has some of the best menu items for a light, delicious lunch. They have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free friendly options, along with a variety of juices, lemonade and authentic sodas. They have a series of mac-n-cheese’s and a whole other menu for specials items. Rustic Kitchen is usually a busy place, however they will seat you quickly. Strong recommendation: Four Cheese Mac-n-Cheese and Fried Chicken Sliders.  

• Hara Sushi

Hara Sushi is a casual, affordable and delicious hotspot always packed with lively customers and staff. Some of the best orders include Crispy Rice and, to those who are not afraid of some heat, the Ginza Roll. They offer a variety of classic Japanese sushis, as well as  modern and LA conformed concoctions like the Sunset Roll and the Pink Panther Roll. The best method to tackling Hara Sushi is by traveling with a group and ordering family style. Don’t forget to ask about the free scoop of green tea ice-cream! 

• Izzy’s Deli

Ever crave a warm-pastrami sandwich, or fresh matzo-ball soup at 2:00 a.m.? Head over to Izzy’s Deli, the 24-hour, mom-and-pop style restaurant on Wilshire. With rows of attracting booths and warm photos covering the walls, there is no way anyone could feel out of place in this deli. If deciding what to try from the overwhelming large menu is too difficult, just trust and try the Reuben Sandwich, which is served with sides as well. Dessert/Drink/Snack: 

• Sweet Lady Jane

On 17th and Montana, this cute bake shop will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. They serve massive layered cakes, rich tiramisus, pies and also individual pastries. Each separate slice of cake is cut almost as big as the dinner-sized plate it is served on, however finishing the astronomical cake will definitely not be an issue. Of the many different flavors, some of the top selling products are the Triple Berry Cake and Oreo Tiramisu, and both pair great with Herbal-Citrus-Grapefruit Tea. 

• Saffron and Rose Ice Cream

For those in the mood for a unique dessert with interesting new flavors, swing by Saffron and Rose Ice Cream in Westwood for a taste of some authentic Persian ice-creams. Here, they offer peculiar flavors like cucumber, passion fruit and saffron, in addition to the popular homemade Rosewater Noodle Ice Cream, Foloodeh and Pistachio-Saffron Ice Cream. The Foloodeh and Pistachio-Saffron flavor pair great in either a traditional wafer sandwich or cup. For those not in the mood to try something new, this ice cream shop serves generic flavors too. 

• Go Greek

Looking for a healthier option for ice cream? Try Go Greek!! All ice creams are made with Greek yogurt, toppings are organic and everything is fresh. Prices are low and it is a lighter choice if you want something sweet. All flavors switch out every week so there will always be something new to try. Strong recommendation: the Passion Fruit Cucumber or Plain Tart.   

• Beard Papa’s

Located among other cute restaurants on Sawtelle in Japantown, Beard Papa’s pastries will not disappoint. They specialize in cream puffs, selling a variety of unique flavors like green tea, as well as the usual chocolate and vanilla. The restaurant also has seasonal flavors that can range anywhere from strawberry, to coffee or even hazelnut cream. The cream puffs are only one type of the numerous delicacies: Ecalairs, Cakes, Mochis, etc. It is highly recommended to try the Green Tea Creme Puff, and then buy all the rest of the flavors to-go for later indulgence. 

• Salt and Straw

Everyone loves ice cream. But do you ever get tired of those boring old flavors of chocolate and cookies and cream? Well, Salt and Straw will cure your craving for sweet ice cream, along with serving you something new and creative. All ice creams are handmade and fresh, with unusual names that might not seem great at first, but will leave you begging for more. Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Potato, Sweet Corn and Waffle Cones and Honey Lavender are just some of the wacky flavors offered at this sweet destination. Strong recommendation: Freckled Woodblock Chocolate.