"Daichan is a tiny spot in Studio City that specializes in the kind of Japanese soul food you need after a terrible week at the office—like spicy curry udon, Japanese-style fried chicken, cold soba, and gigantic tempura rice bowls. That said, the main draw at this family-run cafe is the “original poki bowl.” Decades before chopped raw fish in plastic bowls became part of the LA food pyramid, Daichan was cranking out giant portions of fresh fish on top of rice and lettuce, so that’s probably what you should order here." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"Eating the food from this Panorama City restaurant is kind of like finding $20 in a jacket you haven’t worn since last winter. It will always change the trajectory of your day. From extra crispy pork pata to a rich and thick kare-kare that goes heavy on peanuts, the food here is inspired by potlucks in Filipino home cooking. If you don’t live in the Valley, the journey out here can be a little far, but we’d commit to that drive any day, just for a cup of bulalo soup with beef shank, potatoes, and cabbage." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"Cemitas Don Adrian in Van Nuys has been around for nearly a quarter-century and their Puebla-style tortas only continue to get better. Their menu of 20-something tortas can definitely lead to some sandwich-induced stress, so we’ll make things easier on you: order the milanesa de lomo de puerco. It comes with breaded pork loin, bright queso fresco, avocado, your choice of jalapeños or chipotle salsa, and stringy Oaxacan cheese—all sandwiched between a toasted, slightly nutty sesame bun. The only thing that could possibly go wrong with your Don Adrian order is that you like your torta too much and forget to try the other two dozen options on the menu." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"Sushi Note is a wine bar/sushi restaurant hybrid—a dream combination that’s somehow still pretty rare. Whether it’s your first time or your 14th, order the Whole Note omakase. At $150, this isn’t the world’s most affordable omakase, but after eating 12 pieces of high-quality sushi, edamame, miso soup, a starter, a handroll, and dessert, you’ll feel like this meal has more than earned its price point. Then make friends with the sommelier, who will happily course out all the wine you need." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"There are certain things that probably come to mind when you hear the term dive bar: dated wood paneling on the walls, chipped swivel stools, crusty locals, and cheap drinks. Oy Bar in Studio City has all those things as well as a food menu that’s worth braving rush hour on the 101. The house burger, topped with Toma cheese, hoisin ketchup, and a heap of cilantro, is a standout, but we also like ordering the pastrami quesadilla and cured salmon onigiri sprinkled with everything spice. And don’t think for a second that you’ll be the only one eating—everybody inside has food on the way." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"This tiny takeout window on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks serves nothing but decadent bourekas, and that's perfectly fine by us. You might wait as long as a half-hour for your order (though you can call and pre-order), but once you taste these crispy, cheese-stuffed pastries, none of that will matter. Four different filling options are available: feta and spinach, mushroom and truffles, ricotta and za'atar, and brown butter with potatoes. All of them are amazing. Get here early, order a few before they sell out, and share the leftovers with a deserving friend." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"Open since 1984, Sri Siam has been serving dishes like papaya salad, boat noodles, and khao soi long before you could easily find them outside of Thai Town. But aside from its historical standing, this North Hollywood Thai restaurant also makes incredible food. We suggest the crispy rice salad, the panang curry, and the off-menu radish cakes. Then sit with your feast and watch Wheel of Fortune on the TV in the corner, and don’t be surprised if your server (i.e. the owner) pulls up a chair next to you and starts chatting—that’s just how things are done here." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"If you’re in the mood for a light brunch, ideally one that involves lemon-drenched seafood, head to Tel Aviv Fish Grill in Tarzana. This fish-leaning Israeli restaurant (related to this popular shawarma spot) gets packed most mornings with families splitting hummus, tart pickles, warm pita, and their fish of choice. The golden fish schnitzel, dunked into a garlicky lemon-parsley sauce, is perfect for one, but the delicately fried whole white bass with flaky tender meat belongs on the table for groups." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"Brothers Sushi opened quietly in Woodland Hills in 2018 (in a former sushi spot that was also called Brothers Sushi), but has since become a go-to spot for all things raw fish. The menu has plenty of things for sushi novices and experts alike, all served in a bright, energetic space that feels like you’re in the heart of the city—not a somewhat sleepy stretch of Ventura Blvd. If it’s your first time, get the $150 sushi omakase. It comes with 10 premium cuts of fish, a few signature appetizers, a handroll, and dessert. On later visits, go for their chirashi that comes topped with over 15 types of seafood." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"This family-owned Armenian restaurant in Burbank bakes all of its bread dishes to order in two blazing ovens commanded by a person in a white hat. The adjarian with orange yolks peeking through salty cheese is good to share, but meat-heavy lahmajo is so light that tearing into one solo with a tiny but potent Armenian coffee is the perfect snack. The menu doesn’t provide any dish descriptions, so if you aren’t as familiar with Armenian food, just trust us when we say everything that leaves their twin kilns is delicious." - brant cox, sylvio martins