Birdie G's

"Incorporating the flavors of the Midwest and his Jewish heritage, chef-founder Jeremy Fox serves comforting, well-executed food for a suave Santa Monica crowd at this inland location tucked among art galleries. Start with a tray of pickled vegetables served with onion dip, then share a bowl of the most elegant matzo ball soup in Los Angeles. Grilled entrees excel here, especially the whole rockfish with Georgian satsebeli sauce, capers, and lemon. Don’t leave without trying the Empress date bundt cake, a syrupy variant of sticky toffee pudding that the table will remember long after dinner’s over." - Matthew Kang, Mona Holmes, Rebecca Roland

"At Birdie G’s, chef Jeremy Fox serves a version of a classic matzo ball soup that would feel right at home in grandma’s kitchen if she had an affinity for dill and high-quality chicken. The herby broth is complimented by the classic pairing of carrots, boiled until soft and tender. A round matzo ball floats in the center, drawing attention like a full moon on a dark, clear night. Slice off a piece of the matzo ball before dipping the spoon back into the broth and capturing a slice of carrot for the ideal bite." - Eater Staff

"Santa Monca restaurant Birdie G’s will continue with its yearly tradition of ringing in the New Year with caviar and Champagne. The regular menu will be served alongside specials like a caviar chicken cutlet and a caviar-topped potato waffle with horseradish cream and chives. Book a table through Resy." - Rebecca Roland

"Birdie G's, located in Los Angeles, hosted a collaborative dinner featuring dishes from Agi's Counter and its own menu. The event celebrated the release of chef Jeremy Salamon's cookbook 'Second Generation,' which reimagines Hungarian and Jewish classics for the modern table. Birdie G's, like Agi's Counter, draws inspiration from the chef's grandmother, with the restaurant named after Fox's grandmother, Gladys." - Bettina Makalintal

"This Santa Monica spot feels far away from the beach in its concrete, industrial digs that are part of an arts complex. And even though its comfort food is nostalgic by way of Midwestern and Jewish deli dishes, the combinations are totally unique. The restaurant, from the same owners behind Rustic Canyon, is thoughtful about creating inventive GF dishes like a crisp-skinned rockfish on potato waffles in lobster sauce, or coconut rice pudding with peaches and ginger crumble. And GF kids can also order potato-crusted chicken tenders. " - jean trinh 1, garrett snyder