4 RESTAURANTS TO TRY THIS WEEKEND IN LOS ANGELES: MAY 3

Every Friday our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here now 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 standout pastas with views of the Pacific: Sirena

Santa Monica is crawling with tourists this time of year but don’t let that stop you from taking in its gorgeous beaches and notable restaurants. Sirena (formerly the Restaurant at the Georgian), which sits steps away from the ocean on a bougainvillea-shaded terrace, makes for an idyllic lunchtime destination. The ocean air pairs well with everything on chef David Almany’s Italian-inflected menu. The former Mozza chef knows his way around the Italian culinary canon, so don’t hesitate to go all out. Start with a crudo or two, along with pastry chef Thessa Diadem’s piping-hot focaccia, before digging into plates of linguine vongole, bucatini all’amatriciana, and gargenelli lamb ragu. Save room for as many desserts as possible and stroll the boardwalk afterward. 1415 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401. — Cathy Chaplin, senior editor

For Chicago-style deep-dish pizza: Masa Echo Park

The craving for deep-dish pizza is a very particular one, but once it hits, there's no denying it. Though Los Angeles isn’t crawling with options, there are a few spots that stand out amongst the pack. One of those is Masa, an old-school spot in Echo Park. The restaurant is decorated like a grandmother’s living room, which is already promising. Settle into a table and order a surprisingly affordable carafe of house wine and a deep-dish pie to share. For something green, try the manchego salad which comes with a hot roll and butter on the site. Just be prepared to take some leftovers home, and be eating deep-dish for the next few days — generous is an understatement for the portions here. 1800 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor

For an elemental Mexican cantina in a jovial space: Atla Venice

Enrique Olvera might’ve made a big splash with his Arts District restaurant Damian (and taco window Ditroit), but the renowned Mexican chef has been spotted grabbing low-key morning bites at Gjusta. It makes more sense that he placed his beloved New York City restaurant in more of a walkable neighborhood like Venice, with locals on the hunt for reliable tacos, quesadillas, and more. Start with the guacamole, which is not really acidic as it lacks tomato or lime. Instead, it’s aromatic with herbs, onion, and cilantro. It’s more of a blank canvas that I think evinces Olvera’s entire approach here: simple is better. A blue corn tlayuda comes laced with squash blossoms, fresh herbs, and loose cream while enchiladas divorciadas don’t feel quite ready to separate, the two salsas and the fillings melding back together as you take spoonfuls apart. A wide al pastor gringa won’t quite hit like a street version, but its elegant construction and tender pork adobada come out as a vinyl record-sized portion. Drinks are pretty straightforward but perfectly balanced, like the 6 ingredient daiquiri with velvet falernum, Luxardo maraschino, creme de cacao, and grapefruit alongside its typical rum and lime. Atla doesn’t offer fireworks (though neither does Damian), instead, it’s a neighborhood watering hole and taco spot meant to satisfy with balanced flavors and in-season ingredients. I wish I could walk to it every week. 1025 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90291. — Matthew Kang, lead editor

For some of LA’s tastiest grits, catfish, and waffles: Gritz N Wafflez

In Southern California, gray May can be one of the most hated and beloved times of the year. Though LA’s overcast skies can burn off slightly in the later hours, the overcast mood sets in for the day, along with local complaints about the pending summertime. One of the many ways to fight LA’s seasonal darkness is to head straight to an LA soul food spot and order something delicious. Gritz N Wafflez chef Jurni Rayne keeps a steady flow of crowds on the weekends. The typically lengthy wait is worth it because the regulars adore her cheesy and savory grits, bacon and cheese-encrusted waffles, and perfect catfish. I appreciate her understanding of when to remove the fried chicken or catfish from the fryer so that both remain perfectly moist. Another idea: order the deep-fried eggs, collard green dip, cinnamon toast, and whatever jumps out to you. Take the items to a park, and watch the sun break through the clouds. 1243 S. Alvarado Street B1, Los Angeles, CA 90006. — Mona Holmes, reporter

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