Roots is an excellent Indian cafe on Melrose and an ideal respite in an always-busy neighborhood.

Ta-eem is a Kosher Mediterranean restaurant that’s home to some of our favorite shawarma in the city.

Cofax is still one of the best breakfast burritos in LA.

El Coyote is an LA institution and one of the most objectively fun places to eat in the city - even if the food leaves a bit to be desired.

Grain Traders is a tremendous build-your-own bowl shop on Fairfax and a perfect spot for a solo lunch.

Yojimbo is a donburi specialist on Fairfax and a great spot for a quick lunch if you're in the area.

Fritzi Coop at The Grove Farmers Market is a hot chicken spot that serves everything from sandwiches to tenders.

Ugly Drum is home to some of the best pastrami you'll find in LA.

Lalibela is a classic restaurant in Little Ethiopia with one of the best plant-based meals in town: The Veggie Utopia.

Madre on Fairfax is a fantastic Oaxacan restaurant with good food and even better mezcal.

Dave's Hot Chicken is one of the better Nashville-style hot chicken spots in LA.

Umbrella Taco is a Melrose taco shop and a good quick lunch if you’re out shopping.

Box Food is a street vendor on Melrose with jerk chicken worth driving across town to eat.

Chao Krung is one of the oldest Thai restaurants in LA with a newly revamped menu that’s tremendous.

Open Sesame is a restaurant in La Brea with traditional Lebanese food and a low corkage fee.

Spartina, a casual Italian restaurant on Melrose, is one of West Hollywood’s better backup restaurants.