Petite Peso is a mere babe in restaurant years (and in normal years, too). That’s because this Filipino restaurant opened during the age of Coronavirus. Located in teeny storefront in DTLA, they’re serving a variety of traditional classics here, such as buttery pan de sal (slightly sweet bread rolls), lumpia, kare kare (a thick, savory stew made with peanut sauce), and adobo - all of which can upgraded to family size. Whether you’re actually feeding other people, however - that’s between you and your God. Available for takeout and delivery, call (209) 438-7376 or find them on most major apps.

Petite Peso is a takeout window in the 7th St. space that used to house Rice Bar, the tiny (and excellent) Filipino spot that was one of my favorite places to grab a quick meal in DTLA. And they admirably fill Rice Bar’s small-but-massive shoes. Petite Peso’s tremendous Bicol Express - pork stewed with coconut milk, peppers, and fermented fish paste - is creamy, spicy, and very hearty. You’ll also want a salad - either the sisig chicken salad with crisp-but-creamy chicken livers, or the garlic shrimp pinakbet, which has a sweet kabocha puree beneath it. And don’t leave without one or two ensaymadas, sweet and savory brioche rolls with butter and cheddar cheese - I certainly didn’t.

- BK