The New England-style takeout spot that transitioned from pop-up to permanent just prior to the pandemic has gained a cult following for its “world-famous” lobster rolls (which you can get warm and buttered or chilled and mixed with mayo), along with plenty of raw bar platters—from shrimp cocktail to crudo to, of course, a selection of daily oysters. Also look for entrées like sea urchin spaghetti, chorizo and clams, and wild local king salmon...and long lines on most nice-weather weekends.
How to book: Walk-ins welcome. Order online for pickup or delivery.
The southern outpost of the original Montecito steakhouse boldly opened in Malibu Country Mart during the shutdown last December. Since reopening for dine-in earlier this year, the meat-centric eatery has launched lunch and brunch service, offering classic steakhouse fare including a Peter Luger-style Porterhouse, a variety of filets, a tried-and-true wedge salad, plus an entire section dedicated to decadent potatoes, including hash browns with gruyere and sour cream-topped skins. And given we’re in beachy Malibu, you’ll find lots of light and white interiors in place of that typical dark and clubby steakhouse style.
How to book: Order online for pickup.
You’ve likely driven past this blue beach shack on PCH a million times. It’s finally time to stop in. When you do, you’ll be rewarded with authentic Thai fare via an array of soups, salads, noodle, rice, and curry dishes as well as some harder-to-come-by creations like a deep-fried whole pompano, hand-ground fish cakes, and pineapple-shrimp-chicken-raisin rice. There’s a beer and wine list, but with corkage at a very reasonable $12, bringing your own bottle is a solid option.
How to book: Walk-ins welcome. Order for pickup online.
It’s not hard to find something you’ll love—no matter what you’re in the mood for—at Ollo, which turned an old Coogie’s into a stylish neighborhood haunt a few years back. On the menu you’ll find pizzas, pastas, and salads, as well as globally inspired entrees, including chicken kofta kabobs, steak frites with chimichurri, and a glass noodle bowl. Breakfast is served until a very fair 3 pm (if you can’t make it by then, that’s on you) with fried chicken and waffles, oatmeal pancakes, and a lox plate on offer.
How to book: Reservations via Tock. Order for pickup or delivery online.
The antithesis of fancy-schmancy spots like Nobu and Soho House to your south, head north to this seafood shack-meets-dive-bar-meets-biker-hangout with a parking lot that turns into a sea of motorcycles every weekend. Its deep fryer stays perennially busy with platters of fried fish, shrimp, scallops, calamari, and clams, all served with a side of fries for good measure. If breaded stuff cooked in a vat of oil isn’t your thing, go for a seared ahi plate, a bucket of peel and eats, or a garden salad, if you must, but at least wash it down with a beer for God’s sake.
How to book: Walk-ins welcome.
If you’ve lived in LA more than a couple years, you’ve likely fulfilled the resident requirement of attending a birthday dinner at this long-running, lively Greek restaurant replete with live music and belly dancers. When it comes to eating, go for classic dishes of moussaka and spanakopita, mezze plates, and that fabled flaming cheese, plus some over-the-top desserts like a six-layer chocolate cake and rice pudding made from a top-secret family recipe.
How to book: Order pickup and delivery online.
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