Thursday

06-26-2025 Vol 2003

Eater LA Highlights the Best Dishes of the Week

The Eater LA editorial team, known for their frequent dining escapades, has curated a selection of standout dishes this week that capture the essence of Los Angeles’ vibrant culinary scene.

Among the highlights is the California Beach Bowl from Perry’s Cafe in Santa Monica. This café, part of a mini-chain along the Santa Monica coastline, offers a refreshing alternative to typical beach snacks.

After spending hours soaking up the sun, one editor decided to try the California Beach Bowl, featuring mahi mahi. The bowl exceeded all expectations with its generous portions of Mexican rice, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and two perfectly grilled fish strips.

The fish’s delightful seasoning was commendable, and the option to sip on beer or margaritas while lounging at the café adds to the beachside experience.

Perry’s Cafe is located at 930 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA 90403.

Another exceptional find this week is the seafood tower and tuna crudo at Cento Raw Bar in West Adams.

Cento Raw Bar’s unique interior feels like a mesmerizing mermaid’s cave, adorned with plastered walls and scalloped moldings.

The menu, although limited, showcases vibrant raw bar offerings presented on pastel plates. The seafood tower is not to be missed, presenting an impressive array of oysters on the half shell, uni, Peruvian scallops, crab legs, and succulent lobster claws arranged on a stunning glass stand.

Notably, the tuna crudo is elevated by the addition of gazpacho grated tomatoes and perilla leaves, making it stand out in a city filled with similar offerings.

Cento Raw Bar invites diners to engage all their senses, transforming a typical meal into an unforgettable experience.

You can visit Cento at 4919 W. Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016.

For those with a penchant for baked goods, the black sesame bun from San & Wolves Bakeshop in Long Beach is a must-try.

This charming bakery specializes in Filipino-flavored, plant-based treats that are a delicious balance of flavors without overwhelming sweetness.

Located on Fourth Street, San & Wolves Bakeshop offers an array of delights such as ube pan de coco and cornbread bibingkas, alongside the sought-after ube malasadas.

The standout item, however, is the black sesame bun, which is reminiscent of a traditional cinnamon roll yet uniquely features black sesame paste crafted by owner Kym Estrada.

This bakery is a testament to achieving excellent consistency without using butter or milk, making it a delightful stop for a solid start to the day.

San & Wolves Bakeshop is located at 3900 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90814.

Lastly, the herb-roasted New Zealand lamb loin at Marelle in Santa Monica deserves significant recognition.

Under the radar, Marelle provides a sleek dining experience with charming beach views, where Chef Raphael Lunetta creates a menu filled with prime seasonal produce.

The lamb loin, cooked to a tender medium rare, is served elegantly with a refined ratatouille, spring peas, and slender roasted carrots.

This dish evokes a sense of early spring, showcasing the region’s long growing season and juxtaposing the flavors of California with a nod to the south of France.

Complete with ocean views, Marelle offers diners the perfect synergetic seasoning to accompany their meal.

You can visit Marelle at 1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

image source from:la

Benjamin Clarke