Monday

10-20-2025 Vol 2119

Top Restaurant Picks for This Weekend in Los Angeles

As the weekend approaches, food enthusiasts in Los Angeles are in for a treat with a selection of impressive dining options.

Kwan Kitchen in Pasadena, which opened its doors in October 2023, has quickly become a favorite for many locals.

The editor, Kat Thompson, expressed her excitement over her second visit this week, praising the comforting and hearty meals that remind her of her time in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

During her latest visit, she indulged in the kao moo dang, featuring a delightful trio of Thai barbecue pork, crispy pork belly, and Chinese sausage over rice, all expertly draped in a sweet and salty gravy.

The addition of fried chicken with sticky rice was a standout as well, noted for its formidable crunch and crispy shallots topping.

With plans for her next meal set on boat noodles and the Mama hot pot—popular in Thailand and loaded with fresh seafood—it’s clear Kwan Kitchen is making a lasting impression.

Located at 777 S. Arroyo Parkway Unit 101, Pasadena, CA 91105, this cozy spot is one not to miss.

For a classic taste of Italian-American cuisine, Dan Tana’s remains a stalwart in West Hollywood.

Known for its iconic chicken Parmesan, the restaurant is much more than just a typical Italian eatery.

Set in a quaint butter yellow bungalow, Dan Tana’s ambiance is characterized by neon-green signage that lights up its entrance, a tuxedo-clad host managing a reservation book thick enough to be an encyclopedia, and a dining room filled with regular patrons as well as newcomers.

Inside, the scene buzzes with lively energy, where attentive and irreverent service is standard, strong martinis flow generously, and iconic checkered red tablecloths evoke a nostalgic charm.

As the restaurant mourns the passing of its founder, Dan Tana, who left a legacy as a restaurateur and former actor at the age of 90, patrons continue to flock to this cherished establishment.

Dan Tana’s location at 9071 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069, is a staple for traditional Italian-American dining.

As a heat wave blankets Los Angeles, many seek refuge in the cool comfort of Koreatown’s MDK Noodles.

With temperatures soaring into the 90s, Rebecca Roland recommends their chewy, cold noodle offerings to escape the sweltering weather.

While naengmyeon is a popular choice among customers, Roland personally prefers the jjolmyeon, a spicy dish made with wheat noodles tossed in a vivid gochujang sauce.

Topped with fresh vegetables such as sliced cabbage and cucumber ribbons, along with a half a hard-boiled egg, this dish provides a refreshing respite.

Complementing the meal with an order of mandu, whether steamed or fried, makes for a delightful experience amid the summer heat.

MDK Noodles can be found at 3630 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

Each of these venues showcases the vibrant and diverse culinary scene that Los Angeles has to offer, making it worth the visit this weekend.

image source from:la

Charlotte Hayes