Westwood has a lot more to offer than UCLA students realize, including a variety of amazing restaurants that can’t be beat. From Persian kebab shops to French-Canadian hideaways, we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Westwood to eat. Since spring, at least five new restaurants have opened their doors in Westwood, including Lazy Daisy Cafe, Gogobop Korean Rice Bar, Alfred Coffee and Dreux’s Louisiana French Quarter.
Lulu
Farm-to-table pioneer Alice Waters has finally landed in Los Angeles with the opening of Lulu, her first restaurant in 40 years. Located in the courtyard of the Hammer Museum, it’s run by famed cookbook author David Tanis, who spent 25 years working under Waters at her seminal Berkeley restaurant Chez Panisse. Dedicated to sustainable practices, local sourcing and regenerative agriculture, Lulu is the brainchild of food activist Waters and Chef Tanis. Westwood restaurants is meant to act as a showcase for farmers and purveyors.
Toranj
A new kid on the block is Toranj, an upscale takeout and dine in Persian restaurant. The posh-looking establishment is owned by the Pirshirazis, who also operate Mediterranean Chicken Chick in Torrance. The restaurant is a must-try for anyone in the Westwood area looking to try a little something new and different. They’ve got a menu that ranges from a classic kebab menu, to modern Persian cuisine. They even have a vegan menu for those of us that prefer a meatless diet.
The menu includes a few novelty items that you won’t find in other persian restaurants, such as zeytoon parvardeh, a salad with marinated olives that are bathed in thick pomegranate molasses. They also have a few other interesting offerings, the most impressive being their jumbo size version of the aforementioned shirazi salad. In the end, it’s all about the food and the company. The good news is that you can try it all for yourself if you’re nearby, with Seamless and Postmates at your disposal.
Sichuan Impression
Sichuan Impression is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles, and now they’re making it easier to get a bite of their food. The Westside location of the restaurant recently opened and is quickly filling up with locals and UCLA undergrads alike. There’s a lot to love about Sichuan Impression, but they’re best known for their spicy dishes. They’re so good that we can’t resist ordering them a few times each time we visit.
If you’re looking for something milder, try the lamb on toothpicks or tea-smoked pork ribs. They’re not as hot as some of the other dishes, but they have great flavor. Sichuan cuisine is famous for using peppercorns to make everything taste intensely spicy. If you’re a fan of the spice, try their boiled fish or mapo tofu.
The Lime Truck
The Lime Truck, a Cali-Mex food truck that gained national fame after winning season two of “The Great Food Truck Race,” is coming to Westwood. Owner Daniel Shemtob, 24, is opening a 105-seat westwood restaurants that will serve a mix of fresh and affordable menu items, including achiote potato tacos ($4) and seared “catch of the day” nachos ($13). TLT also plans to offer catering for UCLA events such as Spring Sing, sports games and other campus activities. It will also be open late for college students and staff, Shemtob said.
Shemtob and partner Shane Curran are eager to make connections with the university community by providing quality, affordable food. They hope to make TLT a hub for the community and build a sense of unity in the neighborhood.
The Bottom Lines
Westwood restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, including sushi, dosa and more. Some even welcome dogs at their outdoor tables!
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