Order a natural wine, such as Bichi from the Tecate region. NO. 1 ON MENU The Vietnamese beef stew, or bo khom, served with impeccably executed baked baguettes. The rich and flavorful stew is often enjoyed as breakfast in Vietnam. WHY WE LIKE IT Beyond the mouthwatering menu items, the interiors boast soft touches like hexagonal penny tiles, muted mint colored surfaces and marble countertops from Walker Zanger. WHAT THE CHEF LIKES Nicole Rucker is all about chef Shawn Pham's Vietnamese-style dishes, like the rice noodle salad. WHY FOODIES LIKE IT Rucker is known for her award-winning pies, so savory offerings are new territory for her. Fairfax District, fionabakeryla.com OTOÑO THE TABLE For quality people-watching, grab a two-top overlooking the bar. THE DRINK Stick with the Spanish options: a porrón of albariño, an order of sherry or vermouth on the rocks. NO. 1 ON MENU Don't miss out on chef Teresa Montaño's housecured seafood conservas, which are wonderful atop classic Catalan pan con tomate. WHY WE LIKE IT Montaño had been missing since the closure of Ración in Pasadena, and it's great to see her thriving in a neighborhood on the rise. WHAT THE CHEF LIKES Topping one of her perfectly prepared paellas with a hearty helping of Santa Barbara sea urchin. WHY FOODIES LIKE IT It's the casual Catalan tapas bar that L.A. has been lacking for so long. Highland Park, otonorestaurant. com THE MANUFACTORY LA THE TABLE Score a seat on the patio at the dinnertime-only Alameda Supper Club, where you'll find Chris Bianco's pasta-centric menu. Or opt for a more casual meal at Tartine Bianco—try a communal table for a more social affair. THE BOTTLE You can't go wrong. Sommelier Taylor Parsons is known to bring in bottles from his own collection. NO. 1 ON MENU Chicken liver served on Tartine's iconic bread dotted with kumquat and slivers of blood orange.. WHY WE LIKE IT The massive 40,000-square-foot space includes a bakery, market, two restaurants, a coffee roastery and a coffee lab. WHY FOODIES LIKE IT Now that it's finally here, ROW DTLA seems more complete. The complex is a food crawl in and of itself. tartinebakery.com