East Yakatori + + + $

Who? Don, Aly, Rajiv, Andrew
Where? First and Alameda

Cozy and dimly lit, traditional feel. Good sushi and presentation.

Curry House + + + $

Who? Amy, Fesh, Deb, Andrew
Where? 2nd and Los Angeles

Very nice, savoury and filling Japanese Curry on the outskirts of J-town. Affordable.

Sushi Go 55 + + + + $

Who? Andrew, Sushu, Howsah
Where? 3rd and Alameda

Fantastic sushi, difficult to find but worth the effort. Prompt, fast service - perfect if you're in a rush to the Disney Hall.

Crown City Brewery + + + + $

Who? Andrew and Steve
Where? Pas

Best sports pub I've been to in L.A. Roomy, great pub grub and an excellent place to drink away the pain of a Rose Bowl loss.

All India Cafe * * * $$

Who? Themos, Dora, Melania
Where? Pasadena
How much? $27
Zagat: 22, $21

Although small and not very eye-catching, this little restaurant in downtown Pasadena (which reminds me of East India Grill) offers excellent food at great prices. The meats are of very good quality and the dishes a touch on the spicy side. The rice is good and the entrees are unique and original. We went for lunch on a Saturday and it doesn't seem to get very crowded, so it looks like a good option.

BJ's Restaurant/Brewery * * / + + + + $$

Where? Westwood Village
Who? CASA
How much? $22
Zagat: 17, $19

Andrew's take: Pizza, pizza, pizza! Thick succulent Chicago style deep-dish slices fill you up quickly. The "Great White" was fantastic. The "Buffalo Chicken" was likewise enjoyable, but somehow there was too much spicy meat adorning the pizza (this was the pizza I really wanted to try when I first walked in). Excellent homebrew beers really complement the pizza - the Pale Ale was refreshing and went down easily. Spinach and Artichoke dip was good. Of course, get the Pizookie. I know it's a crime to say this, but the best brownie-type dessert comes from Yard House, a la mode. Sorry! Parking sucks in Westwood but either you know the "secret location" or you park in the structure opposite the theater. Thumbs up.


Themos's take: They call it Deep dish pizza but it's really not. An original deep dish pizza (which can be seen here) would have more ingredients, not more bread in the third dimension! It was tasty and fresh but I would still rank Village Pizzeria as #1 in LA. The good thing is they are always crowded and they are open relatively late , offering a large selection of items for every stomach. I would definitely reccomended if you are around Westwood, but don't travel from the other side of the town just for the food!