Back in LA for a week, any suggestions?

[SouthToTheLeft]

Hello friendly LA board,

I've been fortunate to get to come to LA for New Year's for three years and running now, and I've asked the smart and friendly LA board for advice every time. I've gotten some amazing suggestions (Soowon Galbi, pretty much every Vietnamese place I tried in Orange County), some mediocre ones (Border Grill, Mariscos Chente, Jitlada), and some awful ones (Monsieur Marcel).

In that spirit, I'd love to pick your brains for what's new and exciting in LA. I would love to find some exciting, adventurous Mexican. I tried Mariscos Chente, but it's possible I didn't order well because I was not blown away. I'd love to find good Persian food, and Thai. I've been to Jitlada — and even ordered off the Thai menu — but did not find it that special. Is there somewhere I am missing?

I am mostly looking for places on the Westside or in Orange County, and not at all in the Valley.

Any advice welcomed and appreciated!

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Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Mariscos Chente
4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[A5 KOBE]

Carnitas Los Reyes in Tustin for excellent tacos and refried beans.

[SouthToTheLeft]

Any particular tacos you recommend?

[scottca075]

For Mexican in Orange County maybe Casa Oaxaca, Las Brisas De Apatzingan, La Cocina De Mi Abuelita (weird 50's diner interior, but good food), El Rincon Chilango, Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen, Ostioneria Bahia Mexican Seafood #2 and El Moctezuma.

I know a lot of good Persian in the Glendale/Pasadena area like Shamshiri Restaurant. A lot of my Persian friends like Aram Restaurant in Beverly Hills, but I've never been so I can't give a first hand account.

For Thai, look at Thai Nakorn in Stanton, not the Garden Grove location (although it is pretty good too and Jumpa Thai Restaurant in Garden Grove.

[SouthToTheLeft]

I actually went to Shamshiri. The food was pretty good, and the portions were RIDICULOUSLY large.

[echoparkdirt]

I've sent many people to Shamshiri, I've never had anybody say anything other than yummmmm

For the WestSide I would not miss Stella Rossa pizza on Main.

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Shamshiri Grill
1712 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

[westsidegal]

if you go to stella rossa, be aware:
1) they open at 5 most days (no lunch available)
and
2) at peak hours the wait can be well over an hour, so it behooves you to game the timing of your visit. (i.e. come early or late).

i LOVE their pizza, and think it's worth the effort

[ocshooter]

I prefer Thai Nakorn in Garden Grove. I find the food to be the same and the restaurant is much nicer.

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Thai Nakorn
11951 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680

Thai Nakorn Restaurant
12532 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843

[echoparkdirt]

I've been to Aram, it's outrageously good. Wonderfully complex and delicate food. But I haven't been to the other noted Persian places.

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Aram Restaurant
138 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

[SouthToTheLeft]

Yum! It looks really good! Any favorite things you had there?

[echoparkdirt]

the fasenjon is amazing as is the polo