The wildfires that struck Los Angeles earlier this year have taken a toll on businesses, from retail shops to restaurants — which were already suffering from the lingering effects of the pandemic, as well as inflation. Antonia Lofaso, a celebrated chef, TV personality, cookbook author and owner of three restaurants in Los Angeles has witnessed the effects on the industry first-hand. “I think every restauranteur will tell you that Los Angeles hasn’t really recovered since COVID-19, and the fires were like the cherry on top,” she says.
That makes it more important than ever to support local restaurants, Lofaso stresses. “We understand that the cost of living, especially in areas like Los Angeles, has gotten astronomical, so the only thing that we can say to consumers is to please come out if you can!” Locals and visitors can get a taste of Lofaso’s culinary talents at her own restaurants — Dama, Scopa and Black Market Liquor Bar — as well as at special events like the annual Healdsburg Food & Wine Experience, running May 15–18, where the chef will treat guests to some of her signature flavors at the Grand Tasting and a VIP walk-around dinner at Chalk Hill Estate.
In the spirit of peers helping peers, we asked Lofaso to share some of her favorite Los Angeles dining destinations that she frequents when she’s off-duty. Here are her go-to recommendations.
Feature photo: Courtesy of Antonia Lofaso
12517 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles
310.391.4222
They have this cornbread on the menu with more butter than you’ve ever seen in your entire life melting on top. It never disappoints.
3655 S Grand Ave #C9, inside Mercado la Paloma, Los Angeles
213.986.9972
It’s in a food hall in Downtown Los Angeles, and they do incredible seafood-driven dishes. Try the smoked kanpachi taco — it’s phenomenal.
Multiple locations: West Hollywood, Los Angeles Arts District, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Orange
On the west side, I frequent Zinc often. It’s an easy grab-and-go spot, but you can also sit — it’s got a great environment. I met my boyfriend there, so it’s a special place to me.
425 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles
For date night, Charcoal in Venice, Josiah Citrin’s casual steakhouse, is always a lot of fun. The cabbage “baked in the embers” with yogurt, sumac and lemon zest is our go-to starter.
11712 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles
310.481.7108
We love pizza, so another favorite date night spot is Daniele Uditi’s Pizzana for the cacio e pepe pizza.
2547 Lincoln Blvd., Venice
310.970.2332
They specialize in desserts, and they have different options so you can either sin or be a saint. It’s perfect for my boyfriend and I if I want something like a gluten-free red velvet cake made with almonds because I’m trying to be healthy, and he wants to go all-in for a traditional tiramisu. They have both, and that’s the beauty of the concept.
