Sure, everyone loves to hear about hot new restaurants, but equally intriguing are sleepers – those lesser-known gems that folks in-the-know like to keep to themselves in order to keep the crowds at bay. Whether it’s a cozy little corner, an out-of-the-way swingin’ spot or just a friendly place with fantastic food, the sleepers on the following list can help rouse you out of the dining doldrums.
On the list: Sapori
1109 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; 818-243-6231
Dress up, relax and mangia at this quiet Glendale Italian that’s dripping with old-world elegance.
21818 Devonshire St., Chatsworth; 818-998-0755
This Chatsworth Southerner may be a hole-in-the-wall but you won’t be telling the aim-to-please owners to kiss your grits after savoring their fried chicken, jambalaya, buttermilk pie and other Gulf Coast dishes.
8684 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 310-659-4770
Be in cahoots with the in-the-know crowd when you discover this unmarked West Hollywood Japanese where you’ll feast on Hiro Nishimura’s “sublime” sushi in a setting that will transport you to Japan.
Fishermans Vill., 13723 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey; 310-821-1740
Every day is like the first day of summer when dining waterside on the outdoor patio at this Marina del Rey Italian featuring personal service and, of course, “pretty views.”
La Cienega Plaza, 1106 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-854-7285
Step into this WeHo Japanese where the chefs were trained by Nobu Matsuhisa himself and you’ll feel like you ascended a stairway to sushi heaven (ok, it’s really the second floor of a strip mall).
– Jeff Freier