Our Meal At Baby Bistro | Victor Heights | Los Angeles | California | Opened April 2024

https://babybistrola.com/

@babybistro.la

What happens when you take a Victorian-style house with a

lush courtyard and convert it into a small dining room? Baby

Bistro.

It's supposed to feel like a dinner party at a friend’s house

complete with tons of natural wine and a concise menu of

eccentric combinations.

The menu is only 6-7 items and is evolving constantly with the

changing availability of local produce. It is offered à la carte but

designed to be ordered and experienced as a makeshift prix fixe.

Chef Miles Tompson started Baby Bistro as a pop up in 2023 and finally found a

unique space to showcase his culinary talent and creativity. The

dishes are eclectic but familiar, never shy on flavor, and always

perfect for sharing.

Andy Schwartz, a partner in the restaurant, curates all the natural

wine offered, mostly from France, and usually under the radar bottles

that are low-intervention.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZUVt7hAf8JvrA4NvHRd7Z?si=3f3b627900fb4583

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aftertaste-la/id1840083535

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b94749de-3c4c-40a2-b549-f80ac2725a58/aftertaste-la

RSS Feed → https://feeds.captivate.fm/aftertaste-la/

📱 Connect with us here:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aftertastela

Threads → https://www.threads.com/@aftertastela

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@aftertastela

🍴 About Aftertaste LA:

Join Chef Vlad and Nicole on their journey through the Los Angeles dining scene. Each episode focuses on a different restaurant, analyzing strengths and weaknesses from service to flavor, to creativity, and everything else

Nicole and Chef Vlad are the friends you trust to give a thorough review of the many restaurants of the diverse and vast Los Angeles dining landscape. They’ll break down the hits, the misses, and the avoid-at-all-costs so you can target your experiences to what fits you best. Whether you’re a local, just visiting, or dreaming of an LA vacation, they’re your source for tasty information about the restaurant experiences that make Los Angeles special.

⭐ Our Rating System (1–4 Tastebuds):

1️⃣ Tastebud = Skip it

2️⃣ Tastebuds = If you’re in the neighborhood

3️⃣ Tastebuds = Worth a trek

4️⃣ Tastebuds = Can’t miss

#AftertasteLA #LosAngelesFood #RestaurantReview #FoodPodcast

Our Meal At Budonoki | Restaurant Review | Virgil Village | Los Angeles | California | Opened 2023

https://www.budonoki.la/

@budonokila

Budonoki is a modern Japanese Izakaya that serves mostly snacks as well as traditional pressed Japanese sushi and a few entrees, pairing perfectly with the sake-forward drinks menu. If you want to be transported to a cool-clubby underground bar in Tokyo then this is definitely the place for you.

This is a perfect restaurant for Los Angeles and a great neighborhood addition to Virgil Village. The energy is party-like and relaxed. The food and drinks are flavorful and punchy, making for a perfect refuge from the world outside this dimly lit, and cyberpunk-esque bar.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZUVt7hAf8JvrA4NvHRd7Z?si=3f3b627900fb4583

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aftertaste-la/id1840083535

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b94749de-3c4c-40a2-b549-f80ac2725a58/aftertaste-la

RSS Feed → https://feeds.captivate.fm/aftertaste-la/

📱 Connect with us here:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aftertastela

Threads → https://www.threads.com/@aftertastela

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@aftertastela

🍴 About Aftertaste LA:

Join Chef Vlad and Nicole on their journey through the Los Angeles dining scene. Each episode focuses on a different restaurant, analyzing strengths and weaknesses from service to flavor, to creativity, and everything else

Nicole and Chef Vlad are the friends you trust to give a thorough review of the many restaurants of the diverse and vast Los Angeles dining landscape. They’ll break down the hits, the misses, and the avoid-at-all-costs so you can target your experiences to what fits you best. Whether you’re a local, just visiting, or dreaming of an LA vacation, they’re your source for tasty information about the restaurant experiences that make Los Angeles special.

⭐ Our Rating System (1–4 Tastebuds):

1️⃣ Tastebud = Skip it

2️⃣ Tastebuds = If you’re in the neighborhood

3️⃣ Tastebuds = Worth a trek

4️⃣ Tastebuds = Can’t miss

Our Meal At Dunsmoor | Eagle Rock | Los Angeles | California | Opened June 2022

www.dunsmoor.la

@dunsmoor.la

Dunsmoor is the namesake restaurant of chef-owner Brian Dunsmoor and is his years-in-the-making vision of heritage cooking. The restaurant is housed in a 1929 Spanish revival-type building that has been converted into a rustic restaurant, which is centered around a large hearth that provides all the coals used to prepare their hearty menu. You will find no blenders, food processors, mixers, or gas stoves here. All of their cooking and preperations are done using knives, hand tools, and wood-fired coals. The philsophy Chef Brian has been developing for years forces him to think more deeply about how something will be made, thus giving more opportunities to make decisions along the way.

Aside from the main dining room, they also have an outdoor space as well as a wine bar. The wine bar is first come, first served, with a limited menu of raw and larder provisions--all made in-house of course. The wine program at Dunsmoor is also quite dialed in with a fantastic array of small production reds, whites, and beer on hand.

Dunsmoor is an ambitious restaurant and has climbed from #55 on the 101 list to #10 in 2 short years. All signs point to years of success as long as Chef Brian is at the helm.

https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2023-05-11/dunsmoor-restaurant-recipe-pork-and-green-chile-stew-los-angeles

🎧 Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZUVt7hAf8JvrA4NvHRd7Z?si=3f3b627900fb4583

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aftertaste-la/id1840083535

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b94749de-3c4c-40a2-b549-f80ac2725a58/aftertaste-la

RSS Feed → https://feeds.captivate.fm/aftertaste-la/

📱 Connect with us here:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aftertastela

Threads → https://www.threads.com/@aftertastela

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@aftertastela

🍴 About Aftertaste LA:

Join Chef Vlad and Nicole on their journey through the Los Angeles dining scene. Each episode focuses on a different restaurant, analyzing strengths and weaknesses from service to flavor, to creativity, and everything else

Nicole and Chef Vlad are the friends you trust to give a thorough review of the many restaurants of the diverse and vast Los Angeles dining landscape. They’ll break down the hits, the misses, and the avoid-at-all-costs so you can target your experiences to what fits you best. Whether you’re a local, just visiting, or dreaming of an LA vacation, they’re your source for tasty information about the restaurant experiences that make Los Angeles special.

⭐ Our Rating System (1–4 Tastebuds):

1️⃣ Tastebud = Skip it

2️⃣ Tastebuds = If you’re in the neighborhood

3️⃣ Tastebuds = Worth a trek

4️⃣ Tastebuds = Can’t miss

#AftertasteLA #LosAngelesFood #RestaurantReview #FoodPodcast

Our Meal At Alto | Studio City | Los Angeles | California | Opened August 2025

www.Alto.la

@altolosangeles

Alto in Studio City a "fire to table" restaurant showcasing the cuisine of Rio de la Plata, which borders Argentina and Uruguay. Chefs Esteban and Juana have brought their culinary roots and fine dining experience from Michelin restaurants to their first restaurant together.

The menu highlights asado culture, with grilled meats being front and center. The beverage program showcases classic Rio de la Plata drinks with a modern flare. The combination of deeply rooted tradition and modern techniques creates a truly unique restaurant, hailed as LA's first open-fire restaurant inspired by Argentina and Uruguay.

@blackforager Alexis Nikole, Find her on Instagram

🎧 Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZUVt7hAf8JvrA4NvHRd7Z?si=3f3b627900fb4583

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aftertaste-la/id1840083535

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b94749de-3c4c-40a2-b549-f80ac2725a58/aftertaste-la

RSS Feed → https://feeds.captivate.fm/aftertaste-la/

📱 Connect with us here:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aftertastela

Threads → https://www.threads.com/@aftertastela

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@aftertastela

🍴 About Aftertaste LA:

Join Chef Vlad and Nicole on their journey through the Los Angeles dining scene. Each episode focuses on a different restaurant, analyzing strengths and weaknesses from service to flavor, to creativity, and everything else

Nicole and Chef Vlad are the friends you trust to give a thorough review of the many restaurants of the diverse and vast Los Angeles dining landscape. They’ll break down the hits, the misses, and the avoid-at-all-costs so you can target your experiences to what fits you best. Whether you’re a local, just visiting, or dreaming of an LA vacation, they’re your source for tasty information about the restaurant experiences that make Los Angeles special.

⭐ Our Rating System (1–4 Tastebuds):

1️⃣ Tastebud = Skip it

2️⃣ Tastebuds = If you’re in the neighborhood

3️⃣ Tastebuds = Worth a trek

4️⃣ Tastebuds = Can’t miss

#AftertasteLA #LosAngelesFood #RestaurantReview #FoodPodcast

Our Meal At Manuela | DTLA | Los Angeles | California | Opened October 2016

https://manuela-la.com/

https://www.instagram.com/manueladtla/

Manuela is located inside the Hauser and Wirth gallery complex in the Arts District of downtown LA and is surrounded by contemporary art, restored industrial architecture, and lush green courtyards.

The food is bolstered by an in-house garden nestled inside the Hauser and Wirth courtyard which provides fresh herbs, fruits, flowers, and vegetables for both the kitchen and the beverage program. They have their own chickens that guests are welcome to visit as well as a compost program in partnership with “The Hungry Gardens,” who oversee the management and operation of the garden and live chicken programs.

The menu is seasonal and ingredient-driven, with a distinctly Southern California feel—approachable yet full of flavor. Dishes come and go with the seasons and the menu is always evolving with only a few mainstays like the biscuits and the chicken.

The open kitchen complete with a wood-fired grill at center stage allows diners to sit at the bar and watch the action.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZUVt7hAf8JvrA4NvHRd7Z?si=3f3b627900fb4583

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aftertaste-la/id1840083535

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b94749de-3c4c-40a2-b549-f80ac2725a58/aftertaste-la

RSS Feed → https://feeds.captivate.fm/aftertaste-la/

📱 Connect with us here:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aftertastela

Threads → https://www.threads.com/@aftertastela

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@aftertastela

🍴 About Aftertaste LA:

Join Chef Vlad and Nicole on their journey through the Los Angeles dining scene. Each episode focuses on a different restaurant, analyzing strengths and weaknesses from service to flavor, to creativity, and everything else

Nicole and Chef Vlad are the friends you trust to give a thorough review of the many restaurants of the diverse and vast Los Angeles dining landscape. They’ll break down the hits, the misses, and the avoid-at-all-costs so you can target your experiences to what fits you best. Whether you’re a local, just visiting, or dreaming of an LA vacation, they’re your source for tasty information about the restaurant experiences that make Los Angeles special.

⭐ Our Rating System (1–4 Tastebuds):

1️⃣ Tastebud = Skip it

2️⃣ Tastebuds = If you’re in the neighborhood

3️⃣ Tastebuds = Worth a trek

4️⃣ Tastebuds = Can’t miss

Our Meal At Kurrypinch | Thai Town | Los Angeles | California | Opened 2025

https://www.kurrypinch.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kurrypinch/

Wine featured during the episode:

https://www.villagepopwine.com/

Originally opened in Van Nuys as a mostly takeout operation, Kurrypinch, and its Chef/Owner Shaheen Ghazaly have just reopened with a more modern dining room in East Hollywood

Kurrypinch's cuisine leans traditional Sri-Lankan with some fun and creative twists. The food is flavorful, spicy, and deeply reliant on heavy spice blends, coconut, and of course, rice. There are influences in the cuisine from southern India, Malaysia, and southest Asia, as well as colonial Dutch, Portugese, and English.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast:

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZUVt7hAf8JvrA4NvHRd7Z?si=3f3b627900fb4583

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aftertaste-la/id1840083535

Amazon → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b94749de-3c4c-40a2-b549-f80ac2725a58/aftertaste-la

RSS Feed → https://feeds.captivate.fm/aftertaste-la/

📱 Connect with us here:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/aftertastela

Threads → https://www.threads.com/@aftertastela

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@aftertastela

🍴 About Aftertaste LA:

Join Chef Vlad and Nicole on their journey through the Los Angeles dining scene. Each episode focuses on a different restaurant, analyzing strengths and weaknesses from service to flavor, to creativity, and everything else

Nicole and Chef Vlad are the friends you trust to give a thorough review of the many restaurants of the diverse and vast Los Angeles dining landscape. They’ll break down the hits, the misses, and the avoid-at-all-costs so you can target your experiences to what fits you best. Whether you’re a local, just visiting, or dreaming of an LA vacation, they’re your source for tasty information about the restaurant experiences that make Los Angeles special.

⭐ Our Rating System (1–4 Tastebuds):

1️⃣ Tastebud = Skip it

2️⃣ Tastebuds = If you’re in the neighborhood

3️⃣ Tastebuds = Worth a trek

4️⃣ Tastebuds = Can’t miss

#AftertasteLA #LosAngelesFood #RestaurantReview #FoodPodcast

Our Meal At Butchr Bar | Echo Park | Los Angeles | California | Opened August 2024

https://www.butchr.bar/

https://www.instagram.com/butchr.bar

Butchr Bar is a combination wine bar + retail butcher shop showcasing beef and lamb from Australia alongside natural wines, charcuterie (all made in-house), and small bites. Their aim is to offer a more relaxed alternative to a traditional steakhouse without sacrificing quality.

The space is cozy and stylish with some kitschy decor with a large concrete bar, some small tables, and an outdoor space with a few patio seats. The steaks are all dry-aged in house and on full display, being grilled on Japanese charcoal for guests to see.

The retail butcher program has weekly specials, steaks and charcuterie for purchase, as well as, homemade sausages and their own custom burger blend.

Chef Johnny Lee, previously with Pearl River Deli, is behind the stove bringing his extensive experience eating and traveling through most of the Malay archipelago along with him, with a little bit of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cantonese techniques thrown in the mix.

This is the type of restaurant that you wish would open next to you. Its cuisine is filled with unique and powerful flavors without being too intimidating. Perfect for sharing whether you are on a date or with a big group.

The exceptional restaurant design and service is a testiment to the efficiency of restaurant group Last Word Hospitality who's other notable restaurants include the likes of Found Oyster and Queen St Raw Bar.

Opened: November 2024 Filipinotown (rampart village technically)

Type: Cantonese-Malaysian

Executive Chef: Johnny Lee “the prince of poultry”

Awards and Recognition: Michelin Bib Gourmand

Specialties/Signature Dish: Ayam Berempah Wings, Beef Cheek Rendang, Ulam Bendi (okra)

Ambiance: Penang Inspired Decor with checkered floors and wooden banquettes

Our Meal At Pasjoli | Santa Monica | Los Angeles | California | Opened Sept 2019

https://www.pasjoli.com

https://www.instagram.com/pasjoli.sm

Opened Sept 2019 in Santa Monica, Open Daily 5pm-10pm

Type: Focusing on Classic French Cuisine with Californian Flare and Ingredients

Executive Chef: Dave Beran

Awards and Recognition: Michelin Star 2021, Michelin Plate 2022, James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant

Specialties/Signature Dish: Duck A la Presse Tableside $350

Ambiance: Business Casual, Well suited for dates, celebrations, and special occasions

Recently, Pasjoli has undergone a revamp to a fun, neighborhood french bistro with emphasis on elevated-Californian produce. This likely change was due to the opening of Seline and the macro-economic climate plaguing greater Los Angeles.

Pasjoli has remained at the top of the LA dining scene and is considered one the best restaurants in the city. Early reports indicate that it has not missed a beat with its changeover to a more casual menu and dining room.

Another fun note: It has also been used as a training ground for the cast of the Bear with Chef Dave Beran himself providing his expertise to the likes of Carmey and Co

Lasita started off as Lasa in 2017 by brothers Chad and Chase Valencia and was a fine dining, tasting menu restaurant before covid. They re-launched as Lasita in 2021 focusing on a more casual approach to their modern filipino fare.

Lasita has done a great job of bridging the gap between fine fining and casual with its modern take on filipino cuisine, centered around a rotisserie, and natural-wine bar program that is hailed by many as delicious, unpretentious, and authentic to its Filipino roots.