Suzanne Levy is a senior editor for the LAist and KPCC newsroom.
I’ve lived in Mar Vista on and off for 13 years, and I knew we’d hit the mainstream when a character in“You didn’t tell me it was in Mar Vista !” someone moans, implying that it’s just too far from their East side bubble.
Yes, it was dissed, but the fact that it was even mentioned in a hip sitcom tells you about its current incarnation. Once a quiet family neighborhood adjacent to Venice, over the years it’s individuated and become a destination in its own right, with plenty of restaurants, a lively farmers market and great views from its hilly contours. As for those restaurants, there’s a whole range of options to choose from. Here’s three of my favorites.If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.Alana’s takes coffee seriously, roasting coffee beans from around the globe on the premises, , while also allowing for a little fun But it also takes community seriously, seeing itself as a local gathering place, with a wall of flapping flyers, and polaroids of customers’ pooches. Sometimes there’s an impatient line for coffee in the mornings, sometimes it’s chill, but either way, you get to admire a gamut of croissant and croissant-adjacent pastries as you wait.Out front there’s benches on the wide sidewalk for a catch up with a friend, and a delightful back area with a charming old airstream-like trailer , which doubles as a stage for its popular open mic nights. I’ve found that breakfast can easily morph into an all-morning stay, so be warned.The state has a program for self-employed workers and small business owners, but workers don’t always know to opt in.LA’s main homelessness agency is at risk of blowing federal audit deadline, auditor warns L.A. Homeless Services Authority executives were far behind in turning in required documents for a crucial oversight check, per the lead auditor.Blueys opened just a few years ago and it’s been full ever since. The space itself is delightfully airy, with white walls and off-beat art, a spacious back patio and sidewalk tables and umbrellas in the front. The food is excellent, a tight menu of sandwiches, tartines and bowls, and some great tea and coffee. I recently became addicted to their Valentine’s day Strawberry Matcha with a yummy foam, only to be told at the beginning of March that it was no longer being served. I howled.One of my favorite dishes is the Whirley Bowl ,"chimichurri dressed cauliflower rice, market fish, avocado, arugula, fermented cabbage, yogurt tartar, and hand chopped pineapple salsa", according to the menu, but you don't have to make it that complex — there's also the Basic Bitch Brekkie, two eggs, bacon and country toast, sold all day. There’s no WiFi, which only adds to the charm… people are actually talking to each other. It's all part of the relaxed vibe, with families, friends and colleagues happily hanging out.I remember driving last year up Centinela Avenue and noticing an eye-catching exterior painted a very specific, kinda groovy, blue. Turns out it was a famous shade,created by French artist Yves Klein in the 50’s, which was a nice calling card for the about-to-be opened restaurant, Electric Bleu. .a favorite of co-owners veteran chef Craig Hopson , and his wife, creative director Mai Sakai, .Wanting to hang out their own shingle, they’ve used their top-notch skills to create a relaxed eaterie that just happens to serve excellent food. . It’s a French restaurant, but not in the way you might imagine — less white tablecloth snooty and more casual neighborhood bistro. The stand out and main stay is the roast chicken. Despite having had roast chicken in many many places, this is honestly some of the best I’ve had. What alchemy is this, Chef Craig? The hidden bonus is the potatoes snuggled underneath the chicken… full of schmaltzy flavor, I’d say come for the chicken, stay for the potatoes. Don’t let the price give you sticker shock — you get so much you’ll happily have the leftovers for lunch for days. There are lovely touches, like a warm baguette, placed directly on your table in a paper bag with a small dish of French butter. The menu changes regularly, depending on which vegetables are in season at the farmers' market, with duck, steak and fresh seafood often making an appearance. The desserts are delicious, with the chocolate mousse particularly to die for. In less than a year, the place has already been included in various"Best of L.A." lists. General Manager Benjamin Phan will effusively welcome you, speaking English a mile a minute with his extravagant French accent, making you feel you really are in Paris, rather than a humble spot on a residential road with local Mar Vistans savoring simple, really good food. You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead . Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community. Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.Climate & Environment
Restaurants Electric Bleu Alana's Bluey's
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Long airport lines are the tip of the iceberg of DHS shutdown, officials tell CongressSuzanne Gamboa is a national reporter for NBC News.
Read more »
Venezuelan immigrant sent to El Salvador's notorious prison files $1.3M lawsuit against Trump adminSuzanne Gamboa is a national reporter for NBC News.
Read more »
Garoppolo Versus Cousins: The Rams' Backup QB DebateThe Los Angeles Rams have an interesting question to ask themselves this offseason
Read more »
Ask Jenna: Did My Vitamin C Serum Go Bad?Did your vitamin C serum go bad if it changed color or smell? Maybe. Probably. Here's how to tell if your Vitamin C skincare is definitely expired, straight from renowned cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong.
Read more »
The Secret to Stronger Friendships: Ask Better QuestionsYou don’t need more time with your friends—just deeper questions.
Read more »
Round Rock ISD parents ask district to reconsider bus route cuts, district respondsRound Rock ISD is responding to concerns over student safety following the announcement of bus route changes for the 2026-27 school year.The district is cutting
Read more »