Display: News - Images - Sections
This week in Best of Southland
Page 1
Page 2
Dear Readers:
Earlier this year, we began with asking our readers and viewers to nominate their favorite businesses in five regions throughout the Southland: Orange County, South Bay/Long Beach/South Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley/Ventura, San Gabriel Valley/Inland Empire and Westside/Downtown.
Page 3
Page 4
BEST Casino
Whatever your thrill – luxurious accommodations, world-class event venue, premier gaming, or elevated dining– Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel has something for everyone. Step into a new dawn with us and experience luxury like never before..
Page 5
Page 6
BEST Museum
The Getty welcomes the public for free to its two locations: the Getty Center in Brentwood, featuring art from the Middle Ages to today amid modern architecture, gardens, and spectacular views, and the Getty Villa Museum in Pacific Palisades, offering ancient Greek and Roman art, tranquil gardens, and ocean breezes.
BEST Family-Friendly Attraction
Watch your dreams come true at the Happiest Place on Earth - the Disneyland Resort. With two theme parks, all-new lands with epic adventures, a shopping and dining district, and three resort hotels, there is plenty to see and experience all in one magical place.
Page 7
Page 8
BEST Place to See a Concert
Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting musical acts of all genres under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell.A bucket list venue for any music lover, it’s where summer plays.
BEST Place to See a Play
On the famed corner of Hollywood and Vine sits the historic Hollywood Pantages Theatre, which hosts some of Broadway’s biggest productions. Today, it’s one of Hollywood’s greatest landmarks, signifying both the glorious past and adventuresome future of the world’s entertainment capital.
Page 9
Page 10
FOOD & DRINK
Santa Monica’s classic deli and late-night eats spot since 1973, Izzy’s Deli is known for its New York style dishes, friendly service, and comfy booths. Open to go during its construction, Izzy’s is anxious to welcome back diners to its Wilshire Blvd. location very soon.
BEST 24 Hour Restaurant
Canter’s Deli offers an authentic deli-style experience unparalleled anywhere on the West Coast. Our endless menu is full of breakfast, lunch and dinner items available 24 hours a day. Fresh baked goods are available from our bakery, and a full bar, the Kibbitz Room, is open 10:30 a.
Page 11
Page 12
BEST Bar
The Abbey Food & Bar’s mouth-watering drinks and delicious foodie bites transform any night into an Abbey celebration. Two-time winner of the MTV’s “Best Gay Bar in the World” award, we offer an array of Chef’s specials and seasonal drinks, plus more than 14,000 square feet to party.
BEST Bakery
Rosa Porto’s children and grandchildren carry on her passion for baking at Porto’s Bakery and Café in Buena Park and other locations throughout the Southland.
Page 13
Page 14
BEST Brunch
M.B. Post is a social house where guests come for the eclectic array of soulful dishes and lively atmosphere. Chef David LeFevre has created a menu of playful, artisanal dishes driven by local seasonal produce, bold flavors, a robust wine program, craft beers, and classic cocktails with a culinary twist.
Page 15
BEST Burger
At In-N-Out®, every burger is cooked fresh to order. With 100% pure beef, real American cheese, leafed lettuce and plump tomatoes stacked high on a freshly baked bun. Your burger doesn’t hit the grill until you ask for it. After all, we’re cooking for someone special.
Page 16
BEST Coffeehouses
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has been brewing popular international beverages in Southern California since 1963. We directly source the best tea leaves and coffee from farmers who grow the top Arabica beans in the world for perfect pick-meups, from The Original Ice Blended® to deliciously-flavored latte and espresso drinks.
BEST Chinese
Lunasia Dim Sum House is originally from Alhambra. We are known for its delectable Chinese dishes and a wide array of dim sum, a style of Cantonese food prepared as “small bites” and traditionally served with tea..
Page 17
Page 18
BEST Donuts
Based in Inglewood with six California locations, Randy’s Donuts is the most recognized donut shop around, boasting one of the most iconic locations in Los Angeles, attracting visitors from around the world to take pictures of the giant rooftop donut.
BEST Food Delivery
Enjoy “restaurants and more, delivered to your door.” Night and day, these entrepreneurial Dashers deliver your favorites from Fullerton and beyond. Craving Chinese noodles? No problem. How about a little Italian? We’ve got you covered.
Page 19
BEST Fried Chicken
Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles is a Los Angeles soul food chain founded by Herb Hudson in 1975. The L.A. Times has referred to Roscoe’s as “such an L.A. institution that people don’t even question the strange combo anymore.” The New York Times refers to it as a “beloved soul food chain.
Page 20
BEST Indian
Al-Noor serves up the South Bay’s finest certified Halal foods throughout the year. Every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients.
BEST Italian
In 2010, Ori Menashe and his wife Genevieve Gergis lived out their dreams of openinga restaurant together, and Bestia (meaning “Beast”) was born.
Page 21
BEST Korean
Gyu-Kaku, meaning “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, provides the authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience where customers share premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, while sipping on sake and frosty cold beers.
BEST Local Craft Brewery
A family-owned craft brewery in Torrance that brews a wide variety of creatively inspired and exceptionally balanced beers, we pride ourselves on making beer everyone will love and share. With four tap rooms to choose from around Los Angeles County, Smog City Beer is never too far away.
Page 22
BEST Mexican
We bring forward a modern approach to the tradition of Mexican tamales in a casual and contemporary environment. With 10 authentic Mexican recipes, ranging from vegan and vegetarian to traditional, gourmet, and even sweet ... Artesano offers you a fresh and healthy experience.
BEST Persian
Inspired by a love of real home cooking, Rafik and his wife Gohar opened Raffi’s Place in 1993. It has since become one of the community’s favorite Middle Eastern restaurants.
Page 23
BEST Pizza
Visit Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta’s newest location in Pasadena for high-quality Italian cooking in a casual atmosphere. We serve calzones, mini pizza rolls, even a MEGA 28-inch pizza for the whole family. Quench your thirst at our self-serve Beer Wall with 24 taps to sample and savor.
Page 24
BEST Seafood
Water Grill has served seafood beside the ocean in Santa Monica since 1987. Our menu includes a long list of wild caught fish, spectacular crustaceans, and a raw bar overflowing with clams and oysters plucked from cool Atlantic and Pacific waters. Hold your next gathering in one of our private rooms.
BEST Steakhouse
Established in 1946, the legendary Smoke House is one of the few L.A. restaurants of the WWII era to survive today. Known for its classic red leather booths and crisp white tablecloths, the Smoke House’s slogan, “Where every diner is treated like a star.
Page 25
BEST Tacos
Founded in 1974, King Taco began in a converted ice cream truck. Don Raúl and Doña Lupe began drawing crowds after they stationed their taco truck next to an East L.A. bar. Today, we’ve grown to 22 locations, serving a wide variety of authentic Mexican food praised by foodies and food critics alike.
BEST Sushi
“Don’t Think, Just Eat,” is Chef Nozawa’s mantra. Our traditional-based sushi, incorporating Chef Nozawa’s 50 years of experience and impressive service, helps Sugarfish stand out from the crowd. We are also fanatical about delivering the highest quality sushi experience consistently for people who really love sushi.
Page 26
BEST Vegan
Some times being good can taste wonderful. Since 2010, Seabirds Kitchen pushed the boundaries of vegan cuisine, incorporating seasonal produce, unique flavor combinations, and creative techniques.
Page 27
BEST Vietnamese
East-Meets-West dishes that inspire and evoke a feeling of being welcomed into Chef Vuong’s home. Little Sister’s menu showcases European and Southeast Asian food and culture, balancing the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British influences.
Page 28
HEALTH & WELLNESS
With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Michele (Shelly) Bosten is a one-of-a-kind chiropractor: healing, realigning and inspiring. Our goal at Bosten Chiropractic is to improve your lifestyle by caring for your health. We provide high quality customer service and chiropractic experience to all our patients.
BEST Wine & Spirits
What’s more festive than enjoying bottles of bubbly with friends and family? Sip and save when you sign up for Total Wine & More’s exclusive email offers.
Page 29
Page 30
BEST Dentist / Dental Group
Our family of dentists have been caring for people of all ages in Southern California since 1979. We take the time to get to know you and use the latest dental technology to give you the best treatment outcomes possible. This includes same-day crowns and robotic-guided dental implants.
BEST Cosmetic Surgery Group/Surgeon
Double board certified in dermatopathology and anatomic pathology, Dr. Michelle Hure specializes in skin cancer as well as cosmetic dermatology.
Page 31
Page 32
BEST Hospital
It began in 1902 as a 12-bed hospital in central Los Angeles. Today, Cedars-Sinai is a non-profit academic healthcare organization serving the diverse L.A. community and beyond.
BEST Medical Group
Optum is a leading medical group in Southern California that cares for two million patients throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Our doctors and care teams are committed to providing expert, personalized care that helps keep our patients healthy and feeling their best.
Page 33
BEST Senior Living Care/Retirement
Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center is located in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains in the San Fernando Valley. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, Villa Scalabrini offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care and is widely praised as a model home for senior citizens.
BEST Senior Living Care/Retirement
Walnut Village is an award-winning, continuing care retirement community in the heart of Orange County offering resort-style living. Amenities include a fitness and aquatics center, restaurant-style dining, performing arts center, artist studio, and more.
Page 34
BEST Workout Studio
From group fitness classes, including Cycle Zone spinning, yoga and Zumba® to personal training, swimming, saunas and more, LA Fitness keeps members moving. Founded in Southern California in 1984, we continue to seek innovative ways to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of our diverse membership base.
Page 35
BEST Online Workout
At Peloton, we use technology and design to connect the world through fitness, empowering people to be the best version of themselves. Our library of classes with curated music help you reach your goals at home, on your own time.
Page 36
HOME & GARDEN
The Home Depot is a one-stop shop for Do-It-Yourselfers. Departments include appliances, automotive, bathroom, building materials, cleaning, doors and windows, flooring, hardware, electrical, garden, HVAC, kitchen, lighting, lumber, paint, plumbing, storage, tools, and workwear.
BEST Doors & Windows
As a family-owned and operated window company for over 20 years, Metropolitan High Performance Windows has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service, expert advice, competitive pricing and unsurpassed workmanship in replacement window installation.
Page 37
BEST Heating & Air Conditioning
Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning has proudly served Los Angeles homeowners for 76 years, delivering a five-star customer service experience since 1945.
BEST Furniture
At Cost Plus World Market, we search the world for unique artisan goods and handicrafts, international food favorites and design inspiration for our furniture and home décor.
Page 38
BEST Kitchen & Bath Remodel
The Home Depot is a one-stop shop for Do-It-Yourselfers. Departments include appliances, automotive, bathroom, building materials, cleaning, doors and windows, flooring, hardware, electrical, garden, HVAC, kitchen, lighting, lumber, paint, plumbing, storage, tools, and workwear.
BEST Nursery/Garden Center
Armstrong Garden Centers have served Southern California for over 130 years. We strive to take the Guesswork Out of Gardening® by providing the best horticultural knowledge and assortment of quality plants and garden-related products.
Page 39
BEST Patio & BBQ
At Costco Wholesale, practically everything you want is under one giant roof. From groceries to clothing to tires, it’s all here. Our products are carefully chosen for incredible value, and your annual membership gives you exclusive services.
BEST Pest Control
We want to provide exceptional service at a reasonable price! We strive to provide white-glove service. Every time a technician enters the property, you will be greeted with a smile, along with clean booties, gloves and pristine equipment, giving the customer the cleanest, most effective service possible.
Page 40
BEST Solar
Treepublic is a solar and energy storage system installer that educates first and builds second. We help clients understand their investment in a sustainable future. Drawing on our crews’ 175+ years of combined experience across hundreds of installations, we build systems to stand the test of time.
BEST Plumbing
For 10+ years, Titan Brother’s Plumbing and Rooter Services has served the San Fernando Valley, delivering long-term solutions to our customers. We provide free estimates and install, repair and maintain eco-friendly drains.
Page 41
SHOPPING & SERVICES
Amy’s Farm is a working polycultural farm focusing on sustainable, organic farming methods. The farm provides fresh produce to our local community and offers education with hands-on, guided tours to visitors of all ages through our educational 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
BEST Insurance
The Automobile Club of Southern California is the region’s AAA affiliate, serving eight million members as the nation’s largest AAA organization. Founded in 1900, the company today provides coverage for autos, RVs, motorcycles, watercraft and homes.
Page 42
BEST Jeweler
Arthur of Westwood Jewelers is celebrating his 42nd year serving the West Los Angeles community. Arthur can bring your imagination to life. We specialize in updating your jewelry from old to new..
BEST Pet Boarding / Grooming / Daycare
Brian Lee has worked with over 10,000 dogs in the past 35 years as a trainer and behaviorist. His methods go beyond obedience and focus on behavior modification, from puppy mischief to dangerous aggression.
Page 43
BEST Pet Clinic / Veterinarian
At VCA Animal Medical Center, we provide the highest quality medical and surgical care available in the San Fernando Valley.
Page 44
BEST Shopping Destination
Renowned as a leading international shopping destination, South Coast Plaza is home to an unparalleled collection of 250 prominent boutiques – including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, Dior, Givenchy,...
BEST Small Business
Veteran Air is a veteran-owned and operated air conditioning and heating company serving Orange County. We specialize in preventative maintenance, service and installation. Our mission statement has always been to provide the best value and highest level of customer service.
Page 45
BEST Local News Anchor
Lynette Romero is an Emmy Award-winning news anchor and reporter at the #1 local news station in Southern California – KTLA 5. Lynette started at KTLA 5 in 1999 and has seen over the years the news grow into the powerhouse it is today — making KTLA 5 L.
MEDIA
Henry DiCarlo is an AMS meteorologist and sportscaster for the KTLA5 Morning News. He earned his meteorology degree from Mississippi State University and hasa communications degree from Cal State Fullerton. Henry isa proud native of Southern California, born and raised in the city of Orange.
Page 46
BEST Local Radio Personality
Ryan is quite simply one of the most influential, well-regarded, and well-known names in Hollywood. He is the quintessential Hollywood insider who always manages to have the biggest scoops and the most sought-after access to top events and celebrities.
BEST Local Weather Person
Dallas Raines, chief meteorologist for ABC7 Eyewitness News, is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, an elite designation for individuals who have undergone rigorous examination by the American Meteorological Society.
Page 47
Page 48
View mode: Standard | Basic
©2025 by Wehaa
