4 Restaurants to Try This Weekend in Los Angeles: June 28

For sticky sweet funnel cakes topped with ice cream: Fun Diggity Funnel Cakes.

Every Friday our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here now are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.

For Sunday brunch on the Westside: Si! Mon

For Sunday brunch on the Westside: Si! Mon.

I’ve been a Si! Mon disciple since it opened last October, and now I can enjoy the vibey Venice restaurant in a new way through its Sunday “Domingo” service, which offers brunchy plates like huevos con gallo pinto, an easy fried egg and bean dish that delivers more flavor than meets the eye. On the lunchier side, the whole fried red snapper will satisfy the table, as well as the “porchetta,” a brightly marinated, chicharron-encased pork belly served with a culantro chimichurri and sweet corn bollo (Colombian steamed corn roll). Don’t miss the obvious pairing of its pupusas and cabbage salad (listed separately on the menu) — the cabbage’s Fresno chile vinaigrette packs a punch tempered only by the pupusa round’s melty quesillo. Drinks flow easily here, including the red sangria portioned for four. I haven’t tried the tasajo-style burger yet, because it feels smarter to leave something to try next time. 60 N. Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291. — Nicole Adlman, cities manager

For a glorious throwback night of empanadas, steak, and Malbec: Carlitos Gardel

For a glorious throwback night of empanadas, steak, and Malbec: Carlitos Gardel.

Every so often, there comes a point where a restaurant attains that ideal blend of vibe, food, drinks, and service in Los Angeles; for me, that list includes Soban, Republique, Langer’s, Jones, and Musso & Frank. After visiting Carlitos Gardel on Melrose Avenue, I’m ready to include it in that pantheon because it encapsulates a great dining experience that pulls greatly from Buenos Aires but still feels like it fits into LA. Owners Max and Gerard Bozoghlian offer a one-two punch of wine service and hospitality paired with excellent food. Gerard fully took over the kitchen from his mother, Azniv, in recent years, which included learning the matriarch’s incredible desserts. The result is a beautiful, well-lit dining room with a gentle touch of instrumental tunes to provide ambiance. Perhaps LA’s only regularly scheduled accordionist plays vibrant tango hits on Fridays and Saturdays. Every dish hits well, such as seared scallops or grilled shrimp swimming in a red chimichurri sauce to garlic fries and chimichurri compound butter-topped ribeye. Max’s wine list features Argentine glasses that pop from start to finish with zingy whites and ruminative reds. The only way to finish is with Azniv’s genoise layer cake, studded with meringue, nuts, dulce de leche, and peachy cake. 7963 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. — Matthew Kang, lead editor

For a sunny snack in Silver Lake: Simón

For a sunny snack in Silver Lake: Simón.

Walking around Silver Lake, I always keep an eye out for the vibrant blue of the Simón truck that’s often parked in front of the plaza that houses Pine & Crane. Owner Francisco Aguilar can often be spotted inside the tight kitchen taking orders for dishes like aguachile and ceviche. But for me, the real star here is the baja fish taco which comes fried crispy on a thick corn tortilla. On top, Aguilar piles an impressive amount of crisp bright purple cabbage slaw. It’s a hefty taco, and keeping the fillings inside the tortilla while eating requires at least some concentration. But on a hot day in Silver Lake, it’s the perfect snack, especially when paired with an ice-cold Mexican Coke. 3667 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor

For sticky sweet funnel cakes topped with ice cream: Fun Diggity Funnel Cakes

For sticky sweet funnel cakes topped with ice cream: Fun Diggity Funnel Cakes.

Cheyenne Brown, a festive former beauty queen, is selling funnel cakes out of Compton. She’s been providing this service since 2016, and it’s still worth the stop. One cannot go wrong with this treat that’s usually available at summer fairs, but Brown’s tested this recipe for years before launching operations out of her home, then an industrial kitchen. Fun Diggity’s slightly fluffy funnel cake maintains a pleasant crunch and incredible flavor, plus it’s available with toppings like caramel drizzle, peaches, bananas, nuts, or even ice cream. Her most ordered funnel dish is the O.G. full cake with strawberries, ice cream, whipped cream, and a strawberry drizzle, but one must try the deep-fried Oreos too. Brown’s funnel cakes are best consumed fresh, but delivery is available. Always wait for staff to exclaim, “Have a fun diggity day!” before driving away. 2807 N Dalhart Avenue, Compton, California, 90222. — Mona Holmes, reporter