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 a delivery-style pizza that’s better than it should be: Lucky’s Pizza in Canoga Park

Matthew Kang

Out in Canoga Park, a quiet office park area contains a busy cloud kitchen where upstart restaurants climb up to attain full brick-and-mortar status. Inside, one door opens up into Lucky’s Pizza where plucky Peruvian pizzaiolo Luigi Erausquin makes some of the most underrated whole pies in Los Angeles. Erausquin says he once owned something like seven restaurants in Peru, including one nearby Machu Picchu, mostly on the fame of his pizza, which he says is New York-style. The pizzaiolo also says his dough uses slow-fermented sourdough, though the actual flavor won’t veer anywhere near tangy. We ordered a pepperoni and a supreme, the latter loaded with juicy sausage, ham, onions, and bell peppers for something that felt like delivery pizza. Both were excellent, something in the middle of the road that won’t be too challenging for most people, with fairly thin, pliant crusts and well-loaded toppings. I actually wish there were something this tasty near me in the South Bay. I’m hoping if Canoga Park doesn’t catch on, that Erausquin will make his way south. 9030 Owensmouth Avenue, Kitchen 9, Canoga Park, CA 91304. — Matthew Kang, lead editor

For peak mango season sticky rice: My Mango Sticky Rice.

Nicole Adlman

The My Mango Sticky Rice stand, which previously ran in Palms near the Trader Joe’s on Sepulveda, has been popping up at the vibey Mar Vista farmers market on the first and third Sundays of the month (for the time being, it no longer operates at the Sepulveda location). Run by long-time friends Jean Tipsiri and Waan Arsinrum Giammarco, the stand slings vibrant renditions of the classic Thai dish, including an “original” plate, a version with “purple” (whole grain black) sticky rice, a half-and-half for the indecisive, and mango sticky rice served alongside a creamy purple yam mash (toasted mung beans add textural contrast). All of its mango sticky rices are vegan; while most of the stand’s dishes are priced from $15 to $16, it hosts an early bird morning special at the market where all plates go for $13. Coconut pudding and freshly made milk teas are also available for $5. The stand is popping up next on July 21. 12198 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066. — Nicole Adlman, cities manager

For a sandwich that hits with coffee to boot: Bodega Park

Mona Holmes

There’s no denying that bodegas have been popping up throughout Southern California. Let’s refer to this phenomenon as “bodega creep,” a largely East Coast cultural staple attempting to invade the West Coast. Those born and raised in the Southland might respond defensively, as LA already has a neighborhood cafe culture that beckons respect. But in true LA fashion, a sandwich spot like Bodega Park emerged in 2020 that incorporates sandwiches for all with New York staples like the wonderfully salty and savory chopped cheese, or solid bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. They also added a pork bulgogi roll and a Peruvian-style chicken breakfast burrito with aji pepper. Order any of the aforementioned and Bodega Park’s misugaru black sesame with two shots of espresso, and seize the day. 2852 W Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake, CA, 90026. — Mona Holmes, reporter

For a summer night at a French bistro: Oriel

Wonho Frank Lee

There’s a lot to love about Chinatown’s Oriel, a French wine bar and bistro tucked under the train tracks of what used to be known as the Gold Line. Though its menu has gone through a few evolutions over the years it keeps finding its equilibrium with bistro classics like bread with Beurre de Baratte, charcuterie, French onion soup, tartare, and usually some version of a bavette steak. The all-French wine menu features champagne, skin contact, red, and white bottles, most of which are also available by the glass. During summer when the nights stay warm long after the sun goes down, the gently lit patio at Oriel buzzes with a steady flow of food and conversation until the restaurant closes. If there’s a desire to stay out after the last call at Oriel, try the nearby Homage Brewing. 1135 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor