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 Vietnamese coffee fix: Nam Coffee Shop

There are many appealing ways to caffeinate throughout Los Angeles inspired by global traditions. Newcomers like South Korea’s Camel Coffee are delighting patrons with its namesake special made with two espresso shots, milk, and creamy topping, while longtime staples like La Monarca keep crowds coming back with its cinnamon-spiked horchata latte. A newer favorite among fans of Vietnamese coffee is Nam Coffee Shop in East Hollywood where Vince Nguyen serves up old- and new-school drinks made with coffee beans sourced from Vietnam. Menu mainstays like the egg coffee crowned with a velvety custard are balanced and strong, while the seasonal special pumpkin spice Viet latte is made with real pumpkin puree and warming spices. 4876 Fountain Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029. — Cathy Chaplin, senior editor

For a hearty breakfast to fuel the day: Breakfast Bar in Long Beach

Being out and about on a sunny weekend could bring one to Long Beach. It’s only a 30-minute drive down the 710, or minutes away from those lucky enough to live there. Most Angelenos don’t appreciate LBC’s beauty and local pride because they simply haven’t spent enough time there, or know where to go. So when making the decision to visit, start with Breakfast Bar. With locations on Atlantic Boulevard and Belmont Heights, it’s got plenty to serve in a diner-like space that scores high on vibes. The dining room is filled with servers, bussers, and line cooks moving at a rapid pace, dropping off plates of filling breakfast poutine, shrimp and cheesy grits with roasted pepper, omelets, pancakes, and burgers. What’s also great is the ideal placement of the locations. The Atlantic location is blocks away from Alamitos Beach, while the one on Fourth Street is central and convenient for visitors or locals. Order an Uncle Marcee’s omelet casserole for the table and enjoy this family recipe made with bread, cheese, milk, and eggs. 3404 E. Fourth Street, Long Beach, CA, 90814. — Mona Holmes, reporter

For a halal feast without having to head to New York: New York Chicken & Gyro

New York Chicken & Gyro

Let’s face it, Halal Guys isn’t what it used to be. I used to be a regular at a location in Boston, and in LA, but it’s just not hitting the same these days. In recent years, I’ve been turning to New York Chicken & Gyro to get my halal platter fix. My go-to is the lamb platter with the usual 50/50 rice to salad split, and plenty of white sauce. While some restaurants have gone a little too deep into mayo territory for my taste with their white sauce, New York Chicken & Gyro keeps it tangy, adding a pleasantly complimentary flavor to the meat without being distracting. What I really appreciate is the consistent cooking of the rice; it never ventures into overcooked territory, and raw grains are nowhere to be found. At $14.99, it’s a great deal, too — the plates are fully loaded, large enough to sometimes become two meals. The newest location is in Venice, a massive boon for the Westside dining scene. 401 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor

For outstanding pho in Westminster: Pho 101

Matthew Kang

In the realm of Orange County pho, few places will be as heralded as Pho 79, winner of the James Beard America’s Classics award a few years ago. In 2018, the family behind Pho 79 expanded to another restaurant called Pho 101 at a difficult-to-access plaza in Westminster just off the 405. Though it’s on a major intersection at Edinger and Beach Boulevard, the restaurant is only accessible going west on Edinger. The journey is worth it because Pho 101 might have my favorite new pho in Southern California outside of Pho Redbo. Pho 101 does a fun customizable bowl with up to four different toppings for the same price. A medium runs $14.75, and it’s more than big enough for a single person. I opted for tai, or rare steak, brisket, and floating blobs of tofu so that my son could have something to eat.

The tai was tender, melt-in-your-mouth while the brisket had an edge of profound beefiness. The broth is perfect, almost clear but not overwhelmingly directed toward spices or aromatics. The dining room is also very nice with a modern and vaguely industrial aesthetic that doesn’t try too hard. The ambience is a clear step up from the garden variety strip mall pho spot. As the weather turns cold, this will be the pho restaurant our family will gravitate towards. 8031 Edinger Avenue, Westminster, CA 92683 — Matthew Kang, lead editor