The editors at Eater LA dine out several times a week, if not per day, which means we’re always encountering standout dishes that deserve time in the limelight. Here’s the very best of everything the team has eaten this week.

Box crab cappelletti at Caruso’s in Montecito

A recent jaunt up the coast brought me to the Rosewood Miramar Beach. Taking full advantage of the resort’s many food and beverage offerings, I swung by the low-key excellent Manor Bar for well-made cocktails before heading to dinner at Caruso’s. Helmed by chef Massimo Falsini, the Michelin-starred restaurant prepares an Italian menu with fine dining touches and an eye toward seasonality. Set right on the beach, Caruso’s unbeatable views of the Pacific pairs dreamily with the chef’s four-course menu, which stretches to six or so with flourishes like amuses and mignardises. The highlight of the evening was the box crab cappeletti with its dainty-filled parcels, rich seafood sauce, and buttery hunks of crab meat. I could’ve eaten twice as many as were on my plate but the dry-aged duck and stunning strawberry dessert that followed were worth saving room for. 1759 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito, CA 93108. — Cathy Chaplin, senior editor

Chiles en nogada at Maizano in Costa Mesa

Matthew Kang

It’s officially chiles en nogada season, and the national dish of Mexico comes out in terrific form at Maizano in Costa Mesa. This elegant little nook of a modern Mexican restaurant happens to occupy a corner of the incredible Mercado González but would be good enough to stand on its own. Chef Alan Sanz, who hails from Mexico City, does one of the best versions of this Puebla dish that I’ve tried. Fresh spices flow through the thick walnut cream, with tart pomegranate seeds providing a sweet crunch. Inside the stuffed chile, a picadillo of ground meat, fruits, and spices, brings a Christmas-in-July vibe. A mound of curly parsley completes the colors of the Mexican flag on the plate. While the chiles en nogada are a seasonal special, don’t sleep on Maizano’s other fantastic dishes, such as the composed tlacoyo with fava beans and nopales salad, or the butterflied branzino with green adobo. 2300 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. — Matthew Kang, lead editor

Red pepper goat roti at Bridgetown Roti in East Hollywood

Rebecca Roland

Ending up in Virgil Village on one of Bridgetown Roti’s first days open felt like too good of a twist of fate to turn down, so I endured the hunt for parking with the dream of a roti and patties at the forefront of my mind. Sure, it was a hot day and the sun wasn’t especially forgiving, but once I was in line outside there was no turning back. Within minutes I was at the counter putting in an order for mac and cheese pie, a cocobread cutter with fried fish, and more. Sitting at a wooden table in the corner, I watched orders come out and go past me as I tried to manifest that the next one would be mine. When I saw a server make eye contact with the number on my table, I knew the bounty of items in his hands was headed my way. There was no way to go wrong here, but it was the goat roti that I couldn’t get enough of. The supple wrap held in rich, spiced, meat with a hint of nuttiness from the peanut sauce. The crispy potatoes inside offered a counter to the tender meat, while a slaw gave it all a little crisp. The first opening weeks, and even months, are sure to be busy, but this is a roti that’s worth the wait. 858 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029, — Rebecca Roland, associate editor

Ice cream sprial croissant sandwich at Delight Pastry in Pasadena

Mona Holmes

When purchasing a spiral croissant ice cream sandwich at Delight Pastry, take note of the following instructions. First, it doesn’t travel well so consume on-site. And two, smash it together before taking a bite. The Pasadena bakery started making this dessert a few weeks ago, and it’s an experiment gone right for one reason: those viral spiral croissants are the perfect vessel for ice cream. Co-owner Lily Azar has been making spiral croissants since 2023, which proved to be a popular addition to her menu. People traveled across county lines to secure one before Delight Pastry sold out but were also introduced to Azar’s other excellent creations including tarts, cakes, and kougin amann. The croissant ice cream sandwich is a dessert that can motivate one to get out of the house with a group of loved ones, especially little ones. Azar prepares a rotation of three flavors and currently offers cookies and caramel, vanilla, and pistachio. This will be a warm weather stop or even during cooler months in LA. 39 Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91103. — Mona Holmes