Situated in L.A.'s original Little Italy, the Eastside Market Italian Deli has been serving Los Angelinos classic Italian dishes since 1929. Take note of the D.A. Special. Guy devoured every last bit of sausage, meatball, roast beef and pastrami on this sandwich of "incomparable deliciousness."
The food at this cafe is so delicious that patrons are willing to wait hours for one of the 40 seats inside. Guy thought that the cornbread and jalapeno jelly made a perfect combo and he appreciated the flavorful buttermilk dill bread. The veggie chili was appreciated for its complex flavors.
With a name like Crazee Burger, it's no surprise that Chef Lothar Manz serves burgers that are far different than your typical fare, including ones made with ostrich, venison and kangaroo meat. Guy never thought he'd be eating an alligator burger, but he was sold on the first bite.
Quiche on a salad and a grilled ham and Brie cheese sandwich are just some of the French country-style favorites at this deli. Guy appreciated the nice and rich flavors of the chicken pate and goat cheese sandwich and loved the "floral notes" found in the chilled lentil salad with roasted prawns.
Guy's trip to Burger Me had him witness everything from chicken burgers to the beloved BBQ Bison Burger. But the Italian Stallion burger (where burger meets deli sandwich) forced Guy to hunch over to take a bite, as it included beef, salami, mortadella, hot peppers and Cabernet vinaigrette.
At Bubba's Diner, they believe that "great ingredients turn out really good quality food." The Ahi Tuna Pot Stickers with homemade wrappers served on a bed of wilted spinach melted in Guy's mouth, as did the Soft-Shell Crab BLT. Locals like the Kobe beef meatloaf and Creme Brulee French Toast.
The two brothers that run this eatery lure in the locals with their fresh fish, which is the main ingredient in every dish they serve. Guy thought the fresh sea bass taco with lemon garlic butter was "outstanding." The cioppino with wahoo, mahi mahi, ahi tuna and scallops gives a spicy kick. Other standouts include the halibut sandwich, oyster shooters and clam chowder.
Diners who visit At Last Cafe say "at last" for the flavorful dishes, reasonable prices and fresh ingredients. On Triple D, Guy was also saying "I'd eat that on a shoe" about the super tender and juicy pork chops and the homemade polenta made with a rich and creamy portabella mushroom sauce.
Visit Gatsby's Diner for Old World European comfort food and unique vegetarian dishes. The pastrami-marinated beet sliders with green goddess dressing and homemade chips were meaty and tender according to Guy. Meat lovers should try the flavorful beef rouladen or the brined pork chops.
Inspired by Singaporean cuisine, Chef Gina Galvan is cooking up some "exotic tropical Chinese food" in a food truck. Guy loved the crunchy, sweet and salty crab cake topped with slaw and spicy ketchup. The halal lamb burger topped with curry yogurt and edamame sprouts is a "package deal," said Guy.
At this diner, an English husband and wife are livin' the American dream and serving up breakfast all day. Guy claims that the pancake roll with yogurt and berries is "righteous." Want a burger? Try the chorizo burger with fiery hot habanero salsa, avocado and flavor that is "out of bounds."
Guy is convinced that this fourth-generation family-owned tavern, which uses locally sourced produce and seafood, makes the best Crab Cioppino. Generous portions of Dungeness crab, clams and shrimp are bathed in a light tomato sauce seasoned with cumin, which gives the dish a healthy kick. Guy is also a fan of the tavern’s take on a classic California specialty, a seafood-centric sandwich that features abalone stuffed between two slices of homemade sourdough bread.
When it comes to turkey, Willie Bird does it all, which includes raising nearly 100,000 turkeys on a turkey farm. Guy had to meet owner Willie Benedetti, aka "The Big Bird," the man who's using turkey eggs in batters, making turkey fried steak and serving Thanksgiving turkey dinner 365 days a year.
Have a craving for handmade bratwurst? Follow Guy’s lead and head over to Brats Brothers, which draws diners from across the globe eager to sample some delectable sausages. Savor a classic brat made from pork or veal, or indulge in an exotic option like a wild boar andouille or a kangaroo sausage.
Aldo's Restaurant is the ideal location for fresh seafood dining. Situated on the scenic Santa Cruz harbor, Aldo's brings in fresh seafood daily, everything from calamari to salmon. Guy devoured the cioppino. As for the handmade ravioli — he'd order those by the thousands.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.