Exploring Los Angeles’ Culinary Scene: A Weekend Guide to Four Exceptional Dining Experiences
Table of Contents
- Exploring Los Angeles’ Culinary Scene: A Weekend Guide to Four Exceptional Dining Experiences
- For Upscale Chinese Dining: Bistro Na’s
- For a Hip New-School French Restaurant in the Heart of Hollywood: Mr. T
- For Seafood from One of LA’s Most Respected Operators: Mariscos Jalisco
- For an Easy Weekend Lunch in Chinatown: Qin West
- How can I view the details of a specific health inspection in los Angeles County?
- Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, offering a plethora of dining options that cater to every palate. This weekend, embark on a gastronomic journey through four distinctive restaurants that showcase the city’s rich culinary heritage and innovative flavors.
For Upscale Chinese Dining: Bistro Na’s
Located in Temple City, just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, Bistro Na’s offers an immersive experience into imperial Manchu cuisine, reminiscent of the Qing dynasty’s royal courts. Under the guidance of Chef Tian, the restaurant presents a menu that artfully blends traditional flavors with contemporary techniques.
Signature dishes include:
- Beijing Cabbage and Kurobuta Pork Pot: A harmonious blend of tender pork and crisp cabbage, simmered to perfection.
- Na’s Angus Rib: Succulent Angus beef ribs, marinated and grilled to achieve a smoky, savory profile.
- Na’s Drunken Chicken: A delicate preparation where chicken is infused with a fragrant blend of herbs and rice wine.
For dessert, the Lucky Koi Milk Pudding is a delightful treat, molded into the shape of a koi fish, symbolizing good fortune. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the renowned Beijing duck, which often sells out weeks in advance.
Address: 9055 Las Tunas Drive, Suite 105, Temple City, CA 91780
For a Hip New-School French Restaurant in the Heart of Hollywood: Mr. T

Situated in the vibrant Hollywood district, Mr. T offers a contemporary twist on French cuisine, seamlessly integrating Asian influences. The restaurant’s ambiance is a fusion of industrial-chic decor and a lively atmosphere, complemented by an expansive patio that provides a relaxed dining experience.
Highlights from the menu include:
- Coconut Curry Ocean Trout Crudo: A refreshing starter that combines the delicate flavors of ocean trout with a rich coconut curry dressing.
- Lumpia with Chicken and Shrimp Mousse: A Filipino-inspired appetizer served with a side of calamansi aioli, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors.
- Branzino with Grilled Endives: A main course featuring crispy-skinned branzino paired with slightly charred endives, drizzled with a sweet-salty beurre blanc sauce.
- Steak Frites: A classic French dish reimagined with a well-seared crust and tender medium-rare center, accompanied by crisp fries and a peppercorn sauce.
- Boeuf Bourguignon: A hearty rendition of the traditional French stew, infused with subtle Korean elements like sweet soy sauce and apple kimchi, resulting in a flavor profile reminiscent of galbi jjim.
Address: 953 N. Sycamore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038
For Seafood from One of LA’s Most Respected Operators: Mariscos Jalisco

Mariscos Jalisco, a beloved seafood establishment in Boyle Heights, has garnered a reputation for its authentic Mexican seafood offerings. The food truck, a staple in East LA’s vibrant food scene, serves dishes that have become local favorites.
Must-try items include:
- Deep-Fried Shrimp Tacos Dorados: Crispy on the outside and tender within, these tacos are best enjoyed immediately to savor their full flavor.
- Poseidon Tostada: A generous combination of octopus, shrimp aguachile, ceviche, chopped salsa, and avocado atop a crispy corn tortilla, delivering a refreshing and satisfying bite.
For those seeking a sit-down experience, the Pomona location offers casual dining with the same beloved menu. The East LA food truck operates Wednesday through Friday, while the Pomona location provides a more relaxed atmosphere for patrons.
Address: 3040 E. Olympic Boulevard, Boyle Heights, CA 90023
For an Easy Weekend Lunch in Chinatown: Qin West

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Qin West specializes in Chinese noodle dishes, offering a casual and inviting atmosphere perfect for a weekend lunch. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and generous portion sizes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Signature dishes include:
- Liangpi: A cold noodle dish from the Shaanxi province, featuring chewy noodles tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce.
- Hot Dry Noodles: Served with peanuts and cilantro, this dish is enhanced with Chinese vinegar and chili oil, providing a flavorful and satisfying meal
How can I view the details of a specific health inspection in los Angeles County?
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
General Information
- What is the health inspection grading system in Los Angeles County?
- Los Angeles County utilizes a letter-grade system to evaluate food facilities based on thier health inspection scores. The grades are as follows:
- A: 90 to 100 points – Generally superior in food handling practices and overall food facility maintenance.
- B: 80 to 89 points – Generally good in food handling practices and overall food facility maintenance.
- C: 70 to 79 points – Generally acceptable in food handling practices and overall food facility maintenance.
- Score Card: 0 to 69 points – Poor in food handling practices and overall food facility maintenance.Facilities scoring below 70 points are required to post a score card instead of a letter grade. If a facility scores below 70 points twice within a 12-month period, it may be subject to closure. ([laist.com](https://laist.com/news/los-angeles-county-restaurant-health-inspection-grade-color-change?utm_source=openai))
- How frequently enough are restaurants and markets inspected?
- Food facilities in Los Angeles County are inspected one to three times a year. The frequency depends on the public health risk associated with the food products served, the methods of food planning, and the operational history of the facility.([admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov](https://admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/inspection/restaurant-retail-food-inspection-faq.htm?utm_source=openai))
Health Inspection Scores and Information
- Where can I find health inspection scores for Los Angeles County restaurants?
- The Safe LA Dining App provides access to over 27,000 restaurant health inspection scores within Los Angeles County. This free app allows users to search for a restaurant’s health inspection score, view top-rated establishments, and examine details of health violations. ([apps.apple.com](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/safe-la-dining/id1595352463?utm_source=openai))
- How are health inspection scores persistent?
- Health inspectors evaluate food facilities based on compliance with health and safety code requirements, including safe food temperatures, food handling practices, employee hygiene, and facility cleanliness. Violations are categorized as major or minor, with point deductions affecting the overall score. ([ph.lacounty.gov](https://www.ph.lacounty.gov/eh/inspection/reference-guide-food-official-inspection-report.htm?utm_source=openai))
Reporting and Addressing Health Violations
- How can I report a suspected foodborne illness from a restaurant?
- Suspected foodborne illnesses can be reported to the Los Angeles County Morbidity Unit of Acute Communicable Disease Control at (888) 397-3993 or online through the Foodborne Illness Complaint page. ([admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov](https://admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/inspection/restaurant-retail-food-inspection-faq.htm?utm_source=openai))
- What should I do if I disagree with an inspection report?
- Restaurant and market owners have the opportunity to improve their grades by requesting an Owner Initiated Inspection (OII). An OII might potentially be requested once in a twelve-month period. Additionally, permit holders can request that their inspection reports be reviewed by a supervisor at the local Environmental Health office. ([admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov](https://admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/inspection/restaurant-retail-food-inspection-faq.htm?utm_source=openai))