Welcome to Glendale, La Canada and La Crescenta! As a busy working mom I eat out more than your average bear. I thought it might be helpful to pull together some of my go to favorites to help you get acclimated! This is not an exhaustive list- there are plenty more great places to eat. But, this will get you started.
Downtown Glendale
Portos – People come from al over Greater Los Angeles to eat at Portos. This Glendale institution started as a Cuban bakery, but they also serve delicious sandwiches (the Cubano and Ham and Cheese croissant are a must try!) and salads. My favorites are the cheese rolls, the ham and cheese croissant and the fruit tart.
Damons – Also a Glendale institution, made famous in the 1950’s when Polynesian “culture” was all the rage and sports nostalgic Tiki Bar decor.. I knew of Damon’s as a b
ar, so I never went in, but people rave about their food.
Glendale, CA 91203 damonsglendale.com
Delucca’s Italian Deli – Located in the Americana at Brand, this little deli is a real surprise. Deli case salads are imaginative and fresh and there are lots of tempting baked goods. In my opinion the point, here, is the sandwiches. I had the “Pig and Fig” the other day that was so good I nearly cried.
317 N Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91203 delucasdeli.com
Pho Hut – Pho is “in style” at the moment and I’ve been to dozens of Pho restaurants. Pho Hut is the best in Glendale, in my opinion. The broth is decently rich and complex, the bean sprout and herbs on the side were fresh and plentiful and their sandwiches were moi
st with reasonably good bread.
Glendale, CA 91203 phohut.com
Shakers – For family friendly dining it is hard to beat Shakers. Styled as a classic American Diner, everything they do is good. We love to go for their “Early Bird” specials (before 7 PM?!). Filet of Sole is my go to and the kids like Yankee Pot Roast and the Meatloaf. Each meal comes with a side of Shaker’s famous Zucchini Bread which is reason enough, alone, to go.
Glendale, CA 91203 Shakersrestaurants.net
Bourbon Steak – This is the finest eating in all of Glendale right now. Developed by celebrity chef Michael Mina, this all American Steak House is a destination restaurant. I was invited to a VIP event earlier this year and expected good and got “out of this world.” The must try is the hanger steak and if you are looking for a unique experience I highly recommend the Japanese Whiskey Ceremony.
Glendale, CA 91204 michaelmina.net
Brand 158 – This new restaurant is across the street from the Americana and if you are youngish, hip and love good food, this is the ideal place to meet your friends. The menu is contemporary and delicious, the drinks imaginative and I love the vibe- energetic without being loud or night clubish. They have a great tipping policy. It isn’t allowed. They pay their wait staff a real salary so your tip is “included” in the price of the food. Genius!!
!
Glendale, CA 91204 brand158.com
Recess – On the north end of Brand is Recess – one of the more exciting “new” places to hit the Glendale scene is Recess, by Glendale native, Chef Sevan. This contemporary California eatery is casual, unpretentious and entirely delicious. The outdoor dining areas are a blend of Sunset Magazine meets Tuscan farm house. I am in love with their St. Ann’s Ahi Tuna Salad. While Recess is a bit on the pricey side, the atmosphere and quality are well 
worth it!
Glendale, CA 91202 recesseatery.com
South Glendale
Scarantino’s – Glendale has a tightly knit Italian population and their “go to” restaurant is Scarantino’s. This place has been around for as long as I can remember is likely way before that. The smell of sauteed garlic when you walk in the door tells you this is a “love on a plate” sort of place.
Glendale, CA 91205 scarantinos.com
Zankou Chicken – While this was started in Hollywood, we tend to think of Zanko’s as a Glendale business. They were pioneers in the rotisserie chicken concept and they pared it with a delectable garlic sauce that is positively addicting
Ste D
Glendale, CA 91205 Zankouchicken.com
Mario’s Deli – Another Glendale institution. Sandwiches are the mainstay of this classic Italian Deli (the meatball sub is ridiculous), but my favorite dish is the baked sh
ells.
Glendale, CA 91205 mariosglendale.com
Rossmoyne
Fish King – I believe Fish King is the best Fish Monger in the whole area. Their quality and knowledge are legendary. Beyond their fresh fish and seafood, however, is their restaurant and prepared foods. They grill up nearly anything they sell, right on the spot. They have all sorts of salads and dishes particular to the Japanese American culture like seaweed salad and a fruit salad many of you might call Ambrosia. Their Spicy Tuna sushi is destinat
ion worthy.
Glendale, CA 91206 fishkingseafood.com
Northwest Glendale
Cafe Bravo – Best kebab fast food in town. Ok, everyone in Glendale has their favorite kebab place. Cafe Bravo is mine. I get the same thing every time- Chicken Kebob sandwich, toasted with extra cilantro. The flavor is like a nuclear explosion in your mouth- I am drooling just thinking of it. Their hummus is good and their ikra (eggplant caviar) is outs
tanding.
Glendale, CA 91202 bravokabob.com
Montrose
Casa Cordoba – This is an authentic Spanish Tapas restaurant. The owners fell in love with Spain and Spanish culture and are obsessed with bring the authentic experience here, to Glendale. Everything is amazing, but the white bean and kale soup is my hands down favorite. Thier home cured olives are also delectable. There is a romantic outdoor courtyard and occasional live music and Flamenco dancers. This place is a real gem.
Ste C Montrose, CA 91020 casacordoba.us.com
Black Cow – Family friendly dining on the north end of town! The menu is a blend of California Contemporary and basic diner food. Burgers, roast chicken dinner, chili and enchiladas all happily collide. Breakfast is a special treat, here. Don’t miss the corn flake crusted French Toast. Always check the specials before the regular menu. Some of my best meals in town came from the daily specials.
Montrose, CA 9102 theblackcowcafe.com
Sushi Monster – This one of my “go to” sushi places. The menu is basic but complete and the quality is great for the price. This is one of those neighborhood hangouts where the waitress knows your name and is likely to bring your kids a bite of their favorite dessert, o
n the house.
Montrose, CA 91020 Yelp Review
Bashan – One of the culinary treasures in the area is Bashan Restaurant. This tiny little bistro is a rival to any fancy pants place on the Westside of LA or even any of the trendy eateries in Downtown LA . It made the Zagat Guide for Fine Dining and was voted most underrated restaurant in LA by LA Eater.com. Insiders (like YOU!) know that the prix fixe menu offered Tuesday through Thursday are a killer deal.
Glendale, CA 91208 BashanRestaurant.com
Sake Sushi – Sushi for the yuppies. The interior is a little like a hipster night club- and the wait staff matches the decor. Don’t let that fool you- the food is legitimately delish. This contemporary sushi place has imaginative rolls and combinations never seen in Japan, but they do not sacrifice novelty for taste. Sake Sushi is a great place to take you frie
nds or a date.
Montrose, CA 91020 Yelp Review
La Crescenta
Tickle Tree Cafe – I love this place. It vibes a bit urban even though it is high in the Foothills and it is an great place to hang out with friends or to write the next great American Novel while sipping a latte or Chai. I am obsessed with their grilled eggplant sandwich, their garlic fries and sweet potato fries and the kids adore the Tickle Tree burger
. They also have great salads and baked goods. This place is the gem of La Crescenta.
Jeremy’s – Every town needs that authentic coffee shop where neighborhood regulars gather for coffee a great breakfast and convivial conversation. A place where the waitstaff calls you “Hon” and doesn’t mind when you sit down with the entire Sunday Times. Jeremy’s is our little spot of neighborhood heaven. The coffee is hot and plentiful, the home potatoes (with peppers and onions, thank you very much) are smack-a-licious and the eggs are perfect, every time. They also do lunch and dinner (with some awesome pies for desert). It ain’t fancy- it is home.
Jeremy’s 3009 Honolulu Ave La Crescenta, Ca 91214 Jeremy’s on Facebook
La Canada
The Proper – this is the new kid in town. The Proper is known for it’s imaginative and trendy drinks. The last time I was there we had a fresh and lively concoction that involved cucumber and basil… delish! The menu is formal with a slight contemporary twist. This is great place to celebrate our latest closing
Taylor’s Steak House – an absolute La Canada institution. This is the way all steak houses should be, dimly lit, a bit of hush punctuated by the clink of ice in a whiskey glass and the faint smell of a fine steak hitting the grill. There is both inside and outside dining and pretty much everyone in town dines here on a regular basis. Even those of us who are not part of the Duck and Plaid set.