Best Restaurants on Fairfax
The Fairfax foodie explosion stretching from Melrose to Beverly has been fast and furious, with restaurants and high quality fast food offerings satisfying locals, skateboarders, sneakerheads and everyone in between. Here are some of the avenue's best and brightest food destinations.
Jon & Vinnys
412 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 334-3369
www.jonandvinnys.com
Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo's namesake restaurant became an instant hit since joining the Fairfax fray earlier this year. Locals and celebs (Kanye is a regular) keep coming back for the restaurant's expansive menu of classic and modern Italian fare. Pizzas and the house made pastas are crowd favorites but the polenta topped with bolognese is simply addictive. Book well in advance for dinner or head over for breakfast or lunch to avoid a "scene."
Animal
435 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 782-9225
www.animalrestaurant.com
The one that started it all, Animal helped spearhead the Fairfax dining renaissance not to mention the Shook/Dotolo empire. Bring a group and an open mind to explore Animal's adventurous offernings that features everything from rabbit legs, veal tongues and brains and addictive crispy pig ears. The supremely decadent (and temporarily banned) foie gras, biscuit, and maple sausage gravy remains a must order, particularly during the restaurant's recently introduced weekend brunch. It's truly the ultimate hangover cure.
The Golden State
426 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 782-8331
www.thegoldenstatecafe.com
Restaurateurs Jason Bernstein, James Starr, and Zack Fishman prove that good things usually come in threes. They've helped make the eastside of Fairfax between Oakwood and Rosewood one of the hottest fast-casual foodie blocks in the city with Prime (serving up arguably the best New York slice on the west coast) and coffee-centric Cofax (serving up arguably the best breakfast burrito anywhere). But the trio's original Fairfax venture, The Golden State, remains the jewel in their culinary crown. The menu may be straightforward (burgers, a chicken sandwich, salads) but everything is executed perfectly. A well curated craft beer menu and ice cream by way of Scoops makes The Golden State experience that much better.
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
351 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 591-0094
www.plancheck.com
Local gastropub chain Plan Check's expansive Fairfax space has brought the crowds since day one offering homey fare with a twist. Yes, that's "ketchup leather" on your burger and that "pastrami" is actually salmon – and somehow manages to give the classic beef version a run for its money. Be sure to check out the daily specials and try to clear schedule for happy hour, perhaps the best dining deal in the neighborhood.
Canter's Deli
419 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 651-2030
www.cantersdeli.com
The inclusion of Canter's on this list is a worthy debate. Sure, as far food goes, there are more worthy options on Fairfax and certainly better delis throughout Los Angeles. But Canter's is truly an L.A. institution that boasts a diverse and loyal crowd 24/7. While Fairfax continues to evolve, the neon lights of Canter's will continue to shine and that's definitely a good thing. Canter's remains one of the best deli's LA has to offer. From reuben sandwiches to chicken noodle soup, it's always dependable.
