Best Mussels In Los Angeles
When it comes to shellfish, the last thing that usually comes to mind are mussels. It's a shame really, as they are delicious and can be prepared countless ways. Chefs are beginning to take advantage of their versatility by preparing them in new and exciting culinary creations. But as easy as they are to prepare, there some places that do it better than others. Should you find yourself in the mood for mussels, check out these five Los Angeles restaurants that won't disappoint.
Monsieur Marcel
6333 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-7792
www.mrmarcel.com
This gourmet French market and restaurant located on 3rd and Fairfax is every foodie's dream come true. Monsieur Marcel has only fresh and high-quality products on the shelves which translates into great meals in the restaurant, especially with seafood. Its traditional Moules Marinières is a heaping pile of Prince Edward Island mussels stewed in a mouthwatering broth with shallots and white wine. A side of bread for dipping makes for the perfect appetizer or meal depending on your appetite.
Related: Best Seafood in Los Angeles
Nook Bistro
11628 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 207-5160
www.nookbistro.com
A little neighborhood gem, the Nook Bistro has some of the best food and service on the busy boulevard. Communal seating can get tight during busy times but the food is worth it. One item in particular is the New Zealand Green Lip Mussels. It's pan roasted with linguisa sausage, oven-dried tomato, garlic, herbs and white wine saffron broth. Depending on the time of the year, the mussels can be on the small side but they're delicious nonetheless. There are lots of other great dishes on the menu, too.
Hinoki & The Bird
10 Century Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 552-1200
hinokiandthebird.com
Hinoki & The Bird is a wonderful establishment for imaginative California cuisine. Japanese American inspired, everything on the menu bursts with unique flavor combinations, especially the coconut-curried mussels with sausage and cauliflower. Beautifully plated, this dish has meaty mussels and juicy sausage seasoned perfectly. The coconut and cauliflower add texture, creating a memorable dining experience.
Bestia
2121 E. 7th Place
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 514-5724
Italians can definitely do food. And when you give them a blank canvas like mussels, you can expect something pretty amazing. Bestia's mussels and clams are prepared in their own broth with a house-made spicy nduja sausage with fennel seeds and lemon. Served as a heaping dish of aromatic and mouthwatering delight, it will easily be a menu favorite. Bestia also gives you lots of crispy fresh bread because the sauce is too good to waste.
Blue Plate Oysterette
8048 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 656-5474
www.blueplatesantamonica.com
When in the mood for shellfish, it makes sense to go to a place that specializes in shellfish. Blue Plate Oysterette should at the top of that list. From oysters to clams to mussels, you will get nothing but the freshest catch. Whether you order the “Seafood Tower” or the Bouillabaisse, and have your mussels in an assortment of shellfish or all by themselves in a red curry or white wine broth. These gems of the sea are delicious year round.
