"I firmly believe food is the key to someone’s heart, and my heart has only grown fonder of Los Angeles as a result."
Hello all!
My name is Brooke Lebidine, a rising Senior majoring in Theater and minoring in History. I am from San Diego, California (SoCal represent), and I’m currently serving Alpha Delta Pi in my second term as the Vice President of Membership Experience. I joined Fall Quarter of my freshman year, and I couldn’t imagine my college experience without ADPi and all the incredible opportunities I’ve had so far, including exploring UC(LA).
And, what better way to get acquainted with Los Angeles than through its food?
From hole-in-the-wall restaurants to massive chains, Los Angeles is a foodie’s paradise, home to diverse culinary delights hailing from all over the world. And perhaps the best part? We have some of these flavorful eats right here at school!
Here are a few recommendations (within walking distance and in the heart of Westwood Village) to check out based on food/ambiance/nostalgia. Consider this a running, always updating list:
Lazy Daisy Cafe + Elysee Bakery & Cafe: Good breakfast places to brunch, hit a Sunday debrief, or catch up on work away from campus. Highly recommend the fresh-squeezed orange juice at Elysee!
Tacos 1986: Delicious tacos. Don’t believe me? Just ask President Joe Biden who stopped by to grab a bite when visiting Los Angeles two years ago.
Ministry of Coffee/ Alfred’s/ Bluestone Cafe: For the days you need to look productive, I recommend checking out one of our many coffee shops and getting an iced chai.
Prince of Venice: On the hunt for a quick pizza slice or a bite of pasta? A cute patio to enjoy your food? Occasionally watch a stand-up comedy show? Look no further.
KazuNori: Savory sushi restaurant. Since sushi is my all-time favorite food, I’m a frequent visitor who constantly craves their hand rolls at any given time of the day.
Barney’s Beanery- Hello Trivia Wednesdays! I always enjoy a classic appetizer (mozzarella sticks) when competing for 10th place. It’s the effort that counts, right?
Westwood Village Farmer’s Market: A weekly Thursday occurrence from 12-5 PM. Different clothing, food (fresh produce, baked goods), and other vendors- you name it!
In-N-Out/ Fat Sal’s/ Hangry Moon’s: Late night out on the town? Visit these three restaurants (all located near each other) to satisfy your hunger with fries, sandwiches, etc.
And of course (and arguably) the most iconic UCLA spot: Diddy Riese. Get an ice cream sandwich, shaved ice, or a dozen cookies for prices that won’t break your college wallet. Bonus: close and convenient sweet treat spot!
Also, I would like to give a special shoutout to Eats at HOP (@eatsathop), a food Instagram account dedicated to documenting the meals served at our House of Pi. I eagerly look forward to Mondays when our weekly food menus are posted on their highlights so I can plan to go to the house in between classes with my friends for a quick bite!
I firmly believe food is the key to someone’s heart, and my heart has only grown fonder of Los Angeles as a result. While my very brief recommendation list doesn’t even begin to capture all the delectable and fun places to eat near campus, I am so excited to spend my final year at school finding new places to enjoy, especially with my fellow ADPis!
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