Little Ones

Mark's
Pomodoro Cucina Italiana
Taste
Casita Del Campo
Fabiolus Cafe
Flying Leap Cafe
Pink Pepper
Chan Dara

Cafe Marco
Flavor of India
Hamburger Mary's
Jinky's Cafe
Jinpachi
Marco's Trattoria


Mark's, this hotbed of hot men is the perennial gay favorite, offering California Cuisine served by some of the most handsome waiters. Don't miss “half price Monday's” and be sure to try their Pan Seared Chicken Breast accompanied with their sensational martinis. Sunday brunch is always fun; if you’re feeling like you need to eat healthy, try the Hardbody Scramble whilst ogling the hard body at the table next to you. Feel like an upgrade? Slide next door to the grande dame of Los Angeles restaurants, L'Orangerie ($$$+) or just go there for a drink in the bar before it’s closing December 31st, forever. , 851 N. La Cienega Bl, 310 652 5252, Sunday Brunch-D, continental, $$$

Pomodoro Cucina Italiana, founded in 1994 with an impressive 45 locations, stop by and say hi to friendly and welcoming managers Fabian & Liz and try their famed rich and cheesy Lasagna, one of the favorites by this chain; The express lunch menu is perfect for those on the go. If you have the time to enjoy your lunch there, try their Meatball Panini and the simple Steak Salad, both of which should not be missed. Although this eatery can tend to be very boisterous, the wait staff is always helpful and attentive, and may allow you to forget the sound level. 7100 Santa Monica Bl, 323 969 8000, L-D, Italian, $$

Fabiolus Cafe, It all started just outside Acapulco (the country, not the cheesy restaurant chain) in 1985 and Fabio Conti has never looked back. His Los Angeles began at Marino’s, one of Los Angeles’ finest Italian restaurants. Fabio will welcome you with open arms when you enter these Northern Italian haunts and still subscribes to initial philosophy that the venue “has to be fun”; You'll be pleased with their heaping bowls of delicious pasta. It is always a safe bet to start with their mouth watering Calamaretti Fritti and continue with the Risotto Primavera, which is always fresh and tasty 5255 Melrose Av, 323 464 5857, 8270 W Sunset Bl, 323 464 5857, L-D, Italian, $$

Flying Leap Cafe, Silverlake residents covet the delicious food here created by Chef Jorge Pastor Arias. His philosophy has always been to keep it simple while always using the freshest ingredients; be brave and take a flying leap into one of our favorite dishes, the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Everything is priced reasonably, like their Cobb Salad at $13.95, which is a winner. We have heard from customers that they rave about their Bacon Bleu burger and don’t forget about spending Sunday brunch, where you can sample their own special rendition of Eggs Benedict and Eggs Silverlake; naturally, you are welcome to build your own omelette. 2538 Hyperion Av, 323 661 0618, SundayBrunch-D, continental, $$

Taste, this is one of the friendliest eateries in town. Choose to sit in one of their double sided rustic dining rooms, and enjoy the scenery; speaking of, best of all Taste sports one of the hottest waiters in town, Clint, who provides yet another reason to keep coming back, again and again. This charming eatery offers an extensive wine list by the glass with over 15 selections, on any given evening. Try their Fennel Crusted Ahi Tuna, which is mouth watering and just say’s “yum”. It’s always pleasant to dine on their outside patio, even with cars wizzing by. 8454 Melrose Av, 323 852 6888, Sunday B-L-D, American, $$$

Pink Pepper, this minimal and skillfully monochromatic establishment is anything but pink. We’ve been to Thailand for the real thing, and this authentic Thai cuisine spices in a touch of California and Pacific Rim accents, making it a deliciously perfect spot for romantic dates; although the portions tend to be on the small side, they are also very reasonably priced. This is a place where you can go as a group and share a number of different entrees and walk away satiated. Don’t miss their Pad Thai noodles and their extraordinary curry dishes. If you’re a garlic aficionado, you must try their Garlic Lover’s Chicken. 1638 N. La Brea, 323 461 2462, L-D, Thai, $$

Casita del Campo, , Rudy, a successful dancer and one of the “sharks” in West Side Story and his beautiful wife, Nina Del Campo opened this “old faithful” in 1962, and we've been coming back since then for their old school Mexican food; like an old friend, Casita offers Pollo Mole with 15 special ingredients and some of the best tasting Magaritas in town; Their Casitas Special should not be missed and the patio is always a blast. It seems every night there is some sort of fun diversions occurring from Tarot Card Reading on Thursdays to inspiring tableside magicians on Friday. 1820 Hyperion Av, 323 662 4255, Mexican, L-D, $$

Chan Dara, Chan Dara is still adored by us and so many friends after all these years; these scrumptious Thai restaurants never disappoint and one continues to fantasize about their Tom Kah Kai, their flavorful combination of chicken and coconut soup, not to mention their Spicy Fried Rice; many of the dishes come with freshly ground peanuts. The stuffed chicken wings make us drool. Sit on the tranquil patio under the shade of umbrellas and banana palms at the Larchmont location and be served dutifully by sexy and exotic Asian waitresses; Chan Dara remains certainly one of Thai favorites in town. 310 N. Larchmont, 323 467 1052, 1551 N. Cahuenga, 323 464 8585, 11940 W. Pico Bl, 310 479 4461, L-D Monday-Friday, Dinner Saturday-Sunday, Thai, $$$


Cafe Marco, It’s all about the coffee (it's the Old Buzz Coffee Shop which is now part of the Marco's Trattoria-Pizziera) and is like eating at Mom's, if only she was Italian; and she can spy on you too (and the other hunks often sitting table side) on their web cam. Don’t forget to catch what’s on the walls because it is an ever-changing art exhibition. You can start your meal with their wonderful home baked bread and the pasta selection here is awe inspiring with over twenty unique dishes on the menu. Don’t fill up without leaving room for their authentic Spumoni. 8200 Santa Monica Bl, B-L-D daily,323 650 7442, Italian, $

Marco's Trattoria, It’s all about the pizzas; does that sound familiar? It should, because it’s the same owners as Café Marco. This is a good home style affordable Italian cooking (love the manicotti) right in the thick of things. For the health conscious, try the Pasta Marcos and their Ultimate Club at lunch, a favorite. Marco’s is a great spot to meet for breakfast; be sure to try their Avocado and Jarlsberg Scrambled Eggs. They are happy to deliver if it’s been a rough night and always check their website for discount coupons. Clay Aiken (NOT gay) was spotted there humming a song. 8136 Santa Monica Bl, B-L-D Daily, 310 650 2771, Italian $$

Flavor of India, Chef Darshan and his brother, Tarsem, welcome you with open arms at this Northern Indian spot. They pride themselves on only using the freshest elements, which excludes the use of any oils. You can dine al freco in their charming patio. If you need to be in Boystown and are jonesing for Indian, this is the place. There may be better Indian joints, but this convenient local proves to be quite tasty. Don’t forget to ask for their savory Vegetable soup; although you won’t find any beef here, many other choices abound and all their desserts are made on the premises. 9045 Santa Monica Bl, L-D Daily, closed Monday, 310 274 1715, Indian, $$

Hamburger Mary's, This is truly the spot to “eat, drink and be Mary” while enjoying a fun meal with friends, new and old. It all started in San Francisco in 1972, spreading nationwide from there. With six locations and more to come Stan Sax’s concept of a gay burger bar is always happening and Wednesday night is drag queen bingo. Everything is made in their own kitchens and we've had great healthy size burgers and huge margaritas, but it can be “hit or missy”, yet always fun. It is one of West Hollywood's watering holes and don’t forget that their HOT Bloody Mary’s. 8288 Santa Monica Bl, L-D Daily, 323 654 3800, American, $

Jinky's Cafe, It’s breakfast anytime and well worth the wait. Founded in 1992 and going strong since then, every visit should focus on the sensational pancakes; if its carbs you crave, don't forget their unique Flakey French Toast battered with frosted Corn Flakes. Jinky’s always has a nice selection of Chili on hand (try their Chili Nachos, which steps it up a notch from the others) ranging from an intense 10 based on heat (OUCH) to a easy 2. If you have a sweet tooth, you can finish with their double chocolate cake. Get past the decor and you'll most definitely enjoy yourself. 1147 second street, Santa Monica, 310 917 3311, 14120 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks, 818 981 2250, 8539 W. sunset Bl, B-L-D daily, 310 859 9670, American, $

Jinpachi, If you’re into fish (or if you gave that up years ago), this little neighborhood sushi bar is a must try; it’s always crowded and certainly delectable. Owner Hirotaka “Taka” Fujita is a culinary artist, a master sushi chef who hails from a family of sushi chefs; along with his wife Tomoko Akabe, they create specialties that includes colorful fruit soup, amongst many other creative wonders. You can always be assured that you’ll be eating the freshest components here. Their Sushi combination at $25 is a great value. For non sushi eaters, don’t be deterred because they do have Tempura. 8711 Santa Monica Bl, 310 358 9134,D Monday, L-D Tuesday-Saturday, Japanese, $$$