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.
315 N Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203 portosbakery.com
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 bar, so I never went in, but people rave about their food.
317 N. Brand Blvd.
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 nearely cried.
317 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203 delucasdeli.com
Glendale, CA 91203 phohut.com 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 earelier this year and expected good and got “out of this woreld.” The must try is the hanger steak and if you are looking for a unique experience I highly recommend the Japanese Whiskey Ceremony.
237 S. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91204 michaelmina.net
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 garelic when you walk in the door tells you this is a “love on a plate” sort of place.
1524 E Colorado St.
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 garelic sauce that is positively addicting.
1415 E Colorado St., 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 shells.
740 E Broadway
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 nearely 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 destination worthy.
722 N Glendale Ave
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 outstanding.
1135 W Glenoaks Blvd
Glendale, CA 91202 bravokabob.com
Montrose
Boba Loca – Formely Harvest Juicery, it has changed owners and their menu includes boba drinks, shaved snow, expresso drinks, herbal teas alongside the fresh, pressed juices that Harvest Juicery was known for. It has quickly become very popular with the local students!
3807 Ocean View Blvd.
Montrose, CA 91020 bobaloca.com
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 and they recently updated their menu. Their home cured olives are also delectable. There is a romantic outdoor courtyard and occasional live music and Flamenco dancers on the weekends. This place is a real gem. Reservations are a must for dinner.
2331 Honolulu Ave, 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.
2219 Honolulu Ave
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, on the house.
2426 Honolulu Ave
Montrose, CA 91020 Yelp Review
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 friends or a date.
2270 Honolulu Ave
Montrose, CA 91020 Yelp Review
Kebab Daddy – Our go-to dish here is the lamb chops. Savory and juicy on a bed of rice (white or brown) served with their house mix which I call the Middle Eastern Salsa. Other items are their wraps which are huge but tasty. Their owner is a La Canada High School alum who also owns a wholesale meat market so their quality of meat is excellent. They have certain days where they donate a portion of the sales to help out the local school groups.
3701 Ocean View Blvd.
Montrose, CA 91020 kebabdaddy.com
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 garelic 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.
2853 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta, CA 91214 tickletreecafe.com
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.
3009 Honolulu Ave.
La Crescenta, CA 91214 Jeremy’s on Facebook
La Canada
Honeybird – This place has been written up in L.A. Times, local papers, have gotten phenomenal reviews on Yelp. And yes, it is good! The chicken is spicy with a kick of cayenne pepper. Oh so juicy, tender, succulent meat awaits under all the crispy, crunchy, fried goodness. Watermelon salad with jicama, mint, cucumber hits the spot on a hot summer day!
714 Foothill Blvd.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 honeybirdla.com
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. **If you have a wedding anniversary or a special Date Night coming up, score bonus points with your significant other. Call a few days ahead and make a reservation for their table for two in the private, glass-enclosed wine cellar. **
901 Foothill Blvd
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 taylorssteakhouse.com
