Lunching in West L.A.

I currently work near Olympic and Bundy in West Los Angeles and I'm often struggling to come up with places to eat for lunch. My criteria?

1) No fast food
2) Eat in about an hour
3) Not terribly expensive

The Apple Pan - Hamburgers
10801 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064


Super simple menu of hamburgers and pie. My personal favorite is the Steakburger with a warm slice of apple pie. You sit on high chairs around a communal counter and are served by old men in old-fashioned outfits. Even the cash registers look like they belong in an antique store. But the food is anything but antiquated. It's the freshest, tastiest burger around.

www.applepan.com

Bossa Nova - Brazilian
10982 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064


Cheap and delicious, I usually order the Picanha Appetizer. The menu says its sausage but every time I've had it it was steak so that's a little confusing. Their pizzas are also amazing especially the Goat Cheese Special.

www.bossanovafood.com

FOOD - American (Traditional)
10571 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90064


FOOD is a tiny little cafe on Pico that takes "standard" American food and puts an extra twist on it. Try the oven-roasted, free range turkey breast, the classic grilled cheese or the Farmer's Market Herb Salad. They are my personal favorites.

www.food-la.com

Chan Dara - Thai
11940 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064


Having been to Thailand, Chan Dara does a great job with their menu. It's quick, yet tasty. My Thai staple, Chicken Curry, is good here as is the Basil and Chili Chicken Lunch Special with steamed rice and egg roll.

chandarawestla.com

Ramenya - Ramen
11555 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064


I try a different type of Ramen every time I eat here and am always impressed. My go-to would have to be the Aho Noodle. One note on this place is careful where you park or you may get towed!

www.ramenya-usa.com

Sawtelle Kitchen - Japanese / Italian
2024 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90025


This restaurant features one of the more unique lunch menus I've seen. It's a fusion of Japanese and Italian with favorites like fried chicken wings dipped in light teriyaki sauce, the Japanese-style meatloaf, and the artichoke appetizer.

www.sawtellekitchen.com

Today you get the West L.A. ones. Throughout the week I will be posting great lunch stops in other areas of L.A. that are still nearby.