On The Homefront: Haute 5 Takeout Spots in Los Angeles

Taking food to go used to be a much different experience than the plush options we have today.  For women hoping to impress a date with her “home cooking,” the best option was to bring food home from Koo Koo Roo and throw away the tin foil just in time.  Today, we are blessed in Los Angeles with many more types of takeaway spots offering up many different types of cuisine.  To be clear, this isn’t a list of the best (read: cheapest) Thai takeouts in the city.  This list is of the haute five places where takeout has taken on a whole new dimension: chicness and deliciousness.

Joss Cuisine

Let’s start with something we know we like to have at home: Chinese food.  The menu at Joss Cuisine in Beverly Hills, however, is nothing like your local Chinese delivery of choice.  There are the staples like Kung Pao Chicken with Rice, Shrimp Wonton Soup, and Canton Spring Rolls.  But Joss, known for their delicious dim sum, also offers items like West Lake Peppery Chowder, Singapore Curried Rice Noodles, and Red Peking Prawns.  Cracking the fortune cookie at the end of the meal won’t seem entirely necessary once these flavors have enticed your palate, but go for it.  A little good fortune never hurt anyone.

Joss Cuisine is located at 9919 Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills (310) 277-3888

Mozza2Go

Yet another classic takeout item just yearning to be upgraded by the likes of Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton: pizza.  Rather than getting carried away in Pizzeria Mozza, which only ends in some hipster catching a glimpse of you with mozzarella and tomato stuck to your cheek, order from Mozza2Go, around the corner.  Eating an entire pizza on your own is much more acceptable at home.  From the simple (Tomato, Olive Oil, and Oregano) to the next step (Prosciutto, Rucola, Tomato, and Mozzarella) and the deliciously complex (Fennel Sausage, Panna, and Red Onions), their menu has an option for any kind of pizza lover.  It’s highly recommended to call and order in advance – way in advance.

Mozza2Go is located at 6610 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles (323) 297-1130

Little Dom’s

For the eastsiders among us, it was a great day when the owner’s of West Hollywood’s Dominick’s opened their Little Dom’s to service their Los Feliz fans more readily.  Offering a menu with many similar options to Dominick’s, Little Dom’s really is like the ambitious little brother – you can still get the mouth-watering Rice Balls and Italian Wedding Soup here, but you can also procure a Wood Grilled Hamburger with Buratta or a Fried Oyster Sandwich with Crispy Speck.  Moreover, during the day Little Dom’s Deli is the perfect place to get a lunch to go – Nutella Panino, anyone? Perhaps something savory like a Pork Cheek Sandwich?

Little Dom’s is located at 2128 Hillhurst Ave. in Los Feliz (323) 661-0055

Joan’s on Third

When Joan’s on Third expanded their space, allowing more than, say, 12 people inside at once, it was sort of like falling in love with the catering company/marketplace/café all over again.   When you walk in and are first met with that enormous cheese display, it’s like walking into exactly where you’re meant to be.  Breakfast on the run? Their New York Breakfast Sandwich is ridiculously good – Scrambled Eggs, Cheese, and Bacon on Country Bread – as is their coffee. Planning a picnic? We think everyone will love their Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich or their Butter Lettuce Salad with French Feta for the non-carb-eaters.  Those same health-conscious folk will reconsider their position when you whip out the Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes or their Chocolate Roulade.

Joan’s on Third is located at 8350 West Third St. in West Hollywood (323) 655-2285

Santa Monica Seafood

Talk about an expansion.  Santa Monica Seafood, once a haven for anyone looking to buy Southern California’s freshest catch to cook at home, recently underwent a major move and facelift.  Now with a café off to the side, a seriously large counter filled with raw cuts, an Oyster Bar, and a wide selection of already prepared and frozen dishes, you can walk in empty handed and walk out with a fresh and delicious dinner for four – assuming everyone eats seafood.  You wouldn’t want to bring home Kumamoto Oysters, Chilled Lobster Tail, or Steamed Mediterranean Mussels to that squeamish someone.  Well, actually, more for you!

Santa Monica Seafood is located at 1000 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica (310) 393-5244