ZOZO La Brea

"No offense to the Nordstrom cafe, but if we’re having dinner inside a department store, we’re doing it as Zozo. This colorful bistro is inside Maison Midi, an upscale home goods shop on La Brea that looks like a quirky French grandmother’s attic. Rattan chairs hang on the wall and cabinets filled with tchotchkes surround yellow banquettes where diners eat whole branzino and sip white sangria. The menu is a who’s-who of vaguely Californian bistro food—think dishes like hamachi crudo, hummus, and roast chicken—but if you want a cheeky appetizer and some cocktails after a day of shopping for an accent chair, Zozo is a pleasant place to do it. Food Rundown photo credit: Brant Cox Hummus This is a fine plate of hummus, but the pomegranate seeds, pistachio, and raisins are sort of plopped on top like trail mix decor. photo credit: Brant Cox Grilled Shrimp When we said you should come to Zozo for a little snack, this was the dish we had in mind. Yes, it’s simply a plate of grilled shrimp, but it’s delicious. The shrimp are plump and nicely charred, and the roasted peppers add a smoky accent. photo credit: Brant Cox Wild Arugula This is an undeniably fresh salad, but you’re also paying $21 for what amounts to a bowl of radicchio and arugula drizzled in olive oil with shaved parmesan on top. photo credit: Brant Cox Whole Branzino If you’re ordering a larger dish at Zozo, get the branzino. The fish is moist and meaty, and there’s an herb-y mix of cilantro, mint, and dill, plus blood oranges on top that provide brightness." - Brant Cox