My Go-To's for a Quick Bite in LA

Sometimes you just want a quick, but still delicious meal without having to sit at a restaurant for an hour or longer. Sometimes, the day dictates a quick bite so that you can get on with your day. With all the places on this list, you order at the counter and receive your food fairly quickly - you can even walk around while you eat (if you really can’t sit still!) -- although they all have seating options, even if limited. Here are my favorite go-tos in LA for  fast and affordable meals, without compromising taste!

Tocaya Organica - various locations

Tocaya is always an easy option for healthy Mexican. It offers several protein and cheese options for bowls and tacos. There are a bunch of great sides to choose from like chips and guac, corn, brussels sprouts, and tortilla soup. I love the fajita del rey bowl that comes with sautéed peppers & onions, cilantro lime rice, black beans, vegan chipotle crema, guacamole & pico de gallo. For protein and queso alternatives, I usually opt for chicken tinga and queso fresco. Another option I like is the baja tacos dish which comes with a side. I like many of the sides so I usually mix it up! The vibe at the locations is very chill California and is perfect for a casual lunch either with a group or alone.

Kye’s Montana - Santa Monica

Kye’s has created something called the KyeRito, a type of seaweed or lettuce wrap filled in very unique, naturally gluten-free ways which are easily vegan or Paleo. One of my favorites is the nori burger - it’s like your typical burger, just wrapped in nori and with brown rice, so it feels way healthier. It comes with the usuals - lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and (not so typical) non-GMO nutritional yeast. You can choose between grass fed beef with chard or a house made black bean patty. I really like both options, and they always feel so fresh, crispy and light. Under the asian-inspired section, I like the Den Miso with chicken. Kye’s has a small space on Montana Ave., perfect for picking up a kyerito and perusing the street-lined shops.

Mendocino Farms - various locations

The sandwiches and salads at Mendocino Farms are delicious. They offer easy pickup or delivery options for quick and easy meals. Their take on a banh mi does not disappoint with housemade pickled daikon & carrots, cilantro, cucumbers, jalapenos, chili aioli on panini-pressed ciabatta. If you’re feeling like eating meat, one option comes with pork belly which is delicious, but the vegan option with tofu is also wonderful. My favorite salad is the Avocado and Superfood Insalata. It comes with chopped romaine, curly kale, quinoa & millet, housemade superfood krunchies, black bean, roasted corn & jicama succotash, red onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, grape tomatoes, avocado chipotle vinaigrette. It’s the perfect blend of ingredients with a nice kick, and the superfood krunchies add such a satisfying crunch that make it almost impossible to stop munching on.

Kazunori - various locations

Kazunori is a hand roll bar from the creators of Sugarfish. Once you enter Kazunori, you join a line (when there is one) that files into the 25-seat counter. I like going on off hours so I can just get right to the counter, complete the menu with the hand roll options I want, and watch as they fill super crispy nori with warm rice and add whatever fresh fish. My favorite handrolls are the toro, salmon, yellowtail, and crab. If I’m relatively hungry, I’ll order those four and I’m good to go. The counter experience is usually pretty fast, as once they hand you the handrolls one by one you eat it right away for maximum enjoyment and crispiness. The chefs are pretty good at pacing between each hand roll as well.

Tacos tu madre - Westwood

Tacos Tu Madre is a colorful little shack on Westwood Blvd. that mainly serves modern tacos, burritos and bowls. You order at the window, and have a choice of sitting inside or outside. One of my favorites is the ahi tuna taco, which comes on a deliciously crispy tostada. I’ve tried the ahi tuna bowl version which comes atop crispy kale or turmeric brown rice, but I definitely prefer the tostada. I also like the KBBQ taco and sweet & spicy grilled chicken tacos. All the flavors are bold and bright. I haven’t tried the burritos yet, but I hear they’re great. I like to go on off hours as well as sometimes the line can be a bit long.

Sunny Blue - santa monica & culver

Sunny Blue has the best Japanese rice balls (omusubi) with different fillings wrapped in nori. It’s a cute little place with kawaii stickers all over. They have some seating, and I like to grab a couple omusubi and either sit for a bit or walk along Main Street with one in hand. My favorite is the spicy salmon with chili seasoning. The rice is nicely warm and it’s packed with flavor. It’s not very spicy, and I usually find two quite satisfying. I also like the miso mushroom and miso beef. The service is  super quick, and the omusubis are so comforting and convenient. It’s a delicious, filling and affordable option on a busy day!