DineL.A. Lets Locals Travel The Globe Without Leaving Los Angeles

For an industry so devastated by the circumstances of 2020, September brings some measure of good news to restaurants across Los Angeles. Between the 1st and the 18th of the month dineL.A. returns with a focus—for the first time—on delivery and takeout. The summer iteration of the biannual event features 300 eateries from every corner of the city, spanning every style and price range of cuisine imaginable. For locals, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to explore flavors from around the world without even leaving home.

Typically, participating establishments will offer up a special prix fixe menu for lunch (between $15-$35) and dinner (from $25-$65+). This time around, the set courses will also be joined by family meal kits. It’s a way for folks to re-create the experience of going out at a time when indoor dining is restricted throughout Los Angeles County. Acclaimed outposts including The Milk Way and Severance Wine Bar, for example, will package picnic boxes. Sushi|Bar—the popular Japanese-inspired speakeasy in Encino—will provide at-home omakase.

“We have always sought to use the dineL.A. platform as a means to support the restaurant industry,” explains Stacey Sun, executive director for the event. “We know that things are more difficult than ever and it is our goal that [we] can act as both an encouraging means to get out and enjoy food however you feel safest—on-site, delivery, takeout—as well as a way for us to unite in support of those most affected during this pandemic.”

It’s a great time not just to support the industry, but also to explore new concepts that have emerged over the past several months. Ggiata Delicatessen is an Italian-inspired sandwich shop, observing its first dineL.A. Alta Adams, the recently re-opened soul food concept from chef Daniel Patterson is now also on board.

Fast-casual favorites such as Pikunico Fried Chicken and Sky’s Gourmet Tacos are now more accessible to diners across LA than ever before. As is higher-end California cuisine at places like KALI. And no matter what you choose, you can rest assured that the format of the food was built to travel.

“We’re inspired to look beyond restaurant walls for this iteration of dineL.A. Restaurant Week,” adds Sun. “This allows for picnics, hikes, beach days and more.”

You can globetrot gastronomically from Paris to Martha’s Vineyard. For the former, procure elegant bistro fare from Trois Mec-alum Doug Rankin at his new Bar Restaurant. When it’s time to taste the latter, Broad Street Oyster Company of Malibu doles out lobster rolls befitting late summer in New England.

Or go back in time with selections from Dear John’s—Culver City’s old-school red sauce joint famously frequented by Frank Sinatra. Then collect classic New Orleans specialities at Harold & Belle’s—a Jefferson Park institution celebrating its first dineL.A. At the historic Hotel Figueroa you can revel in nearly a hundred years of Los Angeles lore. All while sampling the authentic Mexico City-inspired creations of chef Adrian Garcia at his poolside eatery, Veranda.

“We understand that dining is likely radically changed for a long time and we’re utilizing the opportunity to think positively and proactively,” according to Sun. “We serve not only the diners but the chefs and restaurants as well.”

You can serve yourself whatever you desire by clicking over to the dineL.A. website. The helpful search engine allows you to break down participating eateries by cuisine, price, and neighborhood. Menus and reservation options are also listed. Happy hunting.