With its perfectly manicured decor, Dinette seems a little uncomfortable between a 99 Cents Store and an old tattoo artist. Yet this glaring example of Sunset Boulevard’s gradual gentrification has proven to be a little hip-spot and there’s still a long line every day. The key to success? Simple recipes and good comfort food prepared every morning by Karen Kantner (the mother of Cafe Stella’s owner), who bakes the cakes she used to devour during her Parisian years. Giant meringues, ricotta tarts, and scones with big chunks of bacon and cheese. The star of the show is undeniably Bub and Grandmas’ avocado toast, followed closely by the waffles (served with a poached egg and a slice of bacon) and scrambled eggs (served hot on Andy’s bread and covered with shavings of ham and parmesan). If you’re allergic to hipster food, there’s meatball spaghetti, mortadella sandwich and even Carambars! The desserts are addictive, such as this Crack Cake with a whole lot of ice or the Dark Devil cake made with Mast Brothers chocolate. Do not expect an elegant decor because Dinette is just a small kitchen hidden behind a glass door, and a few tables on the side of the road in front of a bus stop. You’ll sip on your Mariage Frères tea while watching the workmen hurry up on Sunset Boulevard, before leave with a cookie in your pocket and a light aftertaste of guilty pleasure.
Style: Bakery
Address: 1606 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Echo Park)
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8AM-5PM
Menu: @dinette.la
Price: Toasts $7
Reservations: No reservations