Greekman’s, which straddles the border of Echo Park and Silver Lake, is a recent rework of the Freedman’s address, with a new white and blue patio out front serving all manner of Grecian treats. Look for lamb and wagyu kefta, Greek beer and wines, and cocktails perfect for summer.

What’s not to love about natural wine, puffy-crusted pizza, and mozzarella sticks? It’s all possible at Zach Pollack’s busy Cosa Buona, right on the corner of Sunset and Alvarado. The tight spot stays bustling most days, particularly on weekend evenings when a hopeful line can be seen spilling out the door.

On the border of Echo Park and Westlake is Grá, which means love in Gaelic. It’s a cozy spot offering sourdough pizza and natural wines. Be mindful of the hours, visit Grá’s rustic dining room between Thursday and Sunday nights.

The legendary Masa of Echo Park has a lot to offer on its menu, though most folks rightfully know it as one of LA’s enduring homes for deep dish pizza. Expect the red sauce staple to be mobbed during Cubs games, though it’s likely to find at least a few tables ordering the massive pizza any night of the week. Need a plant-based option? They’ve got you.

Ever wonder why Happy Tom’s remains an Echo park staple for 25 years? Sit down at a table and try just about anything at this Mexican and American diner. The prices are astoundingly reasonable, the staff is friendly, and the huevos rancheros rival any beloved place in the Southland.

Honey Hi is a near-perfect encapsulation of a certain type of Los Angeles dining, found at other spots like Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park. There are bowls, healthy drinks, and well-sourced animal proteins galore, served up with a smile inside a picture-perfect and awfully colorful dining room right on Sunset.

The blue corn quesadilla woman represents the best of Echo Park. She has operated on a rotating schedule for years, serving what was for decades a largely Latino community and now the mixed groupings that come through for cash-only bites from her unassuming cart, which stands out for its lines and its faded rainbow umbrella.

Bar Flores is just gorgeous. Nab a stool overlooking the open windows on Sunset near Echo Park Avenue, and watch the city speed by while taking things slowly with gin beet cordial, or the incredible aged rum cocktail with coconut milk, lemongrass, basil, galanga, and lime.

Valerie is tucked away up Echo Park Avenue, into the hills and warrens of single-family homes. As one of the only enduring businesses in that far stretch, the place has become an every day go-to with eggs in the morning, quick-service coffee and pastry, and mellow midday meals for those able to linger.

Trencher is Echo Park’s basic sandwich staple, a spot for big, inexpensive meals and rotating specials. The best move is to grab a few on the go before a Dodger game, and head into the park to make everyone else in the same section insanely jealous.

When first visiting Thunderbolt, take a look around to study the room. There’s likely a large group of friends who haven’t seen each other in 16 months, people on dates who haven’t done so in over a year, and the lone sipper who missed drinking at a bar. The short version of this story, Thunderbolt is the place for most drinkers with cocktails and solid food.

Tsubaki is, simply put, one of LA’s best restaurants. The Japanese izakaya grills meat skewers to perfection while also doling out endless amounts of small-batch sake, and all from a shoebox-sized space.

There’s a lot to take in at Lady Byrd Cafe, from those COVID-19-inspired greenhouse dining “rooms,” to the other airy, colorful dining areas with lush surroundings. Overall, Lady Byrd is a cheery place to take in brunch or dinner, thanks to an outstanding wine list.