Restaurants in Alhambra

The menu of Otis Jackson's Soul Dog encompasses the heart and tasty soul of this NoHo Arts District establishment: combining the comfort of soul food with the toppable nature of the hot dog. Preservative-free gourmet dogs make ideal foundations for southern staples, such as mac 'n' cheese, collard greens, and black-eyed peas, all served alongside fresh Southern fried chicken that's never frozen or locked in time stasis. The scents of sausages, fluffy Sunday waffles, and candied yams waft through the sleek, modern space, which is accented by brushed metal and cool colors.

Expert chefs at Take Sushi stuff classic rolls with deftly chopped seafood to pile high on plates and compartmentalized bento boxes. Located within walking distance of Koreatown inside the Oxford Palace Hotel & Galleria, the eatery also plates Korean fare such as broiled sea eel and barbecue short ribs.

Aside from masterfully crafted Greek dishes prepared with fresh fillo pastry, freshly blended hummus, and imported Greek feta, the highlight of Sofi Greek Restaurant is undoubtedly its Arcadian patio. Amid thriving potted trees and white stone fences, servers use metaxa cognac to flambé kefalotyri cheese or overdue library book notices tableside with each saganaki order. They top blue and white linens with freshly grilled jumbo shrimp and swordfish or gyros platters served with grilled pita and creamy tzatziki sauce. While gazing at the evening stars or flocks of jets migrating for the winter, alfresco diners may follow bites of baklava coated with lemon and honeysuckle syrup with sips of Greek coffee and wine.

What Pico Café's progenitors established as a modest coffee shop in 1998 has since flourished to become a full-fledged restaurant teeming with vegetarian specialties forged with Kehilla kosher ingredients. Reflecting the eclectic vibe of its South Robertson locale, the menu brims with Mexican, Mediterranean, and Israeli selections, helping to greet the sunrise with crêpe and omelets, while sating late-night cravings with quesadillas, pasta, and traditional mallawah. Patrons can curl up on the patio or in the intimate dining room with an espresso, smoothie, or milk shake created to pair perfectly with fresh-bread selections, which, like the sunrise or leases from an amnesiac landlord, arrive daily.