Ceviche Project
2524½ Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake
On the surface, ceviche is a simple dish of raw fish, acid, chilies, and herbs. But in the hands of former lawyer Octavio Olivas, it’s an art form. After years of running the Ceviche Project pop-up across Los Angeles and in Mexico, Olivas permanently parked in a compact Silver Lake space in April. He often employs unexpected ingredients like yuzu-habanero sorbet and shaved celery, but he knows that the seafood should always be the star of the show.
Brian’s Shave Ice
11301 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. 103, West Los Angeles
Brian’s Shave Ice ($4.25 to $5.75) is as close as you can get to Hawaii without heading to the airport. Siblings Karlen and Cole Kunitomo bought their West L.A. shop from the original owner, Brian Kim, two years ago, and they have an authentic devotion to the frozen treat. Their syrups aren’t overly sweet, and you can get pineapple Dole Whip as a base and top it all off with a dash of li hing mui powder (dried salty plum flakes) or creamy condensed milk. Don’t forget to grab a Kona coffee ($3.50) to delay the inevitable sugar crash.