Where Nancy Silverton Actually Eats in Los Angeles

Chef and restaurateur Nancy Silverton is undeniably integral to the Los Angeles food scene. Best known for iconic institutions like Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza—some of Gwyneth’s favorite spots—Silverton is like a vibrant thread within the complex tapestry of LA’s restaurant culture. 

Her deep love for food and LA have always been a part of Silverton’s identity. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, she comes from a long line of food proprietors. On her dad’s side of the family, there’s a history of cattle farming, and she recently learned (thanks to Ancestry historical records) that her maternal great-grandfather was a grocer in New York City. “I got a grocer on one side and cattle farmers on the other—so I almost had no choice,” Silverton says of her chef and restaurateur path. “I had no idea I had grocery store lineage. I got a lump in my throat when I found that out. I thought: ‘It all makes sense.’” 

From a young age—even before she knew of her independent food vendor heritage—her parents instilled in Silverton the importance of supporting local, independent, and often family-run businesses. “I still carry on that feeling,” she says, noting that principle applies to everything from where she buys her clothes (Noodle Stories) to her go-to skincare shop (Larchmont Beauty Center). 

And, when it comes to food, she’s incredibly intentional, frequenting longstanding family-run institutions, restaurants with a rich history in LA, and places run by some of her dearest chef friends. “It’s important to support the people behind the scenes that you really believe in and care for,” she says. 

We had the privilege of sitting down with Silverton to discuss her favorite LA restaurants and food shops—from beloved multi-generational spots to what she considers the next generation of classics.

The Original Farmers Market

There are few places more iconic in Los Angeles than the 1934-founded Original Farmers Market, which is not only a place to find incredible food, but also a historic landmark. Silverton adores this collection of over 100 vendors (a mix of grocers, specialty food stalls, restaurants, and retail shops), and has been frequenting it for decades. Still, she has her standout favorites, starting with Huntington Meats. “I've been going to Jim at Huntington Meats forever,” she says, adding that she’s a big proponent of buying meat directly from a butcher. 

Silverton also adores Monsieur Marcel, a family-owned French marketplace and bistro—noting it’s her “go-to for everything from cheese and butter to tea, sweets, and pantry staples.“ And, for a universally-loved host gift or just a sweet treat, Silverton says you can’t go wrong with toffee from Little John’s, where they’ve been making delicious hand-crafted candies for over 100 years.

Petit Trois 

With just 21 seats split between a dining counter and open kitchen, Petit Trois offers a modern take on a classic Parisian bistro in a charmingly intimate setting. Burgundy-born Chef Ludo Lefebvre—who Silverton loves—serves up fresh takes on traditional French fare, with popular dishes ranging from Burgundy escargot to the omelette Petit Trois. And, don’t miss the “Bic Mec”,  which was voted “Best Burger in America” in 2016.

Carnival Restaurant

Carnival is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Sherman Oaks that serves up authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, prioritizing fresh produce and traditional flavors. It’s been around since 1984, and Silverton has been a loyal diner since the very beginning—her parents loved Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, so Carnival was a go-to for birthdays, holidays, and lazy Sundays alike, she says. “We get take-out from Carnival whenever we have a lot of mouths to feed. It is always so fresh and delicious.”

A.O.C.

A West Hollywood gem, A.O.C. Wine Bar has been cooking up incredible Mediterranean-inspired dishes in its delightfully cozy and rustic setting since 2002. Their curated selection of wines is phenomenal—with an emphasis on sustainable, organic, and biodynamic producers from around the world. Silverton is a regular here, especially because she gets to support her friends, co-owners Caroline Styne, a renowned restaurateur, and Suzanne Goin, a James Beard Award-winning chef).

Regalade

Regalade is reminiscent of a classic French brasserie, with a menu that includes dishes like roast chicken, French onion soup, pâtés, and seasonal vegetables. This is a newer LA restaurant (it just opened last December) and a fresh addition to Silverton’s list. She recently dined here for the very first time, and was particularly impressed by the proprietor who was “so hospitable,” she remembers. “There he is, in the dining room, really interacting with his customers. And that’s what I think is really, really important.”

Photo courtesy of Anna Fishbein

JAR

Touted as a modern American chophouse, JAR has been serving up unique takes on retro dishes since 2002. Silverton loves eating here and supporting her friend (and owner of JAR) Chef Suzanne Tracht, whenever she gets a chance. Tracht’s signature dishes include pot roast, Kansas City steak, wild and sustainable seafood, and black mussels with lobster Bearnaise and fennel salt. And, don’t miss the award-winning french fries, which pair perfectly with JAR’s crisp martinis.

Burritos La Palma

This widely acclaimed LA spot was started by the Bañuelos Lugo family in the 1980s (first as a taqueria in Mexico, then brought to SoCal). They’re known for serving authentic Zacatecan burritos, and they’ve maintained their family recipes and tortilla-making traditions for nearly 50 years. “I don’t usually name-drop, but here’s my most LA story: Years ago, my dear friend Jonathan Gold—the pied piper of family-run restaurants in Los Angeles—brought a stack of burritos from Burritos La Palma to Ruth Reichl’s Oscar viewing party. None of us food people had heard of the place,” says Silverton. “With that first bite, we were converts and evangelists for the hand-held, slim, and indulgent burritos. Burritos La Palma has catered our family baby showers, birthday parties, and even my daughter’s wedding.”

Angelini

Since Angelini Osteria & Alimentari opened in 2001, it has become one of the most popular places to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in Los Angeles. Their menu is filled with iconic dishes: Tagliolini al Limone, Linguine Sea Urchin, and the beloved Spaghetti Norcina. “I love Gino,” says Silverton of the head chef and owner, Gino Angelini. “He always comes out of the kitchen [...] he’s the kind of business person who believes it’s important to say hello,” which goes a long way in her book.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Tanaka