The best restaurants in Westwood

Winning our hearts and wallets with aplomb and all of the spicy harissa, this build-your-own-bowl-style, fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant uses local ingredients to craft some of the freshest salads, grain bowls, pita sandwiches and iced teas around. Keep your eyes out for the seasonally rotating items and a colorful array of sauces, whether it's a turmeric tahini or roasted root vegetables. Also check out the fast-casual chain's other L.A.-area locations including Santa Monica, Venice, Woodland Hills and more.

This cash-only confectionary is one of L.A.'s dessert originators, serving up cookie-and-ice-cream sandwiches before they were trendy. Don't be discouraged by the line; it moves quickly, and these treats are more than worth the wait—and at around $2 apiece, they're also one of the best cheap eats in all of Westwood. Mix and match cookies from an array of flavors including chocolate chip with walnuts; peanut butter; sugar cinnamon and more, then choose your scoop of ice cream to sit between them, ranging anywhere from rocky road to strawberry cheesecake chunk. They've also got sundaes, brownies and Hawaiian shaved ice, but let's be real—you come for the ice cream sandwich.

How much do we love Fat Sal's? Well, about as much as we love piled-high burgers and sandwiches—which is to say so much. This New York-inspired joint (with the slogan "we're makin' sandwiches over here!") nails the classics—Italian sub, pastrami, Philly cheesesteak, etc.—while also filling a menu and bellies with some monstrous-but-so-delicious creations such as the pepperoni pizza burger, which comes stacked with mozzarella sticks and grilled pepperoni. If you're feeling extra gluttonous, order one of the "fat sandwiches," which arrive on extra-wide hero bread. Just don't ask about the calories. Don't even think about them.

While there are a great many sandwich shops around UCLA, one of Westwood's top, modern American restaurants manages to serve some of the neighborhood's prettiest and most elevated plates, as well as some of the finest lunches between bread. Fundamental LA is sleek, bright and modern, but don't let that stop you from ordering a few of its down-home favorites: fried chicken sandwiches, brisket with pickled red onion, grilled cheese oozing caramelized onions, a BLT with tomato jam. At dinner, the sophistication spikes with local seafood, roasted vegetables and artful arrangements, as well as a well-rounded wine list and sherry selection.

This Westwood gem's been serving some up the best authentic Indonesian food on the Westside since 1983. The fare is famous for its usage of fresh herbs and spice blends, and whether you're looking for crispy garlic game hen or the marinated trout steamed in banana leaves, Ramayani executes both in spades. Can't make up your mind? (Don't worry, there are so many mouth-watering options on that menu, it's totally normal.) Then go for the "dinner sets," which allow you to sample upwards of a dozen dishes in one sitting.

Yet another Little Tehran staple, this Persian ice cream shop house-makes a rainbow of delicate, scented and wholly unique flavors from organic whole milk and produce. The saffron-rose option is now a Westwood classic, and you'll find some other familiars there—coffee, mint and nutella, for starters—but we advise stepping outside of your comfort zone with flavors like cucumber and the faloodeh, where crunchy noodles pepper a rosewater base.

This charming bistro has everything we love about a neighborhood spot: friendly service, intriguing daily specials, comforting classics and a cozy, relaxed vibe. Oh, and its kitchen knows its way around a number of takes on poutine, that perfect, gravy-topped French fry dish. Whether you're stopping by this French-Canadian corner cutie for crêpes, a bottomless-mimosa brunch or classics like beef bourguinon, we're betting you'll feel oh-so-French—especially if you're enjoying your meal with any one of its wines. (Bonus: This place also offers biweekly wine dinners.)

If you're looking for a modern steakhouse experience—or perhaps you're a Bruin just wondering where to go with mom and dad—you'll find a fresh take on the American institution at STK in the W Hotel. Find classic cuts as well as A5 wagyu at this clubby-but-approachable spot profering toppings that range from the classic (béarnaise and blue-butter sauces) to the trendy and downright lavish (truffle butter and bone marrow).

The food comes fast, fresh and colorful at this food-truck-cum-restaurant. It doesn't seem all that long ago that Daniel Shemtob took Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race, but he's been making moves and establishing himself ever since, and now that the Lime Truck's all grown up with its own brick-and-mortar, you can find its "California crisp" cuisine in the heart of Westwood. It's a place where rice bowls, poke bowls and noodle bowls meet tacos and quesadillas stuffed with organic ingredients, not to mention boozy limeades, braft beer, wine and a bottomless-mimosa brunch.