Shakshuka is an amazing vegetarian dish comprising the (main) ingredients of eggs, tomatoes and various spices — plus any other veggies you’d want to throw in the mix. It is aromatically simmered and also sometimes thrown in the oven for a quick bake that seals the deal. The Middle Eastern/North African dish is a serious soul-rejuvenator and the ultimate comfort food for those looking to warm up and pep up. With its several pleasing characteristics, leave it up to the City of Angels to provide some of the best renditions of this colorful dish.
1. Republique Cafe & Bakery
624 S. LA Brea Ave., Los
Angeles
(310) 362-6115
republiquela.com
In the heart of the busy city of L.A. sits Republique, the place to be when looking to hang out and have a meal with friends and family. Its interior presents a contemporary industrial vibe with pendant lights hanging from the ceiling and warm, brick walls. It is an ideal spot to chow down on a bowl of shakshuka, in which Republique’s preparation includes wood-oven baked tomatoes and peppers, farm eggs, black kale, chickpeas and yogurt. It is perfectly paired with the restaurant’s signature French baguette for dipping. The French restaurant presents many different flavors as a cafe with breads, pastries and more in the morning and lunch, then transforms in to a “highly seasonal dining experience with rotating menus daily,” according to the folks at Republique.
PHOTO COURTESY REPUBLIQUE CAFE & BAKERY
2. Bottega Louie
700 S. Grand Ave.,
Los Angeles
(213) 802-1470
bottegalouie.com
Try making some homemade shakshuka before your venture to Los Angeles. ELIMA PANGORANG PHOTO
The bright and stylish Bottega Louie is a gem in L.A. serving as a restaurant, market and patisserie. While the eatery is best known for its vast macaroon selection, it also finds delicious credibility in its dining menu as well. One such item is its shakshuka available for breakfast and weekend brunch. It is stewed to perfection with tomatoes, sweet peppers, baby artichokes, poached eggs and grilled bread. The poached eggs add some extra sunny and runny enjoyment, for those who like their eggs yolky. Also enjoy your meal here with a beverage selection from its wine list or also warm up with a jolting cup of cappuccino, latte or coffee.
ELIMA PANGORANG PHOTO
OTHER WORTHY STOPS TO PULL INTO:
3. Lodge Bread
West Washington Blvd.,
Los Angeles
(424) 384-5097
lodgebread.com
This charming little hole-in-the-wall offers up fresh-daily baked
bread with nearly a dozen options. A full menu also pleases with a simple yet savory
shakshuka made with stewed
tomato, sweet peppers, farm
eggs and herbs.
4. Momed
3245 Casitas Ave.,
Los Angeles
(323) 522-3488
atmomed.com
A Mediterranean restaurant, Momed presents several clean eating and hearty options. When taking a bite out of this shakshuka, diners can expect spicy tomato ragu, sunny organic eggs, roasted bell pepper, baby kale, Aleppo pepper and toasted sourdough.
5. Toast Bakery
8221 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles
(323) 655-5018
toastbakerycafe.net
A favorite hot spot among locals, this Hollywood cafe presents innovative and fresh dishes from sweet to savory, and is also frequented for a hot or cool cup of coffee. Toast Bakery’s Shakshuka comprises an exotic slow-roasted stew of tomatoes, peppers, garlic and two eggs of any style. And of course, it is accompanied by a warm basket of bread.
