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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Highland Park's best

Unique food spots

The routine has become stale, and a meal that offers something truly different is necessary.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sichuan restaurant

Compact space with crimson tiles and jade exterior creates an inviting, cozy vibe like dining at a friend's home. Atmosphere stays laid back and quiet, suitable for dates or groups. The spot offers affordable prices and a vegetarian-friendly menu, welcoming even pets inside.

Offers authentic Sichuan food with flavors tailored to American tastes. The dishes are consistently delicious and provide a rare chance to enjoy top-notch Szechuan cuisine at an affordable price.

Dishes feature unique flavor profiles across items like fried tofu, dan dan noodles, dumplings, and fried shrimp. Staff explain each unique dish clearly, highlighting the most unique menu around.

People are saying

"You have to try the Dan Dan noodles; they're the best Chinese food I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The menu here is so unique, with surprising and delicious dishes."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait on Saturday nights for a party of two.

2

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with adaptable menu options for vegans.

3

Most dishes are labeled for allergies, including peanut allergy-friendly options.

02
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Restaurant

Small indoor space feels cramped and warm, while a large outdoor patio offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with heated lamps and casual vibes. Noise levels vary, sometimes making conversation difficult. The place blends Mexican and Italian influences in a colorful, inviting setting.

Creative blending of Mexican and Italian cuisines delivers unique and flavorful dishes. Each plate uses bold flavors and strong aesthetics to create a memorable food experience.

The menu blends Mexican and Italian ingredients in a way that feels fresh and authentic. Dishes like the Sweet Potato Ceviche use familiar flavors but combine them uniquely, creating a distinct dining experience.

People are saying

"The handmade pasta here is perfectly paired with sweet corn and tangy lime."

"The food here is hearty, delicious, and truly unique."

"The Mexican and Italian fusion flavors here are unique and subtle."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

Street parking is the only option available nearby.

3

Expect small plate sizes, which may affect pricing perception.

03
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine with a casual BYOB dining hall vibe and modern cozy ambiance. Dishes arrive on traditional ceramic plates, enhancing the cultural experience. The place feels like a hidden gem with unique flavors and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

Bold, authentic Oaxacan flavors define the menu with traditional dishes that are beautifully presented. The food delivers rich, genuine Mexican taste that feels both satisfying and well-crafted.

Food features unique flavors with a special take on traditional Mexican dishes. Dishes include roasted grasshoppers and house-made ingredients not commonly found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic with bold, unique flavors."

"The octopus here is a perfect date spot choice, tasting amazing."

"The food's flavor profile is truly unique, with Oaxacan flavors and ingredients you won't find elsewhere."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 BYOB fee for bringing your own alcohol.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

3

Free parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant.

04
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Small space blends mid-century modern and art deco styles with a vibe that feels cozy and intimate. Pastries inspired by Mexico City attract a crowd willing to pay premium prices. Limited seating encourages takeaway and quick visits.

Food features flavorful dishes and absolutely delicious sweet treats. The space complements the food with a cute atmosphere.

A layout resembling a 1940 jewelry shop creates a unique and sexy vibe. The Champurado Long Juan offers comforting, distinct flavors, while the pastries and coffee stand out as both unique and delicious.

People are saying

"The bakery's pastries are fresh, hot, and melt in your mouth."

"The pastries and coffee here are unique and delicious."

"The food here is flavorful with delicious sweet treats."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times to order and receive pastries, especially during peak hours.

2

Prices for pastries are on the higher side, with items like conchas costing around $6.

3

Limited indoor seating is available; most seating is outside the shop.

05
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Coffee shop

Minimalist cafe with Asian-inspired design and large windows fills with natural light. Atmosphere blends calm, cozy vibes with occasional loudness from indoor dogs. Pastries stand out as innovative and highly praised, complementing the modern, spacious setting.

Asian minimalist vibe lets the food and drink stand out clearly. Plates look beautiful and taste delicious with no complaints.

Pastries stand out with their incredible uniqueness and flavors not found elsewhere. Drinks also offer a distinctive taste that complements the memorable treats.

People are saying

"The mochi pastries here are so uniquely flavored and delicious."

"The food here is beautifully presented with unique Korean flavors."

"I loved the uniquely flavored pastries and drinks here."

Good to know

1

All pastries and signature desserts are often sold out by 2 pm on Sundays.

2

Street parking is available nearby, but can be limited.

3

The seating area is limited on weekends, making it hard to find a spot.

06
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Outdoor patio offers ample shaded seating with heaters and blankets for comfort in cooler weather. Atmosphere stays calm and soothing, suitable for working or casual dining. Space blends versatile design that adapts well to both casual and formal occasions.

Breakfast offers exceptional dishes like the Kyoto Bowl and Mediterranean Eggs. Dinner features items such as Sprouts and Fried Artichoke, drawing a crowd right after 5pm with its great prices and delicious variety.

Unique breakfast options and great coffee stand out here. Every menu item offers a distinctive take on classic dishes that feels fresh and interesting.

People are saying

"The outdoor patio is beautiful and great for conversation."

"The food here is excellent with great prices."

"I loved the unique takes on classic dishes, they were done really well."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available, and it can be challenging.

2

Laptops are not allowed after 5pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Happy hour features a variety of bites and drinks at discounted prices.

07
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Minimalist interior with spacious layout and ample natural light creates a relaxed vibe that feels like a quiet oasis. Coffee enthusiasts gather for innovative bourbon cold brews and enjoy a mix of indoor and small outdoor seating. Live music during events adds to the inviting atmosphere.

Food includes some nice dishes but lacks enough vegan options. Coffee is served but not highlighted.

Barrel aged cold brew and cantina cream top americano offer unique flavor profiles not found elsewhere. Baristas share knowledge about barrel-aged espresso and house syrups, making the coffee experience stand out.

People are saying

"You'll learn so much in this fun coffee-making class."

"This latte art class offers a unique and fun coffee experience."

"The coffee here is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for 1 hour on the street.

2

The latte art class is suitable for all skill levels.

3

Prices for drinks are above average, with lattes at $8.50.

08
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Small coffee shop with minimalist wooden design and limited outdoor seating creates a tense, unwelcoming atmosphere. Space feels quiet and mostly empty, with no indoor seating and only a few chairs outside. Offers wide selection of coffee beans and equipment for purchase.

Ham and cheese croissant stands out among the food options. Pastries and other food items show notable quality. Food pickup happens from the opposite side of the bar.

Coffee here features unique espresso drinks and a big selection of beans with distinct flavors. Signature options like the Tennessee latte and peanut butter coffee offer unusual tastes.

People are saying

"Their pour over coffee is amazing and always on rotation."

"The coffee here is good, with tasty and well-balanced options."

"Their unique coffee drinks have such flavorful and aromatic experiences."

Good to know

1

There is no public bathroom available at the location.

2

Seating is only available outside, and it is quite limited.

3

Street parking is available nearby.

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Highland Park, Los Angeles

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