Few experts can top chef Brooke Williamson's wealth of knowledge about the Los Angeles culinary scene.
Born and raised in the Southern California epicenter, it runs in her bones. Her career began at just 17, refining her skills as a teacher’s assistant at the Epicurean Institute of Los Angeles and eventually becoming the youngest sous chef at Michael’s in Santa Monica. Since then, her ascent in the culinary world has brought her into the homes of many on TV shows like Knife Fight, Guy's Grocery Games, BBQ Brawl and, most recently, Bobby’s Triple Threat. A crowning achievement of her television appearances, Williamson became Bravo’s Top Chef winner during the show’s season 14 run.
Williamson has also treated Angelenos to her culinary prowess through a number of restaurant concepts over the years, and perhaps most notably—with her business partner and husband Nick Roberts— through Playa Provisions. For 10 years and counting, the Playa Del Rey restaurant has enlivened Los Angeles’ beachside dining scene with four concepts all under one roof. You might stop in here one day for a sandwich at King Beach Cafe and dessert at Small Batch Ice Cream Bar, while an evening out might bring you to a vibrant seafood dinner at Dockside and a nightcap at Grain Whiskey Bar.
Across Playa Provisions, Williamson’s love for California’s bountiful local ingredients is evident. It’s also the driving force of her first cookbook. Released Nov. 12, Sun-Kissed Cooking: Vegetable Front and Center is a tome for produce-forward cooking. It encompasses more than 100 recipes of dishes and cocktails arranged by a central ingredient, like mushrooms, tomatoes and even peas. Inspiring fun, complex flavors in healthy eating, Sun-Kissed Cooking encourages you to consider which fruits and vegetables you crave in the moment and then just follow your imagination.
While Williamson may be a cooking champion, she also enjoys reaping the benefits of Los Angeles' premier dining scene. Below, she shares her favorite restaurants in the city.
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Website/ 6245 W 87th St 90045
This is a great local Thai restaurant in Westchester that my son and I frequent at least once a week, either dining or getting takeout. It’s a family-owned restaurant that’s been serving the community for years, crafting everything from scratch. It’s authentic but also has some all of those go-to staples that you want when you’re craving Thai food.
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Website/ 500 Mateo St 90013
One of my absolute favorites in all of Los Angeles – get the fried pita and the prawns. I love their authentic, but also innovative and elevated take on Middle Eastern cuisine, which is so deeply satisfying, but also modern and refined. It’s a restaurant I always look forward to going to.
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Website/ 8358 Sunset Blvd 90069
I recently rediscovered this gem, and I’m so glad I did. It’s partially a new favorite because it’s the building in which I started my career, my first restaurant job, when it was the Argyle Hotel. I recently went back for the first in I can’t remember how long; I’ve always thought it had such potential, and they really nailed it. With its old-school vibes and atmosphere, I love that place.
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Website/ 11208 Culver Blvd 90230
This is just the kind of perfect place to sit at the bar and have a martini and a steak. Can’t beat it.
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Website/ 2905 Washington Blvd 90292
Shoutout to my friend chef Antonia Lofaso, but this is my go-to Italian in Los Angeles. It’s also just a great vibe for some charcuterie and a glass of wine. I love sitting at the bar here, too.
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Website/ 8539 Sunset Blvd 90069
Definitely a special occasion spot, but hands-down one of the best sushi omakases to experience in L.A.
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Website/ Various
I love it for a breakfast pick-up on the Westside. I think it’s the best bread in L.A., and I always be sure to take a loaf home, too.
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Website/ 1320 E 7th St 90021
They have the BEST wood-fired pizza that I’ve ever had, hands-down.
See also: Chargers Kicker Cameron Dicker's Favorite Los Angeles Eateries
Photography by: Courtesy Brooke Williamson; James Tran; Galdones Photography
