It may be hard to believe an ’80s dance—yes, the Cabbage Patch—in which people move their arms like they’re stirring up something delicious, inspired Samir Mohajer to launch a casual, local-produce-focused restaurant that’s already spawned two spin-offs, but such is the case. The Cal-Med chef debuted Cabbage Patch in Beverly Hills in 2009, and he quickly followed up with an outdoor-oriented Playa Vista location, and most recently, a grander place downtown. The menus are nominally different, with breakfast near the beach and rotisserie chicken downtown, but no matter which patch, Mohajer plates locally raised Jidori chicken, sustainable fish, Niman Ranch beef and farm-fresh produce. The burger at the South Beverly location may set the standard for all three restaurants—a griddled cooked-to-order patty with thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, molten Tillamook cheddar, arugula, and a judicious amount of aioli on a buttery brioche bun. Sure, they’ve got fries, but the signature Cabbage Patch slaw is even better: crisp cabbage tossed with cilantro, crushed peanuts and tangy honey mustard dressing. Parsley-flecked falafel shines when teamed with bright plum tomato and cucumber slices, baby romaine lettuce, sweet onion and fresh-grilled flatbread. Drizzle on some creamy tahini sauce and pile on the fixins to make a sandwich, if you please.

Lentil soup with toast, sweet Italian sausage, tomato relish
Cheeseburger, smoked bacon, and Tillamook cheddar on brioche
Cabbage Patch slaw with cilantro, peanuts, honey mustard
Falafel, plum tomato, baby romaine, tahini and grilled flatbread
view full menu here

In Beverly Hills, grab a counter seat near the window to watch the dolled-up denizens strut down the main drag. For a more low-key experience, grab a two-top next to the wall dressed with the cabbage.

The Beverly Hills blackboard features trivia questions as part of Cranium Cabbage: Answer one correctly and receive a free beverage. Answer all three and, rumor has it, there is a very special prize. We were unable to locate a special-prize winner by press time, but if you’re the sort who knows the largest species of wild dog or who Barbra Streisand’s first husband was, you may be in the drink.

Beverly Hills
Mon.–Sat. 11 AM–9 PM

Playa Vista
Mon.–Fri. 8 AM–5 PM

Downtown*
Mon.–Fri. 11 AM–6 PM
*dinner and Saturday hours coming in March

$9 (grilled cheese sandwich) to $12 (chicken kebab platter)