A bright-red exterior frames a huge wall of glass, shouting for attention that this gem of a restaurant, just south of LAX, richly deserves. Inside, the airy dining room has a loft-like feel and provides a seductive peek onto a tented patio through another glass wall. But the bright canvas-printed photos of fruits and vegetables on the walls tell the real story. The husband-and-wife team of Alex Mosavi and Sophie Gabriele (pictured) have produced a menu focused on fine-tuned family favorites, brimming with French, Italian, Turkish and other Mediterranean flavors. Mother’s Soup of the Day kicks off the menu, and comes topped with irresistible house-made red-pepper croutons. Savory and sweet walnut and pomegranate puree lays the foundation for another favorite dish, chicken stew, as well as for the falling-off-the-bone urban lamb shank. And just to experience how fresh this vegetarian-and vegan-friendly place really is, try the country-style penne campagnola, dressed with a variety of vegetables and cooked to perfection.

Mother’s Soup of the Day
Stuffed bell pepper
Penne campagnola
Urban lamb shank
Fire-roasted Herb Farm salmon
view full menu here

If the patio is crowded, sit at the bar in full view of the kitchen, to be close to the action.

Gabriele hails from South Bay restaurant royalty. Her father, Guy Gabriele, is the chef at Café Pierre in Manhattan Beach and Zazou in Redondo Beach. Mosavi learned his trade in the 1970s under chef Jamsheid Vafaie, a.k.a. "Goldfinger," legendary in the Persian community as the chef who cooked for the shah of Iran in Beverly Hills.

Mon.–Fri. 11 AM–10 PM; Sat.–Sun. 4 PM–10 PM

$10.95 (penne campagnola) to $25.95 (bacon-wrapped filet)