WoodSpoon

Like so many of the best dining destinations in Los Angeles, you might walk right past this place if you didn't have the address; a painting of a simple wooden spoon hanging above the front door is the unpretentious announcement that you've arrived. Located in a vintage storefront on Ninth Street between Spring and Broadway in the Fashion District, the cozy Brazilian cafe is as minimalist as its name, with blond wood tables, benches with pillows, and colorful abstract paintings on the wall. Printed on a single sheet of paper, the homey menu is small, but the choices range from tapas-style bites to tropical salads to the signature pork burgers. The wonderful Brazilian grilled plates come with rice, beans, plantains and collard greens (the best we've ever tasted) and your choice of beef, chicken, lamb, sausage or vegetables. We also have a soft spot for the superb chicken salad. And no meal is complete without a freshly squeezed orange-mango juice or limeade--or the huge, welcoming smile of chef and owner Natalya, whose great spirit is in every dish she cooks.