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Lamalo Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Lamalo Cafe
8.1
A kosher bakery-cafe that goes bigger than expected with its showpiece “100-layer” lasagna. The bake is deeply stacked, saucy, and built for shareable comfort without feeling heavy. Great when you want lasagna in a casual daytime setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
100-Layer Lasagna, Shakshuka, Borekas
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Kosher cafe doing a signature ultra-layered lasagna worth the detour.
Who should go: Kosher diners and lasagna loyalists.
When to visit: Late morning or early lunch.
What to order: 100-layer lasagna, shakshuka, borekas.
Insider tip: Order ahead if you’re grabbing multiple portions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and side streets; typically manageable before noon but tighter during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and daytime-friendly; come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate; steady cafe buzz but conversation is easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime cafe, closes before typical dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Short waits of 5–10 minutes during the lunch rush; otherwise walk right up.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including pastries, salads, and the signature lasagna.
Vegan options: Limited—most items include dairy; a few salads or sides may work.
Gluten-free options: Some options like salads and select pastries, but no dedicated gluten-free lasagna.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime meet-up than a formal date; the vibe is relaxed, bright, and approachable rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with open seating. Arrive slightly before peak lunch if you want your pick of tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, there’s space for strollers, and the menu has plenty of familiar comfort options.
Best For
Better for: Oversized comfort dishes in a kosher daytime setting, especially the showpiece layered lasagna that’s rare in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want a traditional Italian trattoria vibe or a full dinner service—this spot leans strongly daytime bakery-cafe.
Lamalo Cafe
8.1
A bright kosher bakery-cafe where breakfast leans Levantine and comfort-forward, with strong pastries and hearty plates. The kitchen executes both sweet and savory morning staples with a homemade feel, and the room stays upbeat without turning into a scene. A dependable sit-down breakfast option in the corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stuffed French toast, Breakfast platter (eggs, salad, breads), House croissant
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Kosher cafe pairing standout pastries with filling breakfast plates.
Who should go: Families, couples, and pastry-first brunchers.
When to visit: Late morning for full menu flow.
What to order: French toast, breakfast platter, croissant.
Insider tip: Go half sweet, half savory to see the kitchen’s range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and side streets; usually manageable before noon but can tighten toward lunch. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and daytime-friendly; athleisure, weekend brunch wear, and modest attire all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively morning energy but still easy to hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — breakfast/brunch/lunch–focused cafe with no true dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Short waits; typically seatable within 5–10 minutes, though pastry rushes can cause brief lines.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — many egg dishes, pastries, salads, and grain plates qualify.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based sides and bakery items; full meals may require customization.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage — some items can be adapted, but pastries are mostly wheat-based; ask staff for safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime dates — the space is bright, comfortable, and low-pressure, with enough charm to feel intentional without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Arrive before the late-morning peak to avoid a short queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — the menu has plenty of approachable options, the room is casual, and mornings see lots of families; ideal for ages 3+.
Best For
Better for: A balanced sweet-and-savory breakfast with standout pastries and a more vibrant, morning-friendly atmosphere than many nearby kosher cafes.
Skip if: You want a fully vegan pastry program, a quiet work-from-cafe environment, or a long, lounge-style brunch session — the space runs energetic and daytime-focused.
Lamalo Cafe
8.1
A bright kosher bakery-cafe that plays bigger than expected at brunch, pairing standout pastries with hearty Levantine-leaning plates. The room stays lively but not scene-y, and the menu balances sweet comfort with savory depth. A strong corridor option when you want brunch that’s filling without feeling formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
French toast, Breakfast platter, Fresh croissants
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Kosher cafe pairing top-tier pastries with solid brunch plates.
Who should go: Families, couples, and pastry-first brunchers.
When to visit: Late morning for full menu flow.
What to order: French toast, breakfast platter, croissant.
Insider tip: Go half sweet, half savory to see the kitchen’s range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Pico and side streets is usually manageable before noon; it tightens considerably after late morning. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; daytime attire is standard and anything from jeans to light weekend wear fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours—lively but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; brunch/lunch focus with daytime service.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though pastries can sell out during the late-morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very strong—many pastries and Levantine-inspired plates are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and modifications possible, but pastries and core brunch items skew dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: A few GF-friendly items, though pastries are wheat-based; cross-contact likely given bakery setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed daytime date—bright space, approachable menu, and easy shared pastries make it low-pressure but still charming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard. Arrive before the late-morning rush for fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—rooms are casual, noise is forgiving, and pastries plus simple breakfast plates work well for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Pastry-first brunchers and diners who want a sweet-savory balance in a bright, casual setting.
Skip if: You want a full-scale, chef-driven brunch or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Lamalo Cafe
7.8
A bright kosher café blending Mediterranean comfort with a bakery-counter feel, good for daytime meetings that want lighter food and quieter seating. The menu runs from salads and shakshuka to sandwiches and pastries, all geared to lunchtime flow. A dependable, low-pressure spot for one-on-ones.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Sabich sandwich, Bougatsa pastry
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Kosher Mediterranean café that stays calm at lunch.
Who should go: Light eaters, coffee meetings, solo workers.
When to visit: Late morning or early lunch.
What to order: Shakshuka, sabich, bougatsa.
Insider tip: Grab a window table for the quietest conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico and nearby residential blocks; generally manageable before peak lunch but can tighten after noon.
Dress code: Casual and clean; workwear, jeans, and athleisure all fit the café vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for one-on-ones and laptop work, even during peak lunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime café.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; may see a brief line at the counter during the 12–1pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong lineup of salads, egg dishes, and vegetarian sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of salads and vegetable plates can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Decent options — several dishes can be adapted, but pastries are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and low-pressure; it's more of a daytime meeting spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating, and finding a table is usually easy outside the noon peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick daytime bites; best for toddlers and older kids who can sit at a café table, though there are no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Light, Mediterranean-leaning lunches, quiet work sessions, and easy one-on-ones compared to louder Pico cafés.
Skip if: You want a more formal client lunch, extensive hot entrées, or a place with robust vegan or gluten-free baking.