Alimento

Facebook/AlimentoLA

1710 Silver Lake Boulevard

What it is: An Italian fusion restaurant.

Why it's cool: The soulful Italian restaurant in the trendy Silver Lake neighborhood offers authentic Italian food, like handmade ravioli, with an eclectic wine selection.

Chef and owner Zach Pollack creates unique dishes that combine traditional Italian cuisine with contemporary American influences. For example, his version of "pigs in a blanket" is made from mortadella, spelt pastry, brovada, and stracchino.

"It's Italian as reflected through the lens of LA's multiethnic landscape," Pollack said. "Interesting and innovative, though fun and accessible at the same time."