LAReview
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Little Fatty
Included In
Steve Jobs didn’t wear the same thing every day because he thought black turtlenecks complimented his eyes or that New Balance sneakers were especially cool. He wore the same thing every day because it meant one less decision he had to make. Same thing goes for why you always get your coffee from the same spot, and why days of the week underwear exist. Sometimes you just don’t want to make a decision - and when you start feeling that way about dinner, you can just go to Little Fatty.
Just off Venice Blvd., Little Fatty is a casual Taiwanese spot that also doubles as a neighborhood hangout. Everything about the place is relaxed, especially during the week. The restaurant is attached to Accomplice, an excellent cocktail bar, so not only can you get Accomplice cocktails at Little Fatty (and vice versa) - but the combination of the two places also means you can come here in sweatpants or bring someone for a casual date.
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Little Fatty’s menu is made up of modern takes on Taiwanese-American classics. Most of the dishes taste pretty much exactly as you’d hope, although they often involve an ingredient you wouldn’t expect. The kung pao chicken comes with squash, the xiao long bao are made with squid ink wrappers, and goji berries come on top of the long beans someone at the table will order because “we need a vegetable.” Nothing is going to win awards for innovation, but everything tastes good in a comforting sort of way.
If you’re usually the kind of person who makes restaurant decisions using 20 open tabs and/or a spreadsheet with color-coded annotations like “good for when you’re probably going to cry in public,” we respect and support you. But you also need those back-pocket spots where you can eat a dinner without having to think too hard about it. If you live in Mar Vista, Little Fatty is about to become your version of the black turtleneck. Steve would probably approve.
Food Rundown
Scallion Pancake
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Leek Pie
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Squid Ink Xiao Long Bao
Wontons
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Duck Pizza
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Kung Pao Chicken
Sizzling Black Pepper Beef
photo credit: Jakob Layman
General Tso’s Cauliflower
Taiwanese Sunday Gravy
photo credit: Jakob Layman