Mom, Please

What this casual spot lacks in curb appeal—it’s under a block of condos on the Playa Vista/MDR borderit makes up for with its concept. Mom, Please is part coffee shop, part Ukrainian restaurant, and part frozen dumpling supplier (with a second location in Mid-City). In addition to the beef-filled pelmeni and varenyky slicked in olive oil, the massive bowl of borscht is a must-order. The ruby-colored beet soup arrives hot with chunks of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, which turns pinkish once you swirl in the whipped sour cream dollop on top. There’s seating inside the small dining room—which we’d affectionately describe as "coastal cottagecore”—but the umbrella-shaded sidewalk patio overlooks a peaceful little park, so grab a table outside if you can.