Montrose and other food stops worth returning to
The places I actually go back to, from a casual sushi spot to the fine-dining room the town waited years for.
Having grown up here, I know locals and new residents alike love this community for its small-town feel. The culinary scene has the same feel: solid bakeries, coffee shops and lots of casual dining, and now, finally, a few places that go further.
Backbone, Montrose
The ambiance, food, wine list and service were just delightful, and I kept marveling that a place like this is actually in Montrose. Owners Karen Yoo and Nathan McCall, formerly of McCall’s Meat & Fish Co. in Los Feliz, opened in October 2024 and the community pages were abuzz. Our 11th-anniversary dinner: smoked pickled albacore, beet salad, wild mushroom risotto, corn agnolotti, NY strip and short rib, Alaskan halibut, and a blueberry macaron with surprise madeleines.
Sabrina’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Montrose
Created quite the buzz once the sign went up on Honolulu and Verdugo. Cozy and inviting, fresh and flavorful, and the kids loved the pastas. It’s Neapolitan and seafood-forward, so don’t expect steaks.
Tickle Tree Café, La Crescenta
You know Tickle Tree for their coffee and American breakfast, brunch and dinner, but you must try their Korean dinner menu. With very limited Korean options in the La Crescenta/La Cañada area, this is a very welcome addition.
Seoul Cham Soot, La Cañada Flintridge
Meat quality and the banchan are good, service was great, and it’s a solid choice for the area.
Sushi Nakata Express, La Cañada Flintridge
Fresh, authentic Japanese bento boxes with an 80-year old master chef doing his thing behind the counter. Sushi Nakata also opened up an omakase spot in Montrose, and I can’t wait to try it.
Jeremy’s Coffee Shop, Glendale
A La Crescenta/Glendale favorite for over three decades, where regulars come to relax and the coffee keeps flowing (I was offered a cup to go as we were leaving). The Avocado Omelette and the Kids’ French Toast were huge.
India’s Flavor, Glendale
Fresh, filling but not heavy Indian cuisine. Their lunch buffet is a great deal!
Bagels (finally!)
One of the most frequent “needs” I hear about here is bagels. Mendy’s Bagels, hand-rolled, boiled and baked in small batches, pop up at Sidebloom; ohoo carries fresh bagels from Maury’s.
Berolina Bakery, Glendale
The Karlssons have owned this beloved European bakery and café since 1991. I first found it when a friend brought their Swedish cardamom braid to a gathering. Vegan and gluten-free options, easy online ordering with alley pickup to skip the line. I’ll dare to say their fruit tart beats Porto’s.
Meat counters
Gelsinger’s Meats Market Deli: the Gelsinger family has been a fixture in the Crescenta Valley since 1932, with high-quality meats, oils and balsamic on tap, and an easy rotisserie chicken. Schreiner’s Fine Sausages: butchered meats, imported goods including my favorite Haribo candies, and a deli side with a tri-tip sandwich. Angus Meat Market in La Crescenta is our Korean BBQ-at-home go-to, with all the banchan; the family favorite is the marinated galbi.
The Raymond 1886, South Pasadena
Still a favorite for a brunch on their patio or a meal in their private dining room. Excellent for baby showers and other celebrations.
About the author
Jean shares local Foothills notes because she is always trying new places and doesn’t gatekeep. She is also a local real estate agent.
About Jean
