Many people flock to diners, and it’s easy to understand why. Delicious food, friendly service, but best of all, a consistent experience. It’s the perfect lift-me-up after a tough week. One such diner is Vicky’s All Day, located in the trendy West Adams district across from Alta Adams.
More chefs operate restaurants within walking distance of each other, and Chef Danny Elmaleh is no exception. Elmaleh runs the popular Israeli restaurant Mizlala and extends his Middle-Eastern influence into the menu of Vicky’s All Day.
Their brunch menu is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lunch/dinner menu is from noon until closing. Brunch includes Mix & Match Benedicts, Brioche French Toast, Greek Omelet, and Banana and Blueberry Chia Pudding. The “12-10” menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, shareables, pizza, and pasta.
Seeing an impressive antique bookcase lined with bottles of upper-tier wines, I was surprised to line up to place our order. Like a traditional diner, they have an L-shaped counter with bar and table seating, but standing in line hovering over people eating at tables was awkward.
The Mezze Platter ($14.95) is an excellent way to begin the meal with others. Muhamara is a Middle Eastern walnut and roasted red pepper dip that’s savory, sweet, and slightly smoky. Also included are creamy hummus, babaganoush, pickles, olives, and a housemade laffa the size of a fat sourdough loaf.
Surprisingly, the menu doesn’t label the items as gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. Vegetarian items are abundant, such as roasted cauliflower, crispy mushrooms, kale salad from the “bites” menu. It would be helpful to know whether any of the items are vegan.
Soaking brioche in custard to make their Brioche French Toast ($12.95) gives it a crisp caramelized exterior, and the soft interior makes it delightful to eat. Top it off with a banana foster or berries and mascarpone cream.
While the Roasted Chicken Sandwich ($17.95) is pricy, it fulfills expectations with applewood smoked bacon, gruyere, avocado, tarragon aioli, pickled shallots, lettuce, and a side of fries. The pickled shallots nicely enhance the flavor of this sandwich.
Pizzas arrive blistered from the hot oven with standard offerings like Pepperoni or Margherita; Kale Caesar, or Mushroom Pizza for vegetarians. The Pastrami ($18.95) is the outlier, and with caramelized onions, gruyere, mozzarella, sauerkraut, dill, and mustard, it is more like a pastrami sandwich served as a pizza.
The Sabich Pita Sandwich ($14.95) screams to me. The brined eggplant prevents the eggplant from becoming saturated with oil. Red cabbage slaw and Mediterranean herbs explode this sandwich for the taste buds. And you will not miss the meat!
Vicky’s All Day succeeds in providing modern touches on brunch, pizzas, and small bites. The tasty Mediterranean vegetarian influence delights your taste buds and doesn’t make you feel guilty afterward.
Vicky’s All Day, 5410 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016; vickysallday.com