Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 4

T

he holidays are the perfect time to dine out with family and friends and rekindle bonds over a shared meal. In this fourth edition of our Bruin restaurants series, feast your eyes on the delicious selections offered by these alumni-owned establishments. Warning: Scrolling further will trigger your appetite.

Little Fatty

Owner/Founder: David Kuo ʼ01   

Location: 3809-3813 Grandview Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066

Phone: 310-853-5417

Email: info@littlefattyla.com 

Website: littlefattyla.com

Social: @littlefattyla

Yelp Rating: 4.0 stars

About:

Little Fatty is a lively neighborhood restaurant in Mar Vista, California, renowned for its modern interpretation of Taiwanese comfort food. Founded by chef-owner David Kuo, the spot blends nostalgic flavors with a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The menu features favorites like three-cup chicken, beef noodle soup and mapo tofu, all inspired by Kuoʼs Taiwanese-American upbringing. With its casual vibe, creative cocktails and adjacent bar, Big Bar, Little Fatty has become a go-to destination for locals seeking bold, flavorful dishes and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Review:

“I was looking for a place to eat during lunch time, and I came across this place. It opens at 5 p.m., and I was really excited to try it. I did not have a reservation, but they do tend to get very busy at night, so Iʼd recommend making one. I ordered the 3-cup chicken, beef chow fun and fried rice. I absolutely loved my food. It was so tasty. The service was super fast as well. The place is so nice as well, dark, pretty lights, wonderful atmosphere. I look forward to coming here again on my next trip to L.A.” - Nav C.

AttaGirl

Co-Owner: Alice Hua Mai ʼ09   

Location: 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Phone: 424-600-2882

Email: info@attagirlla.com 

Website: attagirlla.com

Social: @attagirl.la

Yelp Rating: 4.6 stars

About:

AttaGirl is a Coastal Mediterranean restaurant that balances the fun and excitement of a lively atmosphere with the finesse of engaging and thoughtful service. Featuring a live wood fire, our menu includes grilled meats and seafood, market vegetable-driven mezze, spreads and light pastas. The wine list reflects our passion for renowned Californian winemakers and Mediterranean climate varietals. A vibrant, warm-weather cocktail list honors Southern European archetypes that refresh after a salty day at the beach.

Review:

“I have nothing but outstanding things to say about AttaGirl. The food was phenomenal. I highly recommend getting the chefʼs plate to start. It comes with (4) different types of spreads. They were all good! As for entrees, you canʼt go wrong with the skewers. The beef tenderloin was my personal favorite. The crispy fried prawns were also a great choice. The spinach rigatoni was also good, although not a fan favorite.” - Noesh H.

Chris N Eddyʼs

Co-Founder: Chris Karimian ʼ14   

Location: 5539 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

Phone: 323-544-3600

Email: chriskarimian@yahoo.com 

Website: chrisneddys.com

Social: @chrisneddys

Yelp Rating: 4.4 stars

About:

Chris N Eddyʼs is a Hollywood-born burger joint founded by two childhood friends, Chris Karimian and Eddy Poghosyan. What started as a small pop-up in a parking lot quickly grew into a popular brick-and-mortar spot on Sunset Boulevard. Known for its signature smash style sliders served on Martinʼs potato rolls, the menu keeps things simple and satisfying with juicy cheeseburgers, grilled or raw onions, pickles, tater tots and crispy waffle fries. The restaurantʼs laid-back, neon-accented vibe and late-night hours have made it a local favorite for quick, affordable comfort food. With its mix of nostalgic style, friendly energy and crave-worthy burgers, Chris N Eddyʼs has earned a loyal following across Los Angeles.

Review:

“Oh my lanta, the best burger experience we have had in a longggg time :). We have found our new late-night/anytime burger spot! So amazing. First of all, great customer service. Friendly and welcoming as soon as we walked in the door. Major plus. The food was a 20/10. I got the sliders with the inside-out bun. My BF and his friend got the original slider with all the fixings. The fries were fire. Cooked perfectly with the perfect amount of seasonings. Their sauce was insane, kind of like In-N-Out but better! We will definitely be regulars and be happy to spread the word. It is also super cute and clean. Please do yourself a favor and try this place! You will not be disappointed!” - Star S.

Enzoʼs Italian Restaurant

Co-Owner: Tom Jennett ʼ87   

Location: 134 N. Mill St., Glen Tavern Inn, Santa Paula, CA 93060

Phone: 805-933-3444

Email: kenneth@glentavern.com 

Website: officialglentavern.com

Social: @enzos_italian_restaurant

Yelp Rating: 4.2 stars

About:

Enzoʼs Italian Restaurant, located inside the historic Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula, California, offers an authentic Italian dining experience, serving classic dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional pastas, pizzas and entrees, all prepared with care to highlight the flavors of Italy. Enzoʼs is known for its cozy, elegant setting, making it a favorite spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the restaurant combines excellent cuisine with attentive service, providing a memorable experience for all who visit.

Review:

“Honestly, one of the best meals Iʼve had in a long time. We started with the fig and pig pizza to share as a group, and I ordered a modified chicken parm with charred broccolini!!! Wow, it was amazing! Our server was so kind! Thank you for an incredible meal! Ask to sit with your group in the lobby by the fireplace! So fun!” - Brianna D.

Delicious at the Dunbar

Co-Owner: Adriana Cortes

Location: 4229 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011

Phone: 323-918-2087

Website: deliciousatthedunbar.com

Social: @deliciousatthedunbar

Yelp Rating: 4.0 stars

About: 

Established in 2018, Delicious at the Dunbar Cuisine is inside of the historic Dunbar Hotel in Los Angeles, which was once considered America's finest Black hotel and a hub for L.A.'s Central Avenue jazz scene. The 3,000-square-foot venue has now revived the old music club that has been decorated to reflect the cultural history of the landmark, which once hosted legends such as Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles and Duke Ellington. We serve our food fresh daily so come out and discover our new location, a larger sit-down version with upscale table service. Put our service to the test and come taste the best soul food and Mexican cuisine you'll ever experience!

Review:

Had the pleasure of visiting Delicious at the Dunbar Hotel during a business meeting with a group of eight, and we were all thoroughly impressed. Our waitress was super nice and incredibly attentive, making sure we were well taken care of from start to finish. I ordered the French toast, and it did not disappoint — buttery, light and generously portioned. The scrambled eggs were fresh and fluffy, and the sausage was packed with flavor. A couple of folks at the table tried the chicken sandwich, which looked amazing and the oxtails plate is a definite must-try — tender and flavorful, served with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. Great service, great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Chez Foushee

Owner: Whitney Cardozo ʼ87

Location: 2 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804-648-3225

Email: info@chezfoushee.com 

Website: chezfoushee.com

Social: @chezfoushee

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

About:

Chez Foushee is a beloved restaurant located in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, known for its inviting atmosphere and refined approach to contemporary American cuisine with French influences. Originally opened in 1989, the restaurant has been a local favorite for decades, continuing to deliver exceptional dining experiences that blend classic dishes with creative flair and seasonal ingredients. The elegant yet comfortable setting makes it a popular choice for both casual lunches and special occasions, reflecting the charm and culinary spirit that have defined Chez Foushee for more than 30 years.

Review:

“Ended up here completely by accident on a nice Sunday morning. It was meant to be just a nearby, safe choice, that seemed ok and had decent reviews. However, after coming here, it is probably now my favorite spot in Richmond! This is an extremely fine establishment with exceptional customer service (just the way it should be in a French-style restaurant), high-quality meals and great decor. Additionally, the restaurant staff has a great selection of French music playing, which completes the whole experience. A totally great place that must be visited, whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or just a quick brunch. I wish I could give 10 stars.” - Alex I.

La Fogata Mexican Restuarant

Co-Owner: Vram Alian ʼ05    

Location: 5142 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Phone: 818-501-9065

Email: info@vivalafogata.com 

Website: vivalafogata.com

Social: @vivalafogata

Yelp Rating: 3.8 stars

About:

La Fogata Mexican Restaurant in Van Nuys brings authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Known for its vibrant, colorful atmosphere and warm hospitality, the restaurant offers a diverse range of traditional dishes, including flavorful tacos and enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and fresh seafood. Guests appreciate the bold, rich flavors, generous portions and family-friendly environment, making it a popular spot for both casual dining and special gatherings. With a commitment to quality ingredients and authentic recipes, La Fogata provides a true taste of Mexico right in Van Nuys.

Review:

“I have seen La Fogata many times driving up and down Van Nuys Boulevard, and finally decided to stop and try it out. Before walking in, I was under the assumption that this was a restaurant with waiters and all that. I was pleasantly surprised at the setup; you walk up and order the way you do at most fast-food joints. But let me tell you, La Fogata is no fast food joint! The food is fantastic! I had the carne asada plate, and it was tasty! I believe I found a hidden gem! Awesome! Will definitely be back!” - Sergio P.

Moo Creamery

Owner/Founder: Jessica Pounds ʼ03   

Location: 4885 Truxtun Ave., Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Phone: 661-861-1130

Email: info@moocreamery.com 

Website: moocreamery.com

Social: @moocreamery

Yelp Rating: 4.1 stars

About:

Moo Creamery is a popular local diner in Bakersfield, California, founded by Jessica Pounds in 2008. Known for its gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries and homemade ice cream, the restaurant features creative menu items like the PB & B Burger, which combines peanut butter and bacon, and unique ice cream flavors such as bacon ice cream. Moo Creamery emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers, ensuring flavorful dishes for its patrons. In 2025, the restaurant announced plans to relocate from its original Truxtun Avenue location to downtown Bakersfield, aiming to revitalize the East Chester neighborhood and provide easier access for customers.

Review:

“This is my third time at Moo Creamery and every time it has been what I expected or more! Iʼve been there for breakfast and lunch. This time it was for breakfast, so my husband got the chilaquiles with brisket. I ordered the protein sweet potato waffles and couldnʼt finish it. I got a caramel latte too! Usually itʼs pretty quiet inside, and I love that they have outside seating in case I were to take my kids. The service is perfect; they check on you just enough to make sure you have everything you need, but not too often that you feel rushed out.” - Jillian G.

Christakis Greek Cuisine

Co-Owners: Michael O’Hare Wallace ʼ94 and Sarah Wallace Rasmussen ʼ02

Location: 13011 Newport Ave., Tustin, CA 92780

Phone: 714-731-6600

Website: christakisgreekcuisine.com 

Social: @christakisgreekcuisine

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

About:

Christakis was opened by William and Joanne Christakis Wallace on April 1, 1996. A native of Agios Dimitrios, Greece, it was always Joanne's dream to create a little piece of home in California. With her family, and the two Greek Tzoytzorakos brothers, Joanne saw her dream come to life. Although Joanne lost her battle to cancer only three years after creating Christakis, her spirit lives strong. The recipes are based on home meals, and have been expanded by the family at Christakis. We are blessed with regular customers that have been our cornerstone, and delighted by visitors we hope become family.

Review:

“Came here on a spontaneous date night late in the summer. I believe my partner was easily able to grab a reservation. We were immediately charmed by the live music playing in the patio and the decor indoors. My partner had the chance to travel to Greece last year and has been looking for a Greek restaurant to capture the flavors he had there, and according to him, Christakis was exactly it. The pastitsio was what he was seeking, and I really appreciated the meaty, herby flavors. The lamb chops were the most tender lamb chops I've ever had, and I thought it was a nice touch adding both our entrees on one plate to eat with all the sides to eat family style. I've tried recreating the potatoes since coming here but have to come back soon to have the real deal! I would recommend everything we ate. The trio of dips were delicious and the pita tasted fresh. The villager's salad was refreshing. If they have the tomato soup, it's a must try (spoken as a tomato soup lover!). The baklava was a delicious way to end our meal.” - Kim C.

Stationæry

Co-Owner: Alissa Bell Carnazzo ʼ06   

Location: 3 San Carlos St., Carmel, CA 93921

Phone: 831-250-7183

Email: info@thestationaery.com 

Website: thestationaery.com

Social: @thestationaery

Yelp Rating: 4.0 stars

About:

Stationæry is a neighborhood restaurant in Carmel, California, operated by Anthony & Alissa Carnazzo. Tucked between San Carlos and Mission Streets in the San Carlos Square, this intimate space is a haven for locals. Offering brunch, dinner, specialty coffee and natural wines, they celebrate comforting flavors with elegant presentation. Led by Chef Amalia Scatena, they primarily source from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches, according to what is fresh and in season. 

Review:

“Great spot for brunch - there was a nice variety of seating (outdoor, greenhouse or indoor) and the service was attentive. The farmerʼs salad was delicious - nice variety of fresh vegetables (broccolini, green beans, radish, carrots) and paired well with an apple cider vinaigrette that had perfect zing. The steak and eggs were perfectly cooked and seasoned! The tenderloin was tender and the potatoes creamy. The chimichurri and sweet onion complemented the dish very well!” - Caly T.

Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen - West Los Angeles

Owner: Madelyn Alfano ʼ80  

Location: 10761 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Phone: 310-441-3663

Email: maria@mariasitaliankitchen.com 

Website: mariasitaliankitchen.com

Social: @mariasitaliankitchen

Yelp Rating: 3.7 stars

About:

Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen in West Los Angeles is a family-owned restaurant founded by Madelyn “Maddy” Alfano, whose passion for food was inspired by her mother, Maria Alfano. What began as Maria selling homemade Italian dishes from her garage grew into a beloved neighborhood restaurant known for its warm hospitality and classic Italian comfort food. Under Maddyʼs leadership, Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen has expanded across Los Angeles, keeping the same homemade recipes and family spirit that started it all. Itʼs a local favorite for hearty pastas, pizzas and traditional dishes served with a personal touch.

Review:

“I cannot recommend this place enough for anyone who is gluten-free. The kitchen was very accommodating and made sure everything was not only safe but delicious, too! Iʼm newly gluten-free, so I remember the taste of bread very clearly and Iʼve yet to find any place that has such delicious food I can eat. They have gluten-free bread, pasta and pizza. Seriously, come eat here; it was delicious.” - Kailyn K.

Smoke Queen Barbecue

Owner/Founder: Winne Yee ʼ03    

Location: 12941 9th St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

Phone: 714-583-8251

Email: winnie@smokequeenbbq.com 

Website: smokequeenbbq.com

Social: @smokequeenbbq

Yelp Rating: 4.4 stars

About:

Smoke Queen Barbecue in Garden Grove, California, is owned and founded by Winnie Yee-Lakhani, a pitmaster known for blending classic Texas-style barbecue with Asian-inspired flavors. What started as a pop-up has grown into a popular restaurant celebrated for its smoky brisket, tender ribs and creative sides that reflect Yee-Lakhaniʼs multicultural background. Her approach to barbecue honors traditional slow-smoking techniques while adding bold twists, making Smoke Queen a standout in Orange Countyʼs food scene and a rising name in modern American barbecue.

Review:

“I literally flew in from Texas to California just to try Smoke Queen Barbecue after hearing so much about it, and it was absolutely worth the trip! The food was phenomenal: the brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfect smoke ring, the ribs had just the right pull, and the sides (especially the mac & cheese and cornbread) tasted like comfort on a plate. The service staff was top-notch, friendly, attentive and clearly passionate about what they do. Even with a busy line, the staff took time to explain the menu and make sure I got exactly what I wanted. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with that true barbecue joint feel but elevated with a clean, modern touch. You can tell this is a place built on craft and community. If youʼre anywhere near California (or even if youʼre not), Smoke Queen Barbecue is a destination spot. Iʼd happily fly back again just for another plate!” - Quinton T.

BKLYN Wild

Owner: Ivy Stark ʼ93   

Location: 55 Water St., New York, NY 10038

Email: ivy@bklynwild.com 

Website: bklynwild.com

Social: @bklynwild

Yelp Rating: 3.4 stars

About:

BKLYN Wild is a plant-forward, vegan restaurant located at 55 Water Street in New York City. The concept, associated with Chef Ivy Stark, focuses on creative, flavorful dishes that highlight vegetables, grains and plant-based proteins. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and healthy eating while delivering bold, inventive flavors that appeal to both vegans and omnivores alike. With its modern, casual atmosphere, BKLYN Wild has become a go-to spot for those seeking satisfying, eco-conscious meals in the heart of the Financial District.

Review:

“Let me preface by saying Iʼm not a vegan and do not particularly enjoy vegan food. However, I came here with my mom, who is very healthy, and we decided to give it a try. We ordered the Diablo and Feliz bowl, and wow, was it delicious. It was served fresh, and the levels of flavor depth were impressive (it may be the sauce or dressing they added?!). Overall, the service was prompt and fresh and the ambiance was fairly calm but keep in mind we were there when they opened. Iʼd recommend arriving before the lunch rush, so you can have plenty of seating options in the food hall. Pro-tip: bring your food to the rooftop for epic views.” - Mary D.

Chilte

Co-Owner/Founder: Aseret Arroyo ʼ03    

Location: 765 Grand Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-807-5226

Email: reservations@chiltephx.com    

Website: www.chiltephx.com 

Social: @chilte_phx

Yelp Rating: 4.4 stars

About:

Chilte is short for Chiltepan, which means strong but mighty. Starting in a 10x10 pop-up tent, we have always aimed to disrupt the industry at every level, whether cooking on the street or in a five-star restaurant. As we lay the groundwork for our first brick and mortar, we are determined to stay focused on the vision of where we are headed, yet never forgetting where we come from. Food is an intimate universal connection to our past, present and future. It allows us to immerse ourselves and experience palatable and multicultural art. We aim to bring our unique and inspired expression to the table while allowing the dishes to tell the stories untold. Join us as we strive to inspire a new culture in the culinary industry by sourcing locally, cooking from the heart, mentoring one another and building our community through food.

Review:

“Loved the vibe when we walked in. It's eclectic and cozy. The music was not too loud. We ordered the pablanito and ponche margaritas. My second round I ordered the white/rose sangria. We started with the plantain and refried beans with crema starter. Then we decided to try the fried yucca. We ended up with the MSG chicken. They had two choices of meat tonight for that dish. The other choice was the pork chop. For dessert hubs ordered a shot of espresso and we tried the elote cheesecake. It was ALL ridiculously good! Our server was attentive and helpful. The menu is pretty vague and you kind of need to ask to see what really comes with the dish. Overall, it was a great date night and I would like to come back.” - Kelly C.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

Bruin-Owned Articles

Recent Articles

Our Proud Partners

UCLA Alumni Association
James West Alumni Center
325 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095

cog user CLOSE MENU