Lale

Stepped into the culinary spotlight of 8th and Irving, my friend and I uncovered a gem named Lale for a quick bite. What a find! Nestled in the heart of the buzz, this cozy nook dished out some vegan vibes with a lentil chili that was all the rave on my friend's side of the table. I dove into a lentil soup that was the spoonful of comfort I never knew I needed. Salad-wise, we played a duet of diversity: her fatoosh was a zesty serenade, while my greens kept it cool and classic. Swapping bites, we reveled in flavors that were not just delish but also light and nourishing, making our bellies blissfully content without the post-lunch slump. Our server, an absolute sweetheart, sprinkled extra joy on our day. And hey, we're already plotting a breakfast comeback - because who wouldn't want more of that Lale love?

When I first came here for brunch I found it very middle of the road, but I was more impressed with dinner. Would be fun to go with a big group and try a bunch of dishes. For now I can recommend the watermelon salad, the Moussaka, and the veggie burger, which is made out of beets, mushrooms, and lentils.

We went there for dinner on a week night and it was not particularly busy. Food was good but the appetizer plate of cold appetizers and some of the warm appetizers seemed more appealing than the main courses. There were a couple of good wines that were reasonably priced and the service was incredibly welcoming, although the waiter seemed at times a bit overwhelmed. Overall, we loved the atmosphere and thought that it was definitely one of the better relatively inexpensive neighborhood restaurants we've been to.

This is a hidden gem. Had their signature dish, Ricotta stuffed French Toast with a side order of real corned beef hash. This is definitely one of the best brunch places I have eaten in the whole West Coast. Casual dining and meet two new friends while dining. Service is excellent. Park in the nearby neighborhood. Very highly recommended!