My family has always seen restaurants as a place of reunion, and no restaurant more than Cobi’s. The first time I went to this Michelin star-rated Southeast Asian restaurant was with my cousin and aunts while they were visiting from Vancouver. It quickly became one of our prime dinner spots and, quite possibly, my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. 

The small pink building with wild plants sneaking their way up the walls and lining the roof looks like your ordinary house at first. Once you enter the restaurant, it is divided into two sections: one with floral wallpaper and the other with a straw roof and an open door to an outside garden. 

During my last visit, my family was seated in the garden, which is lined with bougainvillea and other exotic flowers. All of the plates are covered with antique designs and decorated with light colors and bright flowers. As I sat down at my table for the first time, I was unaware of the amazing meal I was about to eat. 

As far as starters go, the curry puffs are a must. They are crispy on the outside and have curry on the inside which tastes absolutely delicious. They are served warm with pickled onions and tamarind ketchup on the side. 

I had never had shaved papaya before trying this Green Papaya salad, but it quickly became a favorite of my family’s. The crunchy papaya soaks up the spicy-sweet flavor and is served alongside cherry tomatoes, peanuts and mint leaves and topped with chili dressing. Overall, it is an extremely refreshing dish. 

If you are looking for an entree that is a safe bet, the Nasi Goreng is the way to go. This fried rice dish is mixed with long beans and fried egg and topped with a crunchy cracker. It is packed with spicy flavor and can be made vegetarian or with chicken or pork. I got the vegetarian version, being one myself, and it was extremely delicious – the wide variety of textures and spices pushed this dish over the top.

One of my favorite curries from Cobi’s is the Mister Daal, a thick curry with peas and coconut milk. It is amazing on its own, but I would definitely throw in a side of roti – crispy bread – to take it to the next level. 

I am a vegetarian, yet the restaurant offers an assortment of meat dishes that look delicious. One of those dishes is butter chicken with tomato masala and cilantro. My dad, meat lover, usually gets the branzino, which comes in a large portion. 

For dessert, I have to recommend the Thai Tea Pudding because it is topped with tapioca pearls and tastes like a refined boba tea. If boba is not your style, the vanilla soft serve with peanuts, brownies and caramel is the way to go.

As a lifelong vegetarian, it can be difficult to find restaurants that fit my dietary restrictions. Cobi’s is extremely vegetarian and vegan friendly, and it even offers a refreshing and unique vegan dessert: strawberry Basil Shaved ice.

Overall, Cobi’s will make for an incredible dinner experience with its fun decor, floral plating and delicious food. This restaurant makes for an extremely tasteful evening.