LEMON POPPY KITCHEN, LA
3324 VERDUGO ROAD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90065
323-739-0012
OPEN M-Th 8AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-4PM
Restaurateurs Katie Kildow, Anca Caliman and Jack Wilson, the dynamic trio behind one of LA’s most beloved neighborhood café and restaurants, Lemon Poppy Kitchen, are excited to share their latest transformation of interiors and exteriors to welcome summer. After 11 years of serving the community of Glassell Park (and surviving the pandemic), the trio decided to give Lemon Poppy Kitchen a bright and sunny update to match a new revamped menu, website and full-service dining. Lemon Poppy Kitchen continues to serve a diverse selection of market-driven menus that seamlessly fuse a variety of Romanian fare and Mexican influences by offering flavorful yet comforting dishes paired with bright and crunchy finishes. It’s the perfect melting pot of cuisines and culture, which has made it one of Northeast LA’s most cherished hidden gems.
Lemon Poppy Kitchen not only embodies an evolution of the trio's passion for seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality, but of their commitment to serving the community of North East Los Angeles for the past 11 years. Kildow, Caliman and Wilson’s paths crossed in 2011 in an abandoned parking lot in downtown Los Angeles, where a new farmers market was being attempted. Kildow was selling her house made preserves under the name Robin’s Nest and Caliman and Wilson were operating under Anca’s Romanian. The group quickly formed a bond over kitchen war stories, the struggle of starting their own businesses, and the need for sharing their cherished family recipes. The group would eventually team up to open Lemon Poppy Kitchen in 2012, while continuing support each other's business endeavors - Wilson & Caliman, would go on to open Parsnip - a Romanian stews and dumplings spot in Highland Park while Kildow opened her DTLA, female owned and operated cocktail bar and lounge, The Mermaid.
For the menu, early risers will be able to enjoy items like the Mămăligă - house polenta, topped with crispy pork belly, sour cream, feta, green onion and a sunny egg, as well as creative options for the health conscious like the Vegan Breakfast Grains. There’s also an assortment of morning pastries, breakfast cakes, and desserts, all made in-house with locally-sourced ingredients, as well as a full service coffee bar perfect for that quick breakfast option for patrons on the go. Guests can enjoy a variety of freshly brewed teas, herbal tonics and seasonal fruit smoothies to welcome the day as well. Those stopping in for lunch can enjoy a selection of seasonal farmer’s market salads and sandwiches, as well as fan-favorites like the Chicken Paprikash and Chicharron Tacos.
Lemon Poppy's new Happy Hour (weekdays - 3pm-6pm) offers a selection of craft cocktails featuring spritzers with fresh fruit and herbal tea syrups as well as non alcoholic tonics for under $10. With $2 off all beer and wine by the glass, which includes a variety of options from an ever evolving beer and wine list. Be sure to order the long-time Lemon Poppy Kitchen favorite, Plachintas - Romanian flatbreads stuffed with feta + fresh dill with a side of sour cream and pickles. It’s a perfect after-work pick-me-up!
For dinner, guests can now enjoy an intimate dining space inside or a more lively ambiance on the newly revamped patio. Folks can indulge in a slew of shareables including Marinated Feta Dip, Crispy Pork Belly, and Vinetex Dip or larger format mains such as the Chicken Schnitzel served with a house cabbage slaw crispy shallot and seared lemon and jalapeño, or the Icelandic Cod dressed with roasted red pepper and long grain brown rice paired with a crisp glass rosé.
Lemon Poppy Kitchen’s ethos is thoughtfully reflected in the restaurant’s recently updated design, which incorporates a mix of classic and modern elements, from Karen Spector at Lovers Unite. Toasty, golden, vintage-inspired wallpaper adores the café dining area, which pairs nicely with the warm, buttery subway tiles that welcome guests into the bright and airy space.
Lemon Poppy Kitchen is located at 3324 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065, and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and catering! There’s also plenty of free-parking in Lemon Poppy Kitchen’s shared lot as well as street parking available. For more information visit www.lemonpoppykitchen.com.
STAY IN TOUCH
Website: https://lemonpoppykitchen.com/
Instagram: @lemonpoppykitchen
Facebook: /LemonPoppyKitchen
