The Scene: Both Ètra and Café Telegrama, sister establishments in the trendy and art gallery-filled Melrose Hill neighborhood, attract a stylish and cool crowd of L.A. locals and international visitors, art collectors and fashion editors. Ètra is for dinner, while Café Telegrama is a charming morning and afternoon eatery.
Order: At Ètra, the chicories starter with anchovy, black pepper and cured yolk ($25) and dorade with red pepper and sichuan salt ($37). At Café Telegrama, the crispy ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote ($17).
The dorade with red pepper and sichuan salt at Ètra.
Ètra/DGA
Ètra and Café Telegrama offer distinct yet complementary experiences. Ètra is sexy, intimate dining, blending California ingredients with Italian flavors. The mid-century modern interior, designed by John Zabawa, exudes warmth with natural wood and soft lighting. Executive chef Evan Algorri creates dishes like ricotta gnudi and bucatini with clams, complemented by a carefully curated wine list focused on small producers. Next door, Café Telegrama is a modern café with a European-inspired design, featuring a casual menu of breakfast staples, sandwiches and seasonal salads. It’s an inviting atmosphere with minimalist décor, full of natural light and a relaxed vibe that’s been attracting the community. Both are run by Algorri, a co-owner alongside Andrew Lawson, general manager, and Tyler Stonebreaker. Riley Harris is chef de cuisine.
“We sought this neighborhood out as a cultural hub in L.A., right in the middle of historic areas like Hancock Park, Koreatown and Silver Lake,” explained Lawson, an L.A. native. “What I’m most proud of is building a real neighborhood place. People come in every day — regulars from the neighborhood, families, business meetings, dates — it’s become a true community hub.”
Hours: Ètra, Tuesday to Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Café Telegrama, Monday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (kitchen closes at 2:00 p.m.).
Location: 737 North Western, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Ètra, (323) 672-8606; Café Telegrama, (323) 536-9020
Café Telegrama is housed in a historic building that was previously artist Joe Goode’s studio in the 1960s and `70s.
Café Telegrama/DGA
