Lalo

Finding a hip, stylish Mexican restaurant in Chinatown is a fun surprise, especially since the eatery’s faded exterior still sports a sign from when it was beloved dive bar Winnie’s. Chef Gerardo Gonzalez (ex-El Rey) is from San Diego and of Mexican heritage—and he interprets Cal-Mex cuisine with a fresh, personal approach. His richly flavored “black bean” dip infuses cannellini beans with squid ink and black garlic. Cucumber salad is laced with mole vinaigrette and candied pepitas. Knockout carnitas come with blistered flour tortillas made to order. For dessert, get the plantain cream pie.