Feed me

Max & Helen’s (Larchmont Village)

RESTAURANTS • First Person

The Skinny: Named in honor of his parents, Max & Helen’s is the first culinary venture from Somebody Feed Phil host Phil Rosenthal, created in partnership with Mozza chef Nancy Silverton. Pitched as a diner sitting in the heart of Larchmont Village is very much a family affair: Rosenthal’s daughter leads the front of house, her husband is chef de cuisine. Current quoted wait times stretch two to five hours.

The Vibe: Lightly-themed around an old Hollywood greasy spoon aesthetic, plus high-end finishes (i.e. with less grease on that spoon). The petite 40-seat space is wrapped in warm wood paneling and retro light fixtures, with black-and-white photos of Rosenthal’s parents lining the walls. The curved counter offers a ringside seat to the soda fountain.

The Food: Comforting, familiar, and made with top-tier ingredients. All-day breakfast standouts include Max’s Fluffy Eggs and a towering stack of pancakes. Butter is abundant: every hot sandwich is griddled to golden, crunchy perfection, including an idealized grilled cheese from your childhood. The matzoh ball soup may be Instagram-famous by now, but I ordered an extra tomato soup to take home.

The Drinks: Hot cocoa is a rich, dark chocolate version, topped with a perfectly toasted marshmallow. The soda fountain classics are all here, too, from a proper New York egg cream to milkshakes and malts. The diner also pours a small but thoughtful selection of wines by the glass and beers.

The Verdict: With its blend of elevated comfort food and heartfelt nostalgia, Max & Helen’s has all the makings of an LA icon, much like Rosenthal himself. –Anna Lane

→ Max & Helen’s (Larchmont Village) • 127 N Larchmont Blvd • Daily 8a-8p.