Danube Bulgarian, Los Angeles

As an Eastern European (Hungarian), I am drawn to restaurants featuring the cuisine of my former neighbors. Westwood's Danube Bulgarian Restaurant is cozy, friendly, and features good home cooking of a type with which most Americans are not familiar. I love their kebapche sausages, their excellent hummus and rice pilaf, their stuffed cabbages and peppers, salmon, plus all the other dishes I have tried. I am still exploring the menu, especially their many omelet and salad choices. The Danube is a magnet for all the local Bulgarian-Americans, many of whom sit in a little back room that has only a few tables in it. Almost always, there is a Bulgarian music video playing, which adds to the atmosphere. If you can deal with the difficult parking situation, the Danube is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. Don't be afraid: The food is good, not overly spicy, and plentiful.