Joan’s on Third needs no introduction. Just the mention of the beloved restaurant brings to mind the luscious vanilla bean-speckled cupcakes, the fresh display case filled with colorful farmers market vegetables and comforting traditional dishes, that decadent short rib melt, and, of course, their iconic Chinese chicken salad.

Pasta Bolognese (photos courtesy of Joan’s)

Joan’s is a Los Angeles classic, bustling daily with a crowd of regulars, visitors and the occasional sunglasses-clad “it” girl. What brings people to Joan’s again and again? Everything at Joan’s is fresh, simple and made with the highest quality ingredients. Each dish feels homey, yet elevated with flavors that are both familiar and sometimes pleasantly surprising. You won’t find molecular gastronomy, but you will find a perfectly tossed salad, with each leaf lightly coated in that just-right amount of dressing—an equally impressive feat.

The large dining patio, covered by black awnings emblazoned with the Joan’s moniker, is filled with inviting bistro tables and chairs. The all-white interior is light and bright, featuring a vaulted ceiling and a geometric alabaster-tiled floor. Diners can sit at communal farm tables surrounded by the goodies in the gourmet marketplace area and watch as the open kitchen meticulously creates each dish. Display cases located in different areas of the café are filled with scrumptious cakes and cookies, an excellent selection of artisanal cheeses and inviting daily specials. It’s an idyllic scene for foodies in an environment that feels welcoming to passersby. What truly makes the restaurant great, however, is the woman at the center of it all.

Joan McNamara opened her namesake restaurant in 1995. Her infectious smile and impeccable taste is evident in each detail of the space. “I love what I’m doing,” Joan said as she sat down to chat. It’s evident. She floats about the dining space, hugging old friends, and making new ones and warmly checking in on each member of the large staff.

She made the restaurant an extension of her own home, to feel like her family kitchen. As Joan said, gesturing around the restaurant at her guests and staff, eyes a little glassy with happy tears, “I feel like this is all my family.”

The interior at Joan’s is light and bright. (photo courtesy of Joan’s)

Joan’s takes simple items and makes them exquisite. A regular turkey sandwich, for example, is elevated with the inclusion of a tangy mustard-caper sauce, a flavorful mix of interesting mixed greens and a perfectly crusty baguette.

All the salads at Joan’s are served in deep, shiny metal mixing bowls. Each element of the salads gets integrated evenly throughout – no goodies stuck at the bottom here! Their signature Chinese chicken salad is light and crisp, with cold shaved iceberg lettuce, two different types of crunchy noodles, slivered almonds, crispy pieces of savory chicken, and a rather addictive sweet and tangy dressing.

Another favorite is the short rib melt. This decadent and delicious sandwich includes tender, slow-braised short ribs and jack cheese melted between buttery grilled country white bread. Light greens and briney sweet pickled red onions cut through the richness, creating just the right balance of flavors.

Recently, Joan’s debuted a new Pasta Night featuring Domenico’s Foods locally made fresh pasta paired with Joan’s variety of sauces. Choices include fresh pappardelle, spaghetti or penne. Pair any pasta with arrabiata, Bolognese or creamy mushroom Alfredo sauce served in large, homestyle bowls. Enjoy authentic, high quality Italian cuisine in a more casual, light and airy environment. It’s perfect for a nice meal for a young family or even a romantic date without the pressure of candlelight. And, with bowls of pasta ranging from $12-$15 and glasses of house wine at $11, it’s a great deal.

8350 W. Third St., (323)655-2285.