Hans Röckenwagner has been generating buzz with Santa Monica’s Röckenwagner Bakery years before the Food Network and Bravo coined the term “celebrity chef.” His star rises anew with a “modern city bistro” designed by Montalba Architects. Bringing additional Euro-chic influence to his equation is Spain-native pastry chef Cesar Bermudez, who set down local culinary roots at Flores and The Bazaar. Cafe Röckenwagner carries his fabled pretzel bread and sweets, yet the savory food is also solid, getting fine strokes of sophistication through Latin and Asian influences. Highlights include pepper-crusted short ribs, BW Cast Iron Lamb Burger, vegan and shrimp topped salads, sinfully good “Pain Perdu” with jalapeno maple syrup, bacon, roast peppers and a fried egg, and pan-fried mussels perked up with chorizo.
310/478.6313
rockenwagner.com
