Chef Ludo Lefebvre’s compact bistro is known for French classics like garlicky escargots, croques monsieurs, and moules marinières. Why Nancy loves it: “The omelet is not complicated and not overly stuffed. When I think of comfort food, I think of all the food I would eat after surgery. This dish falls into that category.”

Husband-and-wife team Walter and Margarita Manzke’s stunning, award-winning restaurant is known for its modern French-California fare, as well as its extensive baking and pastry program, overseen by Margarita. Why Nancy loves it: “Bread is really comforting, especially at a place like République. I love a great baguette with French butter.”

For more than 20 years, chef Suzanne Tracht has been turning out modern takes on chophouse-style dishes (think: crab deviled eggs, little gem Caesars, and prime Kansas City steaks) at this Hollywood icon. Why Nancy loves it: “My mother’s favorite thing to make when I was growing up was brisket, so it’s basically the same thing. Suzanne hasn’t really modernized it; it’s just a braise that’s very comforting to eat.”

Housed in a nondescript strip mall, Chad Colby’s Antico Nuovo turns out some of the best handmade pastas and wood-fired meats in the city. Why Nancy loves it: “I find beans of all sorts properly cooked to be incredibly comforting. There’s nothing more comforting than beans in a crock. Chad knows how to cook a bean. There’s a perfect ratio of bean to liquid."

This counter at the Original Farmer’s Market has been turning out all sorts of classic doughnuts since 1947. Why Nancy loves it: “The crumb doughnut isn’t overly sweet. It reminds me of a crumb cake that I would eat if I was in New York.”

This casual Persian restaurant has tons of accolades, including a best new restaurant nod from Bon Appétit, since it opened its brick-and-mortar location in 2024. Why Nancy loves it: “The kuku sandwich [an herb and leek frittata served with yogurt, tomato, and cucumber on housemade bread] is soft and all of the flavors meld together. Comfort has to be something familiar. While this isn’t necessarily a familiar sandwich to me, it speaks to accessibility and comfort..."