Nate-N-Al Deli & Restaurant

Contributor

Citysearch

In Short
From its brown vinyl booths, "wood" Formica tables and motherly waitresses who greet diners with a platter of pickles and sauerkraut, this cozy no-nonsense deli house is where the Jewish "early bird special" bunch heads for some old-fashioned comfort food. Though some pastrami aficionados claim nothing in SoCal comes close to New York-style deli bliss, CNN legend Larry King thinks otherwise--he starts his days religiously with a Nate 'n Al's breakfast. With dozens of variations on the beloved deli sandwich, first-time diners should start with the house specials. The Nate 'n Al wedges a two-inch-thick pile of lean pastrami between slices of seeded rye, crowned with a slice of beefsteak tomato and creamy Russian dressing. Well known for its brisket, the Brentwood is topped with watery cole slaw. The Beverly flaunts its posh upbringing with a more elegant roast beef, cooked medium rare. Traditional deli sides are also well represented. A matzo ball bobs in a lightly salted chicken broth, and latkes are thick disks of shredded potatoes. But lest one forget this is Beverly Hills, folks can order such exclusive items as wild-caught nova salmon and certified Angus corned beef.