Chef/owner Jared Simons' neighborhood bistro serves fresh, smart fare at reasonable prices to a loud, appreciative crowd.

Simons came to LA from Carlsbad, where he helmed Le Passage for almost four years, in search of an audience that would appreciate the market-fresh, small-plate fare he wanted to serve. The result: a friendly, ultra-casual bistro with warm earth tones, cherry wood tables and, of course, purple accents. The young prodigy looks more like a rock star than a chef, but he proves his mettle with seasonal fare like braised short ribs with parsnip puree, Tasmanian salmon, and baked macaroni with serrano ham, leeks and gruyere cheese (yes, that translates to fancy mac-and-cheese). Tasting pours for $3.50 to $7 offer tastes of "adventurous" whites, reds or sparkling wines, a boon for those who are incapable of making a decision. Though Violet has had no trouble luring business of late—the small square room can get loud—Simons has added further incentives like seven daily happy-hour dishes for $7 before 7pm, and a three-course prix-fixe Sunday menu for $25, which can be paired with a bottomless glass of wine for an additional $10. In winter months, meals are completed with free cookies and milk. —Lesley Balla