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Croft Alley is located at 8428 Melrose Place in West Hollywood, Calif.

Located in West Hollywood, Calif., Croft Alley is nestled neatly off the beaten path of trendy Melrose Place. Sandwiched in between Marc Jacobs and Oscar De La Renta, it’s literally off an alley. This new spot feels like a gem you are happy to have discovered.

Opening two months ago, Croft Alley won’t remain a secret for long, especially with the likes of Ewan McGregor, Kirstin Dunst, Tobey McGuire, Sandra Bernhard, Esai Morales, Scottish actor James McAvoy, Jeremy Piven, Kerry Washington and electro-funk duo Chromeo recently eating there since its opening (December 2014).

You walk through the doors of 8428 Melrose Place, first up stairs then back down another set to come outside and find Croft Alley. Its rustic look and 1,000 square-foot intimate space create a familiar, cozy ambiance. Restauranteur Michael Della Femina partnered with chef Phuong Tran, and producer Rachel Paget to open a space that they were enthusiastic about.

With wood beamed ceilings, kale towers out front, and an exposed open air kitchen, it feels like home.

I sat in the covered courtyard outside on a 90-degree day and was able to enjoy their fresh honey ginger lemonade. Refreshing, not overly sweet, and with real pieces of ginger, it was the perfect start to my dining experience. They have an eclectic menu with strong French and Asian influences from their Cauliflower Béchamel to a Vietnamese Turkey Banh Mi served on a baguette. Both were scrumptious, hearty and downright appetizing.

Another hit is their Tuna Melt, and without sounding cliche, it really does melt in your mouth. This is one of their star items on the menu that the neighborhood has come to love.

Their bread is also something to note! It’s made from the actual kitchen of a local private baker who only provides to Croft Alley and Chef Ludo Lefebvre’s restaurants. The bread is light, flakey, and full of flavor. Their kale towers are not just for show either, they have a Kale salad with mint and toasted shallots that is an exciting starter.

For dessert my guest and I were given something that is traditionally on their breakfast menu, but is so rich and decadent it felt sinful. A house made yogurt and chlorophyll with a few fresh berries. It was so creamy and swirled with chlorophyll goodness. This was paired with their triple chocolate truffle cookies with salt flakes sprinkled on top. All their food is so fresh, you don’t leave feeling like you overate or treated your stomach poorly.

I’m looking forward to going back and trying some of the other options on the menu like the bacon, tomato and avocado sandwich or the prosciutto and fontina grilled cheese. They are also vegetarian friendly and offer hearty options like the Buratta with celery leaf pesto and tomato jam, and egg salad on rustic batard.

A unique service they offer is something called “room service” that delivers to the local businesses and allows a company to place a larger special order. They also have a chef’s table and offer to host private events.

Croft Alley is now serving brunch and lunch Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. And if I am you, I’d hurry to this spot and get in on the secret.

Croft Alley is located at 8428 Melrose Place in West Hollywood, Calif. For more information, visit croftalley.com.

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