Versailles is a Cuban restaurant, not French, as the name would imply. With several nondescript locations around L.A., you can get your fix, no matter where you are.

I was surprised at the many items on the menu--this is no fast-food joint. They have beef, lamb, pork, seafood, chicken dishes and sandwiches. The best item on the menu is the garlic roasted chicken, the #6. It's a huge half portion of chicken, cooked in garlic, lemon, and onion, with a side white rice, black beans, and fried plantains. The skin on the chicken resembles a deep fried chicken, but it’s not greasy at all. The garlic sauce was so rich, I got a migraine from eating it. I did manage to veer from my fave dish the last time I went, and ordered the garlic pork and chicken combo. The roasted pork was so tender, it fell apart when I tried to cut it. The garlic shrimp (#45) is also wonderful. It comes in a bowl, surrounded by a rich, buttery garlic sauce. All I need is a loaf of bread and I'm off. I've also had the lamb (#24), which was just as tender and had flavors I didn't even know existed! I’ve heard the Paella is simply to die for, but I’ve never had it. The Cuban sandwich is wonderful and HUGE as is the chicken sandwich. Even the iced tea is wonderful! You should also try one of the batidos (shakes) made from tropical fruit. Also try an Ironbeer soda, the Cuban version of root beer. The prices and the heaps of food served is what keeps me going back. The service is spotty, but the food is really all I care about.

No matter the time of day, Versailles is always packed with every nationality you can think of. Don't skip this place if you come across it--you'll regret it. It’s far from fine dining and you may have to wait in line to get in, but you won’t regret it.