Gaby Dalkin has built a world where cooking feels effortless, joyful, and undeniably California cool. As the founder of What’s Gaby Cooking, she’s turned everyday meals into something fresh, flavorful, and always worth gathering around.
We caught up with Gaby as she opened the doors to her newest restaurant to talk about her approach to easy entertaining, go-to staples, and the pieces she’s reaching for on repeat.
Read on for her Q&A…
What’s on your agenda right now?
Honestly, all things restaurants. We are opening our Brentwood location and it has been the best kind of chaos -- media previews, training, incredible energy, and a menu I'm genuinely obsessed with. On top of that, I'm deep in cookbook number six, running WGC on a daily basis along with Dalkin&Co, and somehow still managing to get dinner on the table for my family every night. It's a lot, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
How does this new space build on—or differ from—your first?
Neighborly in Westlake Village feels like your neighborhood spot - warm, casual, the kind of place where you become a regular after your first visit. Brentwood is still very much the same but a much bigger space! And in LA proper! Same commitment to fresh, California-forward food, but the space has its own personality. I love that both locations feel like home but in completely different ways.
What are a few of your go-to items to grab from What's Gaby Cooking for the week ahead?
I'm always pulling from the marketplace for weeknight dinners because it makes my life so much easier. The chipotle chicken and my pre-made dressings are life. I’m obsessed with our soups too!
The chicken caesar wrap has become a standout—what do you think makes it such a favorite?
It hits every note you want in a meal - it's satisfying without being heavy, it travels well, and the flavors are just classic in the best way. I think people are craving food that feels familiar but is actually really well made, and that wrap delivers every single time. The caesar dressing is doing a lot of work in there and it shows.
You’ve built a brand around making cooking feel easy and joyful—how does that mindset show up in the way you dress?
The same way I approach a recipe, honestly. I want to look put together without it feeling like a production. I'm drawn to pieces that are effortless but still intentional - something you can throw on and feel great in whether you're running to the farmers market or sitting down for lunch. No fuss, lots of joy, and I LOVE a pop of color!
What does a perfect Los Angeles day look like for you?
Farmers market in the morning, obviously. Then something of a low key pool hang with friends in our backyard - I love love love hosting. Lunch at my house on the BBQ. Then an easy dinner out so I don’t have to clean the kitchen before bed LOL. That's the dream. Throw some good weather in there, which in LA is basically every day, and I'm a very happy person.
What are you wearing on repeat these days?
A wide leg jean, a great t-shirt, a pair of sneakers and some sunglasses. My daily uniform.
What’s always in your kitchen?
Lemons - always lemons. Good olive oil on the counter. Rotisserie chicken because it's the greatest shortcut of all time. Fresh herbs, parmesan, at least three kinds of salsa, and more citrus than any normal person needs. And more cheese, lots and lots and lots of cheese.
This or That
Farmer's Market or Grocery Store? Farmers Market, no contest.
Coffee or Matcha? Almond Milk Iced Latte first, matcha as a treat after lunch.
Bare Table or Layered Linens? Simple layered linens - a naked table feels like a missed opportunity. And always flowers!
Dine-in or Take Away? Dine-in.
Ballet Flats or Kitten Heels? Kitten heels - never been a ballet flat girl.
Sweet or Savory? Savory, but I'll never say no to a good chocolate chip cookie.
Early Riser or Night Owl? Early riser and early to bed!
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