La Copine

La Copine is my favorite neighborhood restaurant, despite the fact it is in the middle of the desert, far from where I live. Claire and Nikki’s food is beyond delicious, simple in the most sophisticated ways. This book is one you will want to cook from for years to come-a brilliant tome from two of my favorite humans who make magic with their restaurant every day. * Andrew Zimmern, James Beard Award–winning chef and Emmy-winning television personality *
This place is a ten! * Natasha Lyonne, Emmy– and Golden Globe–nominated producer, actor, writer, and director *
Several people yelled at me for spreading the word about La Copine because it’s truly a secret gem. Thank God they wrote a book so I can relive my perfectly yummy experience there. * Olivia Wilde, writer, producer, actor, and director *
La Copine is a special place; anyone who passes through or lives in the neighborhood will tell you the same. * Antonia Lofaso, chef, restauranteur, and cookbook author *
I felt like a cartoon character in search of water coming across an oasis when I got to experience La Copine. The food they put together is beautiful and thoughtful, and with easy-to-follow recipes it can make your food at home that much more special. * Kwame Onwuachi, James Beard Award–winning chef and restauranteur *
There’s a mystery that was born in the Mojave Desert. If you’re ready, it’s time to experience it. Because you ain’t never done nothing right in your life ‘til you taste La Copine. And once you do, you will be different. * Jeremy Kenyon Lockyer Corbell, contemporary artist, filmmaker, and ufologist *
I love Claire and Nikki! The plant-based options at La Copine are delicious. * Tobey Maguire, Golden Globe–nominated actor and film producer *
…La Copine manages to serve the kind of seasonal, reassuringly confident food that appeals to both brunching families and retreat-seekers on a cleanse, in an inclusive dining room run with joy and exuberance. * Tejal Rao, The New York Times *
After leaving LA, the chef couple has built what’s become a joyful queer oasis in the high desert with two-hour weekend waits. Their eponymous cookbook celebrates the recipes that have made La Copine worth the trek, from their famous beignets to creative sandwiches like the pastrami-spiced Pork Belly BLT. * Bon Appétit, The Best New Cookbooks of Spring 2026 *

Nikki Hill and Claire Wadsworth started La Copine in 2015. They had just gotten married and wanted to re-create the night they met, so they started this eclectic, casual, IYKYK restaurant, which has since grown in popularity among celebs and California locals alike, and is a pillar of the California queer scene.

Ben Mims is a James Beard Award–nominated cookbook author and food writer. He has worked as a food columnist, editor, and recipe developer for major media outlets like the Los Angeles Times, Food & Wine, Saveur, Lucky Peach, and BuzzFeed’s Tasty. He has written three cookbooks, and his work has appeared in the annual anthology Best Food Writing.

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