Last week, I saved $59 and helped reduce food waste from five L.A. restaurants by eating pastries, Chinese food and lasagna. I also drank two cups of boba tea. For two days, I left my breakfast, lunch ...

Restaurateurs are finding that ambience and branding matter as much — and to many diners, more — than the food they serve. At Papa San, the design is equally or more eye-catching than the food. And ...