Croft Alley

Nestled in a secret courtyard behind West Hollywood’s fashionable Melrose Place, Croft Alley feels like stumbling upon someone’s impossibly chic private kitchen. To find it, you’ll navigate past the designer boutiques and coffee spots, up a staircase, down a hallway, and into a sunken courtyard that transports you away from the Instagram-obsessed scene outside. The intimate space radiates warmth and style without a trace of pretension.

The sandwich menu is where Croft Alley truly shines. The turkey sausage banh mi strips the Vietnamese classic down to its essentials—crusty baguette, perfectly seasoned turkey sausage, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and a touch of chili heat bound together by an incredible house-made mayo. Equally memorable is the cauliflower grilled cheese, a gloriously indulgent creation that delivers pure comfort in every bite. For those seeking something lighter, their house-made yogurt and vermicelli noodle salad with coconut dressing prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.

This is the kind of place where you can comfortably dine alone with a good book, grab a quick lunch between errands, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast while the rest of Melrose Place poses for photos outside. The staff is genuinely friendly and unpretentious, a refreshing contrast to the neighborhood’s reputation. Wednesday brings a special treat with their fresh batch of pho that’s worth planning your week around.

Whether you’re escaping the see-and-be-seen crowds or simply craving thoughtfully prepared food in a welcoming atmosphere, Croft Alley delivers. Don’t leave without trying the triple chocolate cookies—they’re the perfect ending to a meal at this little neighborhood treasure.