The shuttering of Beachwood Canyon’s beloved Village Coffee Shop was widely decried by some, but new owner Patti Peck has revamped the seventies era diner to reflect the changing desires of the historic Los Angeles community. Beachwood Cafe is still the laid back neighborhood lunch spot on the corner, but with a modern new look courtesy of architect Barbara Bestor and fresh farm fare by chef Minh Phan of Echo Park Artisanal.

I ordered the “Bronson,” a delicious scramble with feta, tomatoes and basil. Everything tasted very fresh. The back of the menu actually names the local farms that source the eggs and meat. While this feels a little like a Portlandia episode, the quality is evident in the food, so I’m not complaining. The service was excellent. Many of the staff worked at the original diner and warmly greet the old regulars. I would feel completely comfortable bringing my laptop and working for a few hours.

The only foreseeable impediment to working is that I wouldn’t stop staring at the space. Bestor salvaged the best of the old restaurant- the knotty wood beams, the country kitchen pantries, and the layout of the long counter. She updated the old carpet with stunning yellow and blue tile, the laminate countertop is now clean marble, and then there’s the wallpaper- artist and graphic designer Geoff McFetridge created the colorful pattern that makes Beachwood Cafe so unique.

Right now the cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch from 8am to 3pm, but dinner service is on its way. For a quiet sunny spot, ask to sit in the “Writer’s Room,” off to the side.