Souper Duper

When you need the comfort only a bowl of steaming soup can bring. Dale’s Bistro, 361 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood. (213) 659-3996. Style: French without froufrou. Setting: Spartan. Recommended: Menu varies, but might include chicken gumbo or onion soup, $4.

El Colmao, 2328 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 386-6131. Style: A good old Cuban place in the old neighborhood. Setting: Mess hall with mirrors. Recommended: Caldo Gallego, white-bean soup with shredded collard greens and chunks of ham and sausage (served on Wed., Fri., Sat. and Sun.), $1.85.

New Paradise, 1350 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. (213) 218-0066. Style: Flashy pink palace where Cambodian and Chinese cuisines reign. Setting: Brass-trimmed walls, marble columns, crystal chandeliers. Recommended: Sweet-and-sour lobster soup (letter “I”) on the menu. $8.

Pazzia, 755 N. La Cienega, Los Angeles. (213) 657-9271. Style: Spare and elegant Italian. Setting: Top dog--the silverware is Ricci; the chairs are Aldo Rossi. Recommended: Papa al pomodoro , bread soup, $7; yellow pepper soup, $5.50.

The Turkey Basket, 444 S. Flower St., 3rd Level, Los Angeles. (213) 892-9500. Style: Where every day is Thanksgiving. Setting: Fast food with cheery florals; fake fireplace, dried flowers and a great view of the downtown skyline. Recommended: Turkey soup, $2.99.