Nosh till you drop

Mariposa

One of three spots to grab a bite at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, it offers irresistible tiny cups of hot, soulful chicken broth and mini cheese twists, not to mention golden popovers as big as small hats, all served complimentary. After that, try the signature Cobb salad topped with chunks of sweet lobster instead of the usual chicken. Macho types, take note: The ratio of women to men at this eatery in the store’s lower level is about 10 to 1.

* Lobster Cobb, $26. 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 975-4350.

Cafe Midi

The service can be super slow at this chic spot tucked into the rear of the fab housewares shop Maison Midi. But we love the oversized salads, including one with fava beans, smoked chicken and feta, and the fact that breakfast is served all day. The cafe also does excellent coffee drinks made with organic beans.

* Salads, $7.50 to $12.95. 148 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., (323) 939-9860.

The Restaurant at Ikea

The 99-cent breakfast, served daily from 9:30 to 11 a.m., might be the best deal in town. It includes scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes and bacon. We’re also big fans of the kid’s meal: a small serving of tasty Swedish meatballs paired with not-so-Swedish fries. Sure, it’s supposed to be for kids 12 and younger. But who’s checking?

* Kid’s meal, 99 cents. 600 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank; (818) 842-4532.

59th & Lex Cafe

Lots of salads tricked out with fruit (very ‘80s) along with assorted sandwiches and burgers star at this modest cafe tucked between the tabletop and kids sections at Bloomingdale’s. The food is slightly better than what you’ll find in the food court. And you can unwind from your shopping travails with a glass of champagne.

* Burger with fries, $8.75. 14060 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks; (818) 325-2200.

Barney Greengrass

There’s always a good buzz at this modern deli in Barney’s department store, as well as a nice breeze on the umbrella-topped patio. Salads are popular among all the be-jeaned skinny minnies. But if you’re a fan of smoked sturgeon or kippered salmon, this is the place to indulge.

* Smoked fish platters, $21.50 to $30.50. 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 777-5877.

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-- Leslee Komaiko