Last month, Kitchen Mouse opened a sister deli and market literally next door to each other in Highland Park. Topo, which is Italian for “mouse,” is the creation of Erica Daking, who founded the original Kitchen Mouse in 2014.

Opening Topo was part of a long strategic plan for Daking. Catering was her first calling, and she always wanted a deli and market to accompany her mostly vegetarian Kitchen Mouse. This time, the menu is 100 percent vegan: Daking is looking out for those who want a meat-free grab-and-go option after a long work day. The deli is not entirely takeaway, and can accommodate diners at the bar.

Many of Topo’s foods are prepared in the adjacent Kitchen Mouse, including its breads and some pastries. Sandwich options include a banh mi with a cashew burrata caprese and walnut tempeh. For hot dishes, Topo creates vegan lasagnas, mac and cheese, and a vegetarian paella. The market also sells the granola and pancake mix that is a Kitchen Mouse staple.

It’s fortunate that Daking was able to find a space immediately north of Kitchen Mouse. The adjacent slot was mostly used as a gallery and event space, then remained vacant since 2011. Topo is open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Topo

5906 N Figueroa Street

Los Angeles, CA