In Los Angeles, culinary innovation continues to thrive with new restaurants offering diverse flavors and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re craving smoky wood-fired meats, Caribbean-infused rotis, or delicate Japanese sashimi, the latest arrivals in LA’s dining scene promise something for everyone. Here’s a look at some standout spots redefining the city’s food culture.
MXO
Location: 826 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069
Wes Avila’s MXO, a West Hollywood steakhouse, brings a bit of Monterrey, Mexico to LA with an enticing focus on wood-fired cooking. Created in collaboration with Giancarlo Pagani and SBE’s Sam Nazarian, MXO is all about bold, communal dining experiences. The birria beef martillo, crafted from premium wagyu beef, served with marrow and consomé, and perfect for groups of up to 12, is a centerpiece at $275. Alongside large-format meats, find playful dishes like Okinawa sweet potato tacos, queso fundido, and a grilled cabbage Caesar.
The Benjamin
Location: 7174 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90046
Bringing Art Deco elegance to Melrose Avenue, The Benjamin is Ben Shenassafar’s stylish debut into the restaurant world. This American-inspired bistro offers comfort foods diners crave on any given night. Classics like a well-executed cheeseburger, crispy crab beignets, and cocktails like ice-cold martinis make it a hot reservation. Shenassafar’s background with the Hundreds and Family Style shines in a space where trendy, well-traveled patrons feel right at home.
Udatsu
Location: 6634 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028
Udatsu, the acclaimed Michelin-starred new omakase spot from Tokyo led by chef Hisashi Udatsu, brings a refined sushi experience to Los Angeles. Located above Rokusho, this intimate establishment serves an exquisite 17-course omakase highlighting seasonal sashimi and nigiri. Guests are treated to specialties like Hokkaido and Santa Barbara sea urchin, aged tuna, and a beautifully crafted sardine roll — all in a calm, modern space designed for an immersive sushi journey.
Norikaya
Location: 554 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90020
Norikaya is Chef Akira Back’s latest venture, an energetic temaki bar nestled in the heart of Koreatown. Partnering with Robert Kim, Back brings hand rolls and small bites inspired by his Korean-Japanese roots and honed in his global ventures. Here, simple hand rolls are elevated with top-quality ingredients, served at an elegant counter where guests can unwind and savor elevated sushi culture.
Bridgetown Roti
Location: 858 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Finally grounded in a permanent space, Bridgetown Roti, an Eater 2021 Best New Restaurant, offers East Hollywood a taste of Caribbean-inflected dishes. Chef Rashisa Holmes showcases traditional roti made with Grist & Toll flours, filled with everything from chicken curry to green curry shrimp. Other highlights include weekend-only doubles, oxtail patties, and cod fish cakes. Be ready for a wait — these creations have made Bridgetown an instant hit.
Barr Seco
Location: 3820 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026
Sister to the Silver Lake hotspot Santo, Barr Seco operates as a cafe by day and a cozy bar by night. Chef David Potes’ menu complements the natural wine selection curated by former Kismet sommelier Kae Whalen, with dishes like scallop crudo and adobo-marinated pork tostadas. This dual-purpose spot provides a comfortable yet refined environment for casual dining or a night out.
Komal Molino
Location: 3655 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90007
New restaurant Komal Molino is the brainchild of Chef Fátima Juárez, a veteran of the celebrated Holbox. With partner Conrado Rivera, Juárez serves Mexican dishes rooted in her upbringing and prepared with heirloom corn masa made by hand. Each item, from the Taco Sonia to family-recipe squash bread, tells a story of heritage and culinary passion.
Bar Sinizki
Location: 3147 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Chef Scott Zwiezen’s Bar Sinizki is inspired by the all-day cafes he encountered across Eastern Europe in the ’90s. Located in Atwater Village, the new cafe features a checkered floor and marble bar reminiscent of Vienna and Berlin’s laid-back charm. Offering pierogi, steak frites, and tartines from breakfast to dinner, this no-reservation spot welcomes guests with familiar flavors and relaxed vibes.
Butchr Bar
Location: 301 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026
Tyson and Bridgette Blackney’s Butchr Bar serves Westlake a selection of small plates, charcuterie, and Australian-imported wagyu. This new restaurant combines butchery expertise with a love of wine. Additionally, the family-owned bar provides a cozy setting for wine and meat lovers alike, with options for solo diners or larger cuts like tomahawks for groups.
Camélia
Location: 1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, California 90021
The former Caboco space now houses Camélia, a French-Japanese bistro from the team behind Tsubaki and Ototo. Chef Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan elevate French fare with Japanese ingredients. Endulge in aioli with pickled turnips or beef cheeks paired with crispy burdock root. Creative cocktails round out this stylish experience in LA’s Arts District.
Mala Class
Location: 5816 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90042
Mala Class, a modern Sichuan eatery in Highland Park, offers revamped Chinese favorites in a relaxed setting. Helmed by two New York City dining veterans, the menu includes dan dan noodles, chile oil dumplings, and sesame noodles. With affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a refreshing addition for fans of Sichuan cuisine outside the SGV.