Los Angeles’ restaurant scene continues to evolve, offering everything from refined tasting menus to innovative pop-ups turned brick-and-mortar sensations. Whether you’re craving a perfectly grilled steak or a multi-course experience these new spots are worth the visit. Check out what’s new to the LA dining landscape with options for every palate.
Backbone
Location: 3463 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, California 91208
Backbone has quickly become one of the toughest spots for a reservation in town. This is thanks to the culinary expertise of chefs Karen Yoo and Nathan McCall, formerly of McCall’s Meat & Fish Co. Their New American menu blends meticulous technique with bold flavors, offering a standout dining experience in Glendale. McCall’s mastery of meat dishes and Yoo’s irresistible desserts make this an essential destination for food lovers.
Calabama
Location: 6751 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90038
What started as a pandemic-era pop-up has now found a permanent home in Hollywood. At Calabama chef Cara Haltiwanger continues to serve up the Southern comfort food that made her famous. Calabama’s signature breakfast sandwiches are a must-try. At one of LA’s trendiest southern spots enjoy other menu highlights like delicate biscuits, pimento cheese, and refreshingly classic sweet tea.
Bar Siesta
Location: 1710 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tucked into the former Alimento space, Bar Siesta revives LA’s love affair with Spanish cuisine. Enjoy classic tapas with a perfectly chilled glass of vermouth. Expect thoughtfully curated small plates from chef Keith Philips, including crispy Weiser potatoes with aioli, Cantabrian anchovies over pan con tomate, and a chicory and persimmon salad with Manchego.
MXO
Location: 826 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069
Chef Wes Avila’s latest project, MXO, brings the bold flavors of Monterrey, Mexico, to West Hollywood. The WeHo spots menu is centered around wood-fired grilling and indulgent large-format meats. A standout is the birria beef martillo, a $275 feast for 8 to 12 guests, served with marrow and consomé. Rounding out the menu are antojitos like Okinawa sweet potato tacos, queso fundido, and a grilled cabbage Caesar.
Bar Étoile
Location: 632 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Bringing a touch of Parisian charm to Melrose Hill! Bar Étoile is a cozy yet refined addition to LA’s dining scene. First-time restaurateurs Jill Bernheimer, Julian Kurland, and chef Travis Hayden have created a space that seamlessly transitions from a casual wine bar with light snacks—think spiced nuts and crusty bread with creamy butter—to a full-fledged restaurant offering French classics like steak frites, roast chicken, and ricotta gnocchi.
Somni
Location: 9045 Nemo St (Santa Monica Blvd), West Hollywood, CA 90069
Reborn in a stunning new space, the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Somni has returned under chef Aitor Zabala, offering an avant-garde Spanish-inflected tasting menu. The dramatic setting, featuring intimate countertops where diners can watch the magic unfold, enhances the experience. Highlights include dashi meringue topped with caviar and escabeche mussels with borage flowers. At $495 per person, it’s an investment, but one that rewards with every meticulously crafted bite.
Evil Cooks
Location: 2461 N Eastern Ave (Klamath Pl), Los Angeles, CA 90032
For a truly inventive take on modern Mexican cuisine, head to Evil Cooks Corazón Abierto in El Sereno. Chefs Alex and Elvia García have transformed their cult-favorite pop-up into a brick-and-mortar space. Black walls and metal accents set the mood for dishes like octopus al pastor tacos and a vibrant “chilakiller” torta.
Rasarumah
Location: 3107 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Chef Johnny Lee’s latest venture, Rasarumah, brings a unique fusion of Chinese Malaysian flavors to Historic Filipinotown. The menu highlights the rich culinary influences of Malaysia, India, and Indonesia. Endulge in dishes like banana leaf-steamed black cod with sambal or wagyu beef cheek rendang with roti.
Helms Bakery
Location: 3280 Helms Avenue, Culver City, California 90034
More than a decade in the making, Helms Bakery is finally open, reimagined by chef Sang Yoon as a dynamic café, bakery, and gourmet shop. The menu spans from delicate pastries and fresh bread to hearty comfort food like fried chicken.
Zaytinya Culver City
Location: 8801 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, California 90232
Celebrity chef José Andrés expands his empire with the LA debut of Zaytinya, a stylish Mediterranean eatery blending Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese influences. The mezze selection shines, featuring vibrant spreads and wood-grilled branzino, while fresh-baked pita ties it all together. Expect a bright, airy space that feels right at home in Culver City.
Komal Molino
Location: 3655 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90007
Chef Fátima Juárez, formerly of Michelin-starred Holbox, introduces her take on heirloom masa-focused cooking at Komal Molino. Located inside Mercado La Paloma, the intimate eatery celebrates the flavors of Mexico City and Oaxaca. Enjoy dishes like the Taco Sonia and a family-recipe pan de calabaza.
Orla Santa Monica
Location: 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401
Michael Mina’s sleek Egyptian and Greek-inspired restaurant, Orla, finds a home at the Regent Santa Monica Beach hotel, offering stunning ocean views and a menu packed with Mediterranean delights. Signature dishes include crispy falafel with bigeye tuna, gnudi with lamb meatballs, and an indulgent mixed kebab platter.
Fitoor
Location: 1755 Ocean Ave (Pico), Santa Monica, CA 90401
Fitoor brings a refined take on Indian cuisine to the Viceroy Santa Monica, showcasing smoky tandoori prawns, butter chicken pulcha, and slow-braised lamb shank curry. A wood-fired oven turns out crisp Indian-style pizzas for a comforting yet elevated experience.
Seline
Location: 3110 Main St Ste 132 (Marine St), Santa Monica, CA 90405
Pasjoli chef Dave Beran revives his passion for tasting menus with Seline. Enjoy an intimate dining experience built around a seasonal 14-course progression at one of Santa Monica’s newest spots. The carefully curated plates like caviar-topped coffee custard—make it a must-visit for serious food lovers.
RVR
Location: 1305 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, California 90291
Chef Travis Lett returns to Abbot Kinney with RVR, a modern izakaya serving up seasonal ramen, grilled salmon lunch sets, and fresh temaki rolls. The moody, minimalist space is already drawing crowds, so be prepared for a wait.
Somerville
Location: 4437 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90043
A sophisticated supper club with live music arrives on Slauson. Regarding trendy spots, the handcrafted cocktails and refined comfort food at Somerville are a must. Expect buttery Parker House rolls, elevated fried chicken and caviar sliders, and a lively, stylish crowd.