In today’s LA & Valley Eats, we’ve rounded up the absolute best new restaurants in Los Angeles. Ranging from outdoor dining to pop-up shops, these delicious destinations are sure to satisfy every craving. 

LA Cha Cha Cha

820 E 3rd St

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located on an expansive rooftop in the Arts District, this colorful Mexican restaurant (the original location is in Mexico City) strikes that perfect balance between fun and casual, while also being downright beautiful.

 

Little Fish

Echo Park, CA

A good pop-up simply serves food – a great one feels like you’ve been let in on a secret. Little Fish is the latter. We recommend the fish sandwich and the Kewpie mayo/pickle combo that clings to the bun, and serves as the perfect complement to an otherwise salty sandwich. Plus, each box only costs $20-$25 and comes with a hefty portion of pasta salad and a bag of Zapps New Orlean-style kettle chips – and might just be one of the best deals in town.

 

Interstellar

109 Broadway

Santa Monica, CA 90401

Steps from the Third Street Promenade, Interstellar is the best breakfast and lunch option in Downtown Santa Monica. The small cafe’s Korean-American co-owners pull off lots of dishes from lots of cuisines – like bulgogi burgers, katsu curry, pasta, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, club sandwiches, and much more.

 

Thanks Pizza

450 S. Western Ave #305 FC-1

Los Angeles, CA

This order-at-the-counter spot in the third-floor food court above California Marketplace is serving affordable, well-built pies with outside-the-box toppings that taste incredible. he garlic chicken pizza is a little spicy with a sweet, pungent kick from the blue cheese, but the mascarpone pizza might be my favorite pizza I’ve eaten all year.

 

Falafel Chee

10817 Venice Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

There are only two options on Falafel Chee’s menu – platter or pita wrap. The platter comes  with falafel, homemade hummus, and tahini, as well as mango and tamarind sauces that Iraqi owner Manaf Alsudaney ships in from the Middle East. The pita wrap comes with all the sauces, pickled turnip, and crunchy falafel that will leave your belly happy.

 

Chifa

4374 Eagle Rock Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

The menu is inspired by the owner’s original Chifa restaurant in Lima, Peru, and features dishes like Pollo ala brasa, mapo tofu, and traditional zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf and filled with Chinese sausage, pork belly, and mushroom.

 

Saso

39 S El Molino Ave

Pasadena, CA 91101

The new Basque-inspired seafood spot in Pasadena has a menu filled with things such as Alaskan mussels over charred leeks, poached shrimp and deviled eggs, and a crudo bar including oysters, wagyu tartare, and ora king salmon carpaccio. They also have an excellent patio in the courtyard of the Pasadena Playhouse.

 

Highlighting new local LA & Valley restaurants to check out this month! Choose to dine outdoors, or take-out, these new restaurants are sure to satisfy every craving.

Saso

37 S El Molino Ave

Pasadena, CA 91101

Saso is Pasadena’s newest seafood-focused restaurant. From grilled prawns to roasted potatoes and steak, this is the new date night spot for Northeast LA.

 

Fellow Traveler

631 N La Cienega Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

Fellow Traveler, by Rick Arline’s, is West Hollywood’s newest home for great natural wines and, whatever else the brilliant chef Gabriel Geiger can think up. The range of deliciousness so far includes a cheeseburger, chicken liver mousse, charcuterie, ramen, and beyond.

 

 

Mirame

419 N Canon Dr

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Paying tribute to the locale that inspired the restaurant, the menu at Mirame is highlighted by Chef Gil’s use of the purest, locally sourced ingredients and produce as well as seasonal influences that articulate his original spin on Mexican cuisine such as house-made masa from heirloom organic corn varietals.

 

 

 

The Wood Urban Kitchen

129 N Market St

Inglewood, CA 90301

The Wood BBQ proudly serves delicious food to the greater Inglewood community. Their goal is to serve you some of the best bbq you’ve ever tasted ranging from smoky, soulful barbecue ribs and brisket, plus rib tips, mac and cheese, and even turkey legs.

 

 

 

AGL’s Craft Meats

8472 S Central Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90001

This one-time pop-up is doing what no other fully-legal Texas-style barbecue operator has done in Los Angeles County which is smoke using an offset smoker from a restaurant space. You don’t want to miss out on this place!

Cult

1460 Third Street Promenade

Santa Monica, CA

Cultivating a strong, vibrant culture and following that Santa Monica can be proud of is what we’re Cult is here to do. The food is cult-worthy. the cocktails and coffee are cult favorites, and the location will become a cult classic.

LA & Valley Eats

If you’re comfortable going out to eat or grabbing takeout, check out these local brunch spots!

 

Huckleberry

1014 Wilshire Blvd 

Santa Monica, CA 90401

From the owners of the famous Rustic Canyon restaurant, the idea for Huckleberry started in 2008, when owners Josh and Zoe did a 6-month trial run by hosting Saturday Morning Breakfasts at Rustic Canyon. It was an instant success with people lining up out the door; this led to the Huckleberry storefront in 2009. In addition to some Huckleberry signatures like the Fried Egg Sandwich, Dad’s Pancakes, and more, the menu changes regularly with the seasons and is based on the culinary team’s whims.

Momed

233 South Beverly Drive, 

Beverly Hills, California, 90212

Momed is a modern Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that offers a fresh and vegetable-forward alternative to classic American brunch. The kitchen dishes out platters of crisp falafel, organic Brussels sprouts coated in labneh, and za’atar and paneer flatbread. There are a handful of egg-focused dishes, too, such as shakshuka paired with toasted ciabatta bread and a three-grain scramble whisked with faro, quinoa, and wild rice.

 

Maury’s Bagels

2829 Bellevue Ave. 

Los Angeles, CA 90026 

You may already be familiar with Maury’s, a bagel pop-up that used to always sell out at Dinosaur Coffee and the Hollywood Farmers Market. Now it’s gone permanent in Silver Lake, and it’s better than ever. The fresh bagels are very good, but the real star is the fish they cure in-house. Despite lines out the door, things move quickly, so even if you’re hungover and grumpy, you’ll still be very happy. Seating options are limited, so make sure you grab a seat at one of the picnic tables outside if you can.

Blu Jam Cafe

15045 Ventura Blvd

Sherman Oaks, California 91403

Owners, Kamil and David, who both emigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia, harkened back to their European heritage to create an environment that felt like home. Holding to the belief that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they set out to build a creative and elevated menu that merges flavors from around the world. Chef Kamil believes that food does not have to be complicated to be amazing. Simple and good quality ingredients can create stunning dishes, and presentation is paramount to an amazing dining experience.

Marmalade Cafe

4783 Commons Way Ste E 

Calabasas, CA 91302

Over 20 years ago, three young entrepreneurs with a passion for food and a desire to make customers happy, came together with a simple idea: serve fresh, high quality, eclectic California inspired food for busy Angelenos. Today, Marmalade Cafe has six locations across Los Angeles County. Each cafe is unique in design and décor. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Marmalade Cafe is the neighborhood cafe that Angelenos depend on for every day consistently delicious meals.

 

The Flying Yolk

2902 Tapo Canyon Rd, 

Simi Valley CA 93063

The Flying Yolk is an American inspired breakfast/brunch heaven. From their famous steak & eggs with tater tots to their mouth-watering donut breakfast sandwiches, it’s really impossible to go wrong. The Flying Yolk has stayed extremely present throughout the pandemic as they have safely fed residents of Simi Valley as well as donated meals to first responders.

With the most festive season upon us, you may be finding yourself shopping online for a new duvet blanket, more sweaters, and candles to create a cozy environment as the weather is getting cooler. Instead of searching for the perfect candle, why not try out your creative side and create your own organic smells? Check out these DIY projects you can do to organically create that comforting fall smell you’ve been longing for.

Pumpkin Spice Room Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 3 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil
• 3 drops Ginger essential oil
• 3 drops Cardamom essential oil
• 5 drops Wild Orange essential oil
• 5 drops Clove essential oil

Directions

In a 4-ounce glass spray bottle, add water and essential oils. Shake well before each use and you’re ready to start spritzing your house!

Fall Simmer Pot

Ingredients

• 4 apple peels
• 2 orange peels
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 star anise (optional)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (optional)

Stovetop Directions

Add ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer uncovered for as long as you like, adding water as needed so the pot doesn’t run dry.

DIY Reed Diffuser

Ingredients

• Carrier oil: 1-2 inches safflower oil – this is your carrier oil, almond oil or baby oil can be used as well
• Essential oil: 15-20 drops essential oil – for aromatherapy and fragrance
• Jars: any jar will work with a small opening at the top
• Sticks: Cinnamon Sticks or Rattan Reeds
• optional: 90% proof alcohol – helps the oil travel up the sticks faster

Directions

1. Pour your safflower oil into your jar, 1-2 inches high from the bottom. You don’t need too much oil, just enough for the oil to travel up your sticks. For the jars, you can use anything you have around the house – a vase, a recycled jam jar, even a plastic or metal container will work. I found these jars at the thrift store and they have small openings to help my sticks stand up tall.
2. Add in 15-20 drops of essential oils and stir them in or swirl them around. You can add more or less depending on your level of fragrance.
3. Add your sticks to the jar and space them out. You can use them to stir the oil again. TIP: flip your sticks after a day or so to help the oil distribute faster.

Autumn Scented Linen Spray

Use a fall-friendly DIY linen spray to freshen up folded towels and bedding. Just mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup inexpensive vodka (yes, vodka!) in a clean spray bottle and swirl with essential oils. Choose 3-4 oils and add 10 drops of each. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite! Here are some ideas:

• Clove
• Sweet orange (or wild orange)
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon bark
• Cedarwood
• Ginger
• Sandalwood
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• Fir
• Bergamot

Homemade Fall Wax Scents

Make a batch of spicy fall wax melts for your warmer without unknown chemicals. These easy melts are made with coconut oil, beeswax, and spices from your pantry poured into an ice cube tray—you don’t even need to have essential oils on hand. We think these would look adorable poured into a leaf-shape mold!

Materials

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup beeswax granules
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• Peel of 1 orange, diced

Ice cube trays or small mold
Glass jar with lid

Directions

1. 1. Place coconut oil and beeswax granules in a small pan over low heat. Stir until completely melted.
   2. While the mixture is melting, chop orange peel into very small pieces.
   3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and diced orange peel.
   4. Pour into ice cube trays or another small mold.
   5. Allow to sit until completely cooled and firm. I usually let mine sit overnight even though it only takes a couple hours to set up.
   6. Pop gently from tray/mold by flipping over and tapping firmly on the counter. Store scented wax melts in a glass jar with a fitted lid. If your home gets very warm you may want to consider storing your jar in the refrigerator as the coconut oil has a low melting point.

Wouldn’t it be fun to pretend you are vacationing in the place you already live in? We have created a “First Time” eater’s guide to LA for us, locals, to use to staycation in LA and the Valley OR for those who actually are just moving to LA and haven’t tried these spots yet. Check them out below.

Gjusta – Venice

People who have lived in LA for a while like to talk about how LA is a city of neighborhoods. There’s no neighborhood that provokes more of a reaction than crystal-and-startup-filled Venice, and if you want to understand why, go eat lunch at Gjusta. This deli a few blocks back from the beach is big, busy, and kind of a pain in the butt. You have to take a number, wait approximately an eternity, order your food, and then wait an eternity again, but by the time you’re eating house-made cured fish and a burrata and tomato sandwich, you’ll have forgotten all about that. And probably be completely sold on Venice.

Mh Zh – Silverlake

This Mediterranean restaurant in Silver Lake is basically a glorified sidewalk cafe, with tiny wooden boxes to sit on and a menu written on the back of a brown paper bag. But the real selling point here is the food. Whether it’s hummus with pickles, grilled beets, or a perfectly-cooked ribeye, this is one of our favorite meals in the city and one that won’t break the bank, either. They don’t take reservations, but you can grab a drink at Cliff’s Edge next door while you wait.

Leo’s Tacos – Mid Wilshire

Make Tacos Leo a priority. This taco truck, located in the parking lot of a gas station at La Brea and Venice Blvd., has great tacos across the board, but everyone’s here for the al pastor. Cooked on a rotating spit outside the truck, people stand and stare at this thing like it’s the Mona Lisa of meat. And it basically is.

Portos – Glendale

Porto’s is a family-run Cuban bakery that’s been around since the 1970s. From guava pastries to potato balls to our favorite Cubano in the city, Porto’s food is fantastic across-the-board, and it’s an ideal lunch spot when you don’t want to have another fight with your family about what to eat. With locations in Burbank, Glendale, and Downey, you’re never too far from one of these LA institutions.

Sugarfish – Sherman Oaks

Los Angeles is not Los Angeles without eating sushi, and Sugarfish is a perfect place to start. Started by the man who created the legendary Sushi Nozawa, Sugarfish now has locations across the city, each serving incredibly high-quality sushi that you’ll pay far below market for. As a matter of fact, at $33 for eight courses ($27 at lunch), this is the best deal in town and one you should cross off your list.

Neptune’s Net – Malibu

Your first move should always be Neptune’s Net when you’re venturing towards the ocean out of the valley. The Malibu landmark is a PCH road trip fixture and has the lines to prove it. But its good seafood, great ocean views, and ’50s Americana feel make it all worth it.

With Carl’s Jr. offering a Beyond Burger and Umami and Fat Burger advertising the Impossible Burger, vegans have a large amount of options when it comes to burgers. Whether you just want an alternative on Meatless Monday or you like your summer sandwich meaty, beany, or tasting of vegetables, there’s a grill near you, ready to serve.

Monty’s Good Burger 

Located at: 516 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020 

The menu in this tiny Koreatown grill is as simple an In-N-Out Burger’s, but everything here is plant-based. Get a double or single Impossible Burger, a side of tater tots with your choice of dipping sauces, a coconut-based shake and a hearty chopped kale Caesar salad to balance it all out.

Burger Lords 

Located at: 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles 90012

Get a vegan cheeseburger or make it a double. This Chinatown walk-up – which recently opened a Highland Park location – makes their own delectable patty with mushrooms, eggplant, cashews, barley, garbanzo beans, celery, leeks and a top secret spice blend, topped with Follow Your Heart vegan American Cheese. Shoestring fries, tofu nuggets and a Topo Chico make it a meal worth sharing.

Fred 62 

Located at: 1850 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles 90027

This Los Feliz staple has long offered their tasty, grainy No Animal Burger—order it without the Thousand Island dressing and voila, it’s vegan. Jalapeño pickles, avocado and the potato bun make for a mouthwatering, messy mouthful. 

Follow Your Heart Cafe

Located at: 21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park 91303

Opened in 1970, this small market/café is internationally known as the company that created the Vegenaise ® brand of eggless condiments and vegan cheese products. They have many variations of burgers, while their “beet burger” remaining one of the most popular. 

O’cado Restaurant

Located at: 14568 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91403

Plant-based fusion with sustainable wine, craft beer, and fresh cocktails is the name of the game at this Ventura Boulevard restaurant/bar featuring Latin, Mediterranean, and American flavors. This spot has an impossible burger that will blow your mind! 

Sun Cafe Organic

Located at: 10820 Ventura Blvd, Studio City 91604

Located in a former 1920s house, the ambiance at SunCafe Organic is as big a draw as the menu. Co-owners Ron Russell (also a chef) and Rebecca Smith retained the building’s architectural integrity complete with a glorious front patio perfect for a date or gathering. Because they are one of the original vegan cafe’s in the valley, their burger is one of the most refined and classic out there. 

Talking about “the best” restaurants in LA during a pandemic seems entirely unfair, and frankly irrelevant, considering what the industry is facing at the moment. At the same time, restaurants have never been more important. They’re an essential escape from the monotony of quarantine, and an inextricable part of what makes Los Angeles great. Check out our favorites in LA and the Valley!

Katsu Sando – Chinatown 

Chef Daniel Son helped turn his father’s Sunset Strip sushi bar, Kura Fine Japanese Cuisine, into a destination until it closed last November. Thankfully, he had this formidable back-up plan. Katsu Sando started as a popular Smorgasburg LA stall selling their take on the namesake Japanese konbini snack (more about katsu sandos here) before Son partnered with James Lee on this fast casual-sandwich spot on Broadway.

Kismet Rotisserie – Los Feliz 

Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson’s latest addition to the Kismet restaurant family already appears to be an industry favorite, drawing chefs to shaded sidewalk tables and counter seats during simpler times.

Olivetta – West Hollywood 

Michael Fiorelli previously thrilled Manhattan Beach with modern Italian food at Love & Salt. By teaming with Marissa and Matt Hermer, one of LA’s best Italian chefs managed to expand beyond the boot to Mediterranean neighbors like France, Greece, and Spain. A-listers and studio heads are already regulars. Oliveta is currently “on vacation” at nearby La Peer Hotel.

Hummus Yummy – Valley Village 

You won’t miss meat at this fast-casual Israeli restaurant near Los Angeles Valley College. Haifa native Tony Weiner graduated from a food truck and celebrates the humble chickpea by crafting exquisite hummus with a choice of toppings.

Tel Aviv Fish Grill – Tarzana 

Tel Aviv Grill is one of LA’s leading shawarma practitioners, with three locations across the San Fernando Valley, but spit-shaved meat wasn’t enough. The founders refocused their original Tarzana location to fish in late 2018.

Petit Trois – Sherman Oaks 

When Ludo Lefebvre, wife Krissy and their high-profile partners first opened in Hollywood, they didn’t even have a sign, but people still swarmed their shoebox-sized French bistro. Petit Trois Le Valley is larger and more visible, with a snail logo ushering diners to a space that now serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

 

 

 

**Content Sourced From Thrillist.