It's hard to keep up with all the restaurant and bar openings, closings, chef swaps and revamps that happen every day in this city. What's worth spending your money on and what's all just hype? We're here to help you out with that. At the end of each month, we'll give a recap of the most exciting additions to enter L.A.'s dining and drinking scene, whether it's a new ice cream shop or a creative cocktail bar. Here are a few December openings that are worth a visit.
Fat Dragon (Silver Lake): This Chinese restaurant and tea bar moved into the same strip mall as Trois Familia, so you know they're in good company. You'll find plenty of staples here—mapo tofu, moo goo gai pan and orange chicken—along with of-the-moment dishes (hello, bone broth) and a massive selection of herbal, fruit-infused and milk teas.
The Mar Vista (Mar Vista): Named for its Westside location, the Mar Vista is a bright, airy space serving a fontina bacon crab melt, lamb with curried couscous and Scotch kiss brownie bites. Luscious plants dangle from the rafters as diners sip on cocktails, wine and beer.
FrankieLucy Bakeshop (Silver Lake): With their powers combined, the talented minds behind Crème Caramel LA and Found Coffee have teamed up to create FrankieLucy Bakeshop, a sweet store in Silver Lake offering pies, lemon bars, quiches and, of course, coffee. Seating is limited, but you can enjoy that ube upside-down pie standing up just as well.
Ladurée (Beverly Grove): Paris' coveted macaron shop just opened its first West Coast location at the Grove. The two-story restaurant and sweets boutique offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, but let's face it—you're probably lining up for their colorful macarons.
The Friend (Silver Lake): A new bar with Eric Greenspan serving bar food? Count us in. The art-focused neighborhood watering hole boasts a pink floor, a disco ball and a well-stocked bar, along with dishes like a croque monsieur, blinis and a couscous bowl.
Notable closings: Terrine, Beverly Hills Beignet, Ramen Champ, BierBeisl Imbiss
Did you miss our favorite openings from November? Check out the list from last month.
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.