The best new restaurants in Los Angeles to try right now

What is it: A newly revived Spanish tasting menu in West Hollywood that’s one of the city’s most expensive, difficult-to-snag-reservations. 

Why we love it: Now led by Aitor Zabala—who’s trained at El Bullí, among other Spanish fine-dining icons—the ambitious 14-seat chef’s counter offers a wealth of whimsical delights befitting of its sky-high price tag, which starts at $645 per person (which includes a non-alcoholic drink pairing). If you opt for one of the wine pairings, the take home price here easily approaches $1,000 per head. Every detail has been carefully considered, from handcarved wooden plates to the custom steak knives accompanying the txuleta, or ultra-mature steak. Another highlight? The delightfully unorthodox caviar course, served on dashi meringue. Of the four tasting menus I tried in January, Somni was the most memorable. In fact, the meal impressed me so much that I think the brand-new restaurant might already be one of the city’s very best. Note: March is already fully booked, but you can check the restaurant’s Instagram to find out when April reservations will be released. Complimentary valet parking.

Time Out tip: If you happen to have some relatively deep-pocketed friends (a minimum of four, to be exact), it’s far easier to book the private dining room, which has a $995 per person pre-tax minimum.

Address: 9045 Nemo Street, West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Opening hours: Wed–Sun, 7:30pm (one seating per night).

What is it: A Korean-influenced tasting menu ($285) in the same Little Tokyo complex as Sushi Kaneyoshi and Bar Sawa.

Why we love it: After a nearly yearlong stint at Jordan Kahn’s Vespertine and Meteora, chef Ki Kim is once again pushing the boundaries of modern Korean fine dining. The chef’s new tasting experience reads as a more elevated, satisfying version of Kinn, Kim’s now-closed Koreatown restaurant. Kimbap topped with creamy cod milt serves as a worthy appetizer to a 12-course menu that nods to the head chef’s personal biography and past experiences on both coasts working fine dining. I’ve been familiar with Kim’s cooking since Naemo, his quarantine era dosirak pop-up, and can honestly say that Ki is the chef’s most fully realized project to date. A $190 beverage pairing spanning wine, sake and tea, along with ultra-polished service, befit the high price point and translate into a worthy special-occasion eatery for those who enjoy Korean cuisine, rare seafood, fine dining or all of the above. April reservations are slated to drop on the second Friday of this month; for parties of one or two, March still has a handful of slots left. Paid on-site or metered street parking.

Time Out tip: If you’re entering from the street, take the unmarked stairwell on San Pedro to the second floor, which brings you to the right elevator.

Address: 111 S San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 6:30pm (one seating per night).

What is it: A London-inspired restaurant in Westchester that’s home to the city’s most ambitious farm-to-table cuisine.

Why we love it: Run by husband-and-wife duo Harry Posner and Natalie Dial, Tomat serves some of the city’s most delicious, interesting new California cuisine. I recently featured this LAX-adjacent dining destination in an extended, in-depth review for its nearby garden—located within smelling distance of In-N-Out—and unique, albeit slightly inconsistent mix of British, Persian and Japanese culinary influences. Highlights on the ever-changing dinner menu include “barbari” bread served with tomato butter, a dry-aged duck with mole and the family-style savory pies, which are only served on the weekends. I also enjoyed the roasted vegetable “ajoblanco,” sticky toffee pudding and saffron ice cream topped with pistachio brittle. Many of the dishes here crackle with the raw, frenetic energy of culinary ambition—and I simply can’t wait to come back. On-site parking.

Time Out tip: If you’re keen on ordering one of the weekend-only savory pies, you can text the restaurant to reserve one—they often sell out, particularly if you arrive after 7:30pm.

Address: 6261 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Opening hours: Tue 8am–1pm, Wed–Sun 8am–1pm, 5–8:30pm (last seating).

What is it: Chef Sang Yoon ’s modern reboot of a historic Culver City(ish) bakery—complete with café, deli and specialty market.

Why we love it: The dizzying variety and a handful of menu standouts make this modern reimagination of Helms Bakery one of L.A.’s most interesting new lunch destinations. Stop by earlier in the morning for spectacular sweet treats, solid pastries (they’re cheaper than Gjusta and just as good) and a handful of hot breakfast and lunch dishes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pick up grab-and-go drinks, sandwiches, salads and light bites from the cold case. With multiple stations and hundreds of items, it’s a lot to take in—which is why I recommend reading our guide on how to best tackle visiting before going. Did I mention there’s a unique selection of home goods, including dog treats and plush toys? On-site parking off Helms Avenue and street parking along Venice Boulevard. Outdoor dining available.

Time Out tip: Order one of the doughnuts. They’re one of the best items on the menu, and the flavors are always changing. 

Address: 3220 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034.

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 11am–6pm.

What is it: A Tijuana-style chain with L.A. roots serving one of the best new tacos al pastor in town.

Why we love it: Con todo? At East L.A.’s Tijuanazo, the answer should always be yes. Founded by L.A. culinary veteran Antonio Esquivel, Tijuanazo serves outstanding adobada, asada, chorizo and various types of offal, with specific house-designed salsa combinations tailored to each cut of meat. The adobada (a.k.a. al pastor) runs on the drier and more heavily spiced side compared to others I’ve had, a characteristic that pairs surprisingly well with the cilantro crema and a sliver of pineapple. Each offal cut is cooked to perfection, while the housemade chorizo offers heft and warmth in every bite. There are a half-dozen outstanding Tijuana-style taco specialists in L.A., most of which operate as streetside stands, but this sleeker brick-and-mortar can compete with the very best—and maybe even win. Street parking.

Time Out tip: If you love cheese, order one of the fantasmas. This deconstructed taco swaps a tortilla for a crispy, well-griddled slab of queso fresco, tops the whole shebang with a tostada and even throws in a hearty side of pinto beans.

Address: 355 S Atlantic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022.

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–10pm.

What is it: A cafeteria-style steam table concept in Hollywood from the chefs behind Luv2eat Thai, one of L.A.’s best restaurants.

Why we love it: Noree Pla and Fern Kaewtathip have pulled off another feat of Southeast Asian gastronomy in the form of this follow-up a few doors away from their original, critically acclaimed Hollywood strip mall joint. Look beyond the no-frills interior for flavorful curries, meat dishes and hard-to-find specialties you aren’t likely to find at your average Thai restaurant. To keep things interesting, the exact selection rotates on a weekly basis, though certain items like Phuket-style soy-braised pork belly and an excellent housemade Thai-style iced tea, sold by the bottle, are always available. On my visit, I loved the fried hard-boiled eggs in tamarind sauce and yellow sour bamboo and fish curry. On-site parking.

Time Out tip: Be aware Luv2eat Express doesn’t play around with spice levels, so grab some napkins before you dig in; you’ll very likely need to blow your nose after your meal.

Address: 6666 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90028.

Opening hours: Daily 11am–8pm.

What is it: A glitzy Italian seafood specialist located in the heart of Beverly Hills that’s originally from New York City.

Why we love it: With a stylish dining room, impeccable service and a handful of culinary standouts, Marea has already made a splash in the 90210’s oversubscribed Italian dining scene. Here in L.A., chef Travis Passerotti (formerly of the Tasting Kitchen in Venice) oversees an extensive menu that includes Marea’s many signatures, including sea urchin lardo crostini, red wine octopus fusilli and lobster served with creamy burrata, plus a handful of dishes unique to L.A.. An equally skillful beverage program and a full-time pastry chef translate into smooth, well-balanced cocktails, a formidable wine selection and delectable end-of-meal bon bons—all of which elevate Marea Beverly Hills from just another spot for expense accountholders to a worthy candidate for your next splurge-y night out. $20 valet parking plus nearby public lots ($5 flat rate after 6pm). Outdoor dining available. 

Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood for crudo, order the chef’s tasting selection, which includes three different rotating varieties. 

Address: 430 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210.

Opening hours: Daily noon–2:30pm, 5–11pm.

What is it: An upscale, chef-driven Malaysian street food restaurant in Historic Filipinotown.

Why we love it: Well, I wouldn’t say I love Rasarumah—but it’s impossible to deny the culinary creativity on display here. The newest project by Johnny Lee, the Hainan chicken savant behind now-closed Pearl River Deli, this tiny, beautifully designed restaurant serves an ambitious, slightly uneven interpretation of Malaysian street food. Though I found the beef rendang and all three of the noodle dishes largely forgettable, any of the cold starters and “snacky things” make for marvelous drinking fare. Since January, Lee has wisely started preaching to the choir. Recently, he brought back his cult-favorite Hainan chicken as a “poached chicken” Monday night special and swapped out Rasarumah’s sambal-inflected black cod (previously the only standout main) for more Chinese-leaning dishes like mushroom claypot rice and a sweet-and-sour whole fried snapper. The San Gabriel Valley is still home to cheaper, ultimately better Southeast Asian cuisine, but if you care to keep up with the Joneses of the L.A. food world, the latest trendy dining and drinking destination from Last Word Hospitality (Found Oyster, Barra Santos) is probably worth paying a visit. Limited street parking.

Time Out tip: If you have a reservation, do not try to come here with more than the number of people in your initial party. Not only will they not accommodate you, they will be quite curt about it. 

Address: 3107 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Opening hours: Mon, Thu–Sun 5–10pm.

What is it: A South Bay yakiniku counter that offers great bang for your buck.

Why we love it: In my eyes, “wagyu” has largely become a shorthand for decadence and culinary laziness, but Wagyu Butcher manages to stand out thanks to its excellent sourcing and affordable pricepoint. (Luckily, you don’t necessarily need to order A5 to have a great meal here.) The chef-owner hails from Osaka, where he also ran a Japanese-style grilling eatery, and a grill-your-own experience here includes front row seats to the skilled butchers deftly slicing your meat. An amply portioned $50 tasting menu includes choice pieces of tongue, cheek, short rib and skirt steak, but it’s easy to level up your meal with a la carte cuts if you’re still feeling hungry. The $70 option ups the ante with beef sashimi and slices of A5. On-site parking. 

Time Out tip: Wait until the end of your tasting menus before adding on any additional meats—the bowl of delicious curry rice that caps off each meal might just put you over the top.

Address: 2104 Artesia Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90504.

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm.

What is it: A supper club in View Park-Windsor Hills that’s the most interesting opening to hit this stretch of Slauson in a long, long time.

Why we love it: The soul-food-inspired New American menu, impeccable ambience and nightly live jazz translate into a vibrant South L.A. dining destination. Run by Hilltop Coffee’s Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan (along with celebrity investor Issa Rae), Somerville offers a polished big night out, complete with first-rate cocktails by Steen Bojsen-Møller, formerly of Downtown’s Spring Street Bar. Menu highlights include a cheesy, comforting collard green lasagna and caviar-topped fried chicken sliders. Just be aware the food here isn’t unilaterally top-notch; I didn’t love the sous vide preparation on my steak, which rendered the meat slightly spongy and overcooked, and the menu is still in flux. Culinary shortcomings aside, Somerville ultimately delivers the kind of special-occasion experience that L.A.’s Black community has been waiting for. $15 valet and street parking.

Time Out tip: It’s worth noting that weekend tables at Somerville are mostly booked through the end of May—though you can cross your fingers for a last-minute cancellation or stop in for drinks at the bar.

Address: 4437 W. Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90043.

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 6–11pm.

What is it: Another see-and-be-seen NYC Italian transplant serving pasta and the like—this time from a dreamy, vacation-inspired space along Melrose Avenue.

Why we love it: For such a snoozeworthy dining genre, this East Coast import keeps it fresh with a tightly curated, ever-changing menu and a dimly lit, art-filled pastel pink hued dining room that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film. “She’s rotating,” my affable server told me when I asked about a previously available pistachio pesto rigatoni. Instead, I opted for the sea shells lobster cardinale and family-style, burrata-topped orecchiette arrabbiata, which is mixed tableside. Transplanted head chef Adam Leonti revels in the superior quality of L.A.’s fresh produce with standout starters like the accanto salad (cashews, avocado, lettuce) and a pistachio-topped tuna tartare. But my favorite dish, by far, was the chicken alla diavola, which comes in a sauce that tastes like a mix of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Throw in the well-executed cocktails and impossibly chic clientele, and you’ve got another crowdpleasing West Hollywood hot spot perfect for those occasions where the ambience and scene matter just as much as food and drink. 

Time Out tip: The crowdpleasing fare doesn’t hold a candle to Osteria Mozza, Bestia or Funke, but Alba is somehow one of the hottest reservations in town—so if you’re interested in coming here and see an open slot on Resy, snag it.

Address: 8451 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5:30–10pm.

What is it: The Grove’s only decent dining option—and the more centrally located second location of one of the city’s best steakhouses.

Why we love it: This sleeper-hit Venice Beach steakhouse is best known across the city for its smashburger-oriented spinoff, the Win-dow. Here, you’ll find a cozy fire pit, plus lunch and brunch service—and yes, another Win-dow outpost just outside the restaurant with the same winning menu that includes a killer fried chicken sandwich, kale salad and fries. Still, dinner service is where American Beauty truly goes in for the kill. The wood-grilled flatbread with smoked honey and labneh is good as ever, as are the stuffed hash browns and newer, citrus-forward bluefin tuna tartare. I’m not usually keen to spotlight second locations, but the much grander dining room and expanded accessibility to American Beauty—my favorite in the under $100 price range—translates into a date night slam dunk for those living in Central L.A., and another good reason (sigh) to come to the Grove. $5 per hour for the first three hours, then $2 per each subsequent half hour (max of $35).

Time Out tip: The vanilla soft-serve here is surprisingly great. Made with Straus organic milk, it comes topped with chocolate pearls and Amarena cherries—a delightful textural contrast that lends this dessert a slightly more adult feel. 

Address: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 10am–9pm.

What is it: A Rosemead dumpling house serving Kaifeng-style soup dumplings and a standout hybrid take on roujiamo—a.k.a. Chinese hamburger.

Why we love it: With a “teapresso” machine cranking out delicious tea-based drinks and well-executed regional mash-ups, Good Alley is already drawing long lines on the weekends. Run by the same team behind nearby Ji Rong Duck House, Good Alley serves phenomenal guatangbao, the slightly larger, equally soupy cousin of xiaolongbao, plus roujiamo made with flaky thousand-layer pancakes and three different choices of meat filling. The menu also includes various noodle dishes, stir-fries, soups and skewers. While I’ve yet to sample everything on the menu, everything I have tried was excellent, particularly the baby napa cabbage and cumin lamb roujiamo. In the San Gabriel Valley’s competitive Chinese dining landscape, this newcomer is one you don’t want to miss out on—though I’d still recommend arriving just before opening to cut down on your wait. On-site parking.

Time Out tip: Bill Addison of the Los Angeles Times also recommends the steamed pork and shrimp jiaozi, big plate chicken, dry-pot cauliflower with pork belly and stir-fried snow peas.

Address: 8450 E Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770.

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm.

What is it: This masa-centric stall inside South L.A.’s Mercado La Paloma comes from former Holbox employees Fátima Juárez and Conrado Rivera.

Why we love it: While Juárez and Rivera have plans to eventually debut a tasting menu focusing on pre-Hispanic cuisine, Komal’s current offerings consist of tasty quesadillas, a selection of homestyle antojitos (literally, “little cravings”) and dessert. Standouts include the tlacoyos (bean-stuffed thick tortillas) topped with cactus, queso fresco and salsa verde and the taco Sonia, named for Juarez’s favorite childhood taquera in Mexico City. The size of a salad plate, the hefty handheld consists of seared beef shoulder, housemade pork sausage and your choice of mashed potatoes or cactus. None of the menu items are over $11—and while I eagerly await Komal’s tasting menu, the affordable lunch items are worth a visit all on their own. Street and on-site parking.

Time Out tip: Check Komal’s Instagram to find out about weekend specials. Recent items have included a goat’s milk caramel tres leches cake, a poblano cream-topped tamal and a huitlacoche quesadilla. 

Address: 3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007.

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 11am–4pm; Sat, Sun 11am–6pm.

What is it: An indoor-outdoor biergarten in Highland Park that serves reasonably priced takes on German classics like schnitzel, currywurst and pretzels.

Why we love it: I loved the sausage sampler, veal wiener schnitzel (which can also be made with chicken or pork) and bevy of traditional sides included with every entrée. Vegan and gluten-free options, “dog bratwurst” and a full section of handhelds offer a little bit of something for everyone, and the casual, well-appointed space is ideal for families and large groups—bring 10 friends on your birthday and you’ll even get a free half-liter boot of beer. Unlike Echo Park’s Bia Om, another trendy, newly opened biergarten, Kiez Kuche offers more than a nice-looking outdoor dining situation—the food’s downright outstanding. Street parking.

Time Out tip: If you’re in the mood for currywurst, this is one of the best places in town to fulfill your craving.

Address: 4939 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–10pm, Fri–Sun 11am–10pm.

What is it: An East Hollywood restaurant serving bistro-inspired fare and one of the city’s most interesting wine lists. 

Why we love it: Like its Italian sibling across the street, Bar Etoile walks a fine line between wine bar and restaurant. Unlike Étra, however, this French-ish eatery in East Hollywood offers much more than just vibes; head chef Travis Hayden, formerly of Voodoo Vin, serves a tightly curated menu that sticks the landing from start to finish, and the extensive wine list comes from the stellar team behind Domaine LA. While the fare doesn’t reinvent the wheel, I loved the savory Gruyere tart, Caesar-inspired steak tartare and the homey polenta topped with braised leeks and fried sunchokes. The cocktails are well-made, and there’s also an excellent selection of wines by the glass. Yes, the flatware is from Sabre, and the immaculately designed space includes a gorgeous centerpiece bar, baby blue booths and café-style tables—but don’t let the high-falutin’ design job fool you into thinking Bar Etoile has nothing to offer but eye candy: It’s a great spot for a thoughtfully constructed meal. Limited street parking (seriously, good luck).

Time Out tip: Bar Etoile is home to one of the most reasonably priced, well-executed takes on steak frites in the city—as long as you like anchovy- and cornichon-rich Montpellier butter. 

Address: 632 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004.

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 4:30–11pm.

What is it: An excellent Northeast L.A. neighborhood pizzeria in the same gentrification-coded shopping complex as Fondry and Queen Street. 

Why we love it: Great pizza, and then some more: It’s a tried-and-true formula with plenty of practitioners around town, including Roberta’s in Culver City and Ronan on Melrose, not to mention citywide standouts like Quarter Sheets, Pizzeria Bianco and Mozza. Now, the border between Eagle Rock and Highland Park has its own pizza-plus-some standout in the form of Wildcrust. The former pop-up is led by Miles Okabayashi, a New York City chef who came home during the pandemic. Pair your chewy sourdough pie with an electrifying duck liver mousse—the sansho literally leaves a buzz on your tongue—and one of the tasty mains, like the spice-crusted pork chop or grilled cabbage topped with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. For drinks, Manzke/Bicyclette alum Enoch Ahn has curated a well-rounded wine list with most bottles under $90. Limited on-site and street parking.

Time Out tip: Wildcrust also now offers pizza for takeout—place an order online during business hours.

Address: 4705 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–10pm.

What is it: The West Coast flagship of an NYC ramen chain beloved for its cocoon-like honeycomb booths and fluffy omurice—with a separate tea shop, TBaar, located in the front.

Why we love it: Sure, there are better bowls of ramen around town, but the “Starbucks of ramen” offers unmatched ambience and a handful of standout menu items. Right now, San Gabriel Valley locals are flocking to the whimsical dining room (where waits can stretch up up an hour or more on weekend evenings) for the signature yinyang bowl, which includes half-portions of fairly mild miso and tonkotsu shoyu options. That being said, my favorite soups were actually the black garlic tonkotsu, kimchi-spiked dashi broth and chili-laced spicy tonkotsu—and I’d rather steer you towards those for a better meal. The fluffy omurice, served with your choice of demi-glace or curry sauce, is also a reasonable facsimile of Kyoto’s virally famous Kichi Kichi Omurice. On the TBaar front, the various fruit and cream teas will get the job done if you’re craving a sweet drink, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going out of the way for them. On-site parking.

Time Out tip: Stop by on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings to cut down on the wait for a table. 

Address: 7 Las Tunas Dr, Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91007.

Opening hours: Daily 11am–11:30pm.

What is it: A scene-y French restaurant in West Hollywood with one of the most gorgeous patios I’ve seen in ages.

Why we love it: Chez Mia is likely the most beautiful new restaurant to open last year. Taking over the old Ago space on Melrose, this glittering indoor-outdoor eatery from the Boujis Group (the Draycott, Olivetta) draws design and culinary inspiration from the French Riviera. The extensive, largely traditional menu aims to please with steaks and plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, but there’s a handful of standout items concentrated in the seafood, caviar and appetizer sections. On my visit, I enjoyed the hamachi carpaccio and caviar gougeres. If you’re feeling particularly spendy, indulge in the well-made cocktails and desserts—especially the delicious pistachio soft-serve. While it’s unlikely that Chez Mia will impress the average epicure, the restaurant fits right in with the area’s see-and-be-seen dining scene—and still makes for a lovely, if pricey, night out in West Hollywood. $20 valet and nearby metered street parking.

Time Out tip: If you’re willing to walk, you can often find metered parking along La Cienega.

Address: 8478 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–11:30pm.