The new Los Angeles restaurants everyone is talking about

When it comes to dining, Los Angeles offers a vast cultural melting pot that celebrates techniques from around the globe while using local, year-round Californian produce. This September, a famed Southern chef arrives in West Hollywood; a beloved neighbourhood Italian spot expands in Echo Park; and another modern cantina concept lands in Hollywood.

The Wallpaper* guide to new Los Angeles restaurants

September 2025 restaurant openings

Bar Bacetti

Adding an extra limb to the much-loved Echo Park staple Bacetti Trattoria, Bar Bacetti is a new aperitivo wine bar and indoor-outdoor pizza lounge that revels in the Italian arte dello spuntino (the art of snacking).

Describe the mood: Stayner Architects, in collaboration with owner Jason Goldman, drew inspiration from the trattoria’s design, once again enlisting local artist Matt Lipps (whose large-scale panels also define the main dining room). Here, his laser-cut metal pieces – depicting LA and Italian landmarks – line the shelves of the cosy bar. Slip into a dimly lit banquette for intimacy, perch at the quartz-topped bar for a solo supper, or linger on the covered outdoor patio for people-watching with your dog.

What to order: Pizza is exclusive to this new annexe (not available in the main dining room), ranging from margherita to mushroom and sausage. Aperitivo snacks shine: bite-sized fried meatballs with salsa verde, or chilled octopus salad with fennel and potato. Order any wine-based cocktail and you’ll be treated to a complimentary morsel, perhaps Castelvetrano olives with orange zest or tuna-stuffed peppers. For a refreshing spritz, the Sophia (lambrusco, port, heirloom orange soda) is a highlight.

Why we love it: Two warm, inviting sibling concepts that pair seamlessly, from nibbles to a full Italian meal.

Bar Bacetti is located at 1507 Echo Park Ave, Echo Park, CA 90026, United States.

Darling

Celebrated Southern chef Sean Brock, of Husk fame in Charleston and Nashville, has opened his debut West Coast venture: a space that blends Californian cuisine with Japanese inflexions, housed within a chic hi-fi listening lounge in the West Hollywood Design District.

Describe the mood: Designed by Sean Leffers (also behind the former Soulmate space), the soaring, skylit restaurant is framed by greenery, rich woods and rustic murals. It also showcases another of Brock’s lifelong passions: vinyl records. The bar lounge doubles as a music den, paying homage to Japan’s hi-fi listening bars; though this being LA, you might just sip a roasted aubergine cocktail with toasted coconut cream while a DJ named Melrose Max spins offbeat tracks such as Devo’s Working in a Coal Mine.

What to order: Don’t expect Carolina Gold rice, though you will find Koshihikari. This menu diverges from the Southern food traditions for which Brock is best known, instead celebrating California’s bounty of produce and seafood. ‘I have never been more in love with a town [LA] since I’ve been to Tokyo,’ Brock enthuses. The kitchen is fitted with six different wood-burning stations, each imparting a distinct flavour profile – think white fish grilled over orange tree wood or quail with huckleberries.

Why we love it: An eclectic, atmospheric space that celebrates music and sustainable live-fire cooking, perfect for beginning or ending your night with cocktails and tunes.

Darling is located at 631 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States.

La Nena Cantina

Building on the success of its Malibu sibling, which opened earlier this spring in Point Dume Village, La Nena Cantina brings Hospitality 70 Group (formerly Frimax Hospitality Group) to Hollywood. The group is already known for its acclaimed modern Mexican restaurants, Frida.

Describe the mood: Situated in Columbia Square – the same plaza as NeueHouse and a block from the W Hollywood – this is both a sunlit patio lunch spot and an after-work cocktail haunt. Designed by Jagar Architecture’s Jose Gonzales, the interiors mix terracotta tiles, earthy tones and comfortable booths, crowned by a striking mural of a reclining woman by Candida Peña.

What to order: Coastal Mexican flavours take centre stage. Tacos dominate, not just the usual carne asada, but richer options typically reserved for main dishes: chicken mole, slow-cooked pork belly, lobster. Can’t decide? Opt for the five-taco tasting. Begin with molcajete-ground tableside guacamole and follow with top-shelf tequila or mezcal cocktails.

Why we love it: A vibrant celebration of cantina culture, from leisurely daytime bites to late-night gatherings.

La Nena Cantina is located at 6115 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States.

August 2025 restaurant openings

Café Tondo

The former Oriel French restaurant space in Chinatown has been transformed into a stylish Bogotá and Mexico City-inspired day-to-night bar and café.

Describe the mood: Café Tondo exudes a welcoming mi casa es tu casa atmosphere across several dining rooms, featuring cosy corners and red velvet cushioned banquettes that flow onto a semi-enclosed patio. Designed by Aunt Studio with a nod to cantina culture, the space features custom wood tables and chairs handcrafted in Mexico by OMBIA Studio, as well as a curated mix of vintage and contemporary wall ceramics sourced from Mexico.

What to order: The menu reflects chef Valeria Velásquez’s upbringing in Colombia, with influences from her time at Amass in Copenhagen and Rosetta in Mexico City. Begin your day with oversized conchas for dipping in Abuelita’s hot chocolate, or enjoy an afternoon of meat and cheese empanadas paired with a Vermouth Spritz. For dinner, try the lime-squeezed chicken milanesa with a glass (or two) of orange wine.

Why we love it: Café Tondo is a warm, inviting spot to drop in for a matcha latte and snacks by day, then linger into the evening for dinner, drinks, and live entertainment.

Café Tondo is located at 1135 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Café Tondo

Daisy Margarita Bar

The team behind the award-winning Mírate in Los Feliz (named one of North America’s 50 Best Bars) has returned with a fresh concept and a new reason to head to the Valley.

Describe the mood: Set along the bustling stretch of Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, Daisy pays homage to Mexico’s traditional Norteño cantinas. The one-room, ground-floor space was designed by California-based interior designer Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar of Adean Studios in collaboration with Egan. Expect fringe details, corduroy booths, and a bar that runs the full length of the room.

What to order: The flour tortilla tacos are, as suspected, a standout, whether filled with pork and green apple slaw or grilled octopus with pineapple pico de gallo. Don’t miss the most talked-about item: the frozen Guacamole Margarita – blending avocado, pico de gallo, El Tesoro Blanco, and lime – which offers the rare chance to, quite literally, eat your drink.

Why we love it: Daisy is full of surprises. This August, it’s set to unveil an upstairs speakeasy devoted to Mexican rum – we even spotted a bottle of Mexican sake. Who knew?

Daisy Margarita Bar is located at 14633 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Daisy Margarita Bar

Javier’s DTLA

While there are several other Javier’s locations scattered across Southern California and the West Coast, downtown Los Angeles is the latest recipient of this lively Mexican restaurant, now nestled between the Moxy Hotel and Crypto Arena.

Describe the mood: Architect and designer Gulla Jonsdottir (of the Sandbourne Hotel, Santa Monica) took inspiration from modern Mexican churches. The result is a dramatic and atmospheric space, beginning with the entrance bar framed by soaring wooden cathedral arches and white leather bar stools shaped like piano-organ keys. Towards the back, the ‘altar’ area offers dimly lit sectional seating and intimate private dining rooms.

What to order: With an impressive selection of tequilas and mezcals, begin with the house-brand Cristalino Añejo margarita made with Cointreau. A trio of fresh crudo – ahi tuna, octopus, and white Mexican shrimp – is a flawless start, followed by the signature enchiladas, especially the Dungeness crab or Maine lobster, both sourced from sustainable suppliers in Santa Monica and Baja.

Why we love it: Javier’s is the kind of place that feels like a Mexican holiday, complete with irresistible food, mood lighting, and the undeniable temptation to stay for another round.

Javier’s DTLA is located at 1200 Figueroa St, Unit C, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Javier’s DTLA

July 2025 restaurant openings

Bar Benjamin

Ben Shenassafar of LA streetwear brand The Hundreds, along with top local restaurateur Jared Meisler and Kate Burr, have expanded their popular West Hollywood restaurant, The Benjamin, by revamping the upstairs bar into a stylish annex – perfect for starting or ending your night.

Describe the mood: Designed by Meisler, the second floor complements the restaurant below, blending Art Deco charm with a lively cocktail atmosphere. It features an ornate, wood-panelled ceiling, plush high-back mohair booths, and wedding cake-style glass pendants. Photography by Bobby Hundreds, co-founder of The Hundreds, lines the walls – and don’t miss the Dolce & Gabbana zebra print wallpaper as you make your way to the powder room.

What to order: The menu is designed to pair with cocktails crafted in collaboration with Jason Lee (n/soto, Baroo) and Chad Austin (The Mulholland, Bootlegger Tiki). Begin with a complimentary sip of the ‘Bad Bunny’ milk punch – featuring fermented carrot, hazelnut, and aquavit –then dive into a meat and cheese plate from the famed Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. Or indulge in Kennebec triple-fried chips and golden Osetra Kilo caviar with crème fraîche. Other favourites include steak tartare, shrimp salad rolls, and The Benjamin’s much-loved devilled eggs – best enjoyed alongside the bold ‘Dirtier Martini.’

Why we love it: For those nights when all you want is elevated bar bites and a few inventive cocktails, this is your go-to.

Bar Benjamin is located at 7174 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Bar Benjamin

Casa Dani and Katsuya

A duo of connecting restaurants by Sbe has opened in Century City: Casa Dani by Spanish three-Michelin-starred chef Dani García, and Katsuya by master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. Both spaces were designed by David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group.

Describe the mood: The side-by-side restaurants will officially unite later this month, offering a dynamic blend of modern Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. The expansive venue includes a trio of stunning bars, an open-air beer garden, an atrium arrival area, and a large, leafy terrace with sweeping views of the Beverly and Hollywood Hills. The connected Casa Dani and Katsuya dining rooms will accommodate an impressive 400 guests.

What to order: Casa Dani showcases modern Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Andalusian tradition. Highlights include a giant farmers market vegetable paella or a seafood version with saffron, prawns, and mussels, along with Spanish staples such as Ibérico ham croquetas and octopus carpaccio. Next door, Katsuya continues its 20-year reign with its fourth Los Angeles location, serving fan favourites like rock shrimp tempura and crispy Brussels sprouts, alongside new offerings such as toro tartare and A5 wagyu tataki.

Why we love it: Two completely distinct, stylish culinary experiences – paella and sushi – under one roof.

Casa Dani and Katsuya are located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd #1799, Los Angeles, CA 90067, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Casa Dani and Katsuya

Sōgo Roll Bar

Sōgo Roll Bar, originally from Los Feliz, has opened its second location in Highland Park in collaboration with David Gibbs and Kiminobu Saito of the highly acclaimed Sushi Note, alongside Sarah Dietz and Dustin Lancaster – the team behind longstanding favourites Bar Covell and L&E Oyster Bar.

Describe the mood: The new Highland Park outpost stays true to the original aesthetic, centred around a single, elongated sushi bar. However, this location is more spacious, adding banquettes upholstered with Block Shop Textiles and expanded outdoor seating that benefits from steady local foot traffic. Traditional Japanese stucco walls in a soft, dusky green are complemented by Gucci’s heron-print wallpaper. Neighbourhood-inspired details include Diptych artwork by Kayt Fitzmorris and a custom mural by Marly Beyer.

What to order: The main event is chef Saito-san’s hand rolls (also available cut), featuring pristine selections from albacore to yellowtail, salmon, and crab – all hand-delivered to preserve the crispness of the seaweed wrap with every bite. Standout starters include spicy tuna with Kewpie mayo on crispy rice and the delicately charred black cod served atop sake-soaked cucumber slices. Wine and sake are available by the glass or bottle, including a refreshingly sparkling nigori.

Why we love it: An intimate neighbourhood sushi spot, perfect for a quick grab-and-go or a relaxed, lingering tasting experience.

Sōgo Roll Bar is located at 5535 York Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90042, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Sōgo Roll Bar

June 2025 restaurant openings

Beethoven Market

Not far from the Santa Monica airport, on a residential corner of Mar Vista lies a bustling neighbourhood Italian rotisserie and wine bar by Jerry Adler – who is a partner at Cobi’s in Santa Monica, and has worked with Danny Meyer in New York, to name a few.

Describe the mood: Located in a renovated 1949 historic building by Tara Bean (also behind Elephante in Santa Monica and Belles Beach House in Venice), the space oozes Italian old-world charm while embracing the indoor-outdoor California lifestyle. The mood is energetic around the indoor bar and tabletops that fill up quickly with locals by 6 pm. The central tree in the middle of the outdoor patio provides bench seating if you are waiting for a much-lauded table.

What to order: Chef Michael Leonard worked at Funke and Mother Wolf, so you can rest assured the pasta and pizza game is strong – especially the rigatoni carbonara with hen eggs, and the Meyer lemon clam pie with pecorino. The custom rotisserie half chicken with chimichurri and roasted summer squash is a signature entrée that should be ordered with a side of potatoes to soak up the juices, along with a vesper dream cocktail using olive oil-infused vodka.

Why we love it: A pizza and pasta haven in an unexpected residential area that brings new life to Mar Vista and feels like an extension of your living room – if you were throwing a party.

Beethoven Market is located at12904 Palms Blvd., Mar Vista, CA 90066, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Beethoven Market

Cento Raw Bar

Cento Raw Bar comes from the team behind the popular Michelin-recognised Cento Pasta Bar in West Adams. This time, chef and co-owner Avner Levi went with a raw seafood bar concept in a lounge atmosphere rather than a patio and communal table seating.

Describe the mood: Designed by Brandon Miradi (of Somni, Vespertine and Frieze Art Fair), the central bar sits under arched white thickly plastered ceilings and is surrounded by walls created by the designer with brush-like painting strokes and the ocean foam as inspiration. A few lounging sofas and wall niches with mini-tables are perfect for a standing glass of wine and salty bite on custom plates that are a welcome pop of pastel colour.

What to order: Seafood towers come in two or three layers with giant lobster and crab claws, jumbo shrimp, scallops, oysters and uni. Add a caviar slider and the fish dip for a fuller meal, and a frothy tropical piña colada over crushed ice topped with pineapple and a cherry.

Why we love it: Fresh seafood and fun cocktails in an inventive cave-like surreal atmosphere.

Cento Raw Bar is located at 4919 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Cento Raw Bar

Lucia

Founder-owner Sam Jordan set out to research the diverse cuisine of the African diaspora by visiting nearly every single Caribbean Island to draw inspiration for this venture, which has manifested in an upscale setting in the Fairfax District.

Describe the mood: The interiors are another stunning creation by Alexis Readinger of LA-based hospitality design firm Preen, Inc. (which has just unveiled 88 Club in Beverly Hills). The studio has dreamt up a glamorous Caribbean spot with velvet booths encapsulated by towering shell domes and dramatic sculptural palms framing the central white terrazzo bar, where you can linger over a round of okra martinis.

What to order: The jerk-spiced dry-aged tomahawk steak from Jamaican native chef Adrian Forte (‘Top Chef’ Canada and Café Boulud in Toronto), who was also a private chef for Alicia Keys, Drake and the late Virgil Abloh. Other standouts include coconut fried chicken and caviar with plantain tatale (African pancakes).

Why we love it: It’s like a trip to the carefree islands but with 1950s Golden-era glamour, elevated service and food.

Lucia is located at 351 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Lucia

May 2025 restaurant openings

Café Goldie

The W Hollywood, in the ‘Vinyl District,’ is still adding food and beverage enhancements from the reopening in 2024, with the latest one in the form of a brand new all-day ground floor café with a bit of glamour.

Describe the mood: Designed by Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar of Bay Area-based Adean Studios, who has been making her mark on the design scape in LA – most recently the new Bacari in Beverly Hills. This is not your typical hotel diner but a plush space with a nod to old Hollywood with mustard yellow mid-century velvet chairs, bespoke globe pendant chandeliers, and handmade Zia tiles.

What to order: Start your day with a ceremonial strawberry matcha latte with cold foam (conceived by Vladimir Petrosyan) and an assortment of freshly baked Viennoiseries, or go for the gusto with a fried egg sandwich topped with red yuzu kosho aioli or the breakfast burrito stuffed with braised wagyu short rib.

Why we love it: If you love breakfast foods but are not a morning person, this is the café for you. It feels more like a cosy club, plus you can order a mimosa or a Mexican lager.

Café Goldie is located at 2650 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Café Goldie

Cosetta

A sleek new Italian place in Santa Monica just opened by restaurateur and celebrated chef Zach Pollack, who has been praised for helping to champion the local Italian dining scene at his past restaurants Alimento and Cosa Buona. Pollack is joined by executive chef Daniel Chavez for this venture.

Describe the mood: Located in a slightly industrial area by the Santa Monica airport, Studio UNLTD is behind the design that displays a modern homage to classical Italian architecture starting with the stunning sequence of arched colonnades over the bar upon entry. The main dining room flows out to a 100-seat patio framed by glass walls and earthy-toned materials in orange, green, and peach.

What to order: Anything from the raw bar – from scallops with Sicilian ponzu to bluefin tartare with ossobuco aioli, along with focaccia bread service, and drink a negroni with cocoa nibs. But also start with the whipped baccala dip topped with salmon roe and served with crispy house-made polenta ‘Fritos.’ And do share a pizza (one of Pollack’s specialties), with uni butter and Spanish clam conserva. Larger plates include a half lobster stuffed with creamy risotto.

Why we love it: Pollack is a pizza master who unapologetically serves a delicious pie with fancy ham (smoked coppa) and pineapple.

Cosetta is located at 3150 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Cosetta

88 Club

This new Beverly Hills restaurant from Bravo TV’s ‘Top Chef’ winner Chef Mei Lin, and owner Francis Miranda (Lock & Key, Daybird) is Mei’s first fine dining project since her award-winning Nightshade in the Arts District, and a very personal one, rooted in the Chinese flavours she grew up cooking with her parents.

Describe the mood: Designed by Los Angeles firm Preen, (based in the middle of Chinatown) the dimly lit 44-seat dining room has a side cocktail bar with only five seats, and a private dining area overlooking the main floor with dark woods, marble accents, and jade details paying tribute to the stone’s cultural significance in Chinese tradition, where it symbolises protection, prosperity, and longevity (just like the number eight.)

What to order: The elevated Chinese food is put on a marble rotating ‘lazy Susan’ for guests to share from the sesame prawn toast, chrysanthemum salad, seasonal market fried rice, bok choy, and tender Char Siu (BBQ pork), and jasmine milk tea buns. The cocktails stay on script with the classics but add a twist of Chinese ingredients such as the Gimlet with London Dry Gin, pear brandy, perilla, bitter melon, and lemon.

Why we love it: The hidden speakeasy vibe with excellent Chinese food in the middle of Beverly Hills, and they brought back the ‘Long Island’ ice tea cocktail with panache.

88 Club is located at 9737 S. Santa Monica Blvd; Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

Read our full restaurant review of 88 Club

April 2025 restaurant openings

Café 2001

There is a new reason to brave the traffic leading to the downtown LA Arts District. The team behind Yess has expanded to a two-story space next door to their izakaya-style Japanese restaurant to create an all-day Asian-European-style café.

Describe the mood: The chic artist barn aesthetic was designed by the owner, Kino Kaetsu, through a mix of repurposed French and Japanese furnishings that match the feel of the food. The open beam ceiling skylight shines down on guests dining on the mezzanine or ground floor space, where guests mingle from the front patio area to order from the pastry counter.

What to order: While you can get a whole lobster Katsu burger next door at Yess (which could easily feed two people), here you will find the daintier three-piece pork tenderloin katsu sandwich with Turkish pickles by chef Giles Clarke (whose background includes St. John in London and the Den in Tokyo), which pairs brilliantly with an English pea salad with a horseradish kick. Make sure to save room for a freshly baked chocolate or lemon brûléed tart.

Why we love it: A cool spot, which feels like a secret find, where you could spend all day drinking coffee and reading or all night on the weekends sipping Sakurai Shandy (a matcha-beer cocktail), but you never know when you might find a night of poetry, dance, or music in the mix as well.

Café 2001 is located at 2001 E 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Café 2001

Kyuramen

Big news for East Coast fans of Kyuramen in New York. The brand has recently opened its first California flagship in Arcadia, just east of Pasadena, with an elevated design that will engage you in Japanese tradition while springing a few menu surprises beyond a bowl of beloved noodles.

Describe the mood: A modern journey to Japan by the founder Gary Lin, who loves to travel around Asia to gather ideas and inspiration to execute his interior design scheme. This includes a central pale wooden Japanese ‘wish tree’ with dangling notes from guests, spacious honeycomb booths on several levels, paper lanterns, and a ramen cart-inspired reception area.

What to order: When the main dishes are developed by ramen masters, this is your priority order. The founder studied this Japanese staple to collaborate on a unique pork bone soup base with roasted pork and seven-minute boiled seasoned eggs. You can also find the cult-favourite omurice, a runny, fluffy omelette, and the best-selling signature Tokyo Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen – add salt and pepper, crispy corn and lobster balls.

Why we love it: It’s taking a trip to Japan, with plenty of small plates and a private dining room for when you want to escape the crowds or celebrate with friends and family.

Kyuramen is located at 7 Las Tunas Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Kyuramen

Linden

This Black-owned and operated regional American-Caribbean restaurant in Hollywood is backed by a team of hospitality and entertainment industry veterans with East Coast roots, who originally brought New York’s Chopped Cheese to this block of Sunset Blvd.

Describe the mood. Linden has quickly developed into a hard reservation to book for date night, a pre-theatre bite (not far from the Pantages), or after-work drinks with friends from neighbouring Netflix. Designed by Alahna Jade, who is also a partner, the intimate room channels iconic New York spots filled with distressed mirrors, white brick arches, and vintage nicknacks collected over the years that tell a personal story, with framed images of key Black history moments.

What to order: Third-generation chef Jonathan Harris’ much-lauded fire-grilled ‘Linden’ burger with scallion slaw, French onions, white American cheese, and lemon garlic aioli is a must, but do not scrimp on an order of the thick-cut herbed duck fat fries, which are served with a side of decadent side caviar aioli or the macaroni pie. Chase them all with a perfect version of a crisp vesper martini with a sidecar on ice and in-house pickled crudité.

Why we love it: It’s perfect for any occasion and mood, with diverse, comfort-food menu items that will keep you coming back for more.

Linden is located at 5936 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Linden

March 2025 restaurant openings

Alba

The latest buzzy Italian restaurant import from New York has landed on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood by Cobi Levy and Will Makris of Prince Street Hospitality. Alba Los Angeles is the sister restaurant to the popular East Coast Cucina Alba off the High Line.

Describe the mood: Inspired by the romance of their travels, Levy and Makris created the concept of an ‘Italian holiday’, evoking Italy’s charm and sophistication, which was carried out by GRT architects in Brooklyn using colourful abstract murals with cheeky statues and pottery for the indoor-outdoor space.

What to order: Roasted chicken is generously drizzled in a ‘bomba’ sauce made with Calabrian chilli, but first, the skin is lifted and dusted with sage salt to make it perfectly crispy. Rich Black truffle fondue agnolotti is stuffed with caramelised onions and Parmesan, worthy of a ‘chef’s kiss’ – in this case, to Adam Leonti, also from the New York crew.

Why we love it: Pure ‘la dolce vita’ while feeling like a stress-free Italian vacation for a few hours sipping amaro or grappa.

Alba is located at 8451 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Alba

Bar Etoile

The Domain LA natural wine shop owner Jill Bernheimer, along with partner Julian Kurland, have opened a French bistro in the blossoming Melrose Hill area on Western Avenue.

Describe the mood: Designed by Lovers Unite (of Dunsmore in Glassell Park and Bar Chelou in Pasadena) with 1970s Scandinavian influence down to the cherry wood banquettes and large powder-blue circular booths that flank a horseshoe-shaped central bar.

What to order: Unique martini made with an olive brine concoction soaked for three days with tarragon, golden balsamic, and citrus; addictive trout dip with homemade potato chips and classic steak frites by Chef Travis Hayden (last seen at Voodoo Vin wine bar in nearby Virgil Village.)

Why we love it: Over 150 small production wines (mostly from France) and the type of nibbly, savoury bar food you could eat every night of the week.

Bar Etoile is located at 632 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Bar Etoile

Bar Siesta

This Spanish restaurant and tapas bar was created by Heather Sperling (of Botanica in Silver Lake), along with Lucía Flors and Carlos Leiva (of Siesta Co.) The team partnered with Nickie Huang and Sol Stearns of LA-based design-build firm After Co. alongside interior designer Sergio Bonaque, from Valencia-based Bonaque Studio, for the sun-soaked interiors.

Describe the mood: The homey space will transport you to the Mediterranean – inspired by the magic of slowing down for a long, lingering meal, but the cacophony of voices from the centre community table fills the room with an energetic vibe that bounces off the raked stucco coved ceiling and walls.

What to order: All the small plates from traditional Spanish tortilla, hand-carved Ibérico ham, Spanish-style grilled bread With tomato, and gambas (shrimp) in butter and black salt, with plenty of cava.

Why we love it: A community bridge into a Spanish culture emersion showcasing its art, design, and gastronomy.

Bar Siesta is located at 1710 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States.

Read our full restaurant review of Bar Siesta

January and February 2025 restaurant openings

Marea Beverly Hills

The latest power-dining New York import, and Italian restaurant to open on flourishing Camden Drive in Beverly Hills, just down the street from Gagosian gallery and Cipriani, is the coastal Marea by the global Altamarea Group, which includes everyone from Beyoncé to Barack Obama as fans.

Describe the mood: Designed by boutique design and architecture firm, Nusla Design, an outdoor sitting area with a green living wall, leads the way to an elegant, yet understated bar-lounge area across from two larger rooms with both pale leather banquette and table seating.

What to order: The menu is inspired by the brand’s New York roots and is a mix of signature staples from crudi to octopus with bone marrow fusilli, to new California ingredient-driven items, case in point, ‘the avocado’ half torched and filled with spot prawn tartare, seasoned with Calabrian chillies and fennel.

Why we love it: A New York Italian with California gusto.

Marea Beverly Hills is located at 430 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States; marearestaurant.com

Read our full restaurant review of Marea Beverly Hills

Seline

Award-winning chef Dave Beran – formerly the chef de cuisine of Michelin 3-starred Alinea in Chicago, is back to his fine dining roots with Seline on Main Street in Santa Monica, not far from his French-themed Pasjoli, which is celebrated for the chef’s creative use of an entire duck.

Describe the mood: Designed by Rugo Raff Architects Ltd. in Chicago, also behind Beran’s other West Coast spots, along with Alinea in Chicago, the indoor and outdoor space is set off Main Street in Santa Monica behind large double doors which lead to a front patio space. Once inside, the discovery reveals an open kitchen that flows seamlessly with no barriers through the 38-seat space, inviting guests to feel part of the culinary process.

What to order: The menu features 15-18 courses that tell a personal story of the chef’s culinary journey while showcasing Southern California inspiration. The experience is full of surprises and melding of unexpected tastes and temperatures, such as frozen mustard and passion fruit to caviar and coffee.

Why we love it: An epic journey of unexpected flavour combinations.

Seline is located at 3110 Main St Ste 132, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States; selinerestaurant.com

Read our full restaurant review of Seline

Somni

Tucked away in a hidden garden setting on bucolic Nemo Street in West Hollywood, not far from a busy stretch of Santa Monica Blvd., Spanish chef Aitor Zabala has returned after four years to open an updated version of his beloved Somni. Formerly located in the SLS Hotel on LaCienega, the intimate restaurant earned two Michelin stars for its Catalan-inspired tasting menus.

Describe the mood: With Mediterranean and Basque roots, Somni 2.0 is a design ‘dream come true’ (the name translates to dream in Catalan.) Architect and designer Juli Capella Samper from Barcelona’s studio Capella Garcia Arquitectura, didn’t want to compete with the first incarnation of the restaurant, but rather with a ‘dream of domesticity and eating at home.’

What to order: The surreal dining experience begins in the garden with finger food, such as a crispy and ethereal Parmesan feather and thinly sliced Jamon Iberico, before sitting down inside at the chef’s counter for larger plates such as dashi with fish-shaped caviar, mussels in escabeche emulsion, and beets enshrouded in rose petals.

Why we love it: nothing tastes as good as dreams feel.

Somni is located at 9045 Nemo St, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States; somnirestaurant.com

Read our full restaurant review of Somni

Wildcrust

Who says no one eats carbs in LA? Pizza pop-ups and openings have been plentiful around town but Wildcrust warrants the lines around the block on the border of Highland Park and Eagle Rock.

Describe the mood: Chef Okabayashi collaborated with Jared Frank (Tenants of the Trees nightclub) to develop an original vision for what a West-Coast pizza parlour could be and argues that it’s LA, not New York, that leans into Italy’s enthusiastic relationship to modern life and food.

What to order: you can order a simple Margherita pie, or opt for more creative options such as the salame piccante with fermented chilli honey or braised lamb tzatziki with feta, which you can still pick up with your hands and fold.

Why we love it: A family affair where Milanese modernism meets Eastside cool.

Wildcrust is located at 4705 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States; wildcrustla.com

Read our full restaurant review of Wildcrust

How we choose the new restaurants to recommend

At Wallpaper*, design is always at the forefront. Our top picks for new restaurants all feature thoughtfully curated interiors that elevate the dining experience. And of course, the food must be exceptional too. We’re drawn to inventive menus that both surprise and delight. Each restaurant we’ve recommended has been personally visited by one of our editors. With the privilege of dining at some of the world’s most renowned spots, you can trust our firsthand experience. When we say something’s worth your time, you can be sure it is.