Broken Spanish — Los Angeles, USA

After a career working as the head chef in a series of LA-based eateries including Cyrus and Fig, Ray Garcia has ventured out on his own with debut restaurant Broken Spanish. Fellow Angelenos and interior studio Bells + Whistles worked closely with Garcia, using his Mexican-American heritage as a background for their clean, modern style. The light-filled rooms are based on a foundation of concrete and red oak, embellished with pretty hanging ceramic lamps and plants, as well as household furniture to lend a homely touch. ‘We aimed to create an interior that felt like your favourite abuelita’s house, with lots of texture and tchotchkes but with more modern materials and colours,’ explains co-designer Barbara Rourke. Our favourite touch is the wraparound marble bar, where diners can watch cooks whip up dishes that resound with Garcia’s heritage and the terroir of Southern California – dishes like moronga (blood sausage) with peach and arugula show off the kitchen’s dynamism, while crowd pleasers like an ethereally light goat’s milk flan with pistachio and roasted apricot keep locals returning for seconds.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
1050 S. Flower Street
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Messika’s fluid jewellery is given a textural twist
The Parisian brand borrows a textural finish previously reserved for high jewellery with its new collection, ‘Move Ciselé’
-
This ingenious London office expansion was built in an on-site workshop
New Wave London and Thomas-McBrien Architects make a splash with this glulam extension built in the very studio it sought to transform. Here's how they did it
-
The bespoke Jaguar E-Type GTO melds elements from every era of the classic sports car
ECD Automotive Design’s one-off commission caters to a client who wanted to combine the greatest hits of Jaguar’s E-Type along with modern conveniences and more power
-
At The Ned Nomad in New York, home comforts meet a lively atmosphere
This hotel and social club is a vibrant hub of hospitality that evokes 1920s glamour for members and visitors alike
-
How Melrose Hill became LA’s hottest art district
A billionaire developer, renowned art dealers and cutting-edge restaurateurs have come together to reinvigorate this vibrant – and walkable – neighbourhood
-
For the breakfast lover that is not a morning person, this Hollywood café is for you
Start your day with a ceremonial strawberry matcha latte and freshly baked viennoiseries amid the glamour of Café Goldie at the W Hollywood
-
The best bars in New York for stiff drinks and stunning design
From five-star hotel lobby bars on the Upper East Side to discreet downtown drinking dens, these are the best spots to sip and soak in the ambiance
-
Beverly Hills’ latest hot ticket is a Chinese restaurant with a hidden speakeasy feel
Chef Mei Lin’s 88 Club pays tribute to the prosperity, success, and good fortune symbolised by the number 8 in Chinese culture
-
You can now stay at this iconic modernist house in Palm Desert
The Desert Wave, a modernist revival project by Stayner Architects, with interiors by Design Within Reach and Paul Smith, is available to book
-
Find bubbly, chewy, perfectly crusted pizza at Cosetta, LA’s new Westside Italian gem
Located in a slightly industrial area by the Santa Monica airport, Cosetta, from pizza maestro Zach Pollack, champions the local Italian dining scene with tradition and innovation
-
Ghanaian cuisine has a story to tell at Washington, DC restaurant Elmina
The new restaurant is chef Eric Adjepong’s colourful ode to the recipes he grew up loving