The best new restaurants in Los Angeles to try right now

What is it? The triumphant return of chef Casey Lane’s tasting-style restaurant on Abbot Kinney, and what I consider to be the single best opening of the year thus far. 

Why we love it: While TV reboots should be put to bed (hot take), restaurant reboots—namely on Abbot Kinney—are reinvigorating the famed boulevard. See RVR (formerly MTN), the new and chicest location of BADMAASH, Damian's seafood-forward follow-up, San Damián, and now, the second coming of The Tasting Kitchen. The iconic Venice restaurant—a Jonathan Gold favorite and four-time James Beard semifinalist—shuttered in 2023 after a fire. And like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the restaurant is back stronger, and Lane wiser. Hospitality shines here, thanks to a sharply dressed staff who want you to drool over every aspect of the experience—the curated vinyls and live DJ sets, the high vibe, the wonderfully crafted cocktails and, of course, the food. Start with the smoked olives, obviously. You'll find oldies like spaghetti pomodoro and bucatini or rigatoni all'Amatriciana (depending on the night), brought to bolder life with onion and tomato conserva. Lane's skill has always shone brightest with pasta, and the menu has plenty to choose from there. The cacio e pepe with a trifecta of pepper (pink, black, and white—which Lane charmingly and quizzically calls "very barnyard") is a standout, as is the Josper-oven mackerel escabeche, the boqueron-and-anchovy "matrimonio toast" with a buoyant spread of piquillo butter, and the luscious roasted mission figs with marinated ricotta and a hit of balsamic. With so many options and some pricier mains, it's worth investing in the tasting menu (four courses for $115, five for $135) and letting Lane take the helm. The beauty of it: he flows with the moment—and with any preferences you relay—so no two tables have the same experience. Call it chef's intuition. The carnivorous four-top next to us got a 50oz bone-in ribeye and picanha with chimichurri and bordelaise; we asked for a pescatarian-forward lineup, and Lane stunned us with a Dover sole bathed in caper beurre meunière, then finished us off with an eye-popping selection of farmers' market fruit on ice.

Time Out tip: If you know Lane, you know he loves nothing more than scoring some gorgeous produce at the market and putting it to good use in the kitchen ASAP. On the menu, he calls the mystery dish “shepherding of God’s work” and you should definitely order it.

Address: 1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm-midnight; Sun 5-11pm 

What is it? The evolution of the Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzeria that took LA by storm, now with an expanded kitchen, menu and even more palate-bending pies.

Why we love it: Pizzeria Sei's original Pico-Robertson shop is now Sei Pizza Bar, and Pizzeria Sei Palms is the bigger and, quite frankly, better outfit from husband-and-wife partners in life and pizza, William Joo and Jennifer So. Here, pies transcend the Neapolitan style that made Pizzeria Sei one of the city's best pizzerias—a reminder that to evolve, you have to change. Joo's career is walking proof, having moved through the kitchens of Providence, Ronan and Pizzana before venturing out on his own. His maturation is evident in the dough of his signature Neapolitan, elevated to be slightly lighter. The Sei Margherita adds buffalo mozzarella and just a bit more tanginess than the traditional Margherita. But it's the new pizza styles—fried montanara and thin, crispy Roman-style scrocchiarella, both of which Joo spent serious time perfecting—that make Pizzeria Sei among the most exalted pizza experiences one can have. The 4 Culture Diavola, which Pizzeria Sei opened with and is rumored to be swapped out sometime this fall, should be at the top of your to-eat list. On it: gochujang romesco, bits of maple-candied guanciale, 15-year-aged balsamic, stracciatella, basil, and thinly sliced Iberico chorizo. A beautiful pie both visually and in execution, it's a rainbow of flavors in perfect balance—and yet each of the five basic tastes still gets to shine. Then there's the Riviera, a fried-then-baked montanara pie with a light, crisp base and a pillowy center, ideal for holding heavier, unexpected toppings—namely heaping amounts of tuna conserva. It's not a red pie. It's not a white pie. It's a squid ink, salsa verde, aioli and caramelized onion jam pie, finished with lemon zest and copious amounts of dill. So, mostly a green pie? Who cares, you need it. Pizza aside, creamy, crunchy, sweet corn croquettes burst with truffle and fior di latte. They hit the appetizer spot and set you up for all the salt and acid of the pies to come. There's also a beautiful gem-and-herb salad with white miso and the appropriate amount of shallots every salad should have (a lot). For a sweet finish, do not miss the tiramisu parfait layered with mascarpone, citrus, and housemade gelato. Chef Joo's really excited about the gelato machine he got, and it shows in spades.

Time Out tip: Securing a reservation takes diligence—they open a week in advance, at noon daily—so set a reminder. Walk-ins can expect to wait a couple of hours or more.

Address: 10700 Tabor St, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 4-10pm

What is it? A rising Spanish star in West Adams from the restaurant group behind Santa Barbara’s beloved Loquita.

Why we love it: As diverse as LA’s dining scene is, Spanish restaurants para picoteo are few and far between. For the uninitiated: picoteo is the art of eating small plates (i.e. tapas). Picala, and chef Luis Sierra (formerly of Lulu at the Hammer Museum), are out to change that with a menu of about 20 tapas plus paellas and a handful of entrées, but before we get to the food, we need to talk about the drinks. Picala pours some of the best NA cava I’ve yet to find. The house-made sangria is excellent—the rosé is the sleeper hit, minty and herbaceous with subtle tempranillo and vodka. If Brandy and Allspice is your thing, the red sangria has your number. From the cocktail list, La Mancha mixes passionfruit, manchego-washed tequila, and orgeat and comes with a literal wedge of manchego, which I now want with all my cocktails. The saffron-bourbon-bitters number is a simple but elegant twist on an old fashioned. As for foodstuff, traditionalists will appreciate the prerequisite citrus-marinated olives and plate of jamón ibérico with baguette. Crispy ham croquettes oozing with decadent, silky béchamel rival the ones I just had at one of Barcelona's best taperías. Tuna crudo gets a piquant mojo verde treatment that demands to be drunk off the plate. I love it when a place woos me with its mixed greens, and Picala's iteration—date vinaigrette, toasted nuts—has me thinking about it days later. Same goes for the vibrant, acid-forward sardine escabeche on pan de cristal, dolloped with aioli to round it out. Gambas al ajillo do the classic justice in all the ways you'd expect—the head-on prawns are tender, garlicky and finger-licking (but also head-sucking) good. When I spotted fideos in the paella section, I could barely contain myself, only to find the noodles aren't cooked in a paella pan. They're well executed, but it's not traditional fideuà, so I wouldn't order it again over the paella (and I wish the menu made the distinction clear). Still, Picala left me wanting to come back for arroz negro, cochinillo, pescado frito, y más. Picoteo accomplished.

Time Out tip: During pinxtos hour (Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7pm), every drink you order comes with a complimentary pinxto (bar bite). Start with the NA off-menu Madrid (think a negroni-spritz hybrid) before going all in on the nitro carajillo with Amaro Montenegro, Cynar, Evil coffee, and a dusting of shaved espresso bean.

Address: 3337 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5:30-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-10pm; Sun 5:30-9pm

What is it? Enrique Olvera’s mariscos-forward follow-up to Damian on the Westside. 

Why we love it: A marisquería is exactly what Abbot Kinney has been missing since always. You may have been here when it was Atla, Olvera's unfussy Mexican spot from the same group behind Pujol in Mexico City and Cosme in New York. San Damián is his ode to the seafood bounty of the Pacific. Sure, you'll find potato flautas, pollo frito and carne asada on the menu, but you'd be remiss not to make it a full-on mariscos outing when there are bright queen clams, lip-smacking poached shrimp aguachile, and vermilion rockfish ceviche crowned with uni to choose from. There's also tuna or crab tostada and an octopus cocktail—and that's just the starters. As for mains, the head-on prawns taste of ocean and garlic in the best way. Olvera has reinvented al pastor yet again—this time swapping the duck you'd get at Damian for a gorgeous achiote-glazed kanpachi fillet that—cliché oncoming—melts in your mouth. Take the first bite unadulterated, then layer it onto a fresh tortilla with a spread of pineapple butter underneath and thinly sliced pineapple on top. My only complaint is that there isn't more of it (I could easily put away a serving solo). The palo santo tepache is perfect for the new-age Venice crowd that's strongly represented here. If you want a drink drink but keep it healthy-ish, the carrot-cucumber-poblano mezcalita is as vegetal as it is spicy.

Time Out tip: When it comes to dessert, the clear winner is strawberries and (chantilly) cream. 

Address: 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5-10pm; Sun 3-8pm 

What is it? Another delightful Eastside neighborhood bistro with an old-lady name (looking at you, Henrietta)—in this case, the grandmothers of childhood friends and owners Marco Gagliardi and Anthony Dragotto.

Why we love it: Chef Marco Gagliardi honed his chops at places like Zahav in Philly and Bon Délire in San Francisco, so it's no wonder his first solo venture is as cool as it is sophisticated. Housed in the former Bowery Bungalow—a Craftsman-style cottage—Josephine conjures the feel of the restaurant you'd dream up as a kid playing pretend at home (guilty, anyone, or just me?). You can sit by the open windows at a bar table, in the quaint dining room where you and your neighbors compete to talk over the rock music, or on the romantic, string-lit back patio. It took Gagliardi and Dragotto a minute to figure out what Silver Lake wanted from Josephine—it started as a tasting menu with à la carte only at the bar, before they quickly pivoted to fully à la carte and found their groove rotating a good number of dishes every month or so. Mainstays worth repeat visits include the citrus-forward fennel salad with olives and pine nuts; whatever local crudo is on deck; and a bold beef tartare in a pool of jus with beef-fat aioli for good measure. On my visit, the perfectly al dente duck tortellini (on its way off the menu) with cherries and mustard seeds left me wanting more—so if there's duck pasta on offer, order it.

Time Out tip: I'm never one to push chicken as an entree, but it's Josephine's signature main for damn good reason: both Josephine Gagliardi and Josephine Dragotto passed down generational chicken recipes to Marco and Anthony. The result is an Italian-French blend of technique and juicy flavor that is reminiscent of Thomas Keller’s revered Bouchon roast chicken. 

Address: 4156 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5-10pm

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amiguita (@amiguitalosangeles)

What is it? Comforting yet inventive Afro-Caribbean fare, natural wines, and solid mojitos in a Silver Lake strip mall.

Why we love it: Unlike most restaurants on Sunset Junction, you can walk into Amiguita without much fuss (or a line) and have an excellent meal for $50 a person (wine or mojito included). This space has said goodbye to a lot of restaurants—Trois Familia, Eszett, Ruby Fruit—and we're hoping it stops with Amiguita. Maybe, just maybe, this gem gets a 20-year run like OG spaceholder Alegria. It's certainly poised to, thanks to the approachable, craveable and economical menu from chef Alejandro Eusebio. The fried whole red snapper, at $38, is the priciest thing on the menu—and with perfectly crispy, dense tostones, zesty wasakaka, and some version of greens and herbs, it's a hefty main for two. You don't need much more, though you should add the Haitian coconut rice and beans. If you're really hungry, yuca latkes and dessert round things out nicely. Of course, you'll want to come back for spicy salmon tartare with mango, avocado and passionfruit atop tostones. Or quarter jerk chicken and guava-grilled wings. Or plantain gnocchi doused in Nigerian curry. True to its name, Amiguita feels like a friend you’ll want to keep. 

Time Out tip: The flan is non-negotiable—impeccably eggy, velvety and light. 

Address: 3510 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5-10pm; Thu–Sat 5-10pm; Sun 5-9pm

What is it? The beloved DTLA and Fairfax Indian fusion joint, now dishing out its butter chicken samosas and chicken tikka poutine alongside too-easy-to-drink cocktails on Abbot Kinney. 

Why we love it: Brothers Nakul and Arjun Mahendro, and their pops Pawan, can be found cycling through the moody dining room and the kitchen on any given night. Every dish comes with a delicious anecdote. If you let him, Nakul will tell you how the slow-roasted lamb neck korma was a dish for the emperors of Northern India, or how the Alphonso mango mousse is Top Chef Michael Voltaggio's favorite. As I inhale dahi pooris (crispy puffs made from semolina and stuffed with yogurt, chickpeas, tamarind and mint chutney), Nakul tells me he keeps opening restaurants to give his old man a sense of purpose—and Abbot Kinney was always a dream destination. It's easy to understand why. The vibe here is a far cry from BADMAASH's other, more casual outposts. You'll find the usual BADMAASH suspects, including the signature steak frites, plus some new creations like garlic naan with garlic confit and green garlic butter, and whipped ricotta toast with seasonal fruit and tamarind jam. It is Venice, after all.

Time Out tip: Steve LaFountain (Horses, Little Prince) is responsible for BADMAASH’s foray into cocktail territory, so do have a dirty martini, a mezcal margarita, and anything with chai or orgeat.   

Address: 1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 4:30-11pm; Fri-Sat 4:30-11:30pm; Sun 4:30-11pm

What is it: Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat and Tongkamal “Joy” Yuon’s continued expansion of their famous DTLA window—dishing out Thai street food made with hyper-local ingredients—now on the Westside.

Why we love it: Bright, busy and boisterous, Holy Basil Santa Monica is a love letter to Bangkok. Communal tables and little-to-no separation (save for counter seating) between the dining room and open kitchen, where flames from the wok fly high every few minutes, is part of the thrill. So is an ever-evolving menu that doesn’t have a single dud and highlights what’s fresh, sustainable, and in season. Right now, that’s Baja scallops, which get an aguachile treatment. Or a crackling whole fried sea bream swimming in a tangy, citrusy fish sauce. A crisp, acid-forward Thai rendition of a Caesar comes with generous amounts of Parmesan and pickled onions, and is dotted with four white anchovies. Ration the white anchovies accordingly across bites. There’s a reason the signature Bangkok wok-fried jasberry fried rice loaded with dungeness crab and “holy” seasoning blend is ordered by every table, but don’t overlook the braised beef shank with paccheri noodles in zesty, nutty and creamy curry. It deserves a moment of meditation. 

Time Out tip: Don’t sleep on the non-alcoholic beverages—think Hibiscus agave oolong and dragonfruit rosemary, thoughtfully concocted by Joy. 

Address: 2828 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Opening hours: Tue 5-9pm; Wed-Sun noon-2:30pm, 5-9pm

What is it? A breakfast-all-day diner in Larchmont Village from Everybody Loves Raymond creator and Somebody Feed Phil host Phil Rosenthal and chef Nancy Silverton—where even Steven Spielberg has to wait for a table.

Why we love it: When places are this overhyped, my expectations are usually unmet. But Max & Helen's is well worth the hoopla. Weekend waits have reportedly hit five hours, though a recent Saturday around 1pm clocked in at one, palatable especially if you have business in the neighborhood. The retro diner charm, with tattersall-plaid booths and counter seating, is transporting, and the food that punches above its weight is a reason to return. I loved the L.E.O.—the classic lox, eggs, and onions scramble, nicely elevated with Gingrass smoked salmon and copious bright dill. A double-stack of blueberry pancakes—fluffy inside, crisp at the edges—left me with leftovers, which were surprisingly good on the reheat. The Larchmont Slam covers all your breakfast bases with two eggs, home fries, a pancake, and bacon or sausage. At lunch and dinner, the matzoh ball soup, pastrami Reubens, and tuna melts hold their own against the breakfast hits. Max & Helen's isn't trying to reinvent the diner—just execute classics with better ingredients than your everyday diner. That comes at a price: a meal for two without drinks ran $58 with tax and tip, putting it in République and Destroyer territory.

Time Out tip: Off-hours—between 2:30 and 5pm—are your best bet for shorter waits. Dining solo? Phil's daughter and creative director Lily might just seat you next to someone special at what she calls "the most engaging counter spots." Her matchmaking skills have resulted in two guests who are still dating.

Address: 127 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Opening hours: Daily 8am-8pm

What is it? A neighborhood joint from the team behind Found Oyster and Rasarumah and chef-partner DK Kolender (Tartine, Dudley Market) that's putting the lesser-known neighborhood of Hermon on L.A.’s culinary map.

Why we love it: Before you even walk inside Hermon's, its Art Deco facade and warm, emanating glow give you the feeling that you’ll want to stay a while—a result of its former life as a church banquet hall, perhaps. The feeling only intensifies once inside, where—between the all-booth dining room or u-shaped bar—there isn't a single uncomfortable seat in the house. The staff is extremely welcoming, too. Chef DK Kolender delivers dishes without pretense, chats up patrons at the bar, and works the pass with calmness and swagger. Tables of double dates are having a swell time, downing on-tap yuzu margaritas and walnut old fashioneds at incomprehensible speeds. And the food is coursed out in a way that invites you to kick back and enjoy. You'd be remiss not to start with the garlic bread for the table (I skipped it and paid the price of regret). Yellowfin tuna crudo packs a nice, unexpected heat courtesy of tangerine kosho. A mountain of market greens is delicately dressed in mustard miso vinaigrette, letting all the herbs do the talking. As a vongole purist, I was skeptical about the two-sheet vongole—especially after seeing it hyped all over social media—but it proved to be a highlight of the meal. The inventive take folds a sheet of pasta, layering in whipped ricotta and then topping it off with clams, cream, guanciale, parmesan, and breadcrumbs. For a sweet finish, the chocolate chip cookie is a stand-out, baked and served in a skillet with vanilla ice cream and Maldon salt. It sadly outshone the baked Alaska, which I wanted to love—though to be fair, no baked Alaska has measured up in my book since Daniel Boulud’s DBGB shuttered, so it's a tall order. 

Time Out tip: Get in line before 5pm and you might just score walk-in seats at the bar. What’s more, Hermon’s hour slings martinis and yuzu margaritas for $10 till 6pm, so drink up, then order the sesame milk bun cheeseburger (originally created for Chez Renée, which burned in the Palisades fire).

Address: 5800 Monterey Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Opening hours: Daily 5-10pm