The best new restaurants in Los Angeles to try right now

What is it? A farm-to-table bistro operating out of a beautifully restored Victorian era Craftsman bungalow just outside of Chinatown.

Why we love it: This former pop-up run by chef Miles Thompson and Lolo Wine Bar alum Andy Schwartz serves the most inventive, memorable and delicious wine bar fare I’ve ever had in Los Angeles. Back in 2023, the pair originally debuted Baby Bistro as a short-term pop-up inside Koreatown’s Hotel Normandie, where it quickly became one of the summer’s hottest tables. Now, the pair’s ultimate vision has come to life inside the same trendy Victor Heights complex as Perilla LA, Bakers Bench, Heavy Water and Cassell’s Hamburgers. The charming indoor atmosphere of the century-old former residence adds a stylish touch to a meal here, but the best seats in the house might actually be on the tiny back patio, where tables overlook a grove of banana trees and the complex’s lush garden. For a full meal, the menu is designed to be ordered in its entirety—which costs somewhere between $90 and $100, including supplements—though you can also order just a few for more of a drink and light bites experience. I loved the housemade onion bread, piled high with bright orange Liptauer cheese, and the clever, salt-forward cucumber squid salad, but Thompson lavishes every seasonal dish with the care and attention it deserves. Street parking.

Time Out tip: If you drink alcohol, order at least one glass of wine—Schwartz has put together an excellent, reasonably priced wine list, and even the by-the-glass selections are awesome. 

Address: 1027 Alpine St, Building B, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–11:30pm

What is it? A stylish Fairfax lounge and restaurant serving a tightly curated menu of Afro-Caribbean cuisine that’s unlike anything else in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Lucia manages to capture the glitz and glamour of West Hollywood while leaving much of the pretension behind—and the restaurant’s culinary game is on point as well. Founded by serial restaurateur Sam Jordan, the upscale restaurant isn’t just a dinner destination, it’s also a late-night cocktail lounge for those looking to get dressed up for a lively night on the town. Jamaica-born head chef Adrian Forte, who’s also worked as a private chef for Black visionaries like Drake, Alicia Keys and Virgil Abloh (as well as appeared on Top Chef Canada), has put together an elevated, lounge-style menu of dishes and drinks that nod to traditional Caribbean fare. Think a martini topped with pickled okra, jerk-marinated rib eye and a sorrel (a.k.a. hibiscus) lychee ceviche. Not every dish totally wowed me—the coconut fried chicken was a bit dry, and the $30 trio of wagyu patties was comically small—but paired with the excellent drinks and stunning ambience, Lucia easily earns a spot on my list of this summer’s must-visit restaurants. Look out for Forte’s late-night bites menu for the after 10 o’clock crowd. Metered street and $15 valet parking.

Time Out tip: The pepper shrimp toast with chandon beni (also known as culantro) is a must-order.

Address: 351 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 6pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–2am; Sun 6pm–midnight

What is it? A seasonal Cal-Italian restaurant in the heart of Mar Vista with charming ambience, reasonable prices and most importantly, impeccable culinary execution.

Why we love it: Since opening in late March, Beethoven Market has filled up at all hours with Westsiders and hyperlocals in search of a delicious, not-too-pricey meal of pasta, pizza and other small plates offerings determined by the farmers’ market. In a part of town that’s downright lousy with Italian restaurants, a logline like that might sound like a snoozefest, but talented executive chef Michael Leonard (an alum of Rustic Canyon and all three of Evan Funke’s restaurants) makes the crowd-pleasing menu shine through high-quality ingredients and an industry veteran’s attention to detail.  The classic caper-topped tuna crudo here is one of the best I’ve ever had, and the three-day fermentation process for the pizza dough translates into a wonderfully chewy, lightweight crust that stands out in L.A.’s Neapolitan-heavy pizza scene. The reasonably priced cocktail menu is overseen by lead bartender Nicole Mitchell, an alum of now-closed Cassia, who has revived a version of her former employer’s beloved piña colada, strawberry lava flow and all. Nothing here reinvents the wheel, but the convivial atmosphere and first-rate dishes and drinks translate into a lovely way to spend a summer evening on the deep Westside. Street parking.

Time Out tip: The restaurant technically opens at 4pm for happy hour and a limited menu of bar bites—which is when many parents in the neighborhood drop by for some well-deserved drinks—but the full menu is only served at 5pm.

Address: 12904 Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5–9pm; Thu–Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it: A stealth West L.A. opening from the team behind Tokyo’s La Bombance, a 20-year-old restaurant known for its contemporary kaiseki tasting menu. 

Why we love it: Outside of omakase bars, there’s almost nothing else in Los Angeles that feels as straight out of Japan as Asakura. The restaurant offers two different seasonal kaiseki menus—about eight courses for $200 and close to a dozen for $300. At that price point, it’s competing with the city’s fine dining greats, but Asakura delivers a delicious, slightly quirky mix of fusion-leaning dishes like noodles topped with cucumber and smoked caviar and grilled eggplant topped with uni and tosazu (vinegar jelly). For now, the kitchen is temporarily manned by chefs from Sudachi, one of La Bombance’s sibling concepts in Tokyo, so expect a bit of a language barrier unless you speak a little Japanese. Unlike hometown kaiseki greats like n/naka and Hayato, Asakura offers more of a native Japanese chef’s interpretation of modern kaiseki. In practice, this means unique details like slippery globes of konjac kelly and a slightly viscous fish soup topped with scallions and myoga (Japanese ginger). It’s not for everyone, but it will certainly delight Japanese cuisine aficionados—so if you love kaiseki in all its various forms, book a seat at the bar. On-site and nearby metered street parking.

Time Out tip: If you don’t finish all the rice in the kamado (cauldron) served at the end of the meal, the chefs will gladly let you take it home. The night I visited, they shaped the leftover grains into two little onigiri. 

Address: 11901 Santa Monica Blvd #111, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Opening hours: Mon–Sat, 5pm and 7:30pm seatings

What is it? A destination-worthy Hermosa Beach bistro that we recently featured in a long-form review. 

Why we love it: Run by Somni alums Kevin De Los Santos and Katya Shastova, Vin Folk offers diners a taste of fine dining—minus the sky-high tasting menu prices. The reasonably priced, globally inspired dishes are a refreshing antidote to the overpriced small plates served at other trendy L.A. wine bars; the chef-servers are knowledgeable and warm; and the modest dining room is beautifully appointed with vintage-inspired light fixtures, wood panels and classic bistro chairs. On my visits, I loved the beef tongue, chili crab risotto and half jidori chicken served in a black-eyed pea cassoulet. Better yet are the pritto, which draws inspiration from Taiwanese popcorn chicken, and the kitchen’s zippy, refreshing take on yellowtail crudo. For drinks, the beverage program includes sake and a thoughtfully curated selection of wines by the glass, plus aperitif cocktails and housemade tea blends. At the end of your meal, it’s all but mandatory to indulge in at least one of the Filipino-inspired desserts by Lei Elmann, who’s previously spent time crafting pastries at Destroyer and Vespertine. My favorites were the San Royal, the Koko Krunch and Gason-style flan—but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Order whatever verbal specials are available.

Address: 1501 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm

What is it? A seasonal British-Japanese café and bistro in the Arts District.

Why we love it: The first time I visited an early version of Cafe 2001 last fall, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the pork katsu sandwich—the meat slipped out from between the slices of milk bread as I tried to eat—and the seasonal fruit tart was just fine. Since then, however, chef Giles Clark has expanded and refined the menu to include a litany of British-influenced delights, including smoked trout with hashbrowns and huckleberry jam, a thick-cut bacon sandwich and a pistachio-studded terrine. Unlike most L.A. openings, Cafe 2001 serves the kind of subtle, light but still delicious cuisine perfect for a casual breakfast or midday meal. For sweets, I liked the jelly doughnuts and a fudgy matcha canéle, which helped me round out the fleet of thoughtfully constructed daytime beverages—an iced seasonal fruit matcha latte and housemade cascara cola among them. I’ve yet to try the afternoon menu or cocktail offerings, but if those are anything at all like the café-centric parts of the menu, they’re just as great. Street parking and nearby private lots.

Time Out tip: If you’re trying to score a particular pastry, arrive right around 11am, when most of them become available.

Address: 2001 E 7th St North Entrance, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 8am–4pm; Fri–Sun 8am–8:30pm

What is it? A Mexican restaurant and bar in Sherman Oaks from the same team behind Mírate in Los Feliz. 

Why we love it: Max Reis is the mastermind behind one of the best bars in the city. Here, the Gracias Madre alum brings that same level of craft and focus to margaritas, which come in both sweet and savory renditions. Whether traditional or inventive, each cocktail is impeccably thought out. There’s a bright purple margarita inspired by a Baja-style fish taco, a verdant slushie that riffs on guacamole and a mangoneada version topped with fruity popping boba. What surprised me the most, however, were Daisy’s standout culinary offerings, which are a solid cut above most of the other Mexican options in the immediate area. Head chef Alan Sanz, formerly of Maisano in Costa Mesa, brings an upscale, modern twist to classic dishes like aguachile and guacamole. I loved the vegan-friendly aguachile de chayote and impeccably grilled branzino. The botanas (bar snacks) were especially clever, including the chicharrón del parque, which uses a puffed wheat cracker as a base for cured yellowfin and macha verde. Metered street parking and $10 valet parking.

Time Out tip: Skip the so-so tacos in favor of a starter and one of the surprisingly well-executed entrées (“fuertes”), and you’ll have an excellent meal here.

Address: 14633 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–1am; Sun 5pm–midnight

What is it? A Koreatown restaurant serving a homestyle take on hanjeongsik—an elegantly arranged traditional table spread that includes banchan, rice, soup and more. Here, over two dozen unique dishes are placed on a table-sized tray that a server slides on top of your actual table.

Why we love it: Starting at $50 per person (with more premium $70 and $100 options to come in the near future), J Korean offers a bounty of reasonably priced, tasty items at a relative steal. Each set includes multiple soups and stews; familiar cooked dishes like spicy pork bulgogi and bossam; plates and plates of banchan that you’d be hard-pressed to find at most other Korean restaurants; and a few sweet things to end your meal. Not every dish is great, but everything’s at least pretty good, and I found the meal in totality to be deeply satisfying due to the sheer variety and homestyle preparations. J Korean comes from the same group behind nearby Borit Gogae, which also offers a bountiful set meal, albeit at a lower price and more focused on vegetables. Best of all, it’s fun to try and sample every dish on the table, since every dish is carefully allocated so every person in your party can try a little bit of everything. On-site valet parking and nearby metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Ask your server for a glove or two to eat the spicy marinated raw crab, which requires getting a little messy.

Address: 210 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–2:30pm, 4–9pm; Fri 11am–2:30pm, 4–9:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am–9:30pm

What is it? A Michelin-recognized international ramen chain specializing in toripaitan, or chicken ramen.

Why we love it: After softly opening in the middle of May, the first L.A. outpost of Mensho Tokyo is already firing on all cylinders, at least in the culinary department. On my visit, I tried the signature tori paitan, which uses a creamy chicken broth base and adds three kinds of chashu (A5 Wagyu, fermented pork and duck), truffle sauce, burdock chips and more. I also ordered the Garlic Knock Out, which is Mensho’s maximalist version of a spicy ramen, but ultimately preferred the milder signature, at least as a first-timer. The array of appetizers here are just as well considered, from buttery corn ribs to a tasty chicken karaage served with spicy garlic sauce or house fermented black vinegar. The Wagyu-obsessed will probably appreciate the A5 nigiri, which can be topped with scallions or ikura, but I found the dish to be rather underwhelming. Nevertheless, Mensho Tokyo is a serious contender for my highly vetted guide to the best ramen in the city—do you need any more recommendation than that? Nearby public parking (3846 Cardiff Ave and 3844 Watseka Ave) with one hour free, $1 per hour thereafter. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant doesn’t offer reservations or even a formal waitlist, and the queue can end up taking about 45 minutes or more on weekend evenings. For best results, arrive early, or try coming on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.

Address: 9516 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9pm 

What is it? An Arts District soda-slash-tea fountain masquerading as a fast-casual fried chicken concept from Joshua Skenes, the Bay Area fine-dining veteran behind temporarily closed Leopardo.

Why we love it: Two hot Sichuan-esque chicken tenders (these ones are made with sansho peppercorns, a close relative of Sichuan variety), a “liquid” waffle (it’s actually just dipped in waffle-infused maple syrup), fries and a soda may cost $26 at Happies, but Skenes knows how to make seriously great spicy fried chicken. The real reason I’m recommending Happies, however, is for the great, over-the-top array of desserts and drinks, both boozy and booze-free. I'm talking an impeccably crafted cold brew topped with an entire Krispy Kreme doughnut; a boozy, light purple Kyoho grape slushie; and a slate of housemade milk teas and sodas that includes an alpine strawberry soda and a must-try milk and honey oolong tea. The same soft-serve made famous at the now-closed Angler LA and more recently, at Skenes’ Leopardo (which is slated to reopen later this year) is also available at Happies with several different sauces, including butterscotch and passion fruit. The concept shares a space and kitchen with Tatsu Ramen. So if you find yourself anywhere near Downtown L.A. (after the anti-ICE protests and related curfews, the entire region certainly needs the business!) and are looking for a quick jolt of culinary dopamine, Happies more than fits the bill. Street and on-site parking.

Time Out tip: On the weekends, guests can park in the next-door parking lot, which normally belongs to the crossfit gym.

Address: 427 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Wed–Sun noon–8pm

What is it? A newly relocated Sri Lankan restaurant in Thai Town serving a mix of traditional and fusion-style dishes—plus beer and wine.

Why we love it: After years of operating out of a Tarzana strip mall, chef-owner Shaheen Ghazaly has landed in new digs with the help of new business partner Nimesh Rajakumar. The inviting dining room and tasty micheladas further broaden Kurrypinch’s appeal. I wouldn’t say I'm ultra familiar with Sri Lankan cuisine, but I love Northridge’s Baja Subs—and Kurrypinch is equally great. This more centrally located option is a must-try for those living in the city proper, with traditional dishes like kottu roti—a stir-fried mix of roti, eggs, vegetables and your choice of protein—and Ghazaly’s reconstruction of traditional Sri Lankan string hoppers into a flavorful, more user-friendly pilau. My surprising favorite, however, was the mixed vegetable curry plate, which features three different items that rotate regularly. The chef flexes his creativity further in the coconut milk risotto and Cajun spiced shrimp, but I’d still steer you towards the classics, especially if you’re not familiar with the cuisine of this tiny South Asian island nation. On Saturdays and Sundays, Kurrypinch also offers lamprais (a delightful banana leaf packet of rice, protein and side dishes), chicken biryani and a prawn curry. I’ve yet to try those items, but if they’re anything like the rest of the menu, they’re most likely just as delicious. Metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Unless you live in the area, I’d say the more straightforward “over the grill” section is worth skipping.

Address: 5051 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 5–10pm, Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–9pm

What is it? A Cal-Mediterranean concept that’s another major win for the South Bay from the group behind Ryla, the Arthur J and Fishing with Dynamite.

Why we love it: Led by Alice Mai, the former chef de cuisine of FWD, this bustling beachside crowd-pleaser gets all the details right, from the all-around great mezze-style spreads served with your choice of housemade pita or fluffy focaccia to the standout octopus a la plancha. (I say this as someone inherently bored with the ubiquitous mix of octopus, potatoes and aioli.) In general, the salads, pastas and skewers at AttaGirl transcend their conventional-sounding menu descriptions. Even the fries receive a dusting of dill vinegar—perfect for pickle lovers—and the must-order spiced lamb bolognese tilts towards a North African flavor profile with sweet, smoky notes of cinnamon, cardamom and fennel. Other highlights include a flaky phyllo spinach pie with lemon bechamel sauce, spiced pork belly skewers and crispy brussel sprouts with date purée. The drinks are solid as well. Throw in the excellent desserts, particularly the dark chocolate torte with pistachio ice cream and cherry compote, and you’ve got yourself a phenomenal area dining option—and a great option for those looking for a special-occasion meal in the South Bay. Nearby public lot and metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Order the chef’s plate, which includes a sampler of all four spreads with both bread options.

Address: 1238 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5–10pm; Thu–Sat 5–10:30pm; Sun 5–10pm

What is it? A casual yakitori joint in Culver City serving seriously delicious à la carte skewers and a kushiyaki omakase ($120).

Why we love it: Run by a pair of best friends who’ve known each other since kindergarten, Gokigen Tori has transformed the former Harajuku Taproom space into a yakitori-focused eatery straight out of Tokyo. The prices per skewer are a little steep compared to other kushiyaki options I’ve tried in L.A., but the high-quality ingredients and cooking translate into a juicy, flavorful and still quite reasonably priced meal. A mandatory $5 surcharge lets you indulge in unlimited lightly dressed cabbage salad, which balances out the smoky char of the skewers. On my visit, I tried the omakase, which includes surprisingly tender chicken hearts (usually, they're a little overcooked and dry) and a hefty skewer of A5 Wagyu. For the price, the omakase provides a generous mix of skewers and cooked items, plus one of the simple but satisfying desserts of the day. Aside from skewers, Gokigen Tori also serves a handful of lesser known Japanese dishes like nikujaga—a cozy meat and potato stew—and a mini bowl of tori paitan. This place is the only Japanese skewer spot on the Westside that compares to Sawtelle’s longtime, perpetually busy Nanbankan. For area locals, it's almost certainly worth a visit. Metered street parking.

Time Out tip: Grab bar seats to take in all the action going on at the kushiyaki grill. All night long, the chefs rotate various meat and vegetable skewers and occasionally dip them into the jug of tare (a sweetened mix of sake and soy sauce).

Address: 4410 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5–10pm 

What is it? The new L.A. flagship location of Ipuddo, an international ramen chain that began in Fukuoka, Japan. 

Why we love it: Ipuddo first came to L.A. by way of a much-hyped Santa Monica debut back in 2018, only to quietly close that location during the early days of the pandemic. A second outpost in West Hollywood opened in 2019, but I thought the ramen bowls there were merely okay in comparison to the wealth of other ramen options available in Los Angeles. Now, thanks to an expanded menu that includes more starters, appetizers and vegan options, the all-new Ipuddo in Culver City seems to finally live up to the reputation for a brand long considered by our New York counterparts as one of the city’s best ramen joints. The classic pork tonkotsu broth here is milky, rich and satisfying—and gets even better with the housemade spicy “bolognese,” which is completely plant-based. The mushroom-infused vegan broth serves as a compelling option for those avoiding animal products. Plus, the signature buns inspired by Taiwanese gua bao and chicken karaage are just as delicious as when I first tried them in Santa Monica seven years ago—even if they’re no longer quite as cool. Nearby public parking (3846 Cardiff Ave and 3844 Watseka Ave) with one hour free, $1 per hour thereafter. 

Time Out tip: Try the mazemen, which is one of the best dishes I’ve had all year. Each order consists of a bowl of thick, chewy noodles made of dark rye flour; sides of various toppings, including pork chashu and bamboo shoots; and a condiment caddy that includes furikake, vinegar, chili oil and minced garlic that lets you season the dish to your liking. Trust me on this one—it’s unlike any other mazemen I’ve tried in L.A. 

Address: 3847 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–11pm; Sun 11:30am–9:30pm

What is it? A coastal Italian restaurant and hand roll bar at the Original Farmers’ Market that’s way better and more interesting than it sounds. 

Why we love it: Wood-fired pizzas? Hand rolls? Boredom was all I felt when I first read the press releases for Savta (downstairs) and Sora (upstairs). Both are the product of Vincent Benoliel, who also runs Pasta Corner and Michelina inside the longtime Beverly Grove food hall. It was a completely different story once I visited both restaurants. Neither concept reinvents the wheel, but Sora’s array of handrolls and Savta’s menu of crowd-pleasers were surprisingly excellent. L.A. At Savta, I couldn’t get enough of the sweet, cheesy feta phyllo and the mouthwatering beef short rib ragú, which is available in sandwich, pizza or pasta form. Sora’s tiny bleached wood interiors aren’t all that remarkable, but the straightforward menu of open-faced handrolls, appetizers and sashimi plates will sate the sushi craving of anyone who’s shopping at the Grove—or Central L.A. locals looking for an excellent lunch or dinner option. Savta also recently launched a weekend brunch menu that includes a croissant waffle and banana pancakes with candied black cherries and chantilly cream. 90 minutes free on-site parking with vendor validation.

Time Out tip: Order the fior di latte ice cream for dessert.

Address: 6333 W 3rd St Suite 110, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Savta: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9pm, Fri 11:30am–10pm, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–9pm. Sora: Mon–Thu noon–9pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

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