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 A5 Wagyu course. 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 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 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 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: 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: 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.