Culinary renaissance in Los Angeles: exclusive insights into Somni and Seline’s reopening

As 2024 draws to a close, Los Angeles continues to solidify its reputation as a culinary powerhouse with a series of remarkable restaurant openings. This month, the city welcomes a diverse array of dining experiences, each promising to add a unique flavor to the vibrant gastronomic scene. From the revival of Michelin-starred concepts to the introduction of new culinary ventures, December has proven to be a month of exciting culinary developments in Los Angeles.

Reviving Culinary Excellence: Somni and Seline

The culinary journey of Chef Aitor Zabala has taken a new turn with the reopening of his Michelin-starred tasting menu, Somni, on November 26. Originally located at SLS Beverly Hills, Somni now finds its home in a stunning West Hollywood space. The intimate 14-seat dining room, designed by architect Juli Capella, offers diners an immersive experience as they watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. Zabala’s Spanish avant-garde tasting menu showcases local Southern California flavors, with delicacies such as Mejillones — mussels nestled in an escabeche cloud embellished with borage blossoms.

Similarly, Chef Dave Beran has made a triumphant return with the opening of Seline in Santa Monica on December 3. After closing his Michelin-starred Dialogue in 2020, Beran has reimagined fine dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Seline’s menu, which changes with the seasons, features 15 to 18 separate dishes presented in nine or 10 courses. This month’s specialties offer squash, black cod, squab, chestnut, sorrel, and hazelnut.

Expanding Horizons: Florence Osteria and Fitoor

On December 5, the U. S. operator of the renowned L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Hollywood ventured into new territory with the opening of Florence Osteria and Piano Bar in Beverly Grove. Collaborating with veteran Pizzeria il Fico chef Giuseppe Gentile, this eatery centers on authentic Tuscan fare, highlighting grilled meats, pasta, and fish.

Meanwhile, AVB Hospitality, a Bay Area restaurant group known for its notable Indian cuisine, made its Southern California debut with Fitoor on December 9. Situated merely a street away from the Viceroy Santa Monica, Fitoor focuses on authentic Indian food prepared using traditional wood-fired methods.
Lead chef Surya Kumar and executive chef Vaibhav Sawant have meticulously developed a menu inspired by coastal tastes, featuring creations like Hokkaido scallops seared to perfection paired with a peanut butter salad, and Maryland soft-shell crab perched atop bok choy.

José Andrés’ Zaytinya and the Neighborly Collective

Chef José Andrés expanded his restaurant empire with the opening of Zaytinya’s second Los Angeles location on December 17. Situated on the ground floor of the boutique Shay hotel in Culver City, Zaytinya offers a fusion of Lebanese, Greek, and Turkish flavors. The well-lit dining area and vast, wrap-around patio provide a welcoming ambiance for guests to indulge in a menu offering numerous vegetable-based mezes, fresh pita hot out of the wood oven, grilled octopus, and whole dry-aged branzino supplied by Sherman Oaks’ Joint Seafood.
On December 19, a collective of successful Los Angeles food businesses came together to create a reimagined food hall-esque space in Westlake Village. Neighborly features a wide variety of dishes from different culinary establishments, all expertly prepared by a unified collective of chefs. This collaborative venture includes offerings from Mini Kabob, the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, cookbook author and recipe blogger Gaby Dalkin, and pre-made meals by Joan’s on Third.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning a visit to Los Angeles, exploring its dynamic culinary scene is a must. With new restaurant openings and innovative dining concepts, the city offers a wealth of gastronomic experiences to savor. For occasional travelers, consider booking a reservation at one of the newly opened establishments to experience the latest in culinary creativity. Whether it’s the modernist dishes at Somni or the coastal flavors at Fitoor, there’s something to delight every palate.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the city’s culinary landscape by exploring under-the-radar spots and pop-ups that often serve as incubators for future culinary stars. Los Angeles’ food scene is ever-evolving, and staying ahead of the curve can lead to discovering hidden gems before they become mainstream.

In conclusion, Los Angeles continues to captivate food enthusiasts with its diverse and innovative dining scene. As the city embraces new culinary ventures, it remains a beacon for those seeking exceptional dining experiences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the flavors of Los Angeles are sure to leave a lasting impression, inviting you to return for more culinary adventures.