Exciting: Los Angeles’ Fall 2024 Restaurant Openings You Can’t Miss

As summer winds down, Los Angeles is gearing up for an exciting fall filled with new restaurant openings. The city’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, bringing a diverse array of flavors and dining experiences. From Korean-inspired pastries to Mediterranean fine dining, the upcoming months promise to be a gastronomic delight for Angelenos and visitors alike.

Highlights of the Fall 2024 Restaurant Openings

Wildcrust in Eagle Rock is set to open in September, bringing wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with a twist. Founded by Miles Okabayashi, who has honed his skills in renowned restaurants in New York and Los Angeles, Wildcrust’s menu will feature slow-fermented 48-hour pizza crusts made using sourdough. This new addition promises to be a hit among pizza enthusiasts.

Backbone in Montrose, led by Nathan McCall and Karen Yoo, will offer a “new American” menu with influences from France, Spain, and Asia. Spanning 1,600 square feet, this dinner-only restaurant aims to bring a unique dining experience to the Foothill community, known for its iconic institutions like Berolina Bakery and Schreiner’s Fine Sausages.

Modu Cafe in Highland Park, headed by baker Jiyoon Jang, will feature Korean-inflected pastries and a cozy cafe atmosphere. Jang’s unique approach to baking incorporates ingredients native to Korea, such as perilla leaf and barley tea, providing a distinct twist on familiar baked goods.

Orla by Chef Michael Mina will open inside the $150 million Regent Santa Monica Beach project. The Mediterranean-inspired menu will feature shareable dishes steeped in Egyptian traditions, while the adjacent Orla bar will offer stunning views of the pool deck.

New Entrants in the Los Angeles Dining Scene

Cento Raw Bar in West Adams, led by chef Avner Lavi, will offer a European and Mediterranean-inspired menu with a Los Angeles twist. The 2,500-square-foot dining room will feature a patio, creating an ambiance reminiscent of dining in an oyster shell.

Jade Rabbit in Santa Monica, by chef Bryant Ng, aims to elevate Chinese fast food with high-quality, accessible meals. The menu will include combo meals with side dishes and creative mash-ups like orange mango chicken.

Alba Los Angeles in West Hollywood, from the team behind New York City’s Cucina Alba, will bring a taste of Tuscany to Melrose Avenue. The restaurant is set to feature one of Los Angeles’s most extensive wine selections, curated by beverage director Truman Flanders, with over 5,000 bottles.

Calabama in West Hollywood, founded by Cara Haltiwanger, will expand its Alabama-influenced menu to include Southern staples like biscuits and pimento cheese. Known for its breakfast grilled cheeses, Calabama aims to bring comfort food to a larger audience.

Expanding Culinary Horizons

Rasa Rumah in Historic Filipinotown, led by Johnny Lee, Holly Fox, and Adam Weisblatt, will offer a Malaysian and Southeast Asian menu featuring satay skewers, fried chicken, and a savory fruit salad called rojak. The 38-seat space will resemble Penang architecture, providing an authentic dining experience.

Seline in Santa Monica, by chef Dave Beran, will return to the fine dining tasting menu scene with a 12- to 14-course dinner that can be extended up to 24 courses. Using California produce, Beran aims to create a refined yet approachable dining experience.

Sushi Nakazawa in West Hollywood will bring a premier Tokyo-style sushi counter experience to Los Angeles. Founded by Daisuke Nakazawa, an apprentice of Tokyo’s Sukiyabashi Jiro, the menu will feature around 20 pieces of nigiri, priced at approximately $180 per person.

Jônt in Beverly Hills, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant from Washington D.C., will offer a seasonal, Japanese-influenced tasting menu. The restaurant will take over the former Somni space at the SLS hotel, promising a luxurious dining experience.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles continues to be a vibrant hub for culinary innovation, attracting top chefs and restaurateurs from around the world. For occasional travelers, we recommend exploring the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles, each offering unique dining experiences. From the trendy streets of West Hollywood to the historic charm of Highland Park, there’s always something new to discover.

For expert travelers, consider diving deeper into the city’s food culture by attending local food festivals and farmers’ markets. These events provide an opportunity to meet the chefs behind the city’s most exciting restaurants and sample their creations in a more casual setting.

In conclusion, Los Angeles’ restaurant scene is a testament to the city’s resilience and creativity. As new restaurants continue to open, they bring with them a sense of hope and excitement for the future. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s never been a better time to explore the culinary delights of Los Angeles. Bon appétit!