Why are LA’s newest restaurants causing such a buzz?

Los Angeles, a city known for its dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape, continues to surprise and delight food enthusiasts with a plethora of new dining destinations. From innovative Japanese fusion to classic American fare, the City of Angels is brimming with fresh culinary experiences that cater to diverse palates. This article explores some of the most exciting new restaurants that have recently opened their doors, offering a detailed look into what makes each of them unique and noteworthy.

Star Leaf: A Global Culinary Journey in Pasadena

With numerous branches all over Asia, the famous restaurant Star Leaf has picked Pasadena for its premiere US flagship location. This continental chain, conceived and helmed by a powerhouse female restaurateur, blends elements from a global range of cooking styles and cuisines, including Vietnamese, Indonesian, French, Dutch, Filipino, Singaporean, and Chinese. The masterful menu boasts a marvel of edible aesthetics, from Saigon Summer Rice Paper Rolls stuffed with soft-shell crab and avocado to Spicy Tom Yum Soup loaded with whole prawns and a disc of Royal Crown Fried Rice, topped with a colorful coating of wild Icelandic fish roe.

The Benjamin: A Dreamy American Bistro in Hollywood

Since opening its doors in late June, The Benjamin has been creating a stir on the LA social scene. Located on the corner of Melrose and Formosa, this restaurant exudes the feel of a buzzy bistro, serving sophisticated American fare in a polished, wood-paneled interior. The expanded beverage program features nine exquisite martinis and an array of innovative cocktails, all served with custom monogrammed ice cubes. Specialties of the house include robust burgers, heritage roasted chicken, pan-seared branzino, as well as top-tier sides like a twice-baked potato adorned with caviar.

Leopardo: Wood-Fired Pizzas with an Italian Twist

Gluten eaters, rejoice! Leopardo, La Brea’s latest local gem, is transforming wood-fired pizza dreams into culinary realities. Known for its mottled crusts, spotted with crisp and crunchy air bubbles, Leopardo gets it right every time with inventive pies garnished with to-die-for toppings like country ham and Calabrian chilis. The pizzas are substantial in size but light in crust, making them easy to share. The menu also includes unique bites like purple sea urchin topped with caviar and savory ocean whitefish, before dipping into a display of dreamy desserts.

Danbi: Contemporary Korean Classics in Koreatown

Head down to Koreatown and duck into Danbi, a reincarnation of former fan-favorite Tokki. This restaurant puts a contemporary spin on Korean classics with its Michelin-recognized menu and sleek industrial space. The expansive menu features popular dishes, from classic crudo and cold noodles to the crispy scallop pancake, affectionately described as a “seafood pizza,” which replaces squid and prawns with baby bay scallops and a housemade mentaiko cream sauce.

Osteria Vera: A Taste of Italy in Brentwood

Treat your tastebuds to a journey across the Italian countryside at Osteria Vera, chef Nicola Mastronardi’s newest collaboration with restaurateur Giorgio Pierangeli. The menu is reminiscent of a rendezvous in Rome or an affair on the Amalfi Coast, featuring homemade pasta like ravioli, pappardelle, and tagliolini in sumptuous sauces, and a creamy cacio e pepe prepared tableside. Guests can also enjoy hearty bistecca or buttery branzino, along with crispy calamari and fresh focaccia bread paired with an irresistible truffle cheese fondue.

Mori Nozomi: An Intimate Sushi Experience on Pico Boulevard

Setting up shop in the coveted Mori Sushi space on Pico Boulevard, Mori Nozomi offers a carefully curated omakase operation. With just eight seats at a contemporary counter, Nozomi provides a premier sushi experience with a sophisticated 20-course seafood presentation. The crowning achievement is the matcha tea ceremony that provides a refined ending for your palate, meticulously crafted and presented by Nozomi’s all-female team.

Layla: Middle Eastern Delicacies in Santa Monica

Located in the hallowed Beacon Hotel, Layla is a Jordanian eatery brought to life by Chef Chris Sayegh. The menu boasts delectable Middle Eastern treats inspired by Sayegh’s grandmother’s recipes, featuring generous shareable plates of wood-fired pita with vibrant accompaniments such as traditional hummus, labneh tapenade, and smoked eggplant. The chic space, with sweeping ocean views, also offers a selection of kebabs, frites, and elevated entrees.

Burgette: Parisian-Inspired Burgers in Santa Monica

When the mood strikes for a boujee burger, look no further than Burgette. This chic Santa Monica eatery, a sibling to the beloved Bar Monette, infuses its culinary creations with French-centric flavors and Parisian daily specials. The menu features pretty patties piled high with pungent raclette, bathed in bone marrow butter and spiced tomato jam. Guests can also enjoy classic charcuterie and a selection of French fromage, making cheese not just a food group but a lifestyle.

Fiorelli Pizza: A Vegetable Oasis in Venice

If you’ve ever dreamed of eating pizza in the middle of an herb garden animal sanctuary, head over to Abbott Kinney and discover Fiorelli Pizza. This humble vegetable haven, known as The Cook’s Garden, is located in the heart of Venice, where rescue chickens, ducks, and rabbits wander freely. Chef Michael Fiorelli and co-founder Liz Gutierrez hand-toss dreamy dough and fire up their pizza creations on-site, that are topped with fresh fennel, herbs, and kale grown just a few feet away from your picnic table.

Mama’s Boy: Italian Comfort Food with Southern Charm

Blending Italian eats with Southern charm, Mama’s Boy offers a Texas twist on classic comfort food. Chef Wes Whitsell draws inspiration from his regional roots, serving up Italian favorites like pimento cheese arancini, crispy polenta, and popular pasta dishes like manicotti and ravioli. The menu also features hearty mains like classic chicken parm and gulf shrimp with Anson Mill grits, along with signature house Dad Pies topped with baby broccoli and Canadian bacon.

Jade Beverly Hills: Japanese Fusion with a French Twist

Taking over the prime corner space on Canon Drive, Jade Beverly Hills is a Japanese fusion concept dreamed up by French restaurateur Jordane Andrieu and fiancée Tamara Fox. The cozy restaurant features a sleek bar with plush velvet seating and a dazzling ceiling display of cloud-like illuminations. The menu offers theatrical presentations of sushi with playful plumes of smoke and dramatic flair, making it an instant Instagram sensation.