L.A. is a crucible of the new and hot—from real estate to entertainment to fabulous food. These are the new Los Angeles dining spots we’re salivating over now.
For Modern European on Sunset Boulevard: Tesse
The latest new eatery from acclaimed restaurateur Bill Chait (the wizard behind L.A. icons Bestia, Republique and more) in over two years, Tesse is helmed by chef Raphael Francois, who previously worked at New York’s Le Cirque and the Connaught’s Hélène Darroze in London. The dining room features a beautiful teak bar, birdcage-esque lighting fixtures and lots of blond wood accents. The menu has a large section devoted to charcuterie, as well as French and European dishes including bucatini with bone marrow and duck prosciutto. Don’t miss the deconstructed snickers bar for dessert. Neighborhood: West Hollywood
For Excellent Farm-to-Table Fare: Momofuku’s Majordomo
The first L.A outpost of David Chang’s Momofuku brand, one of the city’s biggest openings of 2018, serves his signature cuisine, including a mix of such seasonally inspired dishes as a vegan vegetable pot plus meat-heavy courses like a beef short rib for two served with rice cakes and melted raclette. Don’t miss trying the kakigōri, Japanese shaved ice, for dessert. Neighborhood: Downtown
Related: West Coast, Best Coast: Why to Travel to L.A. This Summer
For Perfect Pasta: Felix
Bon Appétit just named this elegant restaurant’s tonnarelli cacio e pepe “Best Pasta of the Year.” Other Italian classics on offer include antipasti, pizza and entrées such as Roman-style braised beef, but the star dishes are the pastas, which are handmade in a temperature-controlled room with a window, so patrons can watch the magic happen. Neighborhood: Venice
For a Great Brunch: 189 by Dominique Ansel
Celebrity pastry chef and creator of the cronut Dominique Ansel made his L.A debut this year with a bakery-restaurant at the Grove. Serving sophisticated comfort food (fettuccine carbonara, rotisserie chicken) in an inviting, airy dining room and on an outdoor terrace, Ansel proves he is far more than a one-trick pony. Don’t miss the delightful weekend brunch, called the Weekend Table, during which there are no menus and dishes are served family-style. Neighborhood: Beverly Grove
For a Special Occasion: Dialogue
This 18-seat Santa Monica restaurant is the brainchild of chef Dave Beran, the James Beard Award–winning chef who conceived a tasting menu celebrating seasonal Southern California cuisine. Diners do not make reservations but purchase tickets, which is only fitting, since a meal here is a full-on culinary performance. Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Related: Top Tables L.A.
For a Cocktail with a View: The Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel
The youthful Broken Shaker rooftop bar has all the ingredients of an L.A. hotspot: bohemian-chic décor, a rooftop with hanging string lights and a pool and an impressive cocktail menu. Come in the early evening, order a fruity elixir and some guacamole to share, and enjoy the gorgeous sunset views, live music and people-watching. Neighborhood: Downtown
For a Japanese Fix: Inko Nito
This highly anticipated eatery brings inventive robatayaki—Japanese-style barbecue, consisting of grilled meats and skewers—to L.A.’s Arts District. The menu features dishes like baby back pork ribs and beef cheeks, plus classics like nori and sushi, all served in a sleek yet casual dining room. Those wishing to forgo meat will enjoy veggie-friendly courses like roasted sweet potato with chili nori butter and chives. Neighborhood: Downtown
Related: Los Angeles & Beyond
