If there’s one thing we know about Los Angeles, it’s that our dining scene is one of the most vibrant, exciting and resilient in the nation. This summer, we’re excited to see that restaurants have been coming back with full force and there have even been some new spots springing up across the city. In an effort to support local business owners and our own foodie fantasies, we’ve curated a list of brand new spots to indulge in for every meal of the day. Without further ado, here’s our roundup of the heartiest new eateries that we’ll be dining at as soon as the clock strikes mealtime.
Start the Day Right
Birdies
Birdies had their grand opening for a new West Hollywood location just last month, and they’re open bright and early at 8am every single day. Ultra-fresh artisanal donuts, free-range fried chicken and in-house brewed coffee? Sounds like a recipe that knocks the most important meal of the day out of the water.
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Sant’olina
Not much of an early bird? We get it — sometimes the first meal of the day is a patient noon brunch, which is why we’re excited to head over to Sant’olina to enjoy the rooftop views and Mediterranean fare with a SoCal spin. Located atop The Beverly Hilton Hotel, this world-class shareplate spot opens for weekend brunch at noon, so for the late risers — fear not, fired-to-order laffa and chicken schnitzel sandos await you at a reasonable hour.
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Cult Favorite Lunch Spots
Moo’s Craft Barbecue
Barbecue for lunch always feels like a special occasion, whether it’s an American holiday or just a Saturday with good weather. So when the clock tells us it’s finally an appropriate time to eat lunch, we’re itching to drop by Lincoln Heights for Central Texas-style BBQ from Moo’s Craft Barbecue. Moo’s started as a small East LA pop-up, and is now a full-fledged restaurant with the most amazing briskets and delightful “CaliMex” side dishes.
Image courtesy: mooscraftbarbecue.com
Afuri Ramen + Dumpling
This Tokyo-founded ramen business Afuri has finally touched down in Los Angeles, and we cannot wait to try their famous yuzu shio broth. The acclaimed ramen shop is open in the Arts District, and our lunch fantasies are coming true in the form of spicy yuzu ratan, seared chashu pork and a coveted shio tare recipe.
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Upscale Sit-Down Dinners
Matū
On the days when we can’t decide between a classic steakhouse dinner or an upscale Japanese dining experience, this is where Matū comes to the rescue. Offering mouthwatering Wagyu steak omakase, this spot in Beverly Hills just began taking reservations this month. With a tasting menu that centers on 100 percent grass-fed Wagyu beef, what more could an Angeleno ask for when it comes to the heartiest meal of the day?
Violet
With it’s casual elegance and contemporary bistro-style menu, Violet is a new neighborhood favorite for memorable nights out in the heart of Westwood Village. Combining California style with the spirit of a European café, the idyllic courtyard patio is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening. Founded by Dana Slatkin, Violet’s memorable French-Cali cuisine paired with impeccable wines and creative cocktail menu keep us coming back again and again.
Bicyclette
Everybody in the city is talking about the gorgeous new traditional Parisian bistro that just opened last month. Located in Beverly Hills, Bicyclette is not your ordinary dinner spot — it’s a taste of true Parisian dining with fresh California ingredients. Duck leg confit, steak au poivre, coq au vin — we could go on and on about this bistro’s menu fit for a king, along with their enticing French wine list.
Image courtesy: la.eater.com
Late-Night Snacks
Roadside Taco
Okay, so for a lot of us in LA, we know that dinner is hardly the last piece of food we touch in a day. As the sun goes down, the taquerias and cantinas of our town light up. A brand-new spot that’s why we’ve been eyeing is Roadside Taco, a classic LA taco plus cocktail experience. Roadside offers fare that’s pretty much captured by our blog’s namesake title: simply tacos and tequila. Open in Studio City as late as 1:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the perfect spot for a casual night out.
Image courtesy: roadsidetaco.com
Daedo Sikdang
Another late-night craving fix we’re looking to satisfy is a Los Angeles classic: Korean BBQ. Luckily, Daedo Sikdang in Koreatown is open until 11pm, serving up ribeye rolls, caps and strips, along with classic Korean cuts and a special house cut as well. And the best part? Finish off your meal with their handcrafted dessert — a pure milk ice cream with a crispy cereal chip.
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