With a sharply focused eye on all things LA, the team at Smith & Berg Property Group is your trusted home and lifestyle source — from real estate (obviously) to design, culture, and yes, LA’s ever-thriving food scene. As insiders consistently on the move, we’re always taking note of where the energy is building next. As 2026 kicks off, we’ve curated a list of the hottest new restaurants to book, each with personality, style, and delish delights for all. Let’s dig in.
Corridor 109
An intimate chef’s counter hidden behind Bar 109, Corridor 109 is a tiny, luxe seafood spot that feels like a secret for serious food lovers. The tasting menu kicks off with hits like wasabi-spiked lobster tartare, delicate sashimi, and cured fish over warm bread, then moves into more indulgent courses like seared wagyu. Pair it with sake or a glass of French wine and settle in for a night to remember.
Galerie
Galerie brings a touch of old Hollywood glam with a California-forward menu. Think shrimp cocktail done perfectly, smoky charred vegetables, a rich burger, and mains like roasted chicken or steak that just feel right. The cocktails are playful nods to classics, so it’s easy to slide from dinner into drinks without skipping a beat.
Hermon’s
Set inside a restored church hall in Highland Park, Hermon’s is a neighborhood spot with a big personality. Inside a restored church hall, the U-shaped bar is perfect for walk-ins and martinis, while the dining room fills with leather booths and lively energy. The menu is indulgent: pull-apart garlic bread, crispy fritters, rich pasta, a killer burger, and yes, a baked Alaska for dessert. Come hungry and linger.
Le Dräq
Le Dräq marks the return of Josef Centeno’s most beloved ideas, blending Bar Amá, Bäco Mercat, and Takoria into one downtown destination. The bäco is back (now softer and cheesier) wrapped around fillings like crispy shrimp or rich short rib, alongside rotating favorites and vegetable-forward plates. Familiar, bold, and full of personality, it feels like a classic LA restaurant moment, reimagined for now.
Little Fish
Little Fish has fully found its home in Melrose Hill, and the menu proves it. Small plates and seafood-forward dishes shine: carpaccios, crudos, and perfectly cooked fish all with briny, savory touches. Lunch is all about the fried fish sandwich, but dinner? Go small-format for bites like soy-cured mussels that feel like a mini Spanish pintxo bar.
Max & Helen’s
A classic diner through a distinctly LA lens, Max & Helen’s brings all-day comfort to Larchmont. The room feels nostalgic without being precious, and the menu delivers exactly what you want: perfectly cooked eggs, crisp bacon, epic sandwiches, and pastries that toe the line between comforting and indulgent. Walk-in only, and worth the wait at any hour.
The Mulberry
New to Sawtelle’s stellar dining scene, The Mulberry is warm, approachable, and quietly confident. Korean-inspired dishes take center stage: ultra-crisp wings, grilled meats, comforting stews, and perfectly curated banchan. Small details, like hand wipes after wings or ice cream with dessert, make it feel thoughtful without being fussy. Book ahead — this one’s catching on fast.
Wilde’s
Los Feliz is full of cool spots, but Wilde’s has quickly become the neighborhood restaurant. Cozy, candlelit, and full of charm, the menu mixes refreshing starters, like chicory salad and steelhead crudo, with hearty mains like banger and mash or crispy fish. Finish with a nostalgic dessert and an approachable wine list, and you’ll see why everyone’s lining up.