The 5 Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles – InsideHook

LA is made for summer: The days are long and hot, but not too hot, and without a trace of humidity. Dining out is perfect when darkness doesn’t fall until 9 p. m., letting dinners linger in the most beautiful light of the year.  

Below, a few of our picks for where to spend these long, late-summer evenings — or, on the other hand, some leisurely brunches ‘n’ lunches. Between a brand-new Mediterranean stunner in East Hollywood and a swanky Mexican steakhouse smack dab on Rodeo Drive, there’s plenty of options for summer splurges.  

Sherman Oaks

The hottest new restaurant in town is in…Sherman Oaks? Even if the Valley has long been considered a kid sister to LA proper, this incredibly charming neighborhood is growing into quite a foodie haven. With outposts through Osteria La Buca, Petit Trois and even Pizzana within the mix, a new upscale Mexican spot from owners Christian Corben and Paul Carroll and chef Adam Titze is completely packed with a line out the door every weeknight.  

Along with classics like a salsa tower and street tacos, the menu features surprising California twists, just like a slew of raw dishes including ceviche, aguachile, tuna tartare and a shrimp plus crab cocktail. Chilean seabass and a shareable dish called “lobster bomba rice” seasoned with coconut, chile butter and lime double down on Casita’s surf offerings, but the undeniable $42 wagyu tacos prove their take on turf is just as solid. Crispy, buttery beef is topped only with microgreens and lime green, sinfully delectable and worth every penny. Wash it all down with some seriously strong passionfruit or even hibiscus margaritas, and you’ll start to understand why there’s barely walking room in this Valley haven.

Santa Monica

If you’re eating out in Santa claus Monica without an ocean view, you’re doing it wrong. That’s the mantra associated with beachside spots like Patio del Mar, a new restaurant out of Shutters’ sister hotel, Casa del Mar , that doubles down on their own oceanfront appeal. Literally steps from the sand, chef Gio Koletty focused his menu on elevated seafood supper fare that perfectly suits the tastes of the neighborhood. From fresh oysters, seafood salpicon and shrimp ceviche with veggie chips, the particular starters alone would be enough to lay out a meal of raw snacks to finish out a long day of work, travel or surfing. More substantial fare comes in the form of a Maine lobster roll done just right: toasted brioche, lemon aioli, thick-cut chips on the side. A chicken panini plus wagyu burger make sure there is something for everyone, but the glass associated with Albariño and burrata salad gets the job done, as well. Whether you’re a hotel guest or a local, add this to your list for the epic ocean view plus effortless, new seafood.

East Hollywood

The Bestia and Bavel imprimatur was always going to guarantee a crowd —  and this fast casual spot in East The show biz industry doesn’t disappoint. Fans of Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis’ more upscale downtown spots will probably love Saffy’s skewers, shawarma and kebabs, dips and falafel, all manners associated with hummus plus olives and roasted vegetables. They’ll also find plenty of vegetarian options as well as a bevy of grilled meats, inventive seafood (red snapper tagine, turmeric mussels) and a drink menu that will spans classic cocktails plus plenty of NA selections. Saffy’s caters to everything East Side residents love, with a firm grasp on both Mediterranean flavors and wonderful hospitality.  

Beverly Hills

For a certain crowd, eating out within Beverly Hills is a way of life, a fashion show along with a chance to see and be seen. Dining at a steakhouse on Rodeo Drive is necessarily going to come with some of that fanfare, which new spot from Jeffrey Best gets buzzing and loud later in the evening  — if you’re looking for a quiet dinner, go earlier. Quite literally hidden away off Rodeo, the appropriately named spot will be accessed through a courtyard plus down a set of stairs. Once you’re there, you’ll find a haven with regard to tableside, large-format meat meals and luxurious specialities like duck carnitas, lobster tempura and 36-hour brisket. Drinks from well-known mixologist Julian Cox run $20 a pop, but this is usually Beverly Hillsides, so be prepared to pay for the particular ambiance, the aesthetic and the zip code.

West Showmanship

There’s never a lack of great plant-based options in Los Angeles, yet a dark, baroque dining room on Melrose is raising the stakes. Avant Garden Bistro leapfrogged over to the particular West Coast from New York City, where the flagship opened its doors within East Village back in 2015. Founded by Death & Co. creator Ravi DeRossi, who picked up a James Beard Award for outstanding restaurateur earlier this year, the LA iteration of Avant Backyard Bistro is definitely helmed simply by LA native Sarah Stearns, previously associated with Mírame and Vintage Wine + Eats .  

Each dish is titled by one main ingredient, so begin with the Avocado, a luscious half splayed out on the bed of crispy sushi rice, miso, blistered shishitos and carrot ginger dressing. Cremini, a mushroom toast with walnut puree plus crisp slices of red grape, is another standout, as is the smoked bok choy served with housemade sourdough fritters, and succotash in a piping very hot skillet. Don’t forget to check out the cocktail menus for pairings as well — after all, DeRossi’s libations at Death & Co. did put him on the map.