Best Restaurants In Los Angeles That Opened In 2015

Los Angeles is home to some of the newest restaurants that have gained momentum as favorable dining destinations in the year 2015. A variety of culinary hideaways have risen to the occasion with select menus, built upon natural flavors and enriched modern classic cuisines. These new cafes have made their mark in public appeal with the simplest ingredients, bright decor and a touch of ingenuity. Looking at the wide array of new eateries on the scene, here are several of the best restaurants that have opened in 2015.

Leona
123 Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90292
(310) 822-5379
www.leonavenice.com

Leona began with a very simple idea: to bring a refreshing and thoughtful dining experience to the Venice Beach area. Striving to represent the Venice community at large through local flavors, and a place for the neighborhood to get together, it's made a great impact this year. Just steps from the beach, this once former bakery and cafe was refined by owners Kristian and Breegan Vallas with a new and improved Californian interior. The warm and inviting setting with a lively atmosphere for uniquely intimate and shared group dining experiences offers dishes from Chef Nyesha J. Arrington, including everything from their chicken brick to the seafood mixto and the short rib.

E.P. & L.P.
603 N La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.eplosangeles.com

Situated on the corner of Melrose Ave and La Cienega, E.P. & L.P. sits within an old Persian rug store. But, you wouldn't know that as you walk up the stairs into the beautiful restaurant/bar that awaits you. At first, the concept can be a bit confusing, but it's really simple. E.P. is an Asian eating house with delicious and solid food rooted in Thai cuisine, while L.P. is the rooftop bar that also offers Asian inspired street food an hand-crafted cocktails until 2am. E.P.'s menu is designed to be shared family style with an emphasis on sampling dishes.

Cassia
1314 7th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-6699
www.cassiala.com

With its southeast Asian influence, this brasserie offers an impeccable modern, minimalist interior which just adds to this fine dining and drinking establishment. With lamps covered with bird cages to a drinks list that includes Thai basil, fresh papaya, and mint among its ingredients, there's plenty to excite diners and drinkers at this Santa Monica outpost. Cassia is the work of two culinary power couples: Bryant and Kim Ng, who were behind the innovative Spice Table, the DTLA spot pushed out for subway construction, and Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb, who have given the west side the culinary treats of Rustic Canyon and Huckleberry.

Redbird
114 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 788-1191
www.redbird.la

Situated within the late rectory of Vibiana Cathedral, Redbird is known for its California-inspired innovative fare in a setting that offers diners both an elegant indoor and outdoor option in which to dine. Brought to Angelenos by Chef Neal Fraser and his modern take on American cuisine, the food here is refined yet approachable and he has focused on a multi-cultural array of dishes from LA. Add to that the extensive and delicious cocktail menu by bar men Julian Cox and Tobin Shea with well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics, and this is undoubtedly a winner for new eateries that opened in 2015.

Maré
11647 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(424) 273-1660
www.maremelrose.com

Brought to Los Angelenos by chef extraordinaire Eric Greenspan, this new speakeasy restaurant might have you going on a wild goose chase to find it, but once you've made your way in, you'll be amazed at the wonderful selections on the menu. For the fact, to get in, look behind the popular Melrose Umbrella Co and enter through Greenspan's Grilled Cheese. Nominated as one of the Best Patios In LA, the restaurant offers a charming setting to not only throw back specialty cocktails, but also to dine on food like a whole branzino, a skirt steak and other smaller plates.

Jon & Vinnys
412 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 334-3369
www.jonandvinnys.com

Recently nominated as one of our favorite new spots in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles, Jon & Vinnys has sure made a name for themselves over the past year. Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo's namesake restaurant became an instant hit since joining the Fairfax fray earlier this year because of their expansive menu of classic and modern Italian fare. From pizzas to the house made pastas, crowds (including Kanye West) keep coming back to this spot for its addictive cuisine. Book in advance for dinner or head over for breakfast or lunch to avoid a "scene."

Related: Best Restaurants on Fairfax

Maple Block Meat Co
3973 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 313-6328
www.mapleblockmeat.com

Located on Sepulveda Blvd between Venice and Washington Place in Culver City, Maple Block Meat Co. is a neighborhood restaurant and bar serving acclaimed BBQ food such as sliced brisket, chopped pork shoulder, sliced turkey breast, pork spare ribs, chicken, and other BBQ sides. Even Texas snobs have given this California eatery their stamp of approval!

BS Taqueria
514 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-3744
www.bstaqueria.com

Chef Ray Garcia made a splash two times over this year by the introduction of Broken Spanish and downtown eatery BS Taqueria. The latter has been known around town for some of the most delicious street tacos around and has made Garcia a household name among foodies around the world. With authentic, yet inauthentic fare, the food here represents a blending of rich flavors through the lens of a true native of Spanish cuisine. Try everything from snacks (referred to as Bolsas) like their Lemon-Pepper Chicken Chicharrones and "Rice and Beans" to their most popular tacos.

Estrella Sunset
8800 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 652-6613
www.estrellasunset.com

Chef Dakota Weiss is the lead executive chef at this artistic culinary destination. The food at this new restaurant is modern American cuisine. The atmosphere of the decorative layout is similar to a French cafe with indoor and outdoor seating available. Enjoy slowly braised beef, honey fried chicken, veal cutlet and more, in addition to a number of shareable dishes for you and your group.

Viviane
Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
9400 W. Olympic Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 407-7791
www.vivianerestaurant.com

Chef Michael Hung leads the way at this new restaurant located within the Avalon Hotel in the city of Beverly Hills. The gorgeous open dining room of the restaurant creates a relaxing, cheery space that pulls sunlight in for beautiful natural lighting. Or, diners can enjoy the outdoor area and eat poolside. Viviane is especially receiving praise for their drink menu, which includes a very satisfying list of wines and well-crafted cocktails.

Sangers And Joe
57 East Holly St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(323) 553-0563
www.sangersandjoe.com

Fresh loaves of bread create the foundation for custom made sandwiches served with a side of fresh salad. This is an example of the specialty food served at this new restaurant. Located in the heart of Pasadena, Sangers and Joe serves up classic American meals along with an array of beverages including a basic cup of coffee, cappuccino, tea, bottled orange soda and bottled root beer on the menu.

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