Best New Restaurants In Los Angeles
The latest crop of standout Los Angeles restaurants all seem to share a common thread. Whether it's a popular concept taken to another level or a notable local chef finding success once again, the city's best new restaurants are familiar yet progressive, taking L.A. dining to new heights.
Redbird
114 E. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 788-1191
www.redbird.la
Neal Fraser's way-too-long awaited follow-up to Grace was definitely worth the wait. Housed in the former rectory of downtown's Vibiana Catherdral, Redbird is an answer to our prayers for another L.A. dining destination. The worst part of a meal at Redbird is deciding what to order. Chicken pot pie? Possibly the best you'll ever have. Santa Barbara sea urchin? Whoever thinks uni is played out, think again. Just save yourself some stress and a bring bunch of friends so you can sample a little bit of everything.
Mare
7465 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 592-3226
www.maremelrose.com
Tucked away on a patio behind his popular Melrose grilled cheese spot, chef Eric Greenspan's Mare is a welcome neighborhood addition. What the menu lacks in size it more than makes up for in flavor and value. Whole branzino and skirt steak (Mare's sole entrees) are priced at under $20 while the mix and match shellfish option (shrimp, clams, or mussels with a choice of broth) is $12 well spent. Fresh fruit muddled cocktails are a must, especially on a warm summer evening.
Ledlow
400 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 687-7015
www.ledlowla.com
The Old Bank District might as well be renamed the Josef Centeno district. Ledlow, the celebrated chef's latest downtown offering is classic American with a Centeno twist. Start with some "For the Table" options like a tart and crunchy assortment of house-made pickles and crisp buffalo pig tails that would be welcome at any, well, tailgate. Large plates, which included a coffee spice rubbed pork shoulder are suitable for sharing. Ledlow is worth checking out anytime (it's open for brunch, lunch dinner) but the bargain happy hour which runs 5-7 and 10-close on weekdays is the best time to stop by and give Centeno's latest a try.
Belcampo Meat Co.
1026 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(424) 744-8008
www.belcampomeatco.com
Belcampo Meat Co. became an instant hit when it debuted in 2014 at Grand Central Market. Thankfully, with the opening of a full-fledged Belcampo Meat Co. restaurant, devotees no longer need to fight for a stool to sample the sustainable meat purveyor's expertly prepared offerings, including what many consider to be the best burger in the city. For those who prefer a DIY approach to Belcampo, the next door butcher and its stunning array of carnivorous delights essentially doubles as a meat museum.
B.S. Taqueria
514 W. 7th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-3744
www.bstaqueria.com
Replacing Mo-Chica is no easy task, yet B.S. Taqueria has managed to make Richard Zarate's beloved Peruvian joint a distant memory. Helmed by Fig alum Ray Garcia, B.S. (it stands for Broken Spanish) takes street tacos to another level with innovative fillings like clams and lardo and house made bologna. These just might be some of the best tacos in the city, no b.s.
Gjusta
320 Sunset Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-0320
www.gjusta.com
If you're wondering what spot everyone in LA is gawking about right now, it's Gjusta, another hit from the team behind Gjelina. Helping to reinforce Venice as the city's premiere breakfast destination, the sprawling space houses an on-site bakery which churns out top notch sweet and savory treats. While early birds will be rewarded with a drool-inducing bialy sandwich stuffed with egg, manchego, and porchetta, Gjusta also offers sandwiches and snacks for lunch and dinner. Gjusta's lack of seating is the ideal excuse to take the take-out route and enjoy the perfect beach picnic. Or sit on the back patio on crates for the experience.
Butchers & Barbers
6531 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 461-1464
www.butchersandbarbers.com
An oasis in the culinary wasteland that is Hollywood, Butchers & Barbers is a a cut above anything else in the neighborhood. Meat, unsurprisingly, is king with a 28-day porcini crusted dry-aged 36 oz. ribeye serving as the crown jewel. Butcher & Barbers is the first restaurant venture from twin bar bros. Mark and Jonnie Houston, and hopefully not the last. Since this is a Houston Brothers venture do not neglect the cocktails.
Article by Dave Klein.
