The sun is shining and the days are finally longer again here in Los Angeles, and as summer quickly approaches, there are plenty of reservations to be booked for the coming months. The city has recently seen an influx of notable new restaurants. From fine-dining with coursed menus to more casual eateries with innovative locally-inspired dishes, there is no shortage of exciting openings in LA this year.
Espelette
Replacing the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’ lobby-level restaurant Jean-Georges, Espelette is now open and serving coastal Mediterranean dishes ideated by culinary director and Michelin-starred chef Steve Benjamin (previously at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas.) Espelette’s menu is full of European influences by way of Italy, Spain, and Greece, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Standout dishes include caviar scrambled eggs, yellowtail carpaccio, langoustine papillote and a specialty wood-grilled options ranging from John Dory imported from the Mediterranean, branzino, chicken, and Wagyu.
Bar Monette
Situated in Santa Monica, the newly opened Bar Monette is an intimate wine bar with a great vibe, that also serves small plates such as charcoal-grilled prawns, touches of luxury with champagne and caviar, and truffle pizza.
Isla
Isla is serving super fresh Coastal Californian cuisine in Santa Monica, from local proteins, biodynamic wines, and dishes that take their inspiration from Los Angeles Farmers Markets.
Coucou
The new neighborhood French bistro, Coucou is nestled on the border of Venice and Santa Monica on Main Street, and is a celebration of aperitif culture and artisanal cocktails. Inspired by the timeless bars and bistros of France, Coucou intersects traditional French fare with Coastal California produce, prepared over a live-fire grill.
Telefèric Barcelona Los Angeles
Barcelona’s 30-year-old restaurant Telefèric has opened in Brentwood, serving a classic set of tapas and other Spanish favorites, including gambas al ajillo, jamón, croquetas, and pan con tomate. You can also expect five different kinds of paella, including lobster and squid ink.
Jemma di Mare
Jemma di Mare in Brentwood mixes East Coast Italian flavors with local Californian ingredients. This new restaurant is seafood focused, pasta forward, and vegetable friendly.
La Dolce Vita
The newly reopened La Dolce Vita has been warmly welcomed back into the Beverly Hills, and has not lost its classic Old Hollywood flare, complete with dark moody lighting, deep leather booths, and classic Italian food. It certainly has not lost it’s charm that the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tom Ford, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan once loved.
Funke
Funke, the latest and arguably most highly anticipated entry in chef Evan Funke’s growing Italian restaurant empire, is finally here. First, there was Felix in Venice, followed by Hollywood’s Mother Wolf, and now the celebrated chef is in the heart of Beverly Hills, helming this beautiful three-story restaurant with Negronis, Neapolitan pizzas, and plenty of handmade pastas, of course.
The post Eight New Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles appeared first on Caviar & Cashmere.