Los Angeles has always been known for its eclectic food scene, with a unique mix of culinary traditions and groundbreaking innovations. As of 2024, this dynamic landscape is evolving faster than ever, embracing bold new flavors, redefining classic dishes, and celebrating diversity through both pop-ups and polished restaurants. Whether you’re a local Angeleno or a visiting food lover, there’s a lot to explore, from high-end omakase experiences to inventive Mediterranean spots. Here’s a guide to what’s currently trending in L.A. and the top new restaurants that everyone’s talking about.
1. The Return of Regional Specialties with a Twist
One of the major trends shaping the L.A. food scene right now is the reinterpretation of regional classics with a modern twist. Take Holy Basil in Atwater Village, for example. Originally a beloved walk-up window in Downtown Los Angeles, this Thai street food spot has expanded to a full-fledged restaurant with an indoor-outdoor setup. The menu now showcases refined takes on Central Thai cuisine, making it a must-visit for fans of bold flavors and thoughtful execution.
Another standout is Bridgetown Roti in East Hollywood, which started as a pop-up during the pandemic and has now blossomed into a vibrant brick-and-mortar eatery. Chef Rashida Holmes’s Caribbean-inspired offerings, like decadent oxtail patties and curry shrimp roti bowls, are redefining fast-casual dining in L.A. Bridgetown’s success has sparked a renewed interest in Caribbean cuisine, encouraging other restaurateurs to explore similar territories with their own creative spins.
2. Omakase: The Ultimate L.A. Dining Experience
L.A.’s high-end sushi scene is reaching new heights with the addition of boutique omakase bars that prioritize intimacy and precision. Udatsu Sushi, located in Hollywood, epitomizes this movement. With just eight seats and a $225 price tag, the restaurant is helmed by Shingo Ogane, a protege of acclaimed Japanese chefs. The 17-course meal is a symphony of seasonal ingredients and artful presentation, featuring highlights like smoked fatty tuna and crispy fried nori.
In a more laid-back corner of the city, Sushi Sonagai has become a coveted spot for serious sushi lovers. This tiny, weekend-only omakase bar in Gardena offers a personal touch from Chef Daniel Son, whose menus marry traditional Japanese techniques with subtle Korean influences. With a menu that changes weekly and only a few seats available, scoring a reservation here feels like winning a culinary lottery.
3. Modern Italian Fare Steals the Spotlight
Italian cuisine is experiencing a renaissance in Los Angeles, but with a distinctly modern edge. Ètra in Melrose Hill, led by NYC transplant Evan Algorri, showcases Italian favorites reimagined with innovative ingredients and plating. Dishes like rigatoni gricia with pecorino romano and onion soubise highlight Algorri’s ability to balance tradition with novelty, making Ètra a hot ticket among food critics and Instagrammers alike.
Meanwhile, Jemma Hollywood has carved out a niche by leaning heavily into the charm of old-school Italian hospitality. Nestled in the Aster Hotel, Jemma serves up classics like cacio e pepe spaghetti and wood-fired pizzas, blending comfort food with high-end finesse. The restaurant’s vintage Italian atmosphere and impeccable service make it a go-to spot for those seeking a romantic night out.
4. The All-Day Dining Concept Gets a Revamp
Los Angeles is embracing a new wave of all-day dining establishments that transition seamlessly from morning coffee shops to chic dinner destinations. Companion in Venice is a perfect example. During the day, locals stop by for freshly baked pastries and sandwiches made with house-baked focaccia. By evening, the menu shifts to include inventive dishes like New Haven-style pizzas and seasonal produce-driven plates, transforming Companion into a bustling evening hotspot.
Similarly, Bread Head in Santa Monica has made waves with its focus on meticulously crafted artisanal sandwiches. What started as a passion project for founders Jordan Snyder and Alex Williams is now a beloved daytime destination, thanks to their buttery focaccia bread and creative interpretations of classic subs. With weekday-only hot sandwich specials and exceptional desserts like espresso crinkle cookies, Bread Head’s precise attention to detail has set a new standard for L.A.’s sandwich scene.
5. Mediterranean-Inspired Concepts Are Here to Stay
From bright mezze platters to hearty main dishes, Mediterranean cuisine is having a major moment in Los Angeles. Ladyhawk, a new restaurant in West Hollywood, exemplifies this trend with its Eastern Mediterranean menu designed by Top Chef champion Charbel Hayek. Large-format dishes, such as aged duck with fig and rose blossom, are prepared on a massive wood grill that serves as the restaurant’s focal point. Ladyhawk’s sleek art deco dining room and innovative approach to Mediterranean classics make it a standout among the many new openings.
Another notable addition is Le Champ in Downtown L.A., a wine-centric French bistro set in a lush garden. This romantic spot highlights small plates like escargot baked in garlic butter and larger entrées such as duck breast with apple and celery root. The blend of French and Mediterranean influences makes Le Champ ideal for wine enthusiasts and date night diners alike.
6. The Rise of Wine Bars with Serious Culinary Cred
Wine bars are stepping up their game in L.A., offering food menus that rival traditional restaurants. Butchr Bar in Historic Filipinotown is one such establishment, with a heavy emphasis on house-made charcuterie and perfectly cooked steaks. Owners Tyson and Bridgette Blackney focus on ethically sourced, dry-aged meats, making Butchr Bar a destination for both wine connoisseurs and meat lovers.
For a more laid-back vibe, Sandpiper in Santa Monica combines a seafood-focused menu with a beachy, relaxed atmosphere. Dishes like Maine lobster tortellini and pork ragu rigatoni make Sandpiper more than just a hotel restaurant—it’s a culinary experience in its own right. The once-exclusive Oceana Santa Monica hotel eatery is now open to the public, allowing more diners to enjoy its coastal-inspired cuisine.
7. Pop-Ups Become Permanent: A New Era for Micro-Restaurants
Pop-ups that flourished during the pandemic are now finding permanent homes, bringing their loyal followings with them. Bridgetown Roti and Companion are prime examples of this trend, but they’re not alone. Pez Coastal Kitchen in Pasadena started as a modern Mexican pop-up and has now become a full-service restaurant, specializing in dry-aged seafood and vibrant cocktails. Similarly, Lustig in Culver City, helmed by Austrian chef Bernhard Mairinger, transitioned from temporary events to a new restaurant space where he serves both traditional wiener schnitzel and contemporary dishes like hamachi jalapeno.
These micro-restaurants are defining a new category in the L.A. food scene, blending the experimental spirit of pop-up culture with the stability and scale of established eateries.
8. What’s Next for L.A.’s Food Scene?
As the city’s food scene continues to evolve, expect to see more restaurants experimenting with sustainability and farm-to-table concepts. Chefs are increasingly focused on showcasing local ingredients in fresh and creative ways, while restaurateurs are keen to create spaces that offer both aesthetic appeal and genuine community engagement.
Whether you’re in the mood for cutting-edge fusion cuisine or a comforting bowl of pasta, Los Angeles is serving up something for everyone in 2024. From the intimate omakase bars to the bustling new Italian joints, this year’s trends reflect a city that is both honoring its culinary heritage and embracing the new with open arms.
